(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Gerald and Ariana raised their heads, looking at the person who called them. A Middle Eastern-looking man with a tall stature, broad chest, and long legs smiled at them mockingly. “I didn’t expect to meet you here,” Gerald snorted. The man, greeted coldly, smiled again. His eyes then glanced at Ariana.

“Is this Mr. Gerald Zeroun’s bride?” he asked curiously. “Honestly, I thought your wife wasn’t too beautiful, considering you’ve been hiding her from the public. And I thought, she must not be worthy of your pride, considering you’ve deliberately concealed your marriage. But it seems…” the man looked at Ariana with a praising yet polite gaze. Then he extended his hand. “I’m Sheraz,” he said as Ariana shook his hand. His grip was firm, not the teasing kind of handshake. And even though his tone sounded insulting, he smiled politely, reaching his eyes.

In her heart, Ariana smiled. It seemed like this man was to Gerald what Chris was to her. Both of them appeared to have a past that only the two of them knew. And Ariana reassured herself that she could be a good friend to him, just like she was to Chris.

“Don’t look at my wife,” Gerald said irritably.

The man shrugged, pulling a chair for the woman who came with him and then sat next to her after ensuring she was comfortably seated. “Why? Afraid she’ll be tempted by me?” he challenged. “Honestly, Ariana, besides being more handsome than him, I’m also much richer than he is. You won’t lack for anything, not just money, but also love.” he continued.

“But I’m better than you,” Gerald sneered. “Because I have only one wife and no intention of adding more.” “What’s wrong with having two wives?” Sheraz shrugged again. “But honestly, Ariana. If you become my third wife, you will have a more luxurious wedding than this. I’m a generous man to women. You can ask my wife, right?” he glanced at the woman who was now sitting next to him. She returned Ariana’s gaze awkwardly.

“I’m still confused about you. If you’re still planning to be a playboy, why did you choose to commit and get married? Especially to have two wives. Moreover, your first wife is still healthy and obviously beautiful. And again, how could you marry another woman who happens to be your wife’s stepsister?” Gerald’s words were sharp, not filtered and meant to insult. But instead of getting offended, the man burst into laughter.

“At least I’m better than you, Ge,” he replied. “I married both of them because I wanted to, and they didn’t mind. While you, planning to marry her sister but ended up at the altar with her sister? Isn’t that more humiliating for one of them? Moreover, that marriage wasn’t ordinary because you clearly made her father a hostage. Isn’t that coercion, Mrs. Zeroun? Or should I call you ‘Replacement Bride’?” he looked at Ariana with mischievously gleaming eyes.

“Shut up, Sheraz!” Gerald snapped again.

Alright, Ariana thought, she could like this man. If she ever wanted to annoy Gerald, she could use Sheraz’s name as a shield. But more than that, she felt like she knew the man well after knowing who his wife was. Ariana’s eyes had been on him since earlier, although the woman didn’t return her gaze.

“Why, Ge? Isn’t it a fact? But I’m curious, has your playboy attitude changed? At least I’m not a man who spreads love to every woman I meet. And I’m not a man who likes to spread his seed to every female creature. Not like you,” he continued without hesitation. But then, he glanced at Ariana. “Oops, did I go too far? Doesn’t your wife know your debauchery?” he asked. Gerald clenched his jaw while the man raised the corner of his mouth. “We both were quite naughty back then,” he continued to Ariana.

“That time has ended,” Gerald replied again cynically.

“Really? I think you’re still fooling around behind your wife’s back. Because coincidentally, before I entered here, I also saw your ex,” the man replied. Gerald raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Shelma,” he informed. “It seems you didn’t give yourself time to socialize with a few people before sitting here, Ge. Because you didn’t hear the strange rumors I heard.” he continued.

“What do you mean?” Gerald asked bewildered.

“I heard you intend to follow in my footsteps. You plan to have two wives at the same time,” he continued. “But, Ge, as a man with two wives, I suggest you really do it. I see Shelma as a smart woman. She can help you advance your company, just like I made Lunara work in my company. And you can make Ariana, your wife, the woman you love. Just like I love my second wife, Tanisha. Isn’t that right?” Sheraz now glanced at the silent woman. The remnants of her arrogance turned into embarrassment.

Gerald’s response was interrupted by the echoing music throughout the Ballroom. A famous pair of hosts, usually seen by Ariana on the screen, were now in front of them. They looked stunning in their luxurious attire, explaining the process they were about to conduct. The attention of all the guests seemed to be drawn to them, including Ariana and Gerald.

When they showed a video that presented the love journey of the couple, Ariana was swept away and fascinated by it. And after the wedding vows ceremony was over, the guests who were allowed to enjoy the meal began to disperse.

After finishing dinner, the guests scattered again and socialized. Every step and conversation they had stopped every time the newlyweds came and greeted them. A casual chat and then the conversation continued when the newlyweds went to meet other guests.

And after the bride and groom greeted Gerald and Ariana’s table, Ariana chose to excuse herself to the restroom. She wasn’t too surprised when she saw someone already standing in front of the sink, leaning against the countertop with both hands folded in front of her chest.

“Waiting for me, huh?” Ariana asked the woman.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

The woman straightened up and looked at Ariana challengingly. The hatred she seemed to have hidden behind her beautiful face now began to show. Her gaze was clearly directed at Ariana, assessing her from head to toe. “Just because you’re dressed beautifully doesn’t make you more valuable, Ariana,” she insulted. Ariana shrugged. “Don’t feel so proud just because you’re Gerald’s wife, Ariana. You surely know that men like your husband and mine are highly sought after by women.” Unlike her shy gaze when they were sitting earlier, this time the woman looked at Ariana challengingly.