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53. Angry
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The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 54. About Gerald
Ariana remained silent. After Gerald left, she knew that the two male guards who had been watching her were now stationed outside her door. Was she annoyed? Definitely. But what could she do? She could only sit on the bed, turning on the television aimlessly, just to dispel the silence. Afterward, she picked up her phone and checked her messages. There were messages from her father and her mother, inquiring about her well-being. A message from Aisyah asking when she would come home. And a message from her younger sister inviting her to play together over the weekend. But those messages had been received a long time ago. Her phone had been in Gerald's possession all this time. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. An elderly woman entered the room. Who else could it be but her grandmother-in-law, Mrs. Rosaline? She wore her usual expensive attire and politely asked Ariana for permission to enter her room, as if she would leave if Ariana denied her entry. Ariana sighed inwardl
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 55. About Gerald (2)
Since then, Gerald no longer relied on his father. Even though my son supported him financially, Gerald tried to make his own way from his teenage years. His life abroad was truly independent. He even forgot the teachings of his grandfather, my husband, about worship. And I couldn't make him change. I could only hope that someday, the old Gerald would return. Years passed. Darrel, a teenager at the time, started to look up to Gerald. Gerald loved him dearly. Even though he knew they didn't share the same blood, they came from the same lineage. Darrel always considered Gerald his role model. Then one day, Darrel fell in love with a girl from California. She seemed like a good girl to me. Axel's mother was very polite and cheerful, despite her ordinary background. Axel wanted to introduce the girl to his mother, but even before anything happened, Isidora rejected her. Apparently, Isidora had already decided on a match for Axel—a daughter of a wealthy businessman. She thought that by
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 56. You Think?
The doctor came to check on her at nine in the morning. After ensuring that she was okay, Ariana was finally allowed to go home, but not before getting permission from Gerald, who was contacted by his loyal bodyguards who had been tailing him since he left for the office that morning. Mrs. Rosaline asked Ariana to come back home with her, but Ariana refused. She felt uncomfortable staying there. She decided to go back to the restaurant instead. Again, she could only leave with Gerald's permission. Did she really have no say in her own life anymore? Ariana snorted. But well, what could she do? Running away seemed pointless. She didn't say much when she entered the restaurant. Although Jody, Amber, and Adel looked at her with concern, they didn't say anything. Ariana just went upstairs, intending to lie down there. She wouldn't force herself to work for now, even though she wanted to. Amber and Adel entered shortly after Ariana found her comfortable spot. "Are you okay?" Amber asked
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 57. Ariana vs Gerald
Amber remained silent. Ariana didn't speak much either. She just let Amber immerse herself in her thoughts. "Do you really want recognition from this marriage?" Amber asked later. Ariana shook her head. "If you mean recognition that he loves me, I don't need that. What I need is to know who I am here. As a legitimate wife, I am not acknowledged by anyone except those closest to me. Doesn't that mean he still leaves the possibility open for people out there that my position might not be permanent? Am I wrong?" Ariana asked, wanting to know. "My role here from the beginning was just a scheme for them. Mrs. Caitlyn needed me as a replacement for Karenina to save her family from disgrace. While Gerald only needed my physical presence so that he and his family could have custody of Axel. Fine, I don't mind. I can help them, even though their initial approach was wrong and I felt forced back then. But my concern is Axel and his custody. But do you know what happened next? Mrs. Caitlyn, wit
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 58. I Think (Amber)
"Ariana, I'm sure Gerald really cares about you," Amber replied finally. Ariana still looked at her unbelievably. "Okay. Let's assume everything you're saying is true. About him not introducing you as your true self to the public back then. Consider it from another perspective. Maybe at that time, he was still unsure about his own feelings. Maybe he had the same thoughts as you do now. "If he intends to replace you with Karenina when the girl returns, why would he bother correcting everything? It would only make him tired again and, of course, confuse the public. "And again, you also have to consider his position as a businessman. Choosing a wife alone could be seen as indecisive, especially when it comes to business matters. He would definitely be regarded as an unworthy businessman. And his business partners might decide to terminate their cooperation with Gerald. "Imagine if that happens. Just because of a name change, are you willing to risk the fate of those who depend on Ger
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 59. The Doll
"Karen?" Amber and Ariana looked at their guest with considerable surprise. Meanwhile, Adel, as the messenger, now stared back at the woman behind her in amazement. She had indeed seen the person referred to as Karenina yesterday. But she hadn't seen her clearly because the woman had already entered the car and left the restaurant just like that. And now, seeing the woman up close, she was undeniably shocked, fascinated, and also envious. Karenina's appearance was undoubtedly something every girl desired. Tall and slender, fair skin, perfectly groomed face and hair. And again, the clothes she wore. Adel really wanted to whistle if she didn't remember that Amber and Ariana were in the room. How could she not, the girl who looked so much like Ariana looked beautiful in a pricey Zimmermann dress that Adel estimated to cost more than ten million. Not to mention the shoulder bag she wore, a Roger Vivier creation that surely valued in the tens of millions. Her shoes? Although they appeare
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 60. What Can You Offer?
"Do you think that's wrong?" Ariana challenged again. "I'm just learning from the experts. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, right? And didn't you and your mother do the same thing? Because of Dad's bankruptcy, you went to wealthier men. Didn't matter if you were scorned for breaking up someone else's marriage." Karenina was taken aback. She was quite surprised by Ariana's attitude. In the past, even though Ariana was known as a tomboy, she was not rough. Not like now. "I don't want to be at a disadvantage, Karen, dear. My status will change to widow in just a few days. Even before everyone knows I'm already married. I need compensation to bear that shame. Right?" Karenina looked at Ariana with a furrowed brow. "Give me a surprising offer, Karen. After that, I'll consider whether I'll leave Gerald or not. That's if I even want to leave him." She replied ambiguously. Karenina was once again left confused. "Oh, come on, Ariana. If marrying Gerald isn't advantageous, why would
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 61. The Other Reasons
"What do you mean?" Gerald raised himself slightly, supporting his head and propping it up with his folded hand. He lowered his gaze to Ariana, who still appeared incredulous about what Gerald was asking her. "I'm just giving you options. I'm asking where you want to stay. Who knows, maybe you don't want to go back to my house," he said flatly. "Will you grant my request then?" Ariana asked, still looking incredulous. "As long as your request is reasonable, Mrs. Aarzu." Ariana chuckled. "What if I ask to stay at the Royal Penthouse President Wilson Hotel, would you grant it?" Ariana challenged again. Gerald raised an eyebrow. Then he smiled cunningly. "Are you proposing a honeymoon with me? If so, why not." This time, Ariana was wide-eyed hearing his question. "You're insane!" she exclaimed as she tried to move away. But Gerald was quicker. He restrained Ariana again with his hands and legs. Ariana tried to push his chest, but she always seemed to lack the strength. They lay on
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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
