Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River said, “You can come with us. I’d like to spend Lundi Gras with Axel as well.”
River stood up and announced, “I’m going to the restroom.”
As she walked past Noah, he reached out to grab her arm, pulling her into his arms before she could react.
He held her tightly, not intending to let her go.
River’s eyes widened in shock, and she blushed, exclaiming “What are you doing? Let go of me.
Our child is here!”
“River,” Noah whispered against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.
A numbing sensation overwhelmed her, and River pushed at him. “Let go of me before you talk.”
Noah spoke gently, his deep gaze fixed on her, “Let’s be together.”
or body stiffening River was stunned, at his words. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find her words, thinking, ‘Should we? The timing doesn’t seem right, but I can’t find a good reason to reject him.”
While River pondered, Noah continued. “You don’t have to give me an answer now, but I hope you’ll consider my proposal.”
River relaxed slightly and replied, “Give me some time, please…”
Noah insisted, “Set a deadline.”
River remained silent, about to respond when Noah’s phone rang. She pushed him away and said, “
Take the call first.”
Noah nodded, answering his phone. “What is it?”
Reuben reported, “Mr. Casey and Ms. Love got engaged, sir!
Noah’s expression darkened. “When did that happen?”
“Last night. We’ve been monitoring information from your father’s staff. They said Mr. Casey received your father’s permission last night.”
“Understood.” Noah hung up the call.
River looked at him with concern. “If Casey gets engaged to Daniella now, it can significantly impact MK.”
Noah smirked. “He should be prepared to lose his job if that’s what he wants!”
River didn’t say more, knowing Noah had a plan to handle Casey, Later that night, River slept on the caregiver bed while Noah reviewed documents on the sofa.
River wanted to ask if Noah wanted to rest, noticing his face illuminated by dim lighting, but she hesitated. There was only one bed, and Noah would never allow her to take the sofa.
Overwhelmed with emotions, River closed her eyes, her mind filled with her conversation with Noah.
Soon, she drifted to sleep.
River felt discomfort in her abdomen the next morning. She opened her eyes to find Axel sitting on the bed, smiling at her.
River was surprised. “You’re up, Axel.”
Axel nodded. ‘Mommy, where’s Daddy?”
River glanced at the empty sofa and stood up, rubbing her eyes. Is your daddy…”
Before she could finish her sentence, she felt an arm sliding around her and exclaimed, “Gah!”
Startled, she turned to see Noah lying behind her–he had slipped into bed without her notice.
Noah opened his eyes drowsily upon hearing her scream and asked, “You’re awake?”
River glared at him. “Why are you sleeping here?”
Noah replied, “You should ask yourself why you kicked the blanket.”
River felt embarrassed and exclaimed, “What nonsense are you talking about!”
wouldn’t have to squeeze into the small bed with you if I could stop you.” Noah sat up and glanced at Axel. “You can leave the hospital today, I’ll drop you off at Bayview Villa first.”
Axel was briefly shocked before he smiled. “Sure,”
River glared at Noah, wondering if he had heard her.
At 10:00 a.m., Axel was discharged from the hospital.
Noah sent him and River back to Bayview Villa and said, “I’ll come over later.”
River nodded and got out of the car, holding Axel’s hand.
Tyler and Liora rushed from the living room when they entered the villa.
Liora cheered with excitement upon seeing Axel. “Congratulations on getting out, Axell‘
Tyler smiled at Axel. “Welcome home.”
Axel nodded. “Thank you.”
The kids invited Axel to play in the living room while River called out to Eira, who was busy in the kitchen.
“I’m here!”
Eira ran out of the kitchen. “How can I help, River?”
River asked, “Is it okay that you’re not celebrating Lundi Gras with your family?”
Eira smiled. “My parents have a tradition of traveling during Mardi Gras. So please, let me stay with you, River.”
River nodded. “Sure. Join us for the festivities. Come with me to buy some food later.”
Eira said, “Of course!”
In the afternoon, River and Eira bought a variety of delicious foods like barbecued ribs, gumbo, king cake, and more.
By the time they returned home, it was already 4:00 p.m., and Paige and Alex had arrived.
Paige wanted to help with the heavy bags of food.
River stopped her, saying. “You shouldn’t lift heavy things during pregnancy.”
Paige pouted, “Why am I being treated like a deadbeat just because I’m pregnant?”
“A pregnant woman shouldn’t be doing anything strenuous!”
Alex arrived and gently held Paige’s hand. “Go inside first and leave this to me.”
Paige walked into the villa.
Eira exclaimed, “Paige is so lucky to have a partner who treats her well.”
River smiled at her. “You deserve a good partner, too.”
“Don’t tease me, River.” Eira blushed.
River carried a bag of food and headed toward the villa. Before entering, she received a text message from Greta.
Greta: [River, Uncle Tom and I wanted to wish you Happy Mardi Gras in advance! We’ll be spending time with your grandfather, so we won’t be coming over. Please give our regards to the children.]
River was about to reply when Greta Venmoed her three times, each for 2,800 dollars.
River was shocked.
River: [Aunt Greta, what are you doing?]
Greta: [This is a gift for you and the children from Uncle Tom and me. I’ll be upset if you decline it]
River didn’t want to hurt Greta’s feelings, so she accepted the money and thanked her.
River: [Happy Mardi Gras to you and Uncle Tom.]
Kenny and Scott walked in not long after bringing the items indoors, adding excitement to the villa’s atmosphere.
River called Neil from her bustling house.
River playfully teased, “Eira and I will be really busy if you don’t come.”
Puzzled, Neil asked, “Aren’t Scott and Kenny helping out? Isn’t Paige there?”
River explained, “Paige is pregnant, so I won’t let her help. The kids are with Scott and Kenny, so they can’t free themselves either.”
River thought about how Alex had become overly devoted to Paige.
Neil was surprised and asked, “Is it Alex’s?”
River replied, “Paige has never been with another man besides Alex.”
Neil assured, “I’m sorry, I’m picking up the drinks, and I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”
River cautioned, “Drive safely.”
After ending the call, River hesitated about calling Noah. It was almost 5:30 p.m., so he should be done with work. She decided to send a text message.
River: [Dinner will be ready soon. When will you be here?]
River waited for Noah’s reply but didn’t receive one. She put down her phone and helped Eira serve the food.
Meanwhile, at De Marco Residence.
Noah sat at the dining table casually. Draco occupied the main seat, with Adam, Casey, and Daniella on either side. The atmosphere in the dining room felt heavy, contrasting with the lively atmosphere outside.
Adam couldn’t bear the tension any longer and raised his glass, stuttering, “F–Father, Happy Mardi Gras.”
Draco clinked glasses with Adam and said casually, “Thank you, cheers.”
Adam quickly finished his drink, feeling uneasy about the strange atmosphere in the room.
Casey handed the bread to Daniella and addressed Draco, “It’s Lundi Gras, and I couldn’t bear the thought of Ella being alone. So, I brought her here to join us and help her get used to our family, Father.”
Draco’s expression softened slightly upon hearing Casey’s explanation. He then turned to Daniella, speaking coldly. “Since you’ve become part of our family, you should act like a newlywed. Casey has always had health issues, yet you haven’t even cooked for him. You’re not behaving like a wife at all.”
Daniella looked up at Draco in surprise. She hadn’t expected Draco to demand that she cook.
‘I’m supposed to be a newlywed, and I have to do servant’s work? Are all the servants gone? I won’t let you order me around if I had any other choice!’ Daniella thought, but she forced herself to reply respectfully, “Understood, Father.”
Daniella left the dining room, her expression turning resentful when no one was looking. She thought, ‘T’II get back at this humiliation someday. It’s River’s fault! The old man wouldn’t treat me like this if not for her.”