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127. Time Bomb
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The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 128. Scared
Ariana, "Ariana, I'm serious!" Ariana chuckled. "I can only rely on his feelings, Amber. All I've asked from him is trust. If he doesn't trust me anymore..." "Ariana, for God's sake!" Amber looked at her cousin in frustration. "Trust is built, not something you can just ask or give. Do you think trust is like candy?" Amber retorted angrily. "Besides, your marriage is still in its infancy. Even couples who have been dating for a long time still often doubt each other. They don't trust each other completely. And after they get married, they're still surprised to find out that 'he' is not what 'he' showed all this time. They're not as beautiful, handsome, romantic, and not even as put-together as they appeared to be. They're still surprised by the habits... you know what I mean," Amber replied, irritated. "And compare all of that to your relationship!" she ordered. "You never knew who Gerald Zeroun was before. Just like he didn't know who you were. Your relationship, I mean, your mar
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 129. Jody and Amber
"Are you going to the restaurant?" Amber asked again. Ariana shook her head. "Why should I go there when I have you and Jody?" she replied sharply. Amber chuckled. "Alright, alright, Boss. In that case, I'll leave now," she said. Ariana just nodded. "Don't forget to have breakfast," she ordered. And once again, Ariana just nodded. After Amber closed the door, Ariana curled up again under her warm blanket in her dark room. Amber left the apartment after making sure everything was in order. Although she couldn't bear to leave Ariana alone, she knew that her friend hated being pitied. And if Ariana chose not to go to the restaurant—the place that had been a source of her problems for so long—it meant that what Ariana was going through was heavier than it seemed. Yes, years of knowing Ariana had given her some understanding of her friend's character. The atmosphere in the restaurant seemed normal as Amber entered. Jody, Dara, and several other friends were already getting ready for the
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 130. Can't Choice
Ariana sat on the bed, holding her head in her hands. The throbbing in her head had been there for the past few days, even before she found out about her pregnancy. Initially, she thought it was just a regular headache. But eventually, she understood the reason behind it, as it always came at the same time every day. More than that, the pain in her head was always accompanied by nausea, causing her to vomit whatever food she put into her mouth. Just like what had happened a moment ago, even though she had just had breakfast. Not really breakfast, but more like a late morning meal since it was already past ten-fifteen. Despite the bitter taste in her mouth, she forced herself to swallow something for the sake of the baby growing inside her. Ariana went back to the kitchen, searching for fruits she could eat. She needed to replace what she had just thrown up with fresh food. She smiled when she saw a dragon fruit placed on a bowl on the kitchen table. Hopefully, its sweetness could re
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 131. Not Good
A week had passed since Ariana left Zeroun's residence. But if Gerald noticed, the atmosphere at his home seemed normal. Even Axel, who used to sulk when going to school, now appeared just like before. It was as if things had returned to the way they were before Ariana entered their lives. The only one who felt Ariana's absence was Gerald. Yes. Every night, without realizing it, Gerald would wake up with his hand reaching out to Ariana's empty side of the bed. Then he would stay awake until the early hours of the morning, missing the woman who had been accompanying his sleep and patiently listening to his meaningless chatter. Ariana. Why was she doing all this? How could she be so heartless to her own child? How could she be so cruel to Gerald? Didn't she have any feelings for him? Gerald was convinced that Ariana had started to open up to him. If Ariana didn't have feelings for him, she wouldn't have agreed to be with him. She wouldn't have prepared his favorite meals, listened to
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 132. Let's Just Go Ourselves
"Ariana!" that morning was greeted by Amber's loud shout echoing through the empty apartment room. Amber half ran, approaching the bed where Ariana was curled up like a fetus, her body trembling violently. "Ariana?" she called again on the bedside. Her faint voice couldn't hide her panic. Amber knew what was happening; this was not unfamiliar to her, although it rarely occurred. Ariana slowly opened her eyes, gazing at her friend and then smiled gently. "Calm down," she whispered softly, clearly in pain. Amber gently wiped Ariana's forehead. Cold sweat flooded her friend's forehead. "Where is the medicine?" she asked in a whisper. Her eyes searched the room corners. Instead of answering, Ariana shook her head. "Ariana, it's not the time to be stubborn!" Amber said in frustration. "I'm... fine..." Ariana replied, gasping for breath. Nevertheless, her hands clutched the blanket tightly, her fingertips turning white. "We're going to the hospital now!" Amber said firmly. She moved awa
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 133. Grandma
"Pull over, Amber..." Ariana whispered softly. But it seemed Amber didn't hear her. Eventually, Jody had to tap her shoulder and command her to pull over. Without many words, Amber immediately steered and parked the car on the roadside as fast as she could. "What time..." Ariana glanced at Jody, who was still watching her silently. Jody reached for his phone in his pants pocket. "A little past eight," he replied softly. Ariana nodded, choosing to close her eyes and lean her head back against the car seat. Besides the noise of passing vehicles outside, all they could hear inside the car was Ariana's heavy breathing. Both Amber and Jody could only gaze at Ariana in silence. "Ariana..." Amber released her seatbelt and turned around to face Ariana, looking at her with concern. "When was the last time this happened?" she asked, curious. Ariana opened her eyes. Her gaze seemed distant, but then she lifted her head and looked at Amber, then smiled. "This is the first time it's happened
