Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River was connected to a ventilator and various tubes, which remained out of Tyler’s view.
Tyler said, “Mommy still has tubes, Uncle Kenny.”
Tyler gazed at his mother’s face, now sunken and pallid after two days. His eyes reddened with tears instantly. He patted Kenny and gestured to be placed down.
Kenny sighed after noticing Tyler’s mood. He also desired River’s recovery, but his prayers seemed unanswered.
When Axel asked to see his mother, Tyler didn’t stop him. Liora also wanted to see her, but Tyler halted her.
“Why won’t you let me see her?” Llora glared at Tyler.
Tyler glanced at her solemnly. “I don’t want to see you cry.”
“Does Mommy still have tubes?” Liora swallowed her saliva.
Tyler looked away. “Yes.”
Liora sensed Tyler’s concern, so she didn’t resist and allowed him to hold her.
“Okay, I won’t cry anymore. I’ll stay strong and wait for Mommy,” she assured.
Tyler responded with a thoughtful “Hmm.”
At Muricia.
Noah exited the company, accompanied by a few dozen bodyguards.
Reuben walked beside him, sheltering him under a large, black umbrella.
The passersby couldn’t help but glance at the formidable lineup.
A woman in a hat stared at Noah, then quickly fled upon recognizing him.
Observing the fleeing figure, a vigilant bodyguard swiftly ordered, “Capture that woman!”
The closest bodyguard chased and apprehended her, bringing her to Noah.
Despite her struggles, the woman remained silent. Forced to stand before Noah, she lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.
Noah closely examined her and exclaimed, “Paige?”
Paige stiffened briefly, then replied, “You’ve mistaken me for someone else!”
Reuben chuckled. “Ms. Watson, you’ve exposed yourself with your French.”
Annoyed, Paige thought, ‘I was so nervous that I forgot to speak Ylesirese! Forget it. There’s nothing for me to hide anymore now!‘
Paige looked up and met Noah’s eyes.
Noah remarked casually, “So you’re in Muricia, huh?”
Paige said sarcastically, “What a coincidence, Mr. De Marco. Did River not come with you? What’s with this grand lineup?”
“This is not a good place to talk. Let’s grab lunch together,” Noah suggested, making it difficult for Paige.
to refuse.
She followed Noah into the car.
The bodyguards secured the private room’s entrance at the restaurant.
As they sat down and ordered their meals, Paige said, “Mr. De Marco, I have AIDS. Aren’t you worried that I might infect you while eating with you?”
Noah glanced at her and retorted, “Are you going to get your blood in my food?”
Paige asked, “Why are you traveling with so many bodyguards, Mr. De Marco? You didn’t need so many back in Cheasia.”
Noah then recounted the incident of the past two days.
Paige’s eyes widened in shock. “So, you abandoned River on the day of the engagement?”
“There’s no risk of infection as long as he’s not with me. He’ll have a happy and fulfilling family in the future, with adorable and healthy children.”
Noah sneered. “Everyone has the right to choose their own future. Your intention may seem good, but it’s actually selfish.”
“Selfish? How am I selfish? I’m doing this for him!” Paige looked at him in astonishment.
“You claim you’re doing it for him, but you’ve never considered his mood and wishes,” Noah said with a sneer.
Paige sniggered. “Is he willing to live with me, surrounded by medicine for the rest of his life? Will he endure his family’s opposition for me and choose me at all times? Can he guarantee that we won’t argue because of this issue once we’re together?”
Noah replied, “Firstly, your illness is not a result of your own actions. Alex is aware of that, so he won’t argue with you. In fact, he will take care of you because of it.
“You may ask him in person for the other two questions. He is determined and willing to do so based on his answer to me.”
Noah played the role of a mediator for Alex’s sake. He did it for River, too. After all, Paige was her best friend and the only female friend she could discuss private matters within Cheasia.
It would be good for Paige to return to Cheasia.
Paige looked at him in a daze. “You mentioned that he is determined and willing?”
“Don’t believe me?” Noah stared at her.
Paige looked away. “I haven’t heard it myself.”
Noah grabbed his phone and dialed Alex’s number.
Paige’s eyes widened in shock when she heard the ringtone. “You….”
“Hello?”
Before Paige could finish her sentence, Alex’s voice was heard.
Her heart skipped a beat, perhaps due to not hearing Alex’s voice for a long time.
She felt anxious yet stressed.
She clenched her fists tightly.
Noah put the call on speaker. “Alex, find someone and get married.”
“Fuck, Noah! What is wrong with you? I thought I told you that Paige is all I want? Did my parents call you? Tell them that I’ll cut ties with them if they dare to force me to get married!” Alex sounded agitated.
Paige was stunned.
Noah looked at her and said calmly, “Do you think it’s beneficial for you to keep waiting for her?”
Noah went along with her. “No.”
Alex remained silent for a brief moment before finally speaking up. “Please tell me if you have any information about her.”
“Hmm.”
“Also, how’s your situation there? When… are you coming back?” Alex took a deep breath, composing himself.
“A few more days. I can’t be sure of the time to leave yet,” Noah replied.
“Noah… frankly… River…”
The mention of River tightened Noah’s chest with anxiety. He sensed something was amiss with Alex’s hesitation.
Frowning, Noah asked, “What’s going on with River?”
Alex gnashed his teeth. “Nothing. It’s just that if you don’t come back, you might not be able to appease her in the future.”
Noah’s expression turned solemn. “I will apologize to her properly, but she won’t take my call nor reply to my text.”
Alex remarked, “I would ignore you, too.”
Noah was rendered speechless.
“Alright, I’m going inside now!” Alex said.
“Hmm.”
After ending the call, Noah found himself preoccupied with thoughts of River.
“Speaking of which… River didn’t reply to my text either,” Paige said, wiping her tears and sniffing.
Noah looked at her. “When did you text her?”
“I congratulated her on the day of your engagement, but there was no reply,” Paige shared.
Noah felt an ineffable emptiness in his heart. “Even though she has quite the temper, she wouldn’t inflict her anger on you.”
“Why don’t I… give River a call now?” Paige asked.
“Sure.”
Paige grabbed her phone and dialed River’s number. Soon, the call was picked up.
Paige said hastily, “River?”
“This is Neil.” Neil’s tired yet hoarse voice was heard.
Paige was stunned while Noah frowned.
Noah wondered, ‘Why is it Neil again? Hasn’t he returned the phone to River yet?‘
Paige asked, “Neil? Where is River?”
“River is… not feeling too well.” Neil looked out the window.
Knowing River wouldn’t want Paige to worry, Neil chose to hide the truth.
“Not feeling too well? How so?” Paige asked anxiously.
“She has acute gastritis. She didn’t eat well because of the engagement incident, then she ate too much,”
Neil fabricated.
Paige was doubtful. “That’s not right. River wouldn’t eat too much even if she’s in a bad mood…”
Noah shared the same thought with Paige.
Neil explained, “I don’t know what she has eaten, but she is receiving an intravenous infusion now.”
Paige looked at Noah with an unpleasant expression. “Uh, Neil, can you take a photo of-“