(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

Gerald had finished cooking dinner for both of them. He had even changed out of his formal attire into a short-sleeved shirt and sweatpants that Yosef had sent from his home. The clock showed ten minutes past seven in the evening. His stomach was really growling by now. But it didn’t feel right to eat alone. Finally, he decided to go into the room and hope that Ariana had woken up from her sleep.

The girl was whimpering in her sleep. Gerald knew something was not right with her body. He approached; she was sleeping on her side with the blanket pulled up to her chin. He sat behind her and tried to feel her forehead. She was running a fever.

Gerald peeked and saw that her face was indeed flushed due to the high body temperature. But she wasn’t sweating at all.

Gerald opened the nightstand and took out some eucalyptus oil. Once again, he poured the oil into his hands and tried to feel her back through the blanket. Slowly, Gerald unhooked the girl’s bra so she could breathe more comfortably. Just like an expert, and let’s say he was one, Gerald even managed to remove the bra from the girl’s body. So now, Ariana was only wearing a tank top with nothing underneath.

Gerald walked back to the kitchen, intending to find a large bowl and a small towel he could use to compress Ariana’s feverish body. However, he couldn’t find a small towel anywhere.

Well, maybe Ariana would be angry with him after this. But what could he do? He couldn’t bear to see the girl seemingly in pain during her sleep. So, he opened her wardrobe, hoping to find a washcloth. And if he didn’t find it, the only last resort would be to contact Amber again.

But his last resort plan didn’t need to be put into action. He found the washcloth in the girl’s underwear drawer. Interestingly, there was nothing provocative or enticing in her underwear collection. He didn’t find any lingerie, G-strings, or lace bras. All of her underwear was neutral in color and made of modest materials. Gerald was even sure he wouldn’t find a bikini in her closet.

He shook his head when a lecherous thought crossed his mind.

Gerald returned to the kitchen and filled a large bowl with water. He went back to the room and started to gently pat down various parts of Ariana’s hot body. Ariana seemed to shiver, yet she didn’t open her eyes. When everything felt sufficient, Gerald walked to the other side of the bed, slipped under the blanket, and approached the girl’s body.

His right hand slipped behind Ariana’s neck, drawing their bodies closer slowly. Well, what he should have done was to undress her and share body heat directly to reduce the fever. But Gerald didn’t not want to do it. It was obvious he wanted to. However, he avoided confrontation in case the girl woke up.

What if Ariana became even angrier with him? Even though, in reality, that would be quite enjoyable, but not right now. He just wanted peace for a moment. Gerald rested his head on top of hers and embraced Ariana tightly. Unconsciously, Ariana also hugged Gerald tightly. Her head leaned against Gerald’s chest, emitting warmth that penetrated through his clothes.

Gerald was about to sigh in his heart. The body couldn’t lie. When it hurt, it showed. And when it needed something, it proved it. Just look at now. Even though the girl had said she didn’t like Gerald, her response of hugging him tightly proved that she actually needed him.

The feeling of hunger seemed to be replaced by heavy drowsiness. Gerald wasn’t accustomed to sleeping before 9 PM. He was even used to staying up late at certain times. But somehow, being close to Ariana made him feel comfortable, turning sleep into an escape.

Ariana felt a slow movement. Was there an earthquake? she wondered before fully waking up. She then opened her eyes and saw something black blocking her view. ‘What is this?’ she thought. Ariana’s hand, placed on the black object, moved slowly and rubbed it. It wasn’t her pillow, that was clear. This object was much larger than her pillow. Then Ariana slowly looked up, but her head seemed to be blocked by something.

It was someone’s arm, and someone’s chest, she murmured in her mind. Yes, the movement she felt earlier was the person’s breathing.

Wait. Ariana attempted to pull back, but the person’s hand stopped her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his voice hoarse with sleepiness. Ariana now looked up and saw the man was still asleep.

“What are you doing?” Ariana asked in panic. They were both under the blanket, and the man’s legs were entwined with hers, and his arms were tightly wrapped around her. His hands were pressing on her back, causing Ariana to rest her head on his chest again. Memories of the day her status changed on the first day came flooding back. No, that couldn’t happen again. They couldn’t do that.

Ariana tried to push the man’s chest again, but he continued to hold her. “Just a moment,” he said. Ariana knew she couldn’t struggle. No matter how strong she was, the man’s strength clearly overpowered hers. So, she surrendered and relaxed her body.

Gerald’s right hand, which was acting as a cushion, was now not supporting her back but gently stroking her hair. “How do you feel? Does your body feel better now?” he inquired. Ariana was now free to lift her head, and the man bent down in his sleeping position.

His left hand played with Ariana’s hair and even caressed her cheek and left neck. Ariana shuddered at his touch. The man tilted Ariana’s head up and shifted his body down. Then he placed his forehead against Ariana’s, making their breaths mingle. “Not as hot as before,” he murmured. Ariana lifted her head again, and the man smiled. “Hungry?” he asked, full of concern.

‘No!’ Ariana commanded herself in her mind. ‘Don’t be sweet and caring to me! I don’t want to like you!’ she warned herself.

“I’m fine,” she replied curtly. Ariana then tried to get up and push the man away. But she failed. Her position reversed, and now the man was pushing her. Gerald pinned Ariana down with his body, making her unable to move.

“Are you trying to resist?” the man asked challengingly. Ariana furrowed her brow in confusion. “What do you mean?” she asked.

“Are you trying to deny that deep down you’re starting to like me?” Gerald challenged again. Ariana sighed. She chose to turn her face to the right. However, she made a mistake. By doing that, she gave the man a chance to touch her even more.