(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

“Papa’s told me to deliver the check as a gift for Karenina. I went to their mansion, and you know, at that moment, I really wanted to laugh seeing the expressions of those luxurious house workers,” Ariana tried to recall the moment she stepped into her mother’s new home. “They looked at me as if I were a ghost. Of course, they had no idea that their Miss had a twin sister,” Ariana snorted. “Who would talk about a bad past, right?” She asked rhetorically.

“We hadn’t seen each other for years. Is it too much to ask for a little warm welcome?” Ariana glanced at Chris. Chris nodded in agreement. “Unfortunately, even though I got that warm reception, they didn’t really welcome me. In that woman’s eyes, my arrival was like an oasis in a desert.

And then, she, who hadn’t asked about my well-being for years, suddenly asked me to replace Karenina,” Ariana chuckled. Chris was stunned. “She wasn’t there. My twin was said to be missing. No wonder when she came, she so gently requested my presence. I thought maybe she was starting to want our existence. My father’s and mine. But I was wrong. She was no different from any other woman who already had her child,” Ariana chuckled. There was a bitter tone in her voice.

“And to save their face, those wealthy people ordered me to replace Karenina at the altar. Can you imagine how I felt?”

Chris remained silent, understanding that Ariana’s questions didn’t require answers from him. “I refused, of course. How could they play me like that? Get married, and then once Karenina returned, I’d become a widow?” Ariana laughed bitterly. “At least being a widow left by death is more honorable. Or marrying someone you love and then getting a divorce is better. But me? I was forced to marry a man I didn’t know, a man I didn’t love, and to use someone else’s name just to get divorced when the bride arrived? My fate truly is unfortunate,” she sneered cynically.

Chris gently stroked Ariana’s hair, offering silent support. “That arrogant man offered me money. Can you imagine? Did he think I was that destitute? That desperate?” she huffed angrily. “He challenged me, saying he would give me whatever I wanted. But when I asked for his son’s heart, he refused.” Ariana snorted once again. “I left right then and there. And surprisingly, the next day, they kidnapped Dad.”

Chris was shocked. “How could that happen?” he asked, disbelieving.

Ariana shook her head. “I don’t know. I didn’t get a chance to ask Dad about the tactics they used to kidnap him. However, suddenly Mommy contacted me and said Dad couldn’t be reached. Turns out, their chemistry was strong too,” Ariana smiled bitterly. There was a flash of pride in her eyes. “And it turns out, the mastermind behind the kidnapping was that disgusting couple. I was forced to return to that damned house to bring my father back and pawn myself. It wasn’t my choice. Even before I had a chance to negotiate, they had already drugged me. And when I woke up, I was wearing a complete bridal outfit.”

I couldn’t do anything. Especially, I couldn’t find Dad. I was led to the altar, and I saw Dad and Mommy there. Luckily, they were both unharmed. And when my name was mentioned during the marriage vows, I didn’t suspect a thing. My confusion began when I realized my name was genuinely written in the marriage book. All the paperwork was under my name and the man’s. I thought it was because of their financial power, so everything could be processed easily. But I was wrong.”

Ariana took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. “It turns out, all of this was intentional. That man knew where Karenina had gone, apparently. And instead of bringing Karenina back, he deliberately trapped me in this marriage. And he admitted it all.”

“Bastard! So, he manipulated you?” Now Chris was truly feeling furious about it. “What are you going to do now?” he asked sharply.

“Is it possible for me to file for an annulment? Isn’t that something that can be done abroad?” Chris looked puzzled. He didn’t understand the legal aspects; it wasn’t his expertise. Ariana patted the shoulder of the older man. Then she chuckled. It was amusing to see the expression of confusion on the usually cool face of a Chris Alessandro who was known for his composure. “Yes, I know you don’t understand. You only know how to differentiate between rosemary and oregano,” Ariana teased.

“So, where is Karenina now?” he asked, ignoring Ariana’s teasing.

Ariana shrugged. “Do you think she would tell me if I asked? Of course not,” she answered her own question.

“How did she introduce you to the public during the reception?” Chris asked, puzzled.

“She didn’t say anything. She just accepted people’s greetings. She never clarified or denied anything. Besides, the reception was attended by only a handful of people. Maybe to minimize the worst-case scenario she already anticipated?” Ariana shrugged again.

“What will you do when Karenina returns?”

“According to you?” Ariana looked at Chris eagerly. “Should I kill her with my own hands? Or should I stage an accident as a cover-up?”

Chris laughed. He ruffled Ariana’s hair again. “I know you’re not that cruel.”

“You know, even a porcupine looks cute when it’s not attacking its enemies,” Ariana mused. Chris just nodded, slightly amused by her metaphor.

“In your opinion, why did Karenina choose to run away? Was it because that man seemed evil?” Ariana leaned back forcefully.

“I don’t know. He seemed cold and ruthless at first. But turns out, he’s just another sleazy guy,” Chris was visibly taken aback, observing Ariana closely. “Did he do something weird to you? Did he assault you?” His eyes scanned Ariana from top to bottom.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Ariana laughed. She just nudged Chris’s shoulder. “Sleazy. Not that much!” Ariana replied. “But he did try, though. Unfortunately for him, he failed.” Ariana chuckled mischievously. “But if that guy’s words are true. He thinks Ariana left because of Axel.”

“Who’s Axel?” Chris frowned.

“The man’s child,” Ariana clarified.

Chris was once again taken aback. “So, you married a widower?” he asked, surprised. Ariana just shrugged. “Let’s make sure you get a divorce as soon as possible. Tomorrow, we’re going to court. It’s ridiculous to marry a man with someone else’s child, especially a widower who already has another child. No way. I’d rather be alone. He’s handsome, yes, single, and rich too. How rich is he anyway?” Ariana shrugged again. “You really don’t know how rich he is? Or what kind of business he’s in?”

Ariana shook her head. “Just imagine, I’ve been his wife for less than twenty-four hours.” Ariana glanced at the clock on the wall. It had been just over twenty-four hours since their wedding yesterday. “And I didn’t get to know him any more than that. According to you, what could I investigate when our time together was just sleeping, and now, escaping.”

Chris realized Ariana was right. “So, what are you going to do now? Go back to that guy’s house?”

Ariana shook her head. “Crash here, okay?” she requested. Chris seemed to think for a moment. Then he nodded. “As long as you need,” he replied. Ariana smiled and winked.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome,” Chris replied. “You can use that room. But what about your clothes?”

“Borrow some money to buy clothes,” Ariana held out her hand. Chris chuckled. He took out his wallet and handed her a card, mentioning the same password as his apartment’s. Ariana smiled happily. She got up from her seat and immediately hugged Chris, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Chris rubbed his cheek, feeling a shiver of disgust. Ariana just laughed and went into his room.