I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 44

A few minutes later, ‘Rhythm of Ink’ was sold for the stunning price of thirty-two million, a sixteen-fold increase from its starting bid. The crack of the gavel sealed the deal, making it the highlight of the entire auction.

Eric Bailey’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “Unbelievable! But… my grandpa never mentioned that the piece came from the mayor’s wife’s gallery. How did she know that?”

The calligraphy had passed through several hands before ending up with Lawrence Bailey; uncovering its full provenance would have required some serious digging.

Eric shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. “My grandpa was right about her. That woman is truly something else.”

When the last item was sold—all for impressive prices—Natalie stepped forward from the podium and gave a slight bow. “Thank you all for coming. We look forward to seeing you at our next auction.”

With steady steps, she walked backstage, feeling the burn of a pair of sharp eyes on her back until the moment she disappeared from view.

Ava Thompson rushed over, her face beaming with an excitement usually reserved for a personal victory. “Nora, that was brilliant! Congratulations!”

Natalie took a deep breath, the only one aware of the sweat slicking her palms. “Ava, I’m leaving the rest to you. I’m heading back to the hotel. Call me if anything comes up.”

This auction had been more draining than any she had ever conducted, as if it had siphoned away every last drop of her energy.

Back in her hotel room, Natalie collapsed onto the bed and pulled the covers over herself. She closed her eyes, desperate for sleep, but despite her exhaustion, her mind was wide awake, replaying the image of Alexander Ramirez’s face over and over.

She had always known she might run into him again one day, but she never imagined it would be so soon. Three years ago, she had left without a word, a clean break. Arianna Mitchell had told her that Alexander had visited Paris several times, searching for her.

So what? When she was here, he was the one who never came home, staying out all night. The moment she left, he started looking for her. The thought was laughable.

Of course, she wasn't foolish enough to think it was because he regretted anything. It was nothing more than his possessiveness, his obsessive need for control.

Natalie buried her face in the covers, muttering to herself, “Stop thinking about him. He has nothing to do with you anymore.”

Sometime later, she finally drifted off to sleep.

“Three years, and those are the first words you say to me?” Alexander let out a cold, humorless laugh.

The room fell into a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.

“Didn’t you leave?” he finally broke the silence, his tone laced with scorn. “Why come back? Did you really think you could just fly away and be free of me?”

His mockery stung. Natalie lifted her head, her gaze defiant as she met his eyes. She suppressed the storm raging inside her, her expression calm and resolute. “My life is none of your business, Alexander. We ended a long time ago.”

The hand behind her back suddenly tightened, yanking her flush against his chest. Their bodies were pressed together, the contact electric.

Natalie immediately pushed against him. “Alexander, let go of me! We have nothing to do with each other anymore!”

He scoffed, his voice turning even colder, his next words freezing her to the core. “Ended? I never signed the divorce papers.”