I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 49

Natalie turned off the screen, pretending she hadn’t seen the message. She started the engine, ready to drive away.

Her phone pinged again.

She glanced at the illuminated screen. It was Alexander again.

“Don’t play dumb. If you’re not there when I arrive, you know the consequences.”

The consequences, of course, were that he wouldn’t sign the papers.

Natalie let out a heavy sigh and typed a quick reply: Fine.

Back in the ballroom, Camila and Eric Bailey saw Alexander staring down at his phone, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Laughing at your phone now?” Eric teased. “I don’t remember you being the type to smile so much.”

Alexander looked up, pocketing his phone. “Would you prefer I cry?”

“No, that would be even more terrifying.”

Camila moved to Alexander’s side. “Alex,” she asked casually, “when should we deliver the bowl we got for Grandma to her?” Savannah Davis had specifically instructed her to present the gift to Charlotte Roberts personally.

Before Alexander could answer, Bruce Ward interrupted them. “This party is a bore. Let’s head to BlueNight for a few drinks.”

Eric shrugged. “My only job tonight is to help my dad entertain the guests.” He was out.

Bruce looked expectantly at Alexander.

“I have something to do,” he said, then turned and walked away without another word.

“Alex…” Camila was surprised by his abrupt departure. “Are you leaving? I’ll come with you.”

“It’s not convenient. You stay here and have fun with Bruce and the others.”

“But you and Mr. Ramirez are not yet divorced. You are still Mrs. Ramirez,” he replied with a polite, unyielding smile.

Natalie wanted to say that they would be divorced soon, but she had no idea when that “soon” would be. And even if she insisted, Aaron wouldn’t listen to her.

She gave up and crossed the road. The spring evenings in the city were mild, but a slight chill hung in the air. Having forgotten her jacket, she shivered in her backless evening gown.

Aaron opened the rear door of the car for her, and a wave of warm air washed over her.

Alexander was sitting inside, his legs crossed. He looked up as she got in.

“You came out dressed like that? Do you enjoy being the center of attention?”

Natalie settled into her seat. “There’s nothing wrong with wearing an evening gown to a gala. If it offends you, Mr. Ramirez, you’re free not to look.” Her dress was actually quite modest, only showing a bit of her back.

“Mr. Ramirez?” Alexander scoffed. “When did you become one of my employees? Is being Mrs. Ramirez not enough for you? Are you looking to try out an office romance?”