I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 78

“What is it?” Natalie asked.

“During her treatment, we will fulfill her wish.”

He meant she had to play the part of a loving wife. Charlotte was gravely ill, and her only wish was to see them reconcile and have a child.

“You want me to have a child with you?” Natalie stared at him in disbelief. Three years had passed, but she had never forgotten how she lost their first child.

“I can play along with you, but a child… that’s impossible,” she said firmly.

A shadow passed through Alexander’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. “You’re overthinking it. We just need to convince Grandmother that we’ve reconciled.”

She supposed he was right. She had been overthinking it. Why would he want to have a child with her?

“Good,” Natalie said. “Have someone bring the divorce agreement here. We can sign it now and handle the legal paperwork at a more convenient time.”

Her position was clear. She had no objection to his condition; Charlotte was ill and couldn't be agitated. But the divorce could be handled privately, without her knowledge.

“I wasn’t finished,” Alexander said. “I agreed to sign the papers, and I won’t go back on my word. But now is not the time. Once Grandma has undergone a month of treatment and her condition has stabilized, I will sign.”

Natalie immediately protested. “Playing a part and getting divorced are not mutually exclusive. We can easily keep it from her.”

“You’re right,” Alexander conceded. “But what if you back out after the divorce is finalized? I can’t exactly force you to come back here. You’d probably accuse me of kidnapping again.”

“…” Natalie’s brow furrowed. “You don’t trust me? When have I ever gone back on my word?”

Besides, Charlotte had always been kind to her. Even if she weren’t acting, she would have stayed by her side.

“That’s my condition,” Alexander stated, his expression leaving no room for negotiation.

Natalie took a deep breath, knowing there was no point in arguing with him further.

“Fine. One month.”

She had already waited three years. What was one more month?

“I’m going to sit with Grandma,” Natalie said, her face a cool mask as she walked past him and back into the ICU.

Alexander watched her until she disappeared through the door, then turned and headed toward the director’s office.

Inside the room, Natalie noticed Charlotte’s arm was lying outside the blanket. She gently tucked it back in.

As she was about to sit in the chair by the bed, the door opened, and Eugene Ramirez walked in.

That Charlotte had an appetite was a good sign. “Of course,” Natalie said, her spirits lifting. “I’ll go right now. You just wait here.”

With that, Natalie left the room.

Eugene walked closer to the bed. “Mom, let me get you some water.”

He filled a cup with warm water from the dispenser.

When he turned around, Charlotte was already sitting up, her face set in an angry scowl. She looked perfectly healthy and full of energy.

“Mom, you’re…” Eugene froze, stunned.

“Did Natalie ask Alexander for a divorce again? And did you draft the papers?” Charlotte demanded, her voice strong and clear.

Eugene realized his mother had been awake the whole time and had overheard their conversation.

“Yes,” he admitted.

Charlotte was furious. She looked around, then grabbed the pillow from behind her and threw it at him.

“How could you help them break up?”