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146. Old Plan
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The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 147. Keep Persuading
"You might not remember how your mother was, but looking at Ariana, Grandma feels as if she's seeing your mother still here. A woman I admire so much," tears rolled down the woman's cheeks again. "That's when Grandma decided to find out who Ariana is. A woman who has Karenina's physical appearance but your mother's soul." "I did too," Gerald whispered, although he himself was still confused about where his grandmother's conversation was heading. Mrs. Rosaline shook her head. "But you didn't get all the information about her," Mrs. Rosaline said again. Gerald furrowed his brow again. "In fact, there are things you don't know about her, and I can't tell you this. Honestly, Grandma feels guilty, towards the three of you. You, Ariana, and also Axel. When Grandma wanted to keep her because she missed your mother, Grandma didn't know you would fall in love with her like this, Al," she continued, her voice full of apologies. "I thought our plan would go as we planned. You would marry Arian
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 148. Maximillian
Ariana suddenly straightened her shoulders. The woman turned, her smile still on her face. Her left hand reached out as if to welcome Gerald. "Good morning," she greeted so softly. Gerald took her hand, and Ariana's hand moved to wrap around his waist. Her crimson lips gently met his, igniting an instant passion in Gerald. He didn't want to let go of the kiss his wife had given him; he responded by embracing her waist and wanting to kiss her even deeper. However, Ariana placed her hands on Gerald's chest and pushed him gently. "Embarrassed in front of the children," she whispered. Gerald furrowed his brow. Children? he wondered silently. He followed where Ariana looked. There, he saw a little Ariana, laughing, taking hesitant steps, chasing Axel, who was still trying to tease her by moving back and forth in front of the beautiful toddler. Gerald widened his eyes for a moment. But the light was gone. All that remained was darkness. He woke up in his bed at Zeroun's residence. His bre
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 149. I'm In Love Like Crazy
"How about her?" Gerald asked, curious. He genuinely wanted to know because in the past, Max seemed to despise Gina. The innocent Japanese girl who preferred books over Max himself. The love story between the two had originated from a challenge made by Max and Gerald's friends during their college days. Whatever happened, one day Max admitted that he lost a bet. Since then, they never discussed Gina again. Even when Gerald returned to Indonesia and Max decided to go back to Spain, that topic never surfaced again. Until a few years later, he heard Max was getting married, to Gina, the woman who had once been the subject of their bet. "It's a long story," Max replied when Gerald asked how they ended up marrying each other. And now, ironically, Max was head over heels for his wife, bowing down to her. "And my wife, she's fine. Honestly, we are happy." He said happily, without any intention of mocking Gerald, who seemed visibly annoyed. "I brought her here and told her that I would intr
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 150. Gina Nakagawa Cariann
"I'm crazy," Max said, shaking his head. Gerald winced upon hearing it. "I thought before, when you said he was the twin brother of your runaway fiancée, he did it—at least under pressure, but it was his parents' pressure. I didn't think you'd stoop so low, G." "You don't know the whole story," Gerald replied. "I didn't even know she existed before that day if she hadn't come to the Brooks residence." And so Gerald spilled the entire story: his desire for her at first sight, his passion when he saw her anger, how he incited Brooks to exploit her weakness, which turned out to be her own father. He also told Max how they officially became husband and wife in bed, about Gerald learning about Ariana's past, and Ariana discovering his. His dreams, aspirations, everything he had never revealed to any woman before. "You've truly become a love slave," Max interjected during his story. "Now she's handing me a nuclear bomb. She openly stated that she doesn't want a child in her body because
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 151. Fit To Be a Mother
"Kenzo, the handsome baby," praised Ariana again. The woman smiled, whispering her thanks. "I'm Ariana," she introduced herself. "Are you the owner of this restaurant?" Gina asked again, curious. Ariana nodded. "I thought the owner would be a woman in her forties or older. But it turns out you're still very young," she said, impressed. Ariana just smiled in response. Another knock sounded, and Ariana asked the person outside to come in. A tall, handsome man with dark brown hair and thick eyebrows looked inside with confusion. "Darling, I'm here," Gina said instantly and approached the door. The man handed a bag to Gina but his eyes kept wandering back to Ariana with a perplexed look. "Can my husband come in?" the woman asked Ariana for permission. Ariana nodded, and the man then stepped inside Ariana's room. "This is my husband, Maximilian Cariann," Gina introduced warmly. Ariana smiled again, extending her hand politely. "Ariana Leonidas," she said, stating her full name. "I thou
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 152. Defect
Ariana shook her head. "I got married a few months ago," she admitted. Gina's forehead wrinkled again. The woman looked at Ariana in disbelief. "So, you married a widower with a child?" she asked, curious. Ariana raised the corner of her mouth. "That's right," she said softly. "Do you really love him so much to marry him?" Gina inquired. Ariana responded with a smile once again. "As far as I know, marrying a widower, especially one with a child, is not easy. This is Indonesia, not a Western country that easily accepts the status of a man or a woman. What I know about this country is the social perception of those who are widowed or widowers, virgins or not. Am I wrong?" the woman asked hesitantly. Ariana smiled again. "No, you're not wrong. Some people—some communities do indeed make a big deal out of such things. But others—those with open minds, don't see it as a problem," she replied. "And to answer your first question, yes, I love them very much. My husband and my child. I lov
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 153. Why Him
"Enjoy your dinner," he said again. Gina nodded, kissing Ariana's cheeks before walking towards the exit, accompanied by her husband who held her back protectively. "If only I were normal too, Gerald and I would look as happy as that couple," Ariana thought to herself. She returned to her seat by the window, gazing at the view below. Soon, she saw the couple returning to their seats, placing the baby back in the stroller adorned with special toys. How beautiful, she murmured to herself. Reluctant to witness the intimacy that made her jealous, Ariana chose to leave the restaurant. The silence of her apartment could be her solace, though it didn't diminish her longing for Axel and Gerald. What was her husband doing right now? Did he miss her too? One thing Ariana was certain of, he must hate her deeply at this moment. A knock on the door woke Ariana from her sleep. She glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it was two in the morning. Who could it be? If it was Amber, her cousin wou
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 154. I'm Not Drunk
Ariana swallowed hard in distress. Why did Gerald have to promise her all those beautiful things? Why did he have to offer something irresistible to women? Why was he so in love with her? Why didn't Gerald want to lose her? These questions flooded her mind, creating a strong pulse there. "Please," the man pleaded. His hands reached for Ariana's arms and squeezed them gently. Then, he lifted Ariana's hand to place it on his broad shoulder. He then cupped Ariana's face with both of his hands, running his thumb over her jaw. "I love you, Ariana. Can't that reason make you stay by my side?" he asked again. "Or should I beg you to stay?" The man touched his forehead to Ariana's. Ariana could faintly smell the mixture of perfume, body odor, and alcohol. Gerald brought his face closer to Ariana's. His breath brushed against her face. His lips neared Ariana's, causing her heart to beat faster involuntarily. Gerald then touched his lips to Ariana's. Warmth. That's what Ariana felt. Oh God, h
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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
