(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“Are we going to start everything anew?” Gerald returned to his initial question. They had finished the fried rice Ariana had made, and now they were watching a TV show that didn’t fully capture their attention.

“I don’t know,” Ariana replied softly.

Gerald raised one of his legs onto the sofa. He deliberately turned his body toward Ariana. As he had done before, he played with a strand of Ariana’s hair and tucked it behind her ear.

“We can give it a try,” Gerald made the decision for both of them. Ariana looked up at him, staring at him intensely.

“We can give it a try,” Gerald repeated with confidence. “Me, you, and Axel. We can be a simple little family. I won’t ask much of you. I’ll give you my loyalty, and that’s all I ask for in return,” Gerald requested.

“I won’t force you to cater to me as a ‘husband’ in the bedroom,” he said jokingly. “I’ll wait until you’re ready to give yourself. Well, with a sprinkle of spice, as usual, seems fair enough,” he continued, teasingly.

Reluctantly, Ariana pinched him back. But then Gerald spoke seriously. “Don’t worry. I know how to handle things like that. Besides, I don’t want to be accused of forcing my own wife.”

“What about your mother?” Ariana asked again. She didn’t want to complain and ruin the relationship between mother and son.

But for her own peace of mind, she had to say it. “Your mother…”

“We can move,” Gerald replied before Ariana finished her sentence. “I know Mommy really likes Karenina. And she’s also good friends with your mom. So there’s a high chance they’ll work together and make plans to separate us. To avoid that, we can move,” Gerald said again.

“But this place is too far for Axel,” Ariana replied. Gerald smiled, appreciating Ariana’s concern for Axel.

“Do you think this is the only place I have? I have several other houses where we can live. You just need to choose, and within a few days, we can move,” Gerald replied.

Ariana raised an eyebrow at him. Clearly, she didn’t like the way he spoke, finding him too casual about everything.

Realizing Ariana’s disapproval, Gerald moved closer. He put his left arm around her shoulders.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“I’m sorry if I sound arrogant,” he said, poking Ariana’s chin. “But that’s the reality. I’m wealthy, I have a lot of properties, and I have many subordinates I can order around. So what should I say?” he shrugged.

Ariana glanced at him. Her eyes narrowed at Gerald, but he just laughed it off. He tousled Ariana’s hair, his left hand still resting on her shoulder.

“Why do you have to be so adorable?” Gerald mumbled, pinching Ariana’s left cheek with his right hand. Ariana yelped as Gerald’s pinch genuinely hurt her.

Gerald released his grip on Ariana’s hand and glanced at her flushed cheeks because of his actions. He felt guilty instantly and then gently rubbed and blew on her cheek with his mouth, hoping to alleviate the pain he caused.

However, a few seconds after the blowing process, Gerald’s attention was drawn to the girl’s lips. Her lips, tinted pink and slightly thick, seemed to invite Gerald to kiss them. Gerald leaned in, intending to do what was on his mind. However, Ariana’s slender fingers stopped him.

“Brush your teeth! Your mouth smells like onions!” she said, pushing Gerald’s body away.

Ariana grabbed their empty plates and headed back towards the kitchen, ignoring Gerald, who was now frowning in annoyance.

“Why do you always say my mouth smells? Vivan clearly said my breath is fine!” he grumbled.

Ariana ignored him and chuckled in front of the dishwashing sink. She was surprised when a hand suddenly wrapped around her waist, and Gerald’s head rested on top of hers. “My breath doesn’t smell, right?” he asked again, his voice softer this time.

“Didn’t you say Vivan confirmed that?” Ariana replied casually as she rinsed the plates and the pan she had used earlier.

“She did say that,” Gerald answered, still in his soft tone.

“How could she know? Are you trying to kiss her too?” Ariana asked curiously. Gerald tapped his chin against Ariana’s head, making her groan. “Ouch,” she said. “Are you actually planning to abuse me?” she asked, annoyed.

Ariana had already put the spoon back in its place. It was the last item she washed. She wiped her hands with the small towel next to the sink and turned around with a scowling face.

Ariana looked up while Gerald lowered his head. “It’s your fault; what kind of man do you think I am? Bisexual?” He said, annoyed. The man’s hand gripped Ariana’s waist tightly. Ariana just shrugged and tried to push the man so he could get out of the kitchen.

“Gerald!” She said irritably when the man didn’t budge.

“Answer my question first. Do you think I’m bisexual?” he repeated.

Ariana looked up again in annoyance. “Anyone could have guessed that. You and Vivan, they’re like rims and tires. They fit together.” the comments. Gerald narrowed his eyes.

“It’s you. Really!” He growled in annoyance. Ariana didn’t reply. She again tried to push Gerald away. But Gerald still didn’t move.

“Gerald!” She said in a raised voice.

“Yes, dear?” Gerald replied in a teasing tone. “Don’t you intend to get out of the way?” Ariana asked roughly.

“Where are you going, darling?” Gerald cornered Ariana against the sink so that their bodies were touching. Even the lower parts of their bodies were pressed tightly together. Ariana tried to hold Gerald’s body by placing both hands before the man’s chest.

“I’m going upstairs,” Ariana answered frantically. “I want to wash my face and brush my teeth,” She said timidly. Gerald even deliberately leaned closer to Ariana. Ariana, who had already hit the sink, now bent her back.

“Why don’t you taste onions in my mouth first? After that, brush your teeth.” Gerald offered in a teasing manner. Ariana shook her head vehemently. Gerald couldn’t help but try to hold back his laughter because of Ariana’s actions, which he thought were adorable.

“Gerald! Get out of the way now! For God’s sake, my back hurts.” Ariana whined again. And she didn’t lie. Her back hurts.

Gerald fell silent. He was seeing Ariana’s face clearly showing pain. He straightened his body.

“Why? What’s wrong with your back?” He asked, now panicked again. Gerald reflexively opened Ariana’s shirt and lifted it. He was showing Ariana’s white and smooth back. Gerald frowned when he saw the bruises there.

“What is that? Why do you have bruises like that?” Gerald asked curiously.

“It’s nothing. I just accidentally hit the corner of the table.” The answer is honest. Gerald exhaled a long breath. He rubbed Ariana’s head slowly.

“Be careful next time,” he asked. Ariana could only nod obediently. “Come on.” The man linked their fingers again.

“Where to?” Ariana asked, confused.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to brush your teeth?” Gerald reminded.

Ariana could only look at the man before her and then nod again. For some reason, she was like a buffalo whose nose was matched. Just obey what Gerald said.

The man led her to the second floor and continued towards the bathroom. It’s even a good idea to fill your toothbrush with toothpaste before handing it to Ariana.