(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Ariana chose to sit on the balcony of Gerald’s room, because up until now, she still considered the room not to be hers. The balcony wasn’t as spacious as the one in Gerald’s private home that Ariana had visited before. Still, it was enough to accommodate two cushioned rattan chairs and a round table large enough for tea and snacks. She looked at the view in front of her: densely populated houses that weren’t exactly a beautiful sight to behold.

She fell silent, contemplating this marriage. Could all of this be a test for her marriage with Gerald? A strengthening of their spiritual bond? Was God testing Ariana by showing her the women from Gerald’s past, even though she didn’t want to know? Perhaps God wanted to make Ariana realize that she was disturbed by their presence. And, in fact, this was also a test for Gerald. Maybe God was testing his loyalty. Would Gerald remain steadfast with Ariana despite the arrival of those women, or would he be tempted and turn away?

These were the thoughts swirling in Ariana’s mind. She tried to stay positive, although many demonic whispers were also creeping in, whispering negative thoughts into her head.

Ariana remained silent. In her quietness, much like in every prayer she uttered after her prayers, she always asked for the best for herself. She hoped that all of this would receive the answer it deserved. That indeed, Gerald was the husband destined for her, her first and last husband.

Although Ariana never spoke to anyone about her true feelings, she knew that her God knew what she was feeling right now. That she was starting to be attracted to her husband. Yet, fear in her subconscious mind commanded Ariana not to give her heart and body entirely to Gerald. Because, honestly, Ariana was afraid. What if karma struck? Her mother had once left her father. Then what if Gerald did the same, even if for different reasons?

Elsewhere.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Gerald felt utterly exhausted. His meeting, which had just ended, had secured a substantial tender, yet for some reason, it didn’t satisfy him.

It wasn’t just his mind that was strained; his body felt incredibly tired too. Usually, after work, Gerald would go to the restaurant just to see Ariana smiling and greeting her customers. A smile that she rarely gave to just anyone in their daily lives. And that smile would dispel his fatigue. Even though afterward, they would return home close to midnight, Gerald never felt as tired, because he knew his exhaustion was repaid with Ariana’s sweet gestures.

But today? Gerald felt like his work had no end. Even he, who usually had good self-control, spent the entire day being irritable. He couldn’t accept any mistakes, no matter how small. He snapped at the finance department just because of a tiny stain on the attachment. He even made Vivan the target of his frustration because the man had answered a client’s call in front of him. Gerald was truly in chaos.

It was all because of Ariana. Because the girl was angry and gone. And Ariana still couldn’t be reached; her calls were still being rejected. Why did Ariana have to block his number? Gerald just wanted to know where she was. He reminded himself to connect his phone to Ariana’s later so he could track her when she disappeared again.

Gerald ran his hand through his hair. His tie wasn’t perfectly in place anymore. His suit was even wrinkled as he had taken it off since earlier. His shirt sleeves were no longer neatly folded. Gerald leaned back in his chair, opened the car window, letting in the cold night air. His right hand massaged his temples.

Ariana… where is she? he wondered in his heart. Should Gerald hire someone again to find out where the girl was? No, Gerald shook his head. He should be able to control himself. Make the girl realize how little he actually cared, contrary to her assumptions. Gerald even suspected Ariana was doing all this deliberately. Making Gerald more captivated by her charm. What was she doing to him? In his mind? In his heart? Especially in his body. Just thinking about her, Gerald could feel himself getting aroused.

The car had entered the driveway. Yosef opened the door for him and greeted him. Gerald only responded lazily to his greetings, not bothering to glance at the middle-aged man who had worked in his family for a long time.

He walked wearily to Axel’s room. Just to see if his son was already asleep or not. Sometimes Axel woke up at night and quietly turned on the television. Gerald was relieved to see the boy sleeping soundly under his favorite red car-themed blanket. Gerald approached and kissed his forehead briefly before leaving his son’s room.

Gerald went up to his room. His forehead creased slightly when he saw the lights on in his room. Usually, if he hadn’t returned yet, the room would be pitch dark. He felt his room was cold and empty. He glanced at the side of the bed that Ariana usually used and sighed deeply. Once again, he was thinking about her. Gerald ran his hand through his hair as he walked towards the bathroom, intending to clean himself up.

Ariana heard the sound of the bedroom door opening. She turned and saw Gerald walking in, looking tired, with his clothes and hair in disarray. He probably didn’t notice Ariana’s presence because she was sitting in a chair blocked by the curtains. But Ariana could see him clearly. Unconsciously, she smiled.

Confident that Gerald would enter the bathroom after tossing his dirty suit carelessly, Ariana walked inside the room, trying not to make any noise. She then hurried into the walk-in closet. A crazy idea crossed her mind. Time for revenge, she thought.

Quickly, she opened the wardrobe, searching for what she needed, just in case Gerald came out of the bathroom quickly. She then changed her clothes at lightning speed, even though she knew Gerald usually spent a long time in the bathroom.

Ariana opened the walk-in closet door, now in her changed clothes. She glanced at the closed bathroom door and sighed deeply. Then she walked to the sofa, sat down there, trying to find the most comfortable position, and turned on the television with the volume low.

She could hear the bathroom door open, accompanied by Gerald’s footsteps, which Ariana was sure went straight to the walk-in closet without glancing her way. Whatever the man was doing in there took quite a while, and it made Ariana impatient waiting. But a few minutes later, Ariana heard the sound of slippers being dragged, then stopping. Ariana pretended as if she didn’t notice him.

“A-Ariana?” His voice sounded slightly stuttered, calling her.

Ariana turned with a dramatic movement, looking at her husband, who now appeared much fresher than before. His wrinkled shirt was replaced by a short-sleeved white T-shirt, and his pants were now silk navy pajamas. He looked so handsome and tempting. Ariana wanted to avert her gaze, but she remembered her intention for revenge.

Arrogantly, Ariana raised her chin, looking at her husband. “Calling me, Ge?” Ariana asked mockingly.