(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

The bad thoughts kept repeating in his head. Vivan, who was still standing there, could only look at Gerald with concern, but she didn’t say much.

Chris. Once again, that name echoed in Gerald’s mind. All because of Chris. If only that man didn’t show up again, none of this trouble would have happened.

Yes. Gerald could be sure, even though Ariana had spent a few nights with Chris, he was sure Ariana and Chris hadn’t gone too far. But what about make out? Could they have done it? He wondered silently. Suddenly his chest felt hot. He was jealous. But even so, he still felt victorious because he was the one who took Ariana’s virginity first.

Yes. Gerald was certain Ariana was still a virgin. Gerald knew that for sure. Although virginity operations were not uncommon nowadays, Gerald knew Ariana hadn’t done it. So if Ariana was really pregnant, Gerald was one hundred percent sure that the baby in her womb was his.

So the other option Gerald had was his second assumption about Shelma. Was Ariana planning to abort the baby without his knowledge?

But why? Because she wanted to pursue Chris? Or…

Gerald recalled Ariana’s last words. That his wife was not ready to be a mother. Trauma from abandonment made her afraid of becoming a woman like her mother. He felt pessimistic that she wouldn’t be a good mother like her mother. But then again, Ariana wouldn’t be capable of killing her own flesh and blood, right?

Gerald’s last option was once again focused on Chris.

Yes, Shelma was right. Everyone knew that the reason for this marriage was Axel and his adoption. But he had resolved to make this marriage work. He had even promised that to Ariana’s father. And he was convinced that Ariana also wanted this marriage to be a real one. Wasn’t that why Ariana had given herself to him? Because his wife had opened her heart and trusted him. So why now?

Was it because Chris’s departure made his wife realize that she had feelings for that rude man all along? Did she want Chris now and intended to leave him and Axel to chase after that man? Was that the reason why Ariana brought up Axel’s adoption again? Because she had changed her mind and wanted to end this marriage quickly to pursue her true love?

But should she sacrifice their unborn child? Gerald slammed his fist on the table, making the objects on it vibrate. If that was what Ariana had in mind, he couldn’t forgive her.

Gerald looked up and glanced at Vivan, who was still standing there. “Sir,” the man said softly.

“Find out where Ariana is now. And also find out what information Mommy has about her. Send me all those reports today!” he said coldly.

Vivan stared at Gerald in silence. Gerald knew his assistant wanted to refuse what he had ordered. But Vivan didn’t have the right to do that. Considering he was just someone working for Gerald. In the end, the man just nodded and retreated, leaving Gerald’s office.

Time passed slowly for Gerald. His usually quick-changing emotions now lingered in prolonged turmoil. Eventually, Gerald chose to leave the office and return home.

Hours later, Gerald sat on the sofa in his room, reading the reports that Vivan had sent him. The throbbing in his head intensified. He wanted to slam the tablet, but he knew it wouldn’t accomplish anything.

***

Ariana returned home in the evening. After briefly greeting Axel, she chose to go upstairs and was quite surprised to find Gerald already there. Her husband had changed out of the suit he wore earlier into casual clothes and seemed to be sitting silently on the sofa with the TV on, although he wasn’t really watching.

“You’re back?” Ariana asked casually.

Gerald remained motionless. Either he didn’t hear Ariana’s greeting, or he did but chose to ignore it. Ariana didn’t know. She chose not to care. Perhaps Gerald’s mind was wandering somewhere else, unable to focus on her. Or maybe her husband was still sulking, wanting Ariana to persuade him. Fine, thought Ariana. She would persuade him later after she felt clean.

As a result, Ariana chose to enter the bathroom and clean herself. She didn’t want to admit it, but her body was already too tired even though she hadn’t done much. She wanted to confess this to Gerald, but she felt the timing wasn’t right.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Ariana showered quickly and then changed into casual clothes she had recently bought. When she came out, she wasn’t too surprised to see Gerald still sitting in his original spot.

Time to coax her husband so he wouldn’t sulk anymore, she thought. Ariana then sat down beside Gerald and tried to be sweet. “Is there a problem?” she asked softly. As she reached out to touch Gerald’s hair, he stiffened his body and instead moved away from Ariana. Ariana furrowed her brows in confusion.

“Where did you go all day?” Gerald’s question came, cold and accusing.

Ariana raised an eyebrow, looking at her husband with dislike. “Are you acting like this again? Following me?” Ariana was irritated. Just the suspicion that Gerald had ordered someone to follow her again ignited her anger. It flared up more when she saw Gerald’s sharp gaze directly on her.

Her husband was angry. Really angry. Although Ariana didn’t know the reason for his anger and felt that anger should be directed at her, she had to admit that his anger was well-founded.

“I have to do it whether I want to or not.” He was at it again. Ariana didn’t say much. She refused to talk. She didn’t know who was angrier here, her who was being followed again, or Gerald, who felt deceived. “If only you were honest with me, I wouldn’t have to do this,” he continued harshly. “I had stopped following you before, but now I’m doing it again because you lied to me,” he said roughly.

“Lied?” Ariana looked at her husband confused.