(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“That’s my business, and I don’t like my personal matters being interfered with,” the voice said, causing Ariana and Amber to turn. Chris was standing behind them, his gaze sharp and directed at Amber. “Whether it’s you or Adel, neither of you will be my choice for a wife.” Chris then grabbed Ariana’s arm and pulled her up. She stood up instantly, her knees aching from crouching for so long.

“Chris…” Ariana tried to restrain him. Chris’s words were unpleasant to hear, and Ariana was sure they would only make Amber more convinced that Chris had feelings for her.

“I need to talk to you,” he said. He then led Ariana out of the kitchen, pulling her towards the stairs, ignoring Adel who was staring at them in disbelief.

Ariana followed Chris wherever he took her. She was no longer worried about Gerald listening to their conversation because she knew he had removed the listening device he had installed. Chris entered the room first, then let Ariana in before locking the door behind them.

“What’s going on?” Ariana asked after Chris closed the door. He paced back and forth, running his fingers through his hair roughly. “You heard it yourself from Adel,” Chris replied curtly. “My dad has suddenly gone crazy. He wants to match me up with a girl like Adel. And the problem is, everyone knows Adel has always liked Daffin. What will people say if I accept this arranged marriage? I’d be stealing my own sister’s girl,” he asked harshly. Ariana could only stare at him, trying to hold back her laughter.

“Well, everyone also knows that Daffin doesn’t like Adel. Accepting this arranged marriage won’t make you and Daffin enemies,” Ariana commented.

Chris stopped in his tracks. He looked at Ariana with his sharp eyes. “Are you mocking me?” Chris asked again. Ariana, trying to contain her laughter, nodded immediately. “You’re really ruthless,” Chris replied. His face grimaced. He then sat down on one of the sofas farthest from Ariana.

“I’m not being ruthless, Chris. I’m just assuming, maybe this is the destiny that Allah has planned for you. If Adel is the right person for you, who knows, after you two get married, those feelings might naturally arise,” Ariana said.

Chris snorted. “Like you and Gerald now, is that what you mean?” he asked. “Why do you have to bring him into this?” This time Ariana stared back at Chris in irritation.

“That’s why, don’t bring destiny into this with me,” he said, frustrated.

“Fine, so what do you want now? Are you going to confess to your dad about your true situation? Are you going to let Daffin’s mom make fun of you?” Ariana asked sarcastically.

“It’s not like that,” Chris replied. He now rubbed his face in frustration. “You know the reasons why I’ve kept my distance from my family all this time. But why am I suddenly trapped in a situation I’ve been avoiding? Why is my dad doing all this to me?” he asked himself.

“Chris, I’ve always advised you to be honest with everyone. That’s better,” Ariana said gently.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Chris looked at Ariana with weariness. “That’s not an answer, Ariana. I’ve disappointed my dad enough all these years, hoping everything would be diverted by Daffin. Because, in any case, that’s what Daffin’s mom wants.”

“But your dad’s love for you and Daffin is the same. There’s no difference. He just wants what’s best for you. And I believe he’ll accept your condition with an open heart, although I’m sure he’ll be shocked at first. How long are you going to keep pretending to be a rebellious child? Running from one country to another in the name of seeking experiences. Even though I know, your heart is here, with your dad,” Ariana replied.

Chris fell silent. “Don’t tell me you intend to run away again, Chris. Enough is enough. It’s time for you to settle down. If you really can’t accept the marriage your dad arranged, find another solution. Introduce another woman to your dad. But not Amber,” Ariana warned. “I don’t want Amber to be disappointed.” Ariana finally added.

Chris stared at Ariana seriously. “In that case, I’ll help you divorce Gerald. Then, I’ll make you my wife,” Chris blurted out just like that. Ariana looked at him with wide-open eyes.

“Are you crazy?” Ariana asked, annoyed.

“Why? You said you wanted to leave Gerald, didn’t you? Well, I’ll help you. I have enough money to pay for a lawyer so you two can separate. Dad would be happy to see the woman I’m going to marry is you. After all, he has always liked you, hasn’t he?”

Ariana shook her head. “I don’t want to go crazy like you,” she replied again.

“Why? Don’t you want to go crazy like me, or maybe you don’t want to leave Gerald because you have feelings for him?” Chris challenged. Ariana fell silent. Chris laughed. “So, Gerald’s charm finally broke Ariana’s defenses too. So now, are you really his wife? Has he scored a goal with you?” Chris asked again.

Ariana threw a sofa cushion at him. Chris chuckled and easily caught the pillow.

“We’re talking about you, not my relationship with Gerald,” Ariana snapped.

“So, how is Gerald? How powerful is he? Can he make you gasp all night long? Can your knees go so weak that you can’t even walk?” he taunted again. “Chris!” Ariana exclaimed.

“I just want to hear the facts, Ariana. Many people have praised Gerald’s prowess in bed. I just want to make sure it’s not all talk,” Chris replied.

Ariana glared at Chris. “I don’t like discussing such things,” Ariana replied curtly.

“So that’s true. If he could make you sigh deliciously every night? What styles have you done? Missionary? Spooning? Dog style?”

Ariana looked for something to throw at Chris. “Stop mentioning porn scenes to me! Fucking Chris!” shouted Ariana with her eyes staring sharply at Chris. Instead of stopping, Chris continued to taunt her by making disgusting sounds that Ariana knew came from the videos the man always watched.

“Chris!” Ariana shouted in annoyance. The man even laughed loudly.

“I want to go.” The man said with a serious face while wiping tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes. Ariana frowned.