(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

With a quick motion, Gerald turned off the television and stood up from his seat. Now, Ariana could clearly observe the man. Gerald was still dressed in his work attire: a long-sleeved white shirt that he had folded up to his elbows and black trousers. His tie had been loosened, and the top two buttons of his shirt seemed deliberately undone.

Normally, such a sight would remind Ariana of salesmen for household products who typically went door to door selling their goods. Or it would bring to mind new interns who could be seen in various stores and even some offices. You know, their typical new employee attire, black and white.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

However, for some reason, seeing Gerald dressed like that made him look even more charming to her. Ariana couldn’t quite understand her own thought process.

And the man’s jacket hung on the single sofa not far from where Ariana stood. Seeing his personal belonging in her room, he acted as if the room belonged to Gerald alone. Normally, this should have made Ariana uncomfortable, or at least uneasy. But in reality, it made her feel nothing but at ease.

Gerald casually grabbed his jacket and followed Ariana. She knew it was already getting late in the day. She actually wanted to ask when he had arrived and why he was there. Especially considering he ended up staying and even keeping her company until she fell asleep.

Ariana was curious. Was it really okay for Gerald to leave his office frequently just for her? But then, she dismissed her own thoughts. She didn’t want to assume, especially not to become conceited. She was afraid that if she asked Gerald about it, he might say she was becoming too observant. Or perhaps he might comment that he was off duty and had come to the restaurant not out of concern for her.

Nevertheless, it still occupied her thoughts, especially after their intense argument earlier that morning when he had left her with a stern face accompanied by bodyguards she didn’t recognize. She wanted to know what made him forget his anger towards her.

Ariana descended to the ground floor but didn’t enter the kitchen. Instead, she chose to leave the restaurant and find something to eat outside. Gerald continued to follow her. When they reached the parking lot, he stopped her. “Where are you going?”

Ariana looked up, gazing at him. Once again, she noticed something. His height didn’t quite reach his chin. Why hadn’t she realized that before?

Alright, Ariana admitted it. Because she spent a considerable amount of time with Gerald, if he wasn’t forcibly carrying her, she would often find herself lying on the bed. Or in a position where one of them was standing while the other was sitting.

In a face-to-face standing position like this, on the same level ground, she could still count the instances on her fingers. Even on their wedding day, she had worn high stiletto heels to at least match his height a little.

Ariana raised her head while Gerald leaned down towards her. “I’m going to find something to eat,” she repeated her response with a hiss in her tone.

“Yeah, but where?” Gerald asked, his tone softer. “You’re still not well. Don’t go too far,” he pleaded. Why did Gerald make her feel guilty? Ariana questioned herself.

“I won’t go far. I just want to grab some fast food at the end of the street,” Ariana replied, her tone also softening.

Gerald then gently led her towards his parked car. Ariana was clearly surprised, considering Vivan wasn’t there – Gerald’s loyal assistant. And she looked around; she didn’t see the usual cars used by Gerald’s bodyguards. Something was odd here. However, Ariana could only suppress her thoughts.

Gerald opened the door for her. Ariana didn’t say much. She got in and sat in the passenger seat. Gerald circled around the front of the car and finally settled behind the wheel.

This wasn’t the first time Gerald had driven Ariana. Yet, it still felt strange to her, considering Gerald was accustomed to being chauffeured by others and now he was driving himself.

“Show me the way,” he commanded. Not in a loud voice, just a flat-toned directive.

Gerald smoothly reversed the car. His left hand rested on the back of Ariana’s seat, while the other gripped the steering wheel. He looked back as he slowly backed up. Once they were on the road, he spoke again.

“Don’t you want to compliment me?” he asked.

Ariana’s eyebrows furrowed. “Compliment you for what?” she asked, confused.

“Isn’t it that women like action scenes, like the one I just did when reversing the car?” he asked, looking puzzled.

“You mean, being impressed because you drove with one hand while backing up?” Ariana asked, still perplexed. Gerald nodded.

“Are you kidding?” Ariana snorted. “Are you one of those drama victims?” she teased. “Do you think only you men can do that? We can too.”

Gerald ended up feeling quite miserable due to his statement. It seemed like Vivan’s advice to capture Ariana’s attention with such macho acts was futile. Feeling embarrassed by his own actions, Gerald chose to remain silent for the rest of their journey.

Ariana pointed out the fast-food place she wanted to go to. Gerald parked his car neatly there. They then walked into the not-so-crowded fast-food restaurant; it wasn’t dinner time, and lunchtime had long passed.

“You know, you shouldn’t be eating fast food right now. Didn’t the doctor say you had a stomach cramp last night?” Gerald commented as Ariana continued walking in and joined the line.

“Rules are meant to be broken,” Ariana replied casually, while Gerald followed her lead.

After placing their orders, Ariana carried the tray of food to a table in one corner, and Gerald sat next to her.

He could only sit beside her, eating and watching Ariana, who now seemed to be enjoying her meal heartily.

Seeing her mood change drastically, a smile crept onto his lips.