(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Panic. Gerald left the room, intending to find Ariana’s whereabouts. However, at the same time, he saw Yosef climbing the stairs. “Mrs. Ariana is already downstairs, sir,” the old man said. Gerald immediately stopped in his tracks. He felt a sense of relief instantly. He had been afraid Ariana might pull her silent act again and leave the house abruptly, just like she did some time ago.

Gerald nodded and walked back to his room, asking Yosef to follow him. “What happened yesterday when I didn’t come home? I didn’t get any report from you,” Gerald asked.

The old man remained silent, his usual expression unchanged. “Your mother-in-law came again yesterday. But not for long. Other than that, there’s nothing else, sir.”

“I heard Mommy telling all the staff that Axel’s mother is not Ariana,” Gerald inquired. Yosef nodded. “You don’t need to worry about it. I’ve asked all our staff to keep their mouths shut,” he replied.

“I don’t want any more rumors about that woman. Especially not reaching Ariana directly,” he ordered. Yosef nodded again. Gerald asked him to leave his room while he prepared to go to the office.

Gerald finished dressing in nearly fifteen minutes. He came downstairs wearing his usual work suit. Ariana, her mother, grandmother, and Axel were already seated at the dining table, waiting for his arrival. Gerald sat down immediately next to Ariana, the only chair intentionally left empty.

Ariana was feeding Axel as he demanded, suddenly behaving spoiled. Hot black coffee was served in front of him by Yosef. While sipping his coffee, he continued to observe Ariana, who seemed to be having her breakfast half-heartedly. No one spoke except Axel, who cheerfully talked about his experiences at school for the past few days when Ariana was absent. Fortunately, although she seemed moody, Ariana always responded to the boy, making him more enthusiastic about his storytelling.

They finished breakfast. As requested by Axel earlier, Ariana agreed to accompany him to school. Gerald was supposed to leave for his office first, followed by Axel. But because Gerald was concerned about Ariana, he postponed his departure and deliberately waited for Axel’s school time. Axel eagerly kissed his grandma’s and great-grandma’s hands before happily walking toward his specially designated car. His nanny and driver were already waiting in front of the car, ready to take them.

Gerald ignored Vivan and got into the car that would take Axel to school. During the journey, it was again only Axel who chatted happily. They covered the fifteen-minute journey until they finally arrived at Axel’s school.

Ariana got out of the car with Axel as he prepared to enter the school grounds. The boy hadn’t lied when he said his friends were usually escorted by their mothers. Because when Gerald also got out, those women turned to look at him. Amazement? Admiration? Clearly, their gaze was directed at him. Gerald couldn’t deny that he could capture the attention of so many women. Not just because of his handsome face but also because of his physique, which was equally appealing. That’s what usually triggered women’s hormones.

“Axel, go to school now, Mommy,” the boy said cheerfully. Ariana just smiled. When the boy pulled her dress so she could kneel down, allowing the little boy to kiss her cheek, Ariana gently stroked his head and returned the kisses on his forehead and both cheeks, making Axel giggle and Gerald jealous.

Axel then kissed the back of Gerald’s hand before leading his nanny’s hand to enter his classroom.

Ariana had glanced around. Perhaps she intended to take public transportation after dropping Axel off. But Gerald didn’t allow it. As soon as Axel disappeared from view, he grabbed her arm and led her toward the car where Vivan was waiting. “We need to talk,” Gerald said softly.

Ariana didn’t resist. She just followed Gerald without saying much. She got into the car and behaved very obediently. Something Gerald should have liked but apparently didn’t. The phrase ‘still waters run deep’ now filled his mind. Ariana’s silence actually made him more anxious, fearing that she might be planning something he wouldn’t like.

The car moved in silence for some time. Ariana broke the silence by asking, “Where’s my phone?” Gerald remembered he still had her phone, which was currently in his pocket, but he replied, “I left it at home.” This made Ariana furrow her brow, but she didn’t say anything more. “What happened?” Gerald asked curiously.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“What do you mean?” Ariana countered.

“I was only gone for a moment, but your attitude changed completely when I came back,” Ariana said, shrugging her shoulders. She chose to lean her body against the back of the seat and her forehead against the window. Was she getting a headache again? The question lingered in Gerald’s mind.

“Ariana,” Gerald said softly.

“Nothing happened. How am I supposed to behave?” Ariana asked coldly. “Should I act flirtatious? Or should I act like a woman madly in love with her husband? I don’t need to do that, right? Besides, everyone in that house knows who I am and what my position is. I just need to act like a good wife and mother when the officials from the department come, right?” Ariana asked icily. “I hope you’re not getting lost in irrelevant emotions, Mr. Aarzu. I’m just reminding you that sooner or later, the owner of this place will return. And at that moment, your true position as his wife will be filled,” she continued. Gerald tensed. He knew this conversation would repeat itself, but for some reason, every time it did, he felt uncomfortable.

The car had arrived in front of the restaurant. Ariana was about to get out of the car, but Gerald stopped her. He asked Vivan and the driver to get out of the car and lock it from the inside. The driver complied and then locked the car doors from the outside.

Ariana looked at Gerald sharply. “What is this?” she asked, displeased.

“I know what Axel told you. And I know you don’t like it. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be true. I’ve told you that the woman I married is you, not your younger sister,” Gerald said. Ariana just stared at him with a cold gaze. “Stop thinking you’re just a replacement wife. Can’t you open your mind and start this with a fresh perspective? I’ve told you countless times that I won’t divorce you because I want a lifelong marriage. Which part of all that do you not understand?” Gerald asked desperately. Ariana remained silent.

“Ariana, I know you need me just like I need you. We can be compatible in every way if you’re willing to open up to me. Don’t dwell on the thought that when your sister returns, I’ll push you aside. Because it won’t happen,” Gerald replied.

Suddenly, a smirk appeared on Ariana’s face. Not a happy smile, not a sincere smile. It was a mocking smile. “Is that so?” she challenged. Gerald furrowed his brow. “Well then, how are you going to face it now?” she tilted her head towards a car parked in front of Gerald’s car. The luxurious red car he had seen the night before now revealed its owner.

Gerald turned to look, and at that moment, the woman emerged from the car and walked towards their vehicle. “Karenina?” the man said, clearly surprised by her presence.