I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 352

Natalie was wheeled out of surgery and into the ICU.

Arianna tried to keep Alexander from following, but Bruce gently pulled her away.

“This is really something between the two of them. They should work it out on their own. There are things you don’t know. Come on, let’s go somewhere else and I’ll explain.”

Arianna was annoyed with Alexander, but Bruce made sense. She gave in and didn’t argue.

When Samuel Thompson looked like he was going to follow too, Bruce stepped in front of him.

“This doesn’t concern Mr. Thompson. You don’t need to come.”

Before Samuel could say anything, Arianna jumped in. “Mr. Thompson is Natalie’s friend. If this is about her, why can’t he hear it too? Besides, just the two of us might be awkward.”

Samuel just smiled quietly.

Bruce sighed, realizing Arianna didn’t trust him. He nodded, giving up. “Fine, let’s all go.”

Inside the ICU, the only sound was the steady beeping of Natalie’s monitors.

Alexander sat by her bed, holding her hand so tightly his knuckles were white. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her face was so pale, he was afraid if he blinked, she might slip away forever.

“I’m sorry…” His voice was rough and raw, heavy with regret.

He lowered his head, resting his forehead on her hand. “I know nothing I say will ever make up for what I’ve done. I hurt you so much. I just… I don’t know what to do anymore. Please, Natalie, just wake up.”

He would do anything if she’d just open her eyes.

But Natalie lay silent and still, her breathing barely there.

Alexander brushed her cheek with his fingers. “I was arrogant. I thought I could control everything. I just stood by and watched you suffer. I’m such an idiot. Please, wake up and yell at me, okay?”

His words faded to a whisper, and tears slipped down his face before he realized he was crying.

“Can you hear me? I’m begging you… please, wake up.”

No one answered. Natalie didn’t move.

Arianna walked in and immediately noticed Alexander was gone.

She scowled and muttered, “Unbelievable… He only stayed two days and then left.”

She’d wanted to visit earlier, but Bruce kept finding ways to stop her, waiting outside her place or making up excuses.

This morning, he wasn’t there, so she finally made it to Natalie’s room.

Seeing Alexander gone, she understood why Bruce had tried to keep her away. He’d said he wanted Natalie and Alexander to have time alone.

Arianna went to the bed, her heart aching. “Natalie, why won’t you wake up? Are you afraid you’ll be alone, the only one hurting? Alexander is such a jerk. You better not forgive him.”

Right then, Natalie’s fingers twitched.

Arianna froze, then her face lit up with hope.

“Natalie? Are you waking up?”