I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 302

Samuel froze for a moment.

“Reciprocate?” His lips curled into a surprised smile.

Natalie nodded. “I’m not looking to start anything new right now. So…”

She just couldn’t return his efforts with feelings. If that meant he’d stop helping her, so be it.

Samuel listened, then gave a short laugh. “That makes sense. I was never the type to do something for nothing, so it’s natural you’d think that.”

Natalie looked at him, caught off guard.

He sat down across from her. “But that was before. Back then, I didn’t really have anyone I trusted. When I first met you, I’ll admit I thought about chasing you, mostly because of Alexander Ramirez. But as I got to know you, I realized you’re the kind of person I actually want as a real friend.”

He didn’t want to fake anything just to get back at Alexander anymore.

Natalie blinked, feeling her cheeks warm. Embarrassment crept up on her.

Noticing, Samuel smiled gently. “I could have handled things better. Anyone would have misunderstood. But now that everything’s out in the open, you don’t have to feel weird about it.”

Natalie took a breath. They were adults. There was nothing to be embarrassed about. Being honest was easier.

“Alright,” she said, her voice steady, her eyes clear and kind. “I’ll accept your help. Once this is all over, dinner’s on me. And if you ever need anything, just say the word.”

The next morning, Natalie arrived at the venue early. Her leg still hadn’t healed, so walking was tough. Samuel had arranged for a wheelchair ahead of time, just in case.

The hall looked incredible. Lighting, sound, the displays—everything was top notch. Rows of seats waited for guests, perfectly lined up. Staff moved around, busy with last-minute checks before the auction.

With Alexander’s reputation, things could be so much worse.

Samuel stayed quiet for a second, then tried to reassure her. “There’s got to be another way. Let’s think.”

Natalie nodded.

A staff member came over to let them know there were only five minutes left before the auction started.

Time was slipping away. Anne paced restlessly. Samuel took out his phone, calling every media contact and collector he could think of, hoping someone would show up at the last minute to save things.

Then, suddenly, Natalie spoke up. “I think I have a plan. It could work.”