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 134. That, Was The Beginning
Gerald glanced at his watch once again, for what felt like the hundredth time. He looked at Vivan, who stood motionless nearby. "Are you sure you informed her about this?" he asked, probably for the hundredth time too. "I have given her the information, sir. And she confirmed that she would come," Vivan replied firmly. Of course, she would come, Gerald thought. She must be eager to hear the news that the Social Services Department was coming for the adoption process. But the question now was, where was she? Why hadn't she shown up yet? Gerald sat back in his chair in his office. More than a week had passed. Deep down, he missed Ariana's presence. Every night and morning, he felt a void when he realized her side of the bed was empty. He missed her smile, her cooking, her warmth wrapped in her cold demeanor. But this time, Gerald resisted the urge to approach his wife. He didn't want to be the one always pleading. He refused to be the person begging for love from the woman he truly l
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 135. Question
"What makes you rush?" Mrs. Sri asked again. "Just so I can feel at ease," Ariana replied honestly. Mrs. Sri looked at her again with a scrutinizing gaze. "Your marriage is still in its early days. From what I know, marriage isn't easy, especially for those who are arranged like you and Mr. Gerald. Don't you need more time to get to know each other?" She asked again. Ariana just smiled. "In the end, I realized that we will never fully know someone who is close to us 100%. Throughout the marriage, we will always adapt to each other. And waiting for us to be perfectly matched might take a long time. Meanwhile, I can't wait. Axel will slowly grow up, and when his mind starts to comprehend the situation, he will question his status. And I don't want to give him ambiguous answers." Mrs. Sri nodded her head. "But you know that Axel also has family on his mother's side?" Ariana nodded. "That means you also know that it's not just your and Mr. Gerald's obligation to take care of Axel?" Ari
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The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 163. Ending
Two days later, after receiving proper treatment, Ariana's condition was declared stable enough to be transferred from the ICCU to a regular hospital room. To her surprise, while she had been alone with Gerald during her stay, she now received visits from several people. Mrs. Rosaline, whom Gerald hadn't allowed to meet Ariana before, was now revealed as Axel's caregiver during her hospitalization. Amber, who had faithfully accompanied her from the beginning, came with Adel. Jody came with her mother and her sister. Ariana's father also came with her stepmother. Only her mother and her twin sister didn't show up, and honestly, Ariana didn't mind. She had long considered the two of them absent from her life, although deep down, she still recognized them as family. After all, blood ties could never truly disappear. They had decided to name the beautiful baby girl in Ariana's arms Clemira Haniyah Aarzu Zeroun, which meant a brilliant, gentle, and joyful daughter. The baby Gerald descri
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 162. Caesar (2)
"They were spending the evening snacking on treats Amber had sent from the restaurant. Amber, their friend and cousin, had deliberately visited, claiming to miss them. However, it seemed that missing them wasn't the real reason Amber had come, because tens of minutes later, Ariana felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen, making it difficult for her to breathe right then and there. Amber quickly reached out to Ariana, calling Gerald, who was in his room at the time, busy with a conference call with his colleagues. Hurriedly, Gerald approached Ariana, whom Amber had purposely seated on the sofa, propped up with pillows behind her back. "How... how can this be?" Ariana asked amid her pain. She looked at Amber with concern, then gripped her friend's arm tightly as the pain resurfaced. Amber glanced at Ariana's legs, now covered in pinkish fluid. "You're going into labor," Amber replied, her face pale. She knelt down, holding Ariana's hand and squeezing it gently. Gerald, who had just co
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 161. Caesar
Ariana's pregnancy was progressing, her belly growing larger. Time seemed to pass incredibly fast as she savored these moments. She enjoyed the times when Gerald pampered her. Although they often disagreed when Gerald refused to fulfill Ariana's wishes, and vice versa, they always found a middle ground in the end. Axel also turned out to be a good child. He seemed content with his daily routine, alternating between school and their apartment. He wasn't fussy and didn't ask for his grandmother or his nanny. Ariana, Gerald, and the unborn baby seemed to be enough for him. During holidays, they spent time together. Gerald didn't dare take Ariana on exhausting trips. Instead, they mostly enjoyed watching movies, having meals together, or reading. If Axel wanted to go to the playground or swim in a public pool, his caregiver was always with him while Gerald and Ariana chose to stay back and enjoy their time in their own way. Gerald also regularly accompanied Ariana to her medical check-
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 160. Chaotic
