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79. Eavesdropper
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 80. Chris Matchmaking
"You... with Chris?" Ariana instantly furrowed her brows. Adel nodded weakly. Ariana herself felt weak just hearing it. "But why? Who arranged this for you?" Ariana asked again. "Papa. He and Uncle Jason planned it all," the girl replied. Jason was Chris's father, a cousin of Ariana's stepmother. "But what about Daffin?" Ariana asked. Daffin was Chris's younger brother, born from a different mother. He was the one Adel had liked all these years, her first love since she was fifteen. Everyone knew how much Adel liked Daffin, including Adel's parents and Chris's parents. So why were they suddenly pairing Adel with Chris and not Daffin? "I know Daffin never liked me. He always saw me as a nuisance. But Chris? Am I really being forced to marry Chris? He's so old-fashioned. Adel doesn't like him," the girl whined. Then, a name popped into Ariana's head. "What about Amber? Does she know about this?" Ariana looked at Adel with a furrowed brow. Adel's sulking face nodded. Damn it. Amber m
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 81. Chris Matchmaking (2)
"That's my business, and I don't like my personal matters being interfered with," the voice said, causing Ariana and Amber to turn. Chris was standing behind them, his gaze sharp and directed at Amber. "Whether it's you or Adel, neither of you will be my choice for a wife." Chris then grabbed Ariana's arm and pulled her up. She stood up instantly, her knees aching from crouching for so long. "Chris..." Ariana tried to restrain him. Chris's words were unpleasant to hear, and Ariana was sure they would only make Amber more convinced that Chris had feelings for her. "I need to talk to you," he said. He then led Ariana out of the kitchen, pulling her towards the stairs, ignoring Adel who was staring at them in disbelief. Ariana followed Chris wherever he took her. She was no longer worried about Gerald listening to their conversation because she knew he had removed the listening device he had installed. Chris entered the room first, then let Ariana in before locking the door behind the
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 82. Spoiled Girl
"I came back here with new hope, in the beginning," the man said seriously. "But then, that new hope vanished in an instant. And like you said, maybe this is the fate that God has planned for me." He continued softly, "Initially, I thought I wanted to try everything in a new way. With you," the man admitted. "But it turns out I was too late. Because you're already married to Gerald. Although I was hesitant at first, but now I know that you're captivated by his charm." Chris looked at Ariana teasingly. "You know, all of this feels funny to me. Only you know my story, and I hope this will always be our secret," Chris replied, looking hopefully at Ariana. Ariana smiled and nodded. "But leaving isn't the right choice, Chris," Ariana replied later. "You just came back recently. Don't you feel sorry for Uncle Jason?" she asked sadly. "I love my dad, Ana. You know that. But staying by his side isn't the right choice either. I just hope that when I come back again, Dad will finally realize
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 83. Can We?
"In fact, I am older than Adel. She's still young, beautiful, and born into an esteemed family, just like you and Chris. You won't feel embarrassed to take her everywhere because she's fashionable, just like my twin. And most importantly, she's a girl who will obey all your desires. Not a defiant woman like me," Ariana replied passionately. Gerald was taken aback. Ariana was currently sulking at him. The word 'old' was indeed very sensitive for women. And he knew he had made a fatal mistake. Everything had already improved this morning after their quite intense dispute. Oh God, did they have to argue every time they met? They had fought twice today alone. And it was all because of two people Ariana disliked and Gerald hated. Who else but Karenina and Chris. "Darling, I'm sorry. I was jealous. She clearly did all that to make me angry. And I fell for it, I'm sorry," Gerald said, moving closer and holding Ariana's arms. Ariana glared at him. "He just called me 'darling,' and you're
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 84. Mirage
Days passed by just like that. The agreement they made slowly began to take shape. Ariana tried to get to know Gerald, attempting to understand his daily life, his favorite foods, and dislikes. Trying to figure out what Gerald hated. And Gerald did the same. They now tried to understand each other better. Ariana started being friendly to Gerald, and Gerald had stopped trying to control Ariana. They both tried their best to make this relationship work. After intense negotiations, Ariana agreed to live in Zeroun's residence because she didn't want Mrs. Isidora to hate her even more, thinking that she was trying to separate the woman from her beloved granddaughter. But even though they lived together, slept in the same bed, they still held onto the agreement not to engage in a husband-wife relationship. Although, deep down, they both started to find it hard not to touch each other. But Ariana insisted that she wouldn't give herself to Gerald until she believed that his feelings were ge
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 85. Short Kiss
Amber truly left. Even when Ariana tried to contact her, the girl had already turned off her phone. It seemed Amber intended to avoid everyone. In the end, Ariana had to take over her position at the restaurant. Ariana had informed Gerald that she couldn't have lunch and dinner with him due to Amber's sudden departure, and there was no one to replace her because all of their employees were busy with restaurant orders and catering. Adel, somehow aware of Amber's departure, came to the restaurant in the afternoon. The girl looked at Ariana apologetically. "Sorry, Ariana," she said. Ariana just chuckled. "What's there to forgive?" Ariana asked. "Everything. If only I hadn't openly rejected this arranged marriage, maybe Chris would still be here. Maybe Amber wouldn't have left," Adel said remorsefully. Ariana raised an eyebrow. "So you regret Chris leaving? Do you actually want to be arranged with Chris?" Ariana teased. Adel shook her head vigorously. "Not like that," she said. "Ade
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 86. First Love Story
Releasing the embrace, Ariana realized that her face was now undoubtedly flushed with embarrassment. Gerald, who witnessed it, could only grin mischievously. "I'll take a shower first," he said as he walked towards the bedroom. Yes, one more thing Ariana and Gerald shared now was their personal space. They were using the room in the restaurant together. Gerald began placing some of his personal belongings there to make it easier if he visited and needed something. But only up to the restaurant. Because Ariana didn't want to take Gerald to the apartment she shared with Amber anymore, to spare her cousin's feelings. Gerald seemed ready to shower. Meanwhile, Ariana informed him that she would go downstairs and prepare dinner for both of them. Indirectly, she signaled for Gerald to lock himself in the room. It was just a precautionary measure. Who knew if someone might go upstairs and suddenly enter the room, only to be shocked by Gerald's presence? It was fine if Gerald was fully dre
The Billionaire's Replacement Bride 87. Jealously
"Gerald?" Karenina looked at Gerald, her face pale. Clearly, she didn't realize that Gerald had been standing by the door, listening to their conversation all along. Gerald approached and sat beside Ariana. "Hi, sister-in-law. Long time no see," he replied casually. "Didn't your informant tell you about my presence here?" he added, still in his relaxed manner. Ariana chose to ignore both of them and uncovered the stainless steel cloche that had been covering the food since earlier. The cloche, now emitting steam from the top due to covering the hot food Ariana had prepared for both of them. The grilled ribs with mushroom sauce, accompanied by steamed vegetables, were already placed in separate bowls, along with a bowl of steaming rice. "Shouldn't you tell me about your first love while we're having dinner, my dear husband?" Ariana taunted Gerald. Gerald now stared back at her with a raised eyebrow. "Oh yes, this food will be enough for three people. Would you like to join us?" 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
