I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 77

“Excellent work, Dr. Main,” Charlotte Roberts said with a cheerful grin.

Dr. Main, however, looked worried. “This illness we’ve fabricated might be a bit too severe. What if Mr. Ramirez finds out? I just heard them say they’re going to bring in specialists for a consultation.”

Charlotte waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry, they won’t get the chance. Dr. Main, you just keep my secret, and once my grandson and granddaughter-in-law call off their divorce, you’ll be a hero!”

Ever since Natalie’s last visit to the estate, Charlotte had seen the firm resolve in her eyes. And to make matters worse, that fool of a grandson of hers was only fanning the flames. She had been so anxious she couldn’t eat or sleep for days, until finally, a brilliant idea came to her: she would pretend to be sick. And not just any sickness—a terminal one.

Charlotte had a nurse clean up the nutshells on the floor. “Go tell them I’m awake,” she instructed Dr. Main, “and that I only want to see my grandson and his wife.”

Dr. Main relayed the message. Alexander and Natalie exchanged a look before quickly entering the room.

Charlotte lay on the bed, her eyes barely open, looking utterly frail.

“Alexander… Natalie…”

“Grandma…” Natalie fought back the lump in her throat and rushed to her side, taking Charlotte’s hand and trying to hide her own sorrow.

Alexander went to the other side of the bed and leaned down. “Grandmother, we’re here.”

Charlotte looked from Natalie to Alexander, her voice weak. “I know… I don’t have much time left. That’s just how life is. You mustn’t be sad.”

“Don’t say that, Grandmother,” Natalie said, her voice cracking. “Alexander has already found the best specialists. You’ll be better soon.”

Alexander nodded in agreement. “That’s right. You just have an upset stomach, that’s why you fainted. It’s not that serious.”

“Don’t try to fool me. I know my own body. I don’t want any specialists. I don’t want to lie in a hospital bed like a useless invalid. My only wish now is to see the two of you happy together. And maybe… for you to give me a great-grandchild… ”

Standing by the door, Dr. Main marveled at her performance. It was masterful.

Charlotte looked at Natalie with pleading eyes.

“Be happy with Alexander…”

Natalie looked down, unsure how to face her, unable to tell her that they had already agreed to sign the divorce papers.

After a moment of silence, Natalie replied, “Yes. It’s the truth.” She even managed a small smile.

After speaking for a few more minutes, Charlotte seemed to tire and drifted off to sleep.

Once she was asleep, Natalie and Alexander left the room. Gabriel and his wife had gone to the hospital director’s office to rest after hearing that Charlotte had woken up.

The hallway was quiet. When they were a safe distance from the ICU, Natalie turned to face Alexander.

“What I said in there was just to calm Grandmoa down.”

Her meaning was clear: she still intended to go through with the divorce.

Alexander stood with his hands in his pockets. He was much taller than her, and as he looked down, he could see her eyelashes trembling over her determined gaze.

“I won’t go back on my promise,” he said. “But I have a condition.”