The fact that Ariana is pregnant is no longer a secret. The news has reached her father and Mother. It also reached her mother and siblings. Especially Shelma. The woman looked furious when she heard that Ariana had dropped her divorce case and returned to Gerald. She intended to confront Ariana at Zeroun's residence. However, when she arrived there, she didn't see Ariana, Gerald, or Axel. When she asked Isidora, the woman replied that Gerald had taken his 'family' and left Zeroun's residence. Including his grandchild. Shelma went hysterical. Her dream of being with Gerald seemed shattered again because of Ariana. Meanwhile, Mrs. Caitlyn openly came to Zeroun's residence to ask for more financial help her husband needed. Of course, in the form of funds that would revive her husband's business. But again, she was disappointed because the person she was looking for was not there. Unintentionally, Mrs. Caitlyn, Karenina, and Shelma went to Zeroun's company to find Gerald. Once again,
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 159. Gina and Max
They had just arrived at the restaurant when Gerald's phone suddenly rang. Gerald glanced at the flat object and saw his friend's name displayed there. "Hello?" "How are you?" the man on the other side asked, clearly curious. "Estoy bien," Gerald replied, making Ariana furrow her brows. "He's my friend from Spain," he whispered to his wife. Ariana just nodded and continued walking inside the restaurant. "Have you returned to Spain?" Gerald inquired. "Not yet. We are still in Indonesia. Gina keeps urging me to remind you of your promise," the man answered. "She still wants to meet you and your wife. It's as if she hasn't met you yet." Maximilan said with a chuckle. "Meet? Who? Gina and Ariana?" Gerald asked, confused. "Who else do you think?" Max snorted rudely. "You know, her spy instincts kicked in at that moment. She deliberately made me go to your wife's restaurant, and suddenly she pretended to be sick, forcing us to borrow your wife's private room then." He explained with a
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 158. Prisoner
In the evening, Axel came to the penthouse with his nanny and also his personal driver. The couple, Gerald and Ariana, declared that they would stay in the penthouse and would not return to Zeroun's residence until Gerald allowed it. Gerald also hired the services of two completely new house assistants, not people he took from Zeroun's residence. Ariana was initially confused why there was no Vivan or Yosef or other house assistants who had previously worked at Zeroun's residence. However, she didn't dare to ask her husband. Ariana spent her time with Axel. The boy repeatedly asked Ariana if she would leave him again or not, or if Ariana would stay in the apartment and leave him with Gerald or not. Ariana promised Axel while looking at her husband that she would not leave the two of them no matter what happened. It took quite a long time to make Axel believe. The boy's questions had to stop when he fell asleep, of course, with Ariana by his side. Because once again, Axel was afraid A
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 157. I Promise
Ariana hung her head in defeat as she listened to the man's account. Both of them were wrong. Both she and the man were equally wrong. They had been overthinking without allowing fate to answer their questions. Because, in reality, no one knew what would happen afterward. Ariana feared the possibility of making Gerald sad if she didn't survive when their baby was born. Yet, she believed that Gerald would love the baby because it was his flesh and blood. Meanwhile, Gerald feared losing the woman he loved so much, so he chose to erase something that hadn't even happened yet. "I'm sorry," the words finally came out simultaneously from both their mouths. Ariana gazed at Gerald, and he did the same. Gerald moved closer and held his wife's hands in his own. "I know I was wrong. I was too selfish. I love you too much, so I'm afraid of losing you," he said softly. Ariana looked at her hands within his grasp. "I am also at fault. I have been too afraid of myself. I truly feared hearing wh
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 156. Arrogant Doctor
Gerald chuckled. "We don't know what Axel will be like in the future. He might follow in his father's footsteps. Besides, no one knows how smart he'll be. We need a backup to ensure the Zeroun family survives," the woman replied flatly. Gerald's chuckle turned into a booming laughter that sounded more like mockery than genuine happiness. "So, it's fine for me to lose the woman I love as long as Grandma can secure an heir for this rotten family?" he sneered. "Don't push it, Gerald!" his grandmother snapped, her voice barely contained. The woman clearly stood stiffly before him. Perhaps it was because of Gerald's loud voice, or maybe one of the servants had awakened her. Because now, behind his grandmother, stood another woman who was the second mistress in the Zeroun household. "What's going on here?" Mrs. Isidora asked Gerald with a puzzled look. However, her question was ignored by Gerald and the three others present in the room. "Isn't it enough for all my sacrifices all this
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 155. Child
"I won't ask if I already know. I'm not someone who pretends to be foolish," Gerald snapped. "Yes, but it seems like you enjoy pretending to be drunk in front of a woman with a heart condition. Why? To make her anxious and die in front of you?" "He-heart condition?" Gerald stuttered momentarily. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, confused. "Yes. Your wife has a congenital heart disease. She suffers from atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats faster and irregularly," the young doctor explained. "Ho-how is that possible?" Gerald asked, bewildered. "From the patient's history, this happens due to genetic factors," the doctor said again. "History?" Gerald mentioned one word that seemed ambiguous to him. "Yes, Sir. History. Because this is not the first time she has been admitted to this hospital in the same condition," the doctor continued. "The previous patient experienced dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain that made her faint. Fortunately, the patien
