I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 89

Just then, Natalie Watson put down her fork. Without meeting Alexander's eyes, she turned to Charlotte Roberts.

"Grandma, I won't be coming back tonight."

"Did Alexander upset you again?" Charlotte shot him a glare.

Natalie gave a faint smile. "No, it's just that it's a bit far from my office, and with the jewelry auction coming up, I'll be quite busy."

Charlotte was suspicious. "You're sure you're not angry with Alexander?"

"I'm not," Natalie said with a casual smile. "It's really because of work. I'll come visit you again once things settle down, okay?"

With that, she stood up. Seeing she couldn't convince her to stay, Charlotte turned to Alexander irritably. "Your wife is leaving. Aren't you going to see her out?"

"That's not necessary, Grandma," Natalie said, but Alexander was already on his feet.

"Let's go," he stated flatly.

Her foot was still injured, so Natalie walked slowly. By the time she reached the car, Alexander was leaning against the hood, a freshly lit cigarette between his fingers.

Through a haze of blue-gray smoke, his handsome face was composed. "Don't you want to know what I was doing last night?" he asked suddenly.

"That's your business," Natalie replied, slowly making her way to the driver's side.

"You could have just said you didn't know. Why did you cover for me?" Alexander pressed, dissatisfied with her answer.

Natalie didn't stop, unlocking the car with her key fob.

"I didn't want Grandma to worry." Claiming he was working late was the simplest and safest answer. She just hadn't expected him to show up in the morning.

Alexander stared intently at her face. "Is that really what you think? Or do you assume I went to see someone and you just don't care enough to argue about it?"

His words left Natalie feeling utterly exhausted and helpless. "I made myself clear last night. As business partners, I won't interfere in your personal life. Who you see and who you're with is your own business."

As Natalie pulled the door open, Alexander stepped in front of her. "Your foot is injured. You can't drive. I'll take you to the office."

Alexander stepped forward and put an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry about how I know. The important thing is, I'm on your side."

"You have the same goal as me?" Charlotte was skeptical.

"Why else do you think I'd play along with this act for so long?"

The jewelry auction was in two days, and Natalie was swamped with work the moment she got to the office. Even as Vice President, she was hands-on with everything. She treated every auction as if it were her first, leaving no room for error. She worked until it was dark outside.

When it was time to leave, Natalie packed her things and went down to the underground parking garage.

"Mrs. Ramirez."

She looked toward the voice and saw Aaron Lee standing by her car, looking as if he'd been waiting for a while.

"I drove my own car, so I won't need a ride from Mr. Ramirez."

Aaron Lee hurried over and took the car keys from her hand. "I'm here to be your driver. I'll be driving you for the next few days."