I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 51

On the ninth floor of Pinnacle Place, Natalie was at her computer, reviewing the proposal for an upcoming jewelry auction.

Ava Thompson burst into the office without knocking, her face flushed with panic.

“Nora, Mr. Ramirez is here! Oh god, you don’t think he’s here to return something, do you?”

Before Natalie could respond, Alexander Ramirez strode into the room. Dressed in a charcoal-grey suit, he was tall and imposing, his handsome, sculpted face completely devoid of expression. He looked exactly like a client with a complaint.

His unexpected appearance sent a ripple of excitement through the entire floor. All the female employees were craning their necks, trying to get a glimpse into the vice president’s office.

“Ava, could you please make a cup of coffee and bring it in?” Natalie said calmly.

Ava shot her a worried look but nodded and hurried off to do as she was told.

“You know my preferences better than anyone. You’re letting her make it?” Alexander settled onto the sofa opposite her desk, his posture as relaxed and proprietary as if he were in his own office.

Natalie glanced at the glass wall, and all the prying eyes outside immediately snapped away. “Mr. Ramirez, I’m afraid I no longer remember your preferences. And my assistant makes excellent coffee.”

He narrowed his eyes but said nothing as she continued, “Next time you plan to visit, please make an appointment with my assistant first.”

He watched her, all business, her expression cool and distant. She radiated the authority of a leader, a powerful presence that couldn't be ignored.

Alexander crossed his legs. “I need an appointment to pick up my wife?”

“...” Natalie shot back, “This is a professional environment, Mr. Ramirez. Please watch your words. Your wife is not here. Only your ex-wife.”

“Not until I sign the papers,” he countered, then glanced at his watch. “And it’s six o’clock. The workday is over.”

Just then, Ava returned with the coffee.

Natalie stood up. “Please have a seat, Mr. Ramirez. I’ll be right back.”

She had to retrieve the antique bowl from the secure, UV-protected display case in the storage department before they could leave for the Ramirez Estate.

Fifteen minutes later, Natalie returned with the wooden box to find Alexander asleep on the sofa.

She remembered him saying he’d had to travel out of town last night, and here he was, back before the end of the business day. It reminded her of when they were first married. Whenever he had to travel for work, he would always rush back the same night, never wanting her to sleep alone.

She moved quietly into the room, her footsteps instinctively light. Her coat was draped over the back of her chair. She set down the box, picked up the coat, and walked over to him.

As she leaned down to cover him, his eyes snapped open.

Natalie froze, her body still bent over him. Their eyes met, and the air crackled with a sudden, tense silence. His dark, deep-set eyes flashed with a complex mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and something else, something stormy and suppressed.

She retreated under his oppressive advance until her back hit the desk. He leaned over her.

She quickly turned her head away.

“We agreed to go back together. Are you trying to back out now?” Alexander’s hand snaked past her shoulder, reaching for the wooden box on the desk behind her.

Natalie’s heart hammered against her ribs. Even after they were in the car, she couldn’t calm her racing pulse.

Once they were on their way, Alexander handed her the box and immersed himself in his files, occasionally taking calls about work. Natalie tried not to listen, but it was clear his business trip wasn't over; he had made a special trip back just for this.

The car pulled into the long driveway of the Ramirez Estate.

As they stepped out, Savannah Davis walked toward them.

Since they weren't officially divorced, Natalie greeted her politely. “Mom.”

*SLAP!*

The sound echoed in the quiet air as Savannah’s hand connected sharply with Natalie’s cheek.