Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River didn’t press further and followed Charon to the restaurant. She noticed the absence of the kids and asked, “Where are the children?‘
Charon assured, “Don’t worry, Ms. Healy, Mr. De Marco has arranged meals for the children. The adult menu isn’t suitable for them.”
River glanced at Paige. “She can’t have smoked foods either because she’s pregnant.
Charon explained, “Mr. De Marco has made alternative arrangements for Ms. Watson.”
River contemplated how Noah had arranged everything but was nowhere to be found. “He’s acting all mysterious.
Paige grabbed River’s arm, “Let’s not worry about them. We’ll eat and let them starve!”
They sat down, and the waiters began serving the meal. The courses were served one by one, and River and Paige chatted as they ate, their focus distracted from Alex and Noah.
By 7:00 p.m., they had finished dinner.
Charon asked, “Ladies, would you like to order anything else?*
Paige and River shook their heads.
“Alright, please follow me,” Charon said, leading the way.
River and Paige exchanged glances and followed Charon.
As they stepped out of the room, they were greeted with a breathtaking sight. The corridor was adorned with flower petals of different colors, and a path lit with red candles lay before them.
All the lights suddenly went out, and the swaying candlelight illuminated the corridor.
It was dim yet romantic.
Charon said, