(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“Gerald…” Ariana unconsciously moaned the man’s name. Gerald froze for a moment. He straightened up instantly. Looking at Ariana with propped up on both elbows without releasing his grip on Ariana’s hands.

Ariana’s face had turned red, and the girl’s breathing seemed labored. And Gerald knew why because he felt the same way.

They both want each other. “Ariana…” Gerald repeated the girl’s name hesitantly. But that

what he saw on Ariana’s face now made him step back.

“Don’t…” Ariana said softly. Her eyes turned red, and Gerald could see an unmistakable glint there. Ariana cried. And Gerald now really got up from his seat.

He felt angry and humiliated at the same time. ‘Does he look so disgusting in front of Ariana?’ she asked herself. Gerald moved backward, although he did not leave the bed. And Ariana also sat on the bed. “I’m tired.”

Ariana spoke up. Gerald turned and saw Ariana like a child hugging her knees.

Gerald tried to understand. He stared at the girl in silence. He now knew that Ariana said earlier the word ‘tired’ was not physically tired. But mentally tired.

Gerald approached by crawling on the bed. The man crossed his legs beside Ariana. His left hand gently embraced Ariana’s shoulder. And he slowly pulled the girl’s body so Ariana’s shoulders could rest comfortably on her chest.

“I’m so sorry,” Gerald answered quietly.

“I do not know what to do,” Ariana said softly. “I always blame time and wonder about the situation I’m in right now. But all that doesn’t change anything, right?” she asked, more to himself.

“In just a short time, my world has completely changed. I became a wife and a mother at the same time. I met people I didn’t know. And I was reunited with those who had left me. And it doesn’t make me happy.

“I’m tired. I want something else. But why does everyone seem to accuse me of taking something from me? Why are they asking me to return what I never took?”

Ariana sat up straight. She did not hide his tears due to the continuous pain he experienced. Gerald looked at her with a hurt look. Gerald realized that he was the cause of all the tears. He is the one who has made the girl sad now.

He knew who Ariana was referring to, who asked the girl to return what she didn’t take. Gerald knows everything. And he felt guilty about it.

“How can I return what I didn’t take to them? Please answer me,” she asked softly.

“Ariana…” Gerald tried to get closer. He wanted to embrace that body again.Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.

“Can you return to them and let my life return to calm and be okay?” she asked.

Gerald was not surprised, even though his heart ached to hear that. He knew that Ariana would always use that magic word, but Gerald would never grant it.

“I told you that I would never divorce you, Ariana. I will only get married once in my life. I don’t care if you believe Karenina’s words that I won’t be faithful. But I still won’t divorce you. Can’t you give me a chance to show it?”

Gerald was surprised by his own words. He? A Gerald Aarzu Zeroun asked?

“I don’t know whether you will believe this or not. But Ariana, from the first time I saw you at the Brooks residence, I have fallen under your charm ever since.” He said suddenly. Ariana was surprised. The girl stared at Gerald in disbelief. “That’s why I insisted on forcing my desire to marry you. Because I like you. I want you for myself,” Gerald moved closer again. He tried to touch the girl once more.

“I won’t force you to believe me. I’ve learned that forcing you is not good. The more I push you, the farther you get from me,” the man chuckled. “We can try everything from the beginning. We can start everything like everyone else. What do you want? Dating? Romantic dinners? Or shall we pretend to meet again?” he asked mischievously.

Ariana looked at him in disbelief, then laughed. “You’re ridiculous,” she said.

Gerald just shrugged. “I know. But what can I do? I just want to prove to you that I do like you, and it’s not a lie. Believe me, I won’t cheat. I’m the loyal type. I’ve decided to live monogamously. My past with many women, consider it just practice. So that later I can apply various ways on you.”

Ariana gasped. Reflexively, she hit Gerald’s arm in frustration. Gerald groaned, rubbing his arm, pretending to be hurt. But Ariana ignored him. She knew her punch wouldn’t hurt him.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” she quipped. Gerald grinned, showing his white, even teeth.

“So, what do you say? Do you want to date me, Mrs. Aarzu?” Gerald asked again.

Ariana looked at Gerald carefully. “Will that mean I can go back to living alone in my apartment?” she inquired.

Gerald appeared thoughtful again. He stared back at Ariana in disbelief. “Sorry, I can’t give you permission for that,” he replied.

“Why? Didn’t you say we would start over? If we start from scratch, that means I should be myself again,” Ariana argued.

Gerald shook his head. “I can’t, I’m sorry,” he said, genuinely regretful.

“But why?”

“First, because I’m afraid Chris will meet you secretly,” Ariana was shocked to hear Gerald’s response. “He’s my friend, and he’s also my step-cousin,” he explained.

Gerald shrugged. “I don’t care. And second…” he trailed off. “The second? What is it?”

“I can’t sleep if I don’t hug you,” he replied with his mischievous smile. Ariana could only raise an eyebrow in response.