Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Eira urged, “River, some things can’t be explained scientifically. It won’t harm Liora to try. If you can’t reach a seer, maybe you can contact Benjamin.”
Although River was not superstitious, she saw no other option for Liora’s high fever and decided to give it a try.
Confused, Kenny asked, “What do you mean by seer and Benjamin?”
“It’s a long story!” River told Eira, “You should head home first. I’ll go with Kenny.”
Eira replied. “Sure, go quickly!”
River purchased two boxes of milk, a few delicacies, and two bottles of liquor from the convenience store on the way to the graveyard. When they arrived, River noticed a faint light seeping through the window gaps of a cottage.
Kenny carried Liora out of the car and shivered at the sight of the desolate environment and the rows of tombstones on the hill.
“Where’s the old man, G?” Kenny looked around cautiously.
River held the gifts and said, “Come with me.”
They walked to the cottage’s door, and River called out. “Benjamin, are you home?”
Benjamin’s voice came from inside, “The door’s not locked, come in.”
River opened the door with her shoulder and noticed Benjamin sitting alone at the dining table, though it was set for four.
The cottage was unusually cold despite the heater being on.
River paused and said, “Benjamin, we won’t disturb you if you have guests.”
River placed the gifts down, preparing to leave.
Benjamin replied, “It’s fine. They’re almost finished with their meal.”
River couldn’t help but feel goosebumps all over her body as she looked around the house in amazement.
Kenny also felt a chill run down his spine, thinking. ‘Why is this old man talking nonsense in the middle of the night? This man is definitely untrustworthy!‘
Kenny was about to persuade River to leave when Liora suddenly screamed in his arms.
River and Kenny were startled by Liora’s sudden scream in the quiet atmosphere.
Benjamin glanced at them, then walked to a cabinet and opened a drawer. “Bring the child Inside.”
River looked at Kenny in a hurry. “Kenny, place Lia on Benjamin’s bed.”
Kenny grimaced at the sight of the unclean bed but complied, putting Liora on it.
Benjamin took out a protective charm and a bottle of holy water, soaking the charm in the water.
Kenny’s eyes widened in shock. “G, what is this old man doing?” he asked.
River shook her head. “I don’t know. Let’s wait and see in silence.”
Benjamin placed the bowl on the head of the bed and took two puffs from a cigarette. Suddenly, his body shook twice.
River and Kenny could clearly feel the change in Benjamin’s demeanor when he opened his eyes, which now looked fierce. He spoke in a sharp, stern voice to Liora. “Come and talk to me if you have grievances. What are you doing in a little girl’s body?”
Kenny looked at Benjamin as if he was foolish and said, “Is this some kind of sci–fi movie?”
But something happened that instantly shattered Kenny’s understanding of the world.
Liora’s voice, entirely different from her usual self, spoke from the bed in a low, resentful growl.
“Talk! I don’t have time to argue with you here!” Benjamin’s tone became more commanding. “Liora, what do you want?”
Liora’s voice softened, seemingly intimidated by Benjamin’s authority. “I want flowers because no one has sent me any since I’ve been buried here for years!”
Benjamin asked, “What else do you want? Say it all at once!””
Liora requested, “Clean my tombstone and trim the grass.”
Benjamin asked for her name, to which she replied, “Chloe Wick.”
Benjamin turned to River and asked, “Did you hear that?”
River was bewildered by the sudden question but nodded in response.
Benjamin then addressed Liora, ‘She has agreed to your requests. You may go back to where you came from. If you do this again, don’t blame me for not being polite.”
“Thank you!” Liora and Benjamin’s bodies shuddered.
Benjamin exhaled and picked up the bowl. “Help the girl sit up.”
River rushed over and gently placed Liora against her.
“Open her mouth so she can have the holy water,” Benjamin instructed.
River followed his instructions, and Benjamin poured the holy water into Liora’s mouth.
Liora’s eyes snapped open as she choked on the water.
Startled, she spat out the water upon seeing Benjamin, then screamed and sought refuge in River’s arms.
“Mommy! Hold me!” Liora cried out.
River felt relieved at Liora’s behavior, hugged her, and gave Benjamin an apologetic look. I’m sorry, Benjamin. She is…”
“It’s okay, Benjamin replied, standing up while holding the bowl. He glanced at the dumbfounded Kenny in puzzlement.
Catching Benjamin’s gaze, Kenny turned to him in a daze.
“Am I… possessed by unknown entities too? Kenny’s face turned deathly pale.
“No, but avoid using a car or driving this year and stay away from bodies of water as much as possible,”
Benjamin advised.
“Huh?” Kenny was bewildered.
River cleared her throat. “Don’t ask, Kenny. Thank Benjamin for his guidance quickly.”
Kenny promptly thanked Benjamin. “Thank you, Benjamin. I’ll remember that. I promise not to drive, but I’ll cycle to work!”
Kenny added, “Even though it’s quite far… I don’t want to be possessed. It’s terrifying!”
As Benjamin bustled about, Kenny scurried over to River. “G, what is this practice here? It’s amazing!”
River shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Benjamin sat on a chair and asked, “Has the child’s fever gone down?”
River quickly checked Liora’s forehead and exclaimed, “Her fever has gone down!”
“Hmm. The child has a strong spirit but a weaker body than most. It would be beneficial for her to learn.
River gazed at Benjamin with concern. “Skills like yours? What will happen to her if she doesn’t learn?”
“Days like today will repeat themselves. The consequences can be dire if her body can’t withstand possession. However, the amulet I gave you will help ward off evil entities. Do your best to avoid places.
like graveyards and hospitals, and limit nighttime travels.”
River was frightened. “Benjamin, can my child learn from you?
“It’s a challenging path with its shortcomings, like being orphaned, loneliness, disability, and a lack of wealth, life experiences, and power. Go home and think it over. I feel a connection with the girl. If your agree, I will teach her.”
River and Kenny were puzzled.
River asked, “When should we send her to you for lessons?”
Benjamin’s gaze lingered on Kenny, and he looked at him for a long moment before saying. “Not now. The time isn’t right yet.”
On their way home, Kenny exclaimed, “G, Cheasians are incredible. We don’t have such powerful people abroad.”
“What our ancestors have left behind shouldn’t be underestimated,” River said.
She had ver been superstitious but realized there was more to the world than she had known after Liora’s incident. Her understanding was just a small part of the whole.
Kenny suggested seriously, “You should discuss this with Noah. Will he believe in what Lia is learning?”
River felt troubled, recalling her argument with Noah over the amulet Benjamin had given her.
“Lia isn’t his for now. I’m the one making the decisions,” River said.
Kenny leaned back. “Tsk, I’d love to learn as well…”
River glanced at him. “You’re always so curious.
Suddenly, Liora looked up and asked, “Mommy, does the old man really want to teach me?” River smiled at her slowly recovering daughter. “Do you want to learn from him?”
Liora whispered softly, “I’m scared of the old man’s eyes, Mommy…”
River gently patted her back. “Lia, remember, not everyone is perfect. There are many unfortunate people with disabilities in this world, right?”
Liora leaned on River’s chest and replied, “Yeah. I’m sure they wish they could be just like everyone else.”
River nodded. “That’s right. So, do you think the old man might feel sad about how you treated him earlier? We should always try to understand how others feel, my dear, and put ourselves in their shoes, right?”
Liora looked down, feeling regretful. I was wrong. Mommy. I promise not to do it again.”
River smiled warmly. “I know you’re a kind girl, Lia.”
The next day, River was abruptly awakened by her ringing phone as she slept with Liora. She grabbed the phone and answered it groggily.
“River!” Paige shouted loudly.
River was startled. “Paige, your volume is way too loud!”
Annoyed, Paige said, “Do you know what time it is? Are you still coming on the trip?”
River sat up and rubbed her eyes. “What time is it?”
“It’s already 10:00a.m.!”
River checked her phone and apologized, “I’m sorry, Paige. I overslept because I got home late last night.”
Paige sighed. “Are you packed?”
River removed her blanket and hurriedly replied, “I’m packing right now. I should be almost done by the time you get here.”
“I’m already downstairs! Reuben is waiting in the big MPV. Come down with the kids quickly,” Paige urged.