I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 53

Alexander took the first-aid kit from a maid and walked to his grandmother’s door. Just as he was about to push it open, he heard Charlotte’s voice from inside.

“Can you find it in your heart to give him another chance?”

His hand froze on the doorknob. He stood there, motionless.

Inside, Charlotte looked at Natalie with hopeful eyes. Natalie’s fingers curled slightly. This wasn’t a matter of forgiveness; it was about the fact that Alexander had never loved her. But she couldn’t bear to break Charlotte’s heart.

After a long silence, Natalie opened the wooden box she’d been holding. “Grandma, Alexander bought this for you. See if you like it.”

The box revealed a porcelain bowl, its glaze the color of a clear sky after a rainstorm—a pure, celestial blue with hints of green and white. Under the light, its soft luster seemed almost ethereal.

Charlotte understood that Natalie was changing the subject. It was her own grandson’s failing that had shattered this wonderful girl’s heart. Still, she wanted to make one more effort for him.

“I love it,” Charlotte said, closing the lid. “But I love it even more because you brought it to me. And now, I want you to have it.”

Natalie immediately shook her head. She couldn’t accept something so valuable, especially something Alexander had specifically bought for his grandmother.

“What’s mine is yours,” Charlotte insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Alexander bought it for me, which means he bought it for you. No matter what happens, you will always be my granddaughter-in-law. You’re the only one I’ll ever recognize.”

Seeing Charlotte’s determination, an idea suddenly occurred to Natalie. “I heard Uncle Eugene’s engagement was called off. Why don’t you give this to him?”

She had learned about Eugene Ramirez’s broken engagement from Arianna. The family had arranged for him to marry a Ms. Bennett, with plans for an official engagement early this year. But just before the event, Ms. Bennett had unexpectedly broken it off. Eugene had then left the country for work the following month. Whatever the reason, having an engagement fall through was never easy, and Natalie thought her suggestion was a thoughtful way to show family support.

Charlotte smiled. “I knew you were a sentimental child. Even after being away for three years, you still care so much about this family. I refuse to believe you and Alexander don’t have feelings for each other.”

Natalie was speechless. She felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. No matter what she said, Charlotte seemed determined to steer the conversation back to her and Alexander.

Just then, a knock came at the door. Hazel opened it to find a maid holding the first-aid kit.

His expression was blank, but a palpable tension radiated from him. As he turned to leave, Charlotte’s temper flared. She was trying to create an opportunity for him, and this was how he responded?

“Natalie is here. What work could possibly be so important?” she demanded. “After you finish eating, you will drive her home safely.”

Alexander adjusted his suit jacket and replied nonchalantly, “The house has drivers, doesn’t it? If that’s not good enough for you, you’re welcome to drive her yourself.”

Across the table, Savannah looked on as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Mom, Alexander’s work is important,” she interjected. “The last time Camila was here, she drove herself home, didn’t she?”

The mother and son seemed to be tag-teaming her.

Charlotte slammed her fork onto the table. Before she could say another word, Natalie spoke.

“Grandma, I have to get back to my office as well. We’re not heading in the same direction.”