(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Since then, Gerald no longer relied on his father. Even though my son supported him financially, Gerald tried to make his own way from his teenage years. His life abroad was truly independent. He even forgot the teachings of his grandfather, my husband, about worship. And I couldn’t make him change. I could only hope that someday, the old Gerald would return.

Years passed. Darrel, a teenager at the time, started to look up to Gerald. Gerald loved him dearly. Even though he knew they didn’t share the same blood, they came from the same lineage. Darrel always considered Gerald his role model.

Then one day, Darrel fell in love with a girl from California. She seemed like a good girl to me. Axel’s mother was very polite and cheerful, despite her ordinary background.

Axel wanted to introduce the girl to his mother, but even before anything happened, Isidora rejected her. Apparently, Isidora had already decided on a match for Axel-a daughter of a wealthy businessman. She thought that by marrying Axel into an affluent family, her status would rise. She turned into a socialite obsessed with respect.

Darrel vehemently opposed this. He said he wanted to marry the woman he loved. But once again, Isidora stood against him. Gerald, who had moved and was working in another part of the world by then, was unaware of the conflict between Isidora and Darrel.

All of this came to light after the accident that befell Darrel and my son. After Darrel’s death, Isidora felt like she hit rock bottom once again. She, who had seemingly discarded Gerald back then, could only hope that Gerald could forgive her and keep her in the Zeroun family home. She suspected that Gerald hated her, and this was her greatest chance to remove Isidora from the house as revenge, considering Isidora had nothing left to hold onto in the Zeroun family. Her husband had passed away, and the son who was supposed to be the heir was gone. In reality, though, Gerald had genuinely loved her from the beginning, even though he knew Isidora wasn’t his biological mother.

The fact that Darrel had a son from the woman he loved was another unexpected surprise. Axel’s presence gave Isidora another key to survive. She considered Axel her future reward, much like the late Darrel.

Isidora wanted Axel not just because he was her grandson, but more as an investment. Because surely, the inheritance that should have belonged to Darrel would eventually fall into Axel’s hands. That’s why she desperately wanted Gerald to adopt Axel. And marrying your sister was another tactic she used to control Gerald.

Karenina is a beautiful girl, and she’s intelligent too. As a daughter-in-law, she’s someone they can proudly present to the public. Plus, the Brooks family is undoubtedly prestigious. Isidora hopes that Karenina can conquer Gerald, just as your mother desires. If Gerald could be brought to his knees by Karenina, it means he’s under their control. They can manipulate Gerald financially, something they’ve wanted for a long time.

But luckily, your sister chose to leave a few days before the wedding. And even luckier for us, you stepped in to take her place.

I’m not saying this to flatter you or win your favor. It’s not like that. But I know, when Gerald decided to marry you, he had different thoughts for himself. He likes you, that’s why he was willing to marry you,” Mrs. Rosaline explained.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“He was also willing to marry Karenina even though he told me he didn’t like her,” Ariana replied sarcastically.

Mrs. Rosaline smiled. “I won’t deny that fact. Gerald is a businessman. He married Karenina for different reasons. Giving Axel to Isidora and granting her independent power over the Brooks company. I assume you know, considering you signed that contract.”

Ariana furrowed her brow. She really didn’t understand this lengthy conversation. However, Rosaline seemed to understand Ariana’s confusion because she explained further.

“The Brooks company needed a cash injection. Helping Gerald wasn’t a necessity. And marrying Karenina wasn’t a duty. Gerald isn’t the kind of person who cares about other people’s opinions. Even if his marriage to Karenina fails, he won’t be at a loss. If he truly wants custody of Axel, he can marry any woman. With or without love. He can find a woman he can make his contractual wife and divorce her after he gains custody of Axel. And that makes more sense, doesn’t it?” Mrs. Rosaline asked Ariana. And Ariana contemplated it, acknowledging that a contractual marriage was indeed the most sensible option. It had crossed her mind as well.

“Gerald intended to do that. He even felt grateful for Karenina’s rash decision. This way, he wouldn’t have to deal with sycophants like your stepfather. But after he saw you…” Mrs. Rosaline paused. “He became enthusiastic about the prospect of this marriage.”

“Are you suggesting that Gerald is genuinely interested in me?” Ariana scoffed. Mrs. Rosaline nodded. But Ariana shook her head in disbelief. “What does he see in me? He doesn’t like Karenina, who is graceful and sophisticated, let alone me?”

Mrs. Rosaline shook her head gently. “There’s no need for reasons to like someone. Affection and love can just come naturally without considering beauty, wealth, elegance, or intelligence. If you compare beauty as the measure, then you and Karenina have the same beauty. But why does Gerald want to keep you? It’s because he knows there’s something about you that captivates him and makes him want to have you. Even though I know the way he’s going about this is wrong.”

Ariana shook her head again, unable to simply accept the woman’s explanation before her. “Gerald is clearly not an innocent man. You yourself said he was wild when he lived abroad. How could he change overnight? I can assure you that before the marriage ceremony took place, he was still dating many women out there. And even now, he might have another woman he’s charming and being charmed by. Someone who will warm his bed when I can’t give him what he desires.”

Mrs. Rosaline nodded again. “I won’t deny that fact either. But do you know that on your first day stepping into our home, it was the first day he remembered his God and prostrated himself before Him?”

Ariana furrowed her brow. That was indeed true. “And since then, I knew you could guide him towards a better path. I think that’s what he saw in you, and that’s why he’s so determined to keep you. I know you still can’t accept all of this. But honestly, I’ll tell you, Gerald has never been this possessive with any woman except you, Ariana. You’re the first woman who can make him anxious, worried, jealous, and possessive. His excessive behavior, he has never shown it to anyone else. Not even to me or Isidora. But with you, his actions are clearly different. Maybe this is his way of saying how precious you are to him. Because until now, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings properly. Because there was never anyone to teach him how to do that. I just want you to give Gerald a chance to show his feelings. And I hope you can open your heart to him. Karenina will never replace your position, just as you’re not here to replace Karenina. Whatever your mother and Isidora might say, it’s not something you should worry about. What you need to think about is how Gerald and Axel feel. Both of them, lacking in love, need you. And I know you have so much love to give to both of them.”

Ariana couldn’t say anything. Her mind was blank. She still couldn’t believe everything she had heard. No, she couldn’t just easily accept all of this. Even though she was starting to accept the reality that she was Gerald’s wife and beginning to open her heart to him, she knew their issues wouldn’t end there. There was still his mother, Karenina, and Isidora, who would become triggers for problems in their marriage.