I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 38

"Grandma, I heard you haven't been feeling well lately, so I wanted to come and see you," Camila said softly. "I remember when I was little, you loved it when I came over to play. You always gave me the best snacks."

Charlotte scrutinized the young woman before her, then a faint smile touched her lips. "People are simple when they're children. They develop more complicated thoughts as they grow up." Her tone shifted. "Camila, my health has always been frail; you don't need to worry about me. Today is our family day. It's not appropriate for outsiders to be here."

"Mom!" Savannah interjected before Charlotte could say more. "I invited Camila. It's just a meal. Why are you drawing lines between insiders and outsiders?"

Savannah's intention was simple: she wanted Camila around more often. She believed Charlotte's dislike for Camila stemmed from not knowing her well enough. So she had taken it upon herself to invite her today, never expecting her mother-in-law to be so unwelcoming as to try and send her away.

And calling her an outsider? If anyone was an outsider, it was Natalie, who rarely visited and never made an effort to get close to her. In comparison, Camila was far more affectionate.

"Are you the one in charge of this house now?" Charlotte shot back, her eyes cold. Camila glanced at Alexander, who was leaning against the entryway, watching the scene unfold without a word, even as his own mother defended her.

"It's all my fault. I was being thoughtless," she said, realizing she had to be careful.

To secure her place in the Ramirez family and become the next Mrs. Ramirez, Charlotte's approval was crucial. She couldn't afford to antagonize her now.

Since Alexander wasn't going to step in, Camila made a calculated decision.

"I wouldn't want to spoil everyone's dinner because of me. Grandma, your health is what's most important. I should go."

Savannah was at a loss. She looked at her son. "Alexander, take Camila home."

But Charlotte cut in. "Let the driver take her. Alexander just got here, and I have things to discuss with him."

A shadow passed over Camila's eyes, but she forced a smile for Savannah.

"It's alright, I can drive myself home."

After Camila left, Savannah complained, "Mom, even if you don't like Camila, she was still a guest. How could you treat her that way?"

Hazel, Charlotte's personal caregiver, helped her to the sofa.

"You knew I disliked her, yet you invited her anyway?"

Savannah stood before her, defiant. "Camila is gentle and kind, and we've known her since she was a child. We know her character. What's not to like? I know you feel bound by your promise to Stella Gates to have Natalie marry into the family, and we all went along with it. But look how that turned out. It proved she and Alexander were never meant to be." Savannah aired all her frustrations in one breath.

"I was at the Ramirez estate," she replied, hanging her coat in the closet.

The moment she turned around, a sharp slap landed across her face, stinging her cheek.

"You think you've grown wings? You think having Alexander Ramirez backing you means you can disobey me?"

Camila clutched her face, biting her lip hard to keep the tears from falling.

"I've told you, I won't marry anyone else. The only person I will marry is Alexander Ramirez." Her words only fueled her father's rage.

"Who do you think you are? Marry Alexander Ramirez? If that was going to happen, it would have happened already! You're living in a fantasy!" he sneered. "Your brother just closed a deal and needs capital. The Roger family is willing to overlook the fact that you're a widow. They've already agreed to wire me five million the moment you marry into their family!"

Mr. Roger was a man in his late fifties who had outlived two wives. Rumor had it they had both died from the abuse of his peculiar habits. Of course he wouldn't mind that she was a widow. Camila lowered her hand, revealing the red imprint of his fingers on her cheek.

She dropped her gaze. "Dad, please, give me one more chance. If I can't marry into the Ramirez family within three months, I'll do whatever you say. As for the company's funds, I'll find a way."