I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 28

Eugene brought her back?

Natalie froze, trying again to piece together the events of last night. She remembered talking to him on the phone at the beach, but she hadn’t seen him at BlueNight, at least not while she was still lucid. Had they run into each other by chance?

“Did Alexander come home at all?” she asked, sipping the soup.

“He didn’t come back last night.”

As Susan spoke, she discreetly watched Natalie’s reaction. She didn’t understand why Alexander had instructed her to lie. It was Alexander who had carried Natalie home, yet he insisted she say it was Eugene. He had also told her to deny that he had been there at all.

“I see,” Natalie said, her expression unreadable.

She wasn’t sure if the alcohol had chased away her sorrows, but it had certainly brought her clarity. This marriage with Alexander was something she couldn’t afford to keep. Only by leaving Cabinda could she find her own path.

She pulled out her phone and sent a message to her lawyer: [Are the divorce papers ready?]

The lawyer, Mr. Lane, replied almost immediately: [Yes, they are. You can pick them up anytime, or I can have them couriered to you.]

Natalie: [I’ll pick them up.]

Since there were no financial disputes to complicate matters, the agreement was straightforward. Natalie reviewed it quickly and found no issues.

Remembering her wedding ring was still with Eugene, she called him from her car. “Uncle, are you free now? I’d like to come get my ring.”

Eugene had just finished a meeting and it was nearly lunchtime. “I am. Call me when you get to my office building.”

Veritas Legal was also downtown. By the time Natalie arrived, Eugene was already waiting downstairs.

“I’ve booked a table at the restaurant next door. Let’s have lunch before you head back,” he suggested.

Eugene had driven her home twice now and saved her once before; she owed him her thanks. “Okay, but this one’s on me.”

Alexander slapped the file shut. “If you’re so thoughtful, why don’t you go in my place?”

Cold sweat beaded on Aaron’s forehead. “My mistake, Mr. Ramirez. I’ll drive on immediately.”

Alexander’s gaze remained fixed on the scene inside the restaurant. Natalie was beautiful, even more so when she smiled like that. But it had been a long time since she had smiled at him that way. The coldness inside him deepened.

Natalie glanced out the window, feeling as though she were being watched. But the street was just a blur of cars and pedestrians, with no familiar faces in the crowd. “What’s wrong?” Eugene asked.

She shook her head. “Nothing. Uncle, I’m finished eating.” She tried to pay, but Eugene had already taken care of the bill. “We’re family. Don’t be so formal,” he said.

Natalie didn’t insist, simply saying that the next meal was on her.

For the next several days, Alexander didn’t return to The Apex Residences. Natalie began to pack, clearing out her belongings. Since she was leaving, there was no reason to leave any trace of herself behind.

Whether it was from falling into the lake or the chilly wind at the beach, she began to feel unwell. A fever set in, accompanied by body aches. She took some medicine and collapsed into bed, only to be woken by the faint ringing of her phone. Her head was splitting, and even her eyelids felt hot and heavy.