I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 324

“It’s true. They found out during his checkup a few days ago. The doctor told him he has to rest, no more pushing himself.”

Natalie felt her heart drop, heavy and suffocating, like something huge was pressing down on her chest.

She ended the call, turned on autopilot, and walked out of the Ramirez Building without another word.

Not far away, the garden was washed in silver moonlight. The soft glow touched Natalie’s pale cheek as she sat down on a bench, feeling completely empty inside.

Bruce Ward’s voice kept ringing in her ears.

“It’s true… It’s true…”

She dropped her head, squeezing the strap of her purse until her knuckles went white. Emotions twisted inside her, too tangled to name.

She hated Alexander. She hated how cold he could be, how he hurt her again and again.

But now, hearing he was sick, it was like something sharp drove straight through her heart.

Someone’s footsteps drew closer, but she didn’t even notice.

Not until a pair of shiny black dress shoes appeared right in front of her.

A deep voice came from above. “You looking for me?”

Natalie snapped out of her daze. She jerked her head up and found Alexander standing there, watching her with that unreadable stare.

She got to her feet, her hands shaking a little, her throat tight and dry.

It took her a long moment before she could get anything out. “I…”

Alexander’s face was hard. His voice was flat, almost mocking. “Let me guess. You want to ask if I had anything to do with the fake enamel vase?”

He knew exactly why she’d come.

Natalie pressed her lips together. “No. I came here to tell you that I was wrong.”

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he stayed silent, cold as ever.

She sank slowly back onto the bench. Suddenly she felt something wet on her hand.

She touched her cheek. At some point, a tear had slipped down, silent and hot.

…

Arianna Mitchell had just finished up some work on her laptop when the doorbell rang. She frowned, wondering who would show up this late.

She opened the door to find Natalie on the doorstep, holding a bag of beer.

A while later, they were both sitting on the floor by the couch, sharing drinks.

“Alexander had a heart attack?” Arianna almost spit out her beer.

Natalie nodded. Alexander hadn’t told her himself, but Bruce Ward wouldn’t lie.

Arianna shook her head, then let out a sigh. “Guess karma really doesn’t wait around, huh?”