(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“What you hear may not necessarily be true,” he answered coldly. It was the first time Ariana saw the business side of Gerald Aarzu Zeroun. “But I believe you are a wise person who knows whom to trust,” he continued. The old man nodded awkwardly. “And surely you know what is beneficial for you?”

The old man nodded again. “I understand. You are married to Ariana Dwiguna, not Karenina Brooks. Everything I heard was just pure gossip,” he said again.

“And one more thing. Also tell everyone in this room that soon Gerald Zeroun will host a grand reception to celebrate his marriage.” He was once again nodded by the bald man. “In that case, we excuse ourselves. My wife and I have other matters to attend to.” Gerald said with a friendly smile on his face. Gerald nodded his head as a form of courtesy before leading Ariana to step away. And Ariana, she was captivated by the charm of the man standing next to her now.

They walked past a few more crowds before finally reaching the lobby and waiting for their car to be brought by the valet. Both of them were silent.

In Ariana’s mind, she was still thinking about why the man had said such things to the bald man. While in Gerald’s mind, he was thinking about what could make his wife’s mood better.

The car was already in front of them. The valet opened the door for both of them. Ariana thanked the employee before sitting down and fastening her seatbelt.

“What did you mean by saying that to the man earlier?” Ariana asked curiously.

“He’s a big talker,” Gerald replied. And that was enough for Ariana to understand.

“But what do you mean by saying you’ll throw a big party?” she asked, her tone disapproving. “I do plan to do that. Invite everyone and have an unforgettable lavish party so that everyone knows I’m married to a beautiful woman named Ariana Leonidas Dwiguna,” Gerald proudly replied.

Ariana shook her head. “Are you really doing it for me? Not because you were offended by Sheraz’s words?”

Mentioning Sheraz’s name made Gerald flinch instantly. “Don’t mention that name in front of me. My ears could go deaf just by hearing it,” he grumbled irritably. Ariana could only chuckle.

“Are you upset because of what he said, or because you can’t compete with him?”

Gerald glanced at Ariana again. “I have no intention of getting married again, Mrs. Aarzu. Just facing you is overwhelming enough for me. Let alone two women,” he said in annoyance.

Ariana laughed again. “So you think I’m difficult?” she asked.

Gerald shrugged. “Honestly? Yes!” he replied irritably. “Like right now, I’m confused about what I should do to improve your mood. And what’s even more confusing is that I don’t know the reason that made your mood change suddenly. Are you PMS-ing?” he asked openly.

Ariana shook her head. “I just met someone I’ve been avoiding for a long time. And seeing him always disgusts me,” she replied honestly.

“I won’t ask who that person is unless you want to tell me,” Gerald replied, still nonchalant. Although in his heart, he made a mental list of who might be the mood spoiler for his wife. Could it be Sheraz? Shelma? Gerald didn’t know the extent of Ariana’s social circle, so he couldn’t guess anything else.

Or maybe, his wife’s mood changed because of the rumors they heard about Shelma? Although Gerald didn’t believe that Shelma said things like Sheraz did. As far as Gerald knew, Shelma was an educated person who understood etiquette. Perhaps Sheraz said all that just to annoy Gerald, and the man knew that Gerald’s annoyance stemmed from Ariana’s annoyance too. That man was petty. He loved making others uncomfortable. That’s why their relationship had never improved since the beginning. Although in their business affairs, they could behave professionally towards each other.

“Do you want to go somewhere?” Gerald offered once they were inside the car. “Any suggestions?” Ariana asked back.

“I don’t know, I don’t know your preferences,” he replied honestly.

Ariana chuckled hearing that. “I thought your informants’ data told you everything about me,” she teased. “Where do you usually go when you’re feeling uncomfortable?” Ariana asked again.

Gerald shrugged. “A nightclub?” he asked uncertainly.

Ariana laughed again. “I’m not a night owl. For me, just taking a walk is enough,” she replied. “Going to crowded places is not my style,” she continued. “Doesn’t that already prove that we live in different worlds?” Ariana asked in a flat tone.

Gerald glanced at his wife briefly. He didn’t like analogies like that. “Everything can be adjusted, sweetheart,” Gerald replied straightforwardly.

Ariana shook her head. “Not everything,” she gently refused. “You can’t always understand me and cater to my whims. Adjust yourself to me. Likewise, I can’t always follow your wishes, adapt to your life that has clearly been very different from mine. Do you think we can live together with those differences?” Ariana asked again.

Gerald extended his left hand, silently asking for Ariana’s hand. Ariana reached out her hand. And when their palms met, Gerald interlocked their fingers. “I know. What’s the difference with business? We have to adapt everything to the current situation. Life is like that, isn’t it? There’s no perfect partner. There is no marriage without arguments forever. Some people choose to live with someone who has the same personality. Some people demand their partners to be what they want. But it all comes back to their respective partners. Whether they do it willingly or by force. And I won’t force you to be what I want because I like you just the way you are. And I can’t change myself to be what you want because I don’t know what kind of man you want me to be. But isn’t life about negotiation? Complementing each other? Rebuking if wrong and talking if something is uncomfortable?” Gerald asked wisely. “If I make a mistake and upset you, I know you’ll tell me directly.”

“And I have to deal with your sulking that is so childish? Is that what you think?” Ariana asked again. Gerald chuckled at her, but then nodded his head.

“But I can be mature and wise occasionally. Sulking and being childish are just bonuses,” he grinned. Gerald parked his car in one of the parking areas located on a busy street. He then opened the passenger door for Ariana. Ariana looked at him puzzled, but Gerald just smiled. “You said you like walking, so why don’t we walk here?” he asked. Ariana looked at a building a few dozen meters in front of her. The triangular-shaped building looked beautiful at night with its golden-yellow lighting. She hadn’t paid much attention to the road, but was surprised when Gerald brought her here.

“City Park?” she asked, surprised. Gerald just nodded.

“This place is quite interesting. And I hope we can find any performance that can at least calm you down,”Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

he continued. Ariana smiled. Once again, her heart was warmed by his understanding. She reached for Gerald’s arm again and followed him as he walked.