(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

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 what you said. I want this baby to be loved, just like Axel, even if I’m not there.”

“The things we fear will never happen. You and our baby will be safe,” Gerald said confidently. “Promise me that if something happens to me someday, you will save our baby first,” Ariana pleaded earnestly. Gerald froze and looked at his wife in disbelief. He shook his head slowly. “If you won’t promise, I will leave you no matter what,” Ariana threatened.

“Ariana.”

“Promise me,” she demanded. Gerald stared at Ariana without blinking. “Don’t try to give me false promises, Mr. Aarzu,” Ariana threatened again.

Gerald stood up angrily. He truly hated Ariana now because she could read his mind.

“Fine, I promise,” Gerald said again.

“If you break your promise, I will hate you for the rest of my life if I survive. And I will haunt you with nightmares if I die,” she threatened again.

“Don’t say that,” Gerald said, annoyed. “You will be safe. I will find the best obstetrician and cardiologist for you.” He promised.

Ariana raised the corner of her mouth and said, “That Arrogant Doctor is handsome too. Besides, he’s young and seems talented. I like him; I like being treated by him.”

Gerald squinted at Ariana. “Never show your beautiful smile to him.”

He said angrily. Ariana just laughed at her husband’s threat.

***

Ariana left the hospital two days later after a comprehensive examination. During her heart and subsequent examinations, including EKG, echocardiogram, and even coronary angiography, Gerald continued to accompany her. Even when the examination required Ariana to undress, even if only partially, he always looked suspiciously at the young cardiologist named Akara.

“For now, everything can be categorized as good. But still, Mrs. Ariana, you have to take care of yourself and your diet. Don’t overexert yourself, and if you experience complaints, whether it’s dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, you have to rest immediately,” said the doctor named Akara again. Ariana just nodded her head, while Gerald clenched both hands on his thighs.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

He then took her home after completing the paperwork. Ariana suspected that Gerald would take her back to Zeroun’s residence. Or to his private residence, which Ariana liked very much. But he took her to a luxurious apartment not too far from the hospital. “This is to make it easier for you to control,” the man replied simply.

“But this apartment is far from your office,” Ariana commented.

“I don’t care. Besides, I don’t have to go to the office every day. I’m the boss. Even if someone fires me, I don’t care. I can still support you and Axel and this baby later,” Gerald replied.

“Our baby,” Ariana corrected. She didn’t like it when Gerald referred to the fetus in her womb as ‘this’. As if the fetus were an inanimate object.

Apparently, Gerald didn’t take Ariana to the apartment but to a luxurious penthouse. The penthouse was built on two floors with four rooms inside. Luxurious, spacious, and comfortable. That was the first impression Ariana got when she entered Gerald’s penthouse. Its kitchen had complete equipment, almost like Ariana’s restaurant, and even with more expensive cooking utensils. Not to mention a swimming pool on its terrace. Axel would surely love this place.

“When did you buy this place?” Ariana asked her husband.

Gerald shrugged. “I bought it a long time ago. It’s just that the kitchen is new,” he said shyly. Ariana approached her husband, reached for his waist, and tilted her head.

“Don’t tell me you made this kitchen for me?” she teased.

Gerald raised an eyebrow and looked at his wife with a cynical look. “What do you think? Did I make it for Jody?” he asked, snorting.

Ariana laughed again. She tiptoed and then quickly kissed her husband’s cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Aarzu,” she said sincerely.

Gerald lowered his head. His hands also reached his wife’s waist and pulled her closer. “Is that all your thank you?” he asked challengingly.

“What do you want? Do I have to cook for you?” Ariana teased. Her hands lifted, moving to Gerald’s chest. Continuing upward until it ended up hugging his neck.

“Don’t tease me. You know I can’t do anything to you right now even though I want to,” Gerald complained, emphasizing the lower part of his body, touching Ariana’s stomach. Ariana widened her eyes, feeling the man’s body tense. “I’ve been tormented enough just by your shadow, Mrs. Aarzu. Especially now, when your body is really here,” he sighed.

Ariana felt guilty toward her husband. She knew his libido, she knew his passion. And for a while, she could still match him, although occasionally she felt a pain in her heart. But she enjoyed it. But now, although both of them wanted the same thing, both Ariana and Gerald didn’t want to take the risk to fulfill their mutual desire.

“I’m sorry,” Ariana said again softly.

Gerald grabbed his wife’s face with both hands. “No need to apologize. You know I’m a strong and tough man. I can endure, not touching you, as long as you don’t leave me again,” he requested softly. He stared into his wife’s eyes. A smile appeared on his face. The woman nodded her head agreeing.

“I promise. I won’t run away. I won’t leave,” Ariana said earnestly. Gerald smiled and nodded his head. He then kissed his wife’s forehead and hugged her tightly, very tightly. If only he could stop time. He didn’t want to let Ariana go. He was afraid, when his embrace was gone, Ariana would disappear again. But this time, he would hold on to Ariana’s promise. He believed in his wife’s words. And for him, as long as Ariana was with him, that was enough. Because Ariana was his greatest source of happiness.