(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“Do you think that’s wrong?” Ariana challenged again. “I’m just learning from the experts. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right? And didn’t you and your mother do the same thing? Because of Dad’s bankruptcy, you went to wealthier men. Didn’t matter if you were scorned for breaking up someone else’s marriage.”

Karenina was taken aback. She was quite surprised by Ariana’s attitude. In the past, even though Ariana was known as a tomboy, she was not rough. Not like now.

“I don’t want to be at a disadvantage, Karen, dear. My status will change to widow in just a few days. Even before everyone knows I’m already married. I need compensation to bear that shame. Right?” Karenina looked at Ariana with a furrowed brow. “Give me a surprising offer, Karen. After that, I’ll consider whether I’ll leave Gerald or not. That’s if I even want to leave him.” She replied ambiguously. Karenina was once again left confused.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Oh, come on, Ariana. If marrying Gerald isn’t advantageous, why would you and your mother try so hard to get rid of me? And if marrying Gerald is an advantage, why should I share that advantage with you and your mother? I can enjoy it on my own, and I won’t die because of it, right?”

“Ariana!” Karenina interrupted her harshly.

“Why? Are you and your mother afraid you won’t find a better prey than Gerald?” she mocked. Karenina stared at her with anger that she no longer tried to conceal. Her slender, diamond-adorned fingers were now clenched on her thighs. “Why?” Ariana challenged. “Is what I’m saying wrong?”

Karenina shook her head. Remarkably, the girl’s facial expression instantly turned calm. And even showed a hint of pity. “Why have you changed like this?” the girl asked in disbelief.

Ariana really wanted to laugh at her. But she held herself back with all her might. She never expected her twin sister to be this cunning.

“Changed into what do you mean?” Ariana asked, feigning innocence.

“You’re rough, whereas you weren’t like this before. And you, selfish,” her twin replied with a sad expression.

Ariana chuckled. “Do you think, after all this time, I should always be the foolish Ariana? Forever resigned to my fate? Forever the girl who’s willing to give everything to you just because of my role as an older sister?” Ariana taunted. “Come on, Karen. I’m not that foolish anymore. I shouldn’t lose to you, right? If even when we were kids you knew what you wanted. Why can’t I do the same now?”

“Maybe my way isn’t as beautiful or as smooth as yours. But I can assure you that I can be cunning too,” Ariana said. “And do you know that Axel really likes me?” Ariana asked again. “I heard that he will be the sole heir to his late father’s fortune. Isn’t that very advantageous for me? I just need to endure being with him, be kind to him. And slowly I can spend his inheritance. Isn’t that intriguing?” Ariana challenged.

Karenina still looked at Ariana in disbelief. “If you really want to regain your position as the Zeroun family’s daughter-in-law, the only way you can get rid of me is by asking Gerald for a divorce. Try it, and I hope you succeed in your first attempt,” she continued. Ariana stood up, feeling that the conversation was over.

“Do you think I can’t do it?” Karenina finally challenged. Ariana looked at her twin sister with a smirk. “It will be very easy to make Gerald kneel before me. And it will be even easier to remove you from his life,” she threatened.

Ariana still held a smile on her face. “Is that so? Then go ahead and execute your plan. Because I’ve already told my mother that I won’t let go of Gerald easily,” she replied defiantly.

Ariana then turned and left. She didn’t leave her room because she still felt unwell. Ariana returned to her bedroom and closed the door from the inside. Shortly after the bedroom door closed, she heard a crash coming from the adjacent room.

Of course, it was Karenina’s doing. Although Ariana didn’t know what object the girl had thrown, perhaps one of Amber’s favorite vases. But Ariana didn’t care. She chose to lie down on her bed because her head was throbbing with pain.

Karenina’s arrival only made her body feel even more painful. Ariana didn’t know how long it took until she could finally fall into a deep sleep.

Ariana felt something warm spreading on her side, making her feel comfortable and drawing her closer instantly. The warmth tightened around her body, embracing her tightly. Honestly, Ariana liked it so much that she was reluctant to open her eyes.

Something soft and supple touched her forehead. Ariana smiled in her sleep. What was this comfort? Why did she want to drift off even more and not open her eyes? Ariana hid her face in something sturdy yet warm. She could even hear a soft, rumbling murmur in her ears. What was this sound? She wondered in her heart, but she still didn’t want to open her eyes.

“Turns out you really become spoiled when you’re sick, huh?” The voice? Ariana recognized it. Instantly, she opened her eyes and saw something mustard yellow in front of her. She looked up and then met Gerald’s gaze as he lowered his head towards her.

Surprised, Ariana immediately moved back. However, it turned out, the man’s arms and legs encircled her. “What are you doing?” Ariana asked in panic. Instead of answering, Gerald just smiled cunningly.

“Keeping my wife company in her sleep, of course,” he replied casually. Then he hugged Ariana again. “I know you enjoy my embrace. And I willingly offer it to you. I should be grateful for that, considering there are many women out there waiting in line to get my hug.”

Ariana snorted, but she couldn’t deny that the man’s embrace was indeed comforting. “Feeling better?” Gerald asked again, as Ariana remained silent. However, he was pleased that Ariana chose to rest her head on his chest again, instead of pulling away like she did initially.

“Hmm…” Ariana responded with an unclear murmur. Her hands unconsciously gripped the shirt Gerald was wearing. “Where do you want to stay?” Gerald asked again, curious.

Ariana raised her head, looking at Gerald with a furrowed brow. Clearly, she didn’t believe the question he posed.