(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

And indeed, by coincidence, what Gerald wanted eventually happened. Vivan said she received a wedding invitation from one of her colleagues. Without much hesitation, Gerald agreed to attend the party held over the weekend. Vivan herself was quite surprised because since taking over the company, Gerald rarely attended such events, except for meetings specifically dedicated to business.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

On the morning of the weekend, Gerald had already informed Ariana about the invitation. Ariana didn’t ask whose wedding they were going to. She just said that she would come with Gerald. And Gerald had to tell her when she should get ready. Just that brief. She didn’t even bother Gerald about what outfit he should wear or how they should coordinate their clothes. She also didn’t fuss about small things like going to the salon and styling her hair.

Yes, Ariana was that simple.

But Gerald’s expectation of simplicity turned out to be different in reality. When Gerald sent a message to Ariana that he would pick up his wife at the restaurant at seven… she simply agreed. And when Gerald saw her appearance in her private room on the restaurant’s second floor, he was truly amazed. Very amazed. Even if he didn’t close his mouth, he could have drooled like a hungry dog.

Ariana, the woman, looked so stunning in a silver mini halter dress that showcased her white arms and part of her shoulders. The length of her skirt covered part of her knees, allowing Gerald to see her slender legs that she had hidden behind her jeans all this time. And paired with T-strap heels in black and red with some sparkling embellishments. Her hair was styled into a simple bun at the back of her neck, adorned with a flower-shaped hair accessory that matched her outfit. The hairstyle highlighted her graceful neck. Even though it was partly obscured by her dress’s collar, it didn’t diminish her beauty.

The only jewelry Ariana wore on her ears were small simple earrings that made her look sweeter. Apart from that, Ariana didn’t wear anything else. No bracelets, no rings.

Gerald was still standing in front of her, stunned. Even when Ariana waved her hand in front of him, Gerald remained motionless. “Are you planning to be a statue?” Ariana asked flatly.

Gerald snapped out of his trance. He shook his head. “How are you wearing this?” Gerald glanced at his own outfit. He was wearing a silver suit varied with black lapels. Additionally, he wore a tie and a silver vest. His outfit matched what Ariana was wearing now. And that’s what momentarily confused him because his wife hadn’t said anything about their costumes.

Ariana shrugged. “What’s the use of a phone,” she answered simply. “I just called Mr. Yosef and asked him what you should wear. Coincidentally, Adel has a connection with a boutique owner. And she suggested this outfit for me. So, as simple as that,” she replied in her usual flat tone.

Gerald just nodded. Okay, once again, he had to admit that his wife was different from others.

Simple, yet fantastic. He praised silently.

“So, are we leaving?” she asked Gerald, who was still standing in his place.

Instead of answering, he approached and embraced Ariana’s waist. “Can I have a bonus kiss before we go?” he offered. Ariana raised an eyebrow, her expression now perfectly etched.

“Now or not at all, Mr. Aarzu,” Ariana said coldly.

Gerald stepped back a pace. Alright, he had planned all of this. So he couldn’t fail just because of his uncontrollable desires. “Alright. I guess I can hold off until we get back home,” he replied then. Ariana nodded. Gerald bent his arm, asking Ariana to hold onto it. Ariana didn’t say much and did what the man asked silently.

They descended to the lower floor. The whistles from his employees upon seeing Ariana’s appearance made Gerald somewhat jealous. Even though Ariana glared at them to make them silent, Gerald still didn’t like his wife being the center of attention and admired by others. But he also couldn’t blame her if she looked so beautiful. He couldn’t cover her face with a mask either; after all, he wanted to introduce her to everyone and boast about her.

However, he assured himself that from now on, he had to prepare mentally if more people admired his wife. And from now on, Gerald had to stop being jealous and irrational. Because Ariana clearly wouldn’t like it.

Gerald opened the door for Ariana. He deliberately didn’t bring a driver because he wanted to enjoy this party with her alone. While Vivan, who usually accompanied him, this time Gerald asked her to go to the party alone. Whether she would bring someone or not, Gerald didn’t care. He just wanted to enjoy the time alone with his beautiful wife.

They arrived at Yudistira Patra Jasa, where the wedding party would take place. The spacious and luxurious ballroom was beautifully and meticulously decorated. This wedding, like the one Gerald had held before, only invited a few special guests. Although the number was three times the guests Gerald had invited to his own wedding at that time.

Gerald was guided by one of the waiters to a Mommyr table surrounded by eight chairs. Two people were already there. A married couple Gerald knew quite well. He greeted them and introduced Ariana as his wife. Gerald pulled a chair for Ariana to sit right next to the businessman’s wife. He then glanced at another name on the table, his forehead furrowing when he saw that name. Whether it was a coincidence or intentional, Gerald admitted that he was quite annoyed to have to sit at the same table as the person whose name was quite popular among entrepreneurs but didn’t have a good personal relationship with Gerald himself.

He sighed unconsciously. Making Ariana look at him with a raised eyebrow. But he shook his head at his wife.

Gerald didn’t particularly like parties. In the past, when he was still considered young, places like clubs or discos were his favorite spots. Meeting new people and even spending a night with strangers was a hobby for him. But now, after reaching his thirties, he felt that all of that had become a boring life. Especially after he married Ariana, he felt like he was back to being the innocent child he was, educated by his late grandfather.

Gerald glanced around the room. Some guests he knew nodded their heads as their eyes met. But whether it was just his feeling or not, were they really watching him and Ariana? Why did he feel like he was the center of attention right now? Alright, maybe those who didn’t know were curious about the woman sitting next to him. ‘Calm down,’ Gerald said to himself. ‘There will be a time when I introduce you to my beautiful wife.’ He praised himself silently. Gerald raised the corner of his mouth with pride. But then, that expression faded when he saw the person whose name stood in front of him with a petite and beautiful woman in the curve of his arm.

“Long time no see, Ge.”