(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“However, Caitlyn is already married to Brooks. And that indirectly makes Ariana Brooks’ stepdaughter. As a good child, she should be able to uphold the reputation of both her parents, whether biological or not,” Mrs. Isidora answered coldly.

“What’s the point of me doing that?” Ariana interrupted when Gerald was about to answer her mother’s question. “For fifteen years, they never acknowledged my existence. And as Gerald said, I never enjoyed a single penny of that man’s wealth. No need to calculate his wealth. At least if he considered me his stepdaughter, he could visit me and show me the same love and care he gives to Karenina. But the reality? You might know better, considering you’re close friends with Mrs. Caitlyn.”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“You still refer to your mother like that?” Mrs. Isidora scoffed sarcastically.

Ariana raised her eyebrow. “Then what should I call her? I’ve forgotten that I even had a biological mother for the past fifteen years. Did she ever mention my name in your conversations?” Ariana challenged with a defiant look. “Clearly not, right? Given that you were quite surprised when you saw me.” Ariana answered her own question. “So don’t ask me to justify their feelings. Because they never did the same for me.” Ariana then transferred her food onto a plate and prepared to take it to the dining table.

She chose to ignore her mother-in-law, who still glared at her. If those eyes could shoot lasers, Ariana’s back would be riddled with holes by now.

A few minutes later, they were seated around the dining table as usual. But something was odd this time. Gerald didn’t eat the food Ariana cooked for them. Instead, he took a knife and casually peeled a mango, which Ariana didn’t even know where he got it from. There were only grapes, papaya, and dragon fruit on the table. Yet, Gerald was peeling a ripe yellow mango, which Ariana was sure must be sour.

“Are you on your period? How can you eat sour fruits like that in the morning?” Ariana asked, puzzled.

“I don’t know. It just feels good to eat fruits in the morning like this. And I even imagined stir-fried beef with young mango. Can you make that?” he asked hopefully. Ariana raised an eyebrow, unsure. Gerald nodded enthusiastically.

“Lots of beef, lots of chili, and young mango. What’s it called? Beef fruit salad?” Gerald asked uncertainly.

Ariana just nodded. But then she took the mango from Gerald’s hand and brought it to the kitchen. Quickly, she peeled the young mango and sliced it lengthwise. She took out thinly sliced beef from the packaging. Then she started cooking the dish Gerald desired.

Gerald, who had been following Ariana to the kitchen, now looked at the pan with sparkling eyes. He seemed very hungry. “Is it ready?” he asked when Ariana turned off the stove. Ariana nodded. And he immediately grabbed the pan handle. His hands searched for a spoon, while Ariana just watched him in confusion.

“Gerald, do you intend to eat it straight from the pan?” Ariana asked, amazed. Gerald just shrugged and started putting the food into his mouth. He moaned in delight.

“Having a chef wife is different,” he said.

Ariana shook her head. “I’m not a chef,” she replied shortly. But Gerald ignored his wife’s statement. Ariana also sat down in the chair next to him, watching Gerald eat with gusto. Gerald offered Ariana a spoonful of the dish. She accepted it. And it indeed tasted refreshing in her mouth. The sourness of the young mango and the tamarind, the spiciness, and the sweetness from the palm sugar blended in her mouth. Yes, it was indeed a spicy beef salad. Just as Gerald wanted.

“Are star fruits in season now?” Gerald asked again.

Ariana furrowed her brow again. “You want star fruits too?” she asked, surprised.

Gerald nodded. “I imagine the freshness of ripe yellow star fruits. It must be good when eaten cold.” He seemed to be daydreaming.

Ariana touched her husband’s forehead. “Are you feeling alright?” she asked, puzzled. Gerald smiled, reaching for her hand on his forehead and holding it.

“I’m perfectly fine. I actually feel refreshed after this.” he replied. Ariana looked at the pan in front of her, and indeed, there was only about a third left.

“Not just fine. Greedy!” Ariana replied. She poured some water into a large glass and handed it to Gerald. “Just be careful not to get a stomachache after this.” She warned him. Ariana then stood up and was about to leave him. But Gerald then pulled her and hugged her tightly. Resting his head on her stomach. “What’s wrong with you?” Ariana asked, confused. But she didn’t try to free herself from his tight embrace.

“It’s nothing. I just feel like being pampered.” he said softly. Ariana raised her hand, caressing his head.

“It’s not funny for a man your age to act spoiled.” she replied but didn’t stop her stroking on his head. Gerald closed his eyes and enjoyed his wife’s caress. It was indeed very comfortable. Something he hadn’t felt in a long time. And apparently, he missed it without realizing.

“Do we need a vacation?” Gerald raised his head. His hands still holding his wife’s waist.

“I’ve taken a lot of days off already,” Ariana replied. Gerald pouted playfully. Ariana cupped his face, pressing both sides of Gerald’s cheeks with her palms so his lips pouted. “Don’t act childish, Mr. Aarzu. You’re a man, not a child like Axel. Axel never acted spoiled like you. Why should you lose to him?”

“But I’m spoiled only with my own wife, not with other women.” he said, his words unclear because his lips were still being made pouty by Ariana.

“Be careful if you intend to be pampered by other women.” Ariana threatened, annoyed. She pressed Gerald’s cheeks again.

Gerald withdrew his head.

“Are you jealous?” he asked hopefully.

Ariana just raised an eyebrow. “What do you think?” she asked. “Besides, jealous or not, a married man shouldn’t be close to other women. No matter what the form is, they still call it cheating. And if you do that, I’ll only give you two options.”

“What are they?” Gerald furrowed his brow. He felt this conversation wouldn’t be pleasant for him.

“The first option. I’ll do the same with you,” Ariana replied firmly. “Cheating.” That answer made Gerald’s back straighten instantly. “And the second option, as you know. I will leave you.” she said with a smile on her face. Ariana kissed her husband’s forehead before then walking away from him.