I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 66

Over their years of marriage, Natalie had come to understand one thing clearly: in Alexander Ramirez's eyes, she was worth nothing. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have cast her aside so easily.

When she didn’t respond, Alexander glanced over at her. Her face, with its light yet stunning makeup, was set with her small, delicate lips pressed into a tight line. He couldn't tell what she was thinking.

“We haven’t been back to Sagebrush Community in a long time,” he said, breaking the silence.

Sagebrush Community was their marital home, a place they had lived for only six months after getting married. It held their most beautiful memories.

“I’m not going. Take me back to the hotel,” Natalie said firmly, her voice cold.

The mention of Sagebrush Community felt like a stone lodged in her heart, causing a dull ache. He had allowed Camila White to stay in their home for her safety and had even changed the security code—a code she had set using their wedding anniversary.

He might not care, but she couldn’t forget. Since he had already given their home to another woman, she had no intention of ever going back.

“Your objection is overruled.”

Alexander turned the steering wheel.

Natalie was furious. “Forcing me to go somewhere against my will is kidnapping!”

“Then consider yourself kidnapped.”

“You!”

Suddenly, the car swerved slightly. Natalie thought he was just avoiding a pothole, but then she noticed the car was pulling over to the side of the road.

It seemed her words had had an effect after all.

The car came to a slow stop. Natalie immediately unbuckled her seatbelt, not wanting to spend another second in the car. She pushed the door handle, but it was locked.

“You…” she began, turning to confront him.

In the next second, she saw Alexander slumped over the steering wheel, his face pale.

“Alexander!” Natalie cried, leaning over to shake him. But he was unresponsive, his eyes shut tight as if he’d passed out.

Panic seized her. He had been fine just a moment ago, arguing with her. How could this have happened?

Call for an ambulance! In her panic, she fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the number.

Outside the hospital’s emergency room, Natalie paced back and forth, her eyes constantly darting toward the closed doors.

An IV was attached to his left hand, and his right hand felt numb. He glanced down.

Natalie was slumped over the side of the bed, her cheek resting on the back of his hand. Her dark hair veiled half of her face, revealing glimpses of her fair skin. Her face was warm, and her steady, gentle breaths washed over his wrist.

Alexander felt a sense of peace and stillness in that moment.

So what if she was in love with Eugene Ramirez? When he was sick, she was the one by his side.

He had regretted their argument that night, afraid she would disappear again without a word, just like she had three years ago. That was why he had swallowed his pride and shown up today, using a friend as an excuse to get close to her.

A nurse came in to change his IV bag, her timing precise.

Alexander gestured for her to be quiet, not wanting to wake Natalie.

But she stirred anyway.

Natalie opened her eyes groggily and rubbed her sore neck. Seeing Alexander awake and looking at her, she froze for a moment before asking, “How are you? Does your stomach still hurt?”

The nurse couldn’t help but smile. “You two are so sweet. He was worried about waking you, and the first thing you do is ask if he’s in pain.”