(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

A week after the arrival of the orphanage officials, the long-awaited decision finally came. Fortunately for Ariana, two days after being admitted to the hospital, she was allowed to go home. So, when the foundation representatives came to hand over the adoption confirmation documents, she appeared healthy, as if she didn’t have any illness at all.

“It’s good to see you well, Mrs. Gerald,” Mrs. Sri said with her usual smile.

“I’m healthy, very healthy,” Ariana replied, full of gratitude. She was aware of Gerald’s sarcastic glances and soft scoffs beside her, but she chose to ignore them.

“Alright, we can start signing the documents,” she said, returning to the original topic. The woman then took something out of her leather bag and read it aloud. “Here, in this document, it is stated briefly that Axel’s custody rights now fully belong to Mr. and Mrs. Gerald.” She paused, looking at Ariana and Gerald alternately.

Both Ariana and Gerald nodded in response.

“This document was created after we, the foundation, conducted a survey as required. We assessed the living conditions, the family environment, and also the school environment. From the data we gathered, all the individuals we interviewed separately explained that Axel’s condition under the Zeroun family’s care was excellent,” she continued, speaking wisely.

“I hope this will last forever. Your family will be happy and blessed with righteous and pious offspring,” her prayer, which was responded to with nods from Gerald and affirmed by Ariana softly.

Afterwards, the adoption documents were signed by the foundation representatives, Ariana, and Gerald. Witnessed by Mrs. Isidora, Mrs. Rosaline, and Gerald’s personal lawyer. Once everything was done, Mrs. Sri and the foundation officials bid farewell and left the Zeroun residence.

They escorted the foundation people to the front door, waving with smiles framed on their faces. Gerald’s hand was casually draped over Ariana’s shoulder as a camouflage. A split second after the foundation’s car drove away, Gerald reverted to his usual mode: cold and indifferent. He walked back to his study without looking back. He didn’t care whether Ariana followed him or not.

If previously Gerald had sat next to Ariana, now, upon his return, he chose to sit on a single sofa to avoid her. His gaze was fixed directly on his family lawyer. “Everything is done now; it seems our divorce proceedings can proceed,” Gerald said coldly.

Pain, of course, that was what Ariana felt. But what could she do? She was the one who started all the lies. Therefore, she had to end it properly.

“A good idea,” Mrs. Isidora said, still in the living room. Her aged face showed a happy smile.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rosaline, for a moment, glanced at Ariana but then turned to her grandson. “Don’t you want to wait for a while?” the elderly woman asked hopefully. Ariana looked at her in confusion, surprised by the woman’s request.

Gerald looked at his grandmother, then shook his head. “I did what Grandma asked for: I got married to gain custody of Axel so he could live with us. Although at first, divorce was never in my thoughts. But because from the beginning my bride wasn’t her, everything must return to the starting point.”

“What do you mean, going back to the beginning? Are you planning to remarry your twin?” Mrs. Isidora asked incredulously.

Gerald raised the corner of his mouth. “She should have been the one I married from the start. I shouldn’t have cared if she had an affair behind my back. At least, if I married her, I would have a submissive wife. And maybe I wouldn’t be disappointed because I lost my own blood. I thought she was better than my sister and her mother. But it turns out she’s far worse than them,” he continued, his gaze directed at Ariana.

Ariana remained silent with her chin up. Although her heart ached from Gerald’s humiliation, she acted as if everything Gerald said was just a passing breeze.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Mrs. Isidora snorted. Mrs. Rosaline was about to interrupt, but seeing Ariana’s subtle shake of her head, the elderly woman stopped her intention.

“How long will the process take?” Ariana asked coldly.

“If there are no problems. In this case, if you don’t demand alimony or contest custody and refuse mediation, the divorce process will run much faster,” the lawyer said plainly. Ariana simply nodded in understanding.

“Of course, she won’t demand alimony. What can she ask for? Her days as Axel’s mother can be counted on one hand,” Mrs. Isidora remarked.

Ariana raised the corner of her mouth and smiled sarcastically. “You don’t need to worry about that, Mrs. My life was prosperous enough before your stepson came and forced me into his life. Just regaining my single status will be satisfaction enough for me,” Ariana replied defiantly. “What do I need to do?” she asked again, turning to the lawyer.

“Will you be using a lawyer for this divorce, Mrs.?” The lawyer asked back.

Ariana shook her head. “I think that’s unnecessary,” she said flatly. “Hiring a lawyer will only increase my expenses, considering I won’t demand anything in this divorce. I think everything should be left to your side and the court,” Ariana replied clearly.

The lawyer nodded again. He then took something out of his folder. “These are the documents you and Mr. Gerald can sign. Once this file is submitted to the Religious Court, the court will take care of the rest. You just need to wait for your divorce certificate,” the lawyer explained again. “You will receive the certificate after Mr. Gerald signs the divorce documents.”

Ariana simply nodded, although not all of the information had fully registered in her mind. “In that case, I’ll wait for the certificate promptly. You know where to send it,” Ariana said firmly. She then signed the lawsuit letter given by Gerald’s lawyer and handed it back to him.

“Alright, I will process everything from here on,” the lawyer replied. Before the lawyer could stand up, Ariana had already beaten him to it.

“Thank you for your cooperation,” she said, extending her hand.

The fifty-year-old lawyer also stood up, smiling and accepting Ariana’s handshake. “It’s my duty, Mrs.”

Ariana simply nodded. “May I ask for your assistance?” The lawyer looked at Ariana in confusion.

“It’s not a heavy burden, sir. I just want to hitch a ride in your car until the end of the road,” she said casually.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The lawyer seemed to widen his eyes in surprise. But then he smiled and nodded his head. “With pleasure, Mrs.”

“In that case, I’ll wait for you outside until your business is truly finished,” she said as she left.