I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 294

A gentle warmth spread through Natalie’s chest. Arianna believed in her completely, without a hint of doubt. That trust meant everything. She didn’t need to explain herself, not with Arianna.

Arianna squeezed Natalie’s hand, her expression a mix of anger and fierce concern. “Natalie, don’t let this get to you. If Alexander can’t trust you, then he’s the one with the problem. Someone like that isn’t worth your heartache. I used to think maybe he was forced into things with Camila, but now? He doubted you and even kicked you out of his family’s hospital. That’s just... too much.”

On her way over, Arianna had heard the whole story from Bruce. Finding out Alexander had thrown Natalie out of the hospital had made her blood boil. She still remembered seeing Alexander at the airport, quietly watching Natalie leave on what should have been such an important day for him. If he didn’t care, why would he have been there? But tonight, he’d destroyed all her hope for him.

If Alexander really loved Natalie and knew her at all, he would have trusted her. But he hadn’t.

Natalie looked away, her voice soft. “I’m not sad for him. I just feel sorry for who I used to be.”

Back when Alexander questioned her feelings, it was all a misunderstanding they eventually worked through. But this was different. After everything they’d been through, he still didn’t believe in her. She’d thought he knew her, thought he’d trust her the way Arianna did, no matter what.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

Arianna pressed her lips together, furious. “You’re right, it’s not worth it! Camila has a miscarriage and he treats you like this, but where was he when it happened to you? What did he do for you then?”

Arianna frowned, her frustration clear. “Natalie, why did you let him believe that? You should have told him everything.”

Natalie gave a sad little smile. “I was stubborn. I didn’t want him to have anything to do with me. It didn’t matter if he understood or not. We were always meant to end up divorced.” She paused, her voice softer. “I never thought I’d come back to Cabinda anyway.”

“Arianna,” Natalie’s eyes pleaded with her, “I made my choice to keep it from him. I never wanted him to know, and I’m not hoping for a second chance. We’re never going to get back together. The past doesn’t matter anymore. Even if he knew, it wouldn’t change anything.”

She hesitated, searching for the words. “That was my experience. He was just there for part of it. Whether he knows the truth or not... it doesn’t matter anymore.”