I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 34

Three years later, outside the bustling terminal of Cabinda International Airport, Natalie Watson stood waiting for her car, her face mostly hidden behind a pair of large, dark sunglasses.

She wore a tailored black suit made from a high-quality, flowing fabric that was impeccably crisp, without a single wrinkle.

Her long, wavy hair was tied back in a low ponytail, giving her a polished and commanding aura. A black executive car pulled up in front of her. A white-gloved driver got out, took her luggage, and opened the door.

Once inside, Natalie leaned back and closed her eyes, exhausted from the long flight.

"To the hotel, ma'am?" the driver asked after getting in.

Still with her eyes closed, she replied softly, "No, straight to the office."

The car merged onto the main road. Natalie slowly opened her eyes, taking in the familiar sights of the bustling city and its towering skyscrapers.

Nothing had changed in the three years she'd been away.

Memories of people and events from her past flooded her mind until the driver announced their arrival.

Natalie shook off her thoughts.

"Nora, all the auction item files are on your desk." As the elevator doors opened on the ninth floor of Pinnacle Place, her assistant, Ava Thompson, was already waiting.

She fell into step beside Natalie as they walked.

Employees they passed greeted her respectfully.

Entering her corner office, which boasted floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an impressive view, Natalie said, "The Billy Firth inaugural auction in Cabinda is next week. Inform all relevant departments we'll have a meeting in thirty minutes."

Three years ago, Natalie had joined Billy Firth Headquarters.

Her exceptional talent had led to a rapid rise, and she was now their chief auctioneer.

This year, Billy Firth had established its Asia-Pacific division to expand its market, with the headquarters set right here in Cabinda.

Madelyn had married and started a family the year after Natalie moved to London, leaving Natalie as the most capable and suitable person to serve as Vice President of the new headquarters.

She never thought she would return to Cabinda, but her career had brought her back.

To successfully launch Billy Firth in the Asia-Pacific market, the first auction in Cabinda had to be a resounding success.

Natalie was back, and she was under immense pressure.

Before she knew it, the sky had darkened.

Just as she finished her work, her phone rang. "My dearest Ms. Watson, are you done with work? Ready for dinner?"

It was Arianna Mitchell's cheerful voice.

No one knew where she was.

All her contacts had been deactivated.

It was as if she had vanished from the face of the earth.

Gradually, he stopped looking. He hated how cleanly she had left, without a single word. She really never loved him.

"Mr. Ramirez, is something wrong?" one of the men from the elevator asked, having followed him out.

Alexander's expression was cool as he drew his gaze back.

"It's nothing," he said flatly, stepping back into the elevator.

Natalie, meanwhile, had stopped at a sofa in the lobby to swap her heels for a pair of flats.

Her feet were aching after a long day.

By the time she was done, the car she'd ordered had arrived.

As Natalie was led to a table, Arianna waved at her from across the restaurant.

"I've missed you so much."