(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“In the beginning, everything felt awkward. Imagine, even though Gerald was her husband, this was the first time he had gathered with the employees. However, it turned out to be true, just as the man had said before, that he was someone who could easily socialize. And indeed, within a few minutes, he and some of Ariana’s employees, especially the men, could talk easily. Whether it was discussing light topics like sports or hobbies, or even conversations about their political views and family matters that Ariana never knew they had.

It was almost midnight when they arrived at Zeroun’s residence. Usually, Yosef would be waiting for them. This time, Ariana did not find the elderly man. Could Yosef be sick? Or did Gerald ask the man not to wait for him?

Ariana immediately went upstairs, cleaned herself, and changed her clothes. After that, they both lay down on the large, comfortable bed. And once again, Ariana proved Gerald’s words true. He never slept without embracing her body.

They were lying side by side. Ariana was used to lying on her right side, and Gerald always slept facing her, using his arm as a pillow for Ariana and his other hand always hugging her waist. Uncomfortable? Of course. It felt uncomfortable at first. Ariana even protested because his actions felt like chains, making it hard for her to move. However, over time, she got used to it. And she even felt a void if Gerald wasn’t there.

Usually, before they slept, they would talk for a while. Whatever the topic was, whether it was office incidents, restaurant experiences, or other matters, from the trivial to the serious. And often, they would spend time ‘making out,’ something Ariana had come to enjoy recently.

It’s not that Ariana didn’t want to surrender herself completely to Gerald. She had even considered it a few days ago. But honestly, Ariana was still afraid. Her mind was filled with negative thoughts that all of this wasn’t real. That after this, everything wouldn’t be okay. And Ariana was afraid that after giving everything to Gerald, he would end up leaving her.

She knew her thoughts were wrong. She knew she shouldn’t think like that about Gerald. She knew that sometimes her mind would become a boomerang for herself. But still, Ariana couldn’t shake it all off her mind.

Moreover, Karenina still haunted their relationship. Her twin sister still haunted Ariana with their past. Even though there was really no romance to be jealous of. But she took her sister as an example, who was later ignored by Gerald because he no longer needed her, and Ariana was afraid the same would happen to her. If someday the decision to adopt Axel was accepted, then Ariana would no longer be needed by him.”

“And again, there was the woman Karenina mentioned earlier. Even though her sister didn’t say who the woman was, Gerald admitted that they had met. And Ariana became doubtful again. What if his meeting with his first love truly sparked new feelings? Especially since they had separated under forced circumstances.

That’s why Ariana still tried to restrain herself from giving herself completely to Gerald. She didn’t want to be consumed by desire and regret it in the end.

Ariana fell asleep with all these thoughts swirling in her head. Until early morning, when she woke Gerald up for their new routine.

Now, Ariana no longer accompanied Jody shopping. She had assigned that task to her other staff with whom Jody felt comfortable working. Now, Ariana chose to play the role of a good wife and mother. Although she didn’t fully assist Axel, at least Ariana could still manage to make breakfast for her new family.

After preparing breakfast, they would talk until Gerald left, and afterward, Ariana would leave in another car to take Axel to his school before his car took her to the restaurant.

That afternoon, Ariana suddenly wanted to have lunch with Gerald. Without informing Gerald or Vivan, Ariana chose to take a taxi to his office. It was the first time Ariana had done this, and honestly, she felt amazed by herself.

The building Gerald referred to as his own turned out to have twenty-five floors. Although not all floors were used by Gerald, Ariana noticed from the plaque on one of the walls indicating the company’s name and which floors they occupied. Zeroun Corp occupied floors 21-24. So who occupied the 25th floor? Ariana speculated that it could be the rooftop.

She walked towards the receptionist, requesting a visitor card. However, the receptionist turned to Ariana with an unfriendly look. The young and pretty receptionist, whom Ariana guessed was not much younger than her, asked back, her tone flat but with a hint of condescension, ‘Do you have an appointment?'”

Ariana observed herself through the glass entrance door of the building. Was her appearance considered inappropriate? Ariana furrowed her brow. She was wearing her usual attire: jeans, a shirt with a tank top underneath, and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Even the sneakers she had on were clean. What was wrong with her appearance to make the receptionist behave so condescendingly?

Ariana continued to furrow her brow, about to speak, when the receptionist smiled warmly at a newly arrived female visitor. Okay, the woman did look very different from Ariana. Ariana noticed the woman was wearing a classy dress that seemed expensive. Ariana didn’t understand fashion and didn’t know the names of designers who made expensive clothes. But Ariana could be sure that the woman was wearing a creation from a well-known designer. Ariana was convinced that even her stilettos had six figures behind them, not to mention her handbag.

The woman’s face was beautiful, exceptionally beautiful. Supported by a proportional body shape that many women coveted. Full breasts and a curvy backside. Even her hands looked so fair. Carrying an expensive bag that could probably cost as much as a car. Ariana could only guess.Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Ariana hesitated. No wonder the receptionist was being so friendly. Perhaps the woman was one of the tenants of this building. “So beautiful, I thought we would hear wedding bells soon,” the receptionist murmured to her colleague who had just stood up.

Ariana glanced back at them, still observing the woman.

“But I heard the boss is already married. Can’t believe he would marry again,” the second receptionist replied. This second girl looked at Ariana and smiled kindly at her. Ariana smiled back involuntarily.

“That might just be a rumor. Even if the boss is married, why have we never seen his wife until now? Why am I so curious, how is the boss’s wife like? But you agree, right? They seem perfect for each other?” the first receptionist asked. The second receptionist just shrugged. “Let’s wait and see. They’ll come down and have lunch together in less than five minutes,” the first receptionist continued, then her attention returned to Ariana. “Are you still here, miss?” she asked again.

Ariana raised the corner of her mouth. “Could you please contact Vivan for me?” she asked with a slightly arrogant tone that she didn’t really want to show.