(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Even though she tried to stay calm, stepping out of the bathroom honestly made Ariana’s chest heat up. Seeing Lunara was just like opening an old memory she never wanted to remember. A memory from fifteen years ago that still haunted her to this day, leaving its mark on her chest. Not to mention the memories from her high school days. Ariana shook her head, hoping that all those memories would fade from her mind. She straightened her posture and walked with her chin up. And then, when she saw Gerald looking around for her, the anger slowly faded.

A sudden smile appeared on her face.

Ignore the past and all its bad memories. That’s what she commanded her mind. Right now, she had a different family. She had Gerald and Axel. Her life was much better than it was fifteen years ago. And, she should’ve healed by now. Although Ariana had to admit that she couldn’t claim to be in true happiness until now. But she knew for sure, at this moment-and who knows for how long-she still had someone waiting for her. And for now, that was enough for her.

Seeing Gerald’s bright smile, Ariana couldn’t help but smile too. She walked briskly and accepted Gerald’s hand, which then turned into a warm embrace around her waist.

For now-yes, for now, she knew Gerald was so admiring of her. And in reality, as a woman, deep down, she felt happy about it. Even though she wasn’t sure if she could reciprocate all that, and she felt terribly selfish because she could only be the recipient. But deep inside, she was once again doubtful of a word. Forever.

Yes. For Ariana, the word ‘forever’ was not something she could trust. She had been deceived by that one sweet word. Indeed, up to this point, that word had never truly existed in her life. Everything in her life only contained the word ‘temporary.’

In her life, she didn’t have a forever happy family. She didn’t have forever loyal friends. She didn’t have unconditional love forever.

Remember, Ariana was abandoned. And even when she got a new family, she felt neglected. And now, even though she saw Gerald looking at her with adoration, she knew that adoration would only last temporarily.

Temporary was a word that had always accompanied Ariana. And that word was what made her choose not to trust others until now. Not to love others like she loved herself. Reluctant to entrust her heart to others. Because everything for her was just temporary. Slowly but surely, it would fade and disappear.

“Can we go home after you congratulate the bride?” Ariana asked hopefully.

Gerald furrowed his brow. He had intended to introduce his wife to the public from the beginning. But even his intention hadn’t been fully realized, and Ariana was already asking to leave. Gerald was confused himself because of it. “Why?” he asked, curious.

Ariana shrugged. “This isn’t my place,” she replied flatly. “And besides, I saw some people I don’t like. It ruined my mood,” Ariana said honestly. But then she shook her head. “Is Vivan here?” she asked, looking around for the familiar figure.

Gerald’s forehead wrinkled even more. “Why are you asking about Vivan?” he wondered.

“I know this event is important for you, enough to break your habit of not attending. So, I don’t want to disturb that. On the other hand, I can’t accompany you all night and make people uncomfortable. So I thought, I could go home early. And you can be with Vivan all night. Aren’t you two usually seen as a harmonious family that can’t be apart?” Ariana teased. But Gerald ignored her.

“I came with my wife, and I will leave with her,” Gerald said firmly. Ariana smiled hearing his words. Her chest warmed again just because of his sweet gesture. Gerald then led Ariana toward the direction of the bride and groom who were now chatting with other guests. The groom, his business associate, was slightly surprised to see Gerald there. He hadn’t expected Gerald to attend his wedding, considering Gerald rarely attended such events. However, the groom’s joy didn’t last long because Gerald came to greet him just to say goodbye.

“Why so soon?” the groom asked with a surprised and sulking expression. Meanwhile, the bride could only gaze at Gerald and Ariana with confusion. “I wanted to take pride in the guests, because my marriage finally brought Gerald Zeroun out of his shell.”

Upon hearing that, Gerald chuckled. “Forgive me. But my wife and I happen to have other matters after this.” Gerald tried to be flexible. “Thank you for inviting us,” Gerald continued, straightforward.

Although they seemed reluctant, the bride and groom just nodded and muttered their thanks for their presence. And after that, they truly left. But before their feet reached the exit, their steps were halted by a group of guests staring at them with curiosity.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gerald,” a nearly bald-headed man with a potbelly greeted Ariana and Gerald. A beautiful woman in revealing attire was clinging to the man’s arm affectionately. However, her eyes were fixed on Gerald with adoration. Unconsciously, Ariana tightened her grip on Gerald’s arm. “It’s an honor to meet your wife too,” the man now directed his gaze at Ariana. It was clear the man with the snub nose regarded Ariana like a dog eyeing its food.

“At first, I didn’t believe it when one of my friends said you married into the Brooks family. But turns out, after seeing her, I understand why you accepted this marriage.” The man continued, sounding like a subtle mockery to Ariana’s ears. “Miss Brooks turned out to be as beautiful as people boasted about.” A sly smile played on the man’s face.

Ariana was stunned, and so was Gerald. Alright, the word ‘temporary’ was once again spinning in her mind. Yes, for a while, she forgot who she was and the position she replaced. “I’ve met your mother a few times, Miss. And I admit, you resemble Mrs. Brooks. You’re very beautiful,” the man praised her again with a licking tone. “What should I call you now? Miss Karen? Or Mrs. Zeroun?” the man kept on talking.

Gerald then released Ariana’s hand that clung to his arm. His right hand moved to grip her waist.

Meanwhile, his face stared coldly at the almost bald man in front of him.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lukman,” Gerald said. Although he wore a smile on his face, his gaze and his voice were clearly icy. “But you need to know. My wife is not Mr. Brooks’ daughter. She is not Karenina Brooks but Ariana Dwiguna. And please tell that to everyone in this room.” He commanded firmly.

The man looked at him with a worried expression. “Bu-but, what I heard…”