I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 315

"I'm fine. I just need to rest a bit."

Natalie forced a small smile but didn’t really answer his question.

Bruce watched her, worry flickering across his face. He hated seeing her like this.

"You really can’t go home by yourself. I’ll ask Alexander to take you," he offered.

"No, really, I’m okay. I can manage."

"Just wait here, alright? I’ll get him."

Before she could say anything else, Bruce turned and hurried back toward the private room. Natalie wanted to stop him, but her legs wouldn’t cooperate. She just leaned against the sofa, trying to keep her head clear.

A few minutes went by before Bruce came back. He looked a little embarrassed, his expression tight, like whatever happened in there hadn’t gone well.

He tried for a smile as he got closer. "Natalie, Alexander can’t step away right now. I’ll have my driver take you home instead."

Natalie didn’t tell him she’d already guessed Alexander would refuse. Still, Bruce covered for him, making up an excuse like always. That was just the kind of friend he was.

"It’s okay," she said softly. "I’ll just get a cab."

Bruce let out a sigh, sounding helpless. "Don’t be upset with him. He’s... well, just try not to take it personally."

Natalie shook her head and stayed quiet. Did she even have the right to blame Alexander? To him, she was already the worst kind of person. Whether she blamed him or not, nothing would change.

"Mr. Ward, could you help me with something?" she asked, her voice gentle, almost pleading.

Bruce nodded right away. "Of course, just tell me."

"Could you call Arianna for me? My phone’s dead and I need someone to pick me up."

Before Natalie could reply, Arianna turned to glare at Bruce. "What’s going on? Why’d you let her drink so much? Did you make her?"

Bruce raised his hands, flustered. "It wasn’t me, I swear."

"Arianna, it’s not Mr. Ward’s fault," Natalie said, pressing her fingers to her temple as a headache set in. "Let’s just go."

Bruce and Arianna helped Natalie to the car. Bruce leaned down by the window as Arianna got in after her.

"Call me when you get home," he said quietly.

Arianna gave him a quick look, hit the button to close the window, and the glass slid up between them.

Natalie, dizzy and tired, closed her eyes. "Arianna, Bruce is actually a good guy. Don’t be so hard on him," she murmured.