I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 312

“Well, would you look at that. She actually made one,” someone said, the hint of sarcasm impossible to miss.

“Please, even a kid could get lucky once,” the woman from earlier added, her tone dripping with disdain.

Natalie didn’t let their words get to her. All her focus was on the pool table, everything else fading into the background. She shifted her stance, leaned over, and lined up her next shot.

Something shifted. With the next few turns, Natalie found her rhythm. She moved with a quiet confidence, each shot smooth and precise, her arm steady. Ball after ball dropped into the pockets, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

The room slowly fell silent. Every eye was on her now, the earlier laughter now replaced by curiosity and a bit of awe.

Bruce wandered over to Alexander, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Looks like we’re the punchline tonight. Feeling nervous yet?”

Everyone had pegged Natalie as a total newbie, but she was anything but. The only shot she’d missed was the first one, probably because she was out of practice. After that, she hadn’t missed a single ball.

Alexander shot Bruce a glare. “You practice every day and still haven’t improved. Maybe focus on your own game before you start teasing me.”

Bruce just grinned. “Doesn’t matter, as long as someone finally takes you down.”

They turned back to the table. Only the black ball was left. Natalie and Alexander were tied. One shot for the win.

Natalie leaned down until her face was almost level with the table, cue aimed with careful precision. The room was dead quiet.

The sharp crack of the cue striking the white ball broke the silence. The ball raced toward the black, but it just skimmed past. So close.

Bruce let out a quiet sigh, clearly disappointed for her. Natalie’s face stayed calm as she straightened up. Missing that shot probably meant her chance to talk with Alexander was gone.

Natalie let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Relief and pride mingled on her face.

“When did you get so good, Natalie? Seriously, you’re the first person to ever beat Alexander Ramirez!” Bruce said, his voice full of genuine admiration.

Natalie gave a small, calm smile. “I spent a year studying in England. Picked it up while I was there.”

Back when she was with Alexander, she’d barely had a life of her own. Everything had revolved around him. Now, standing here, she realized she could be remarkable in her own right.

Alexander watched her talking to Bruce, a flash of surprise in his eyes. Natalie remembered the promise. She turned to him, waiting.

Alexander set down his cue, his expression unreadable. “You won. So, what did you want to talk about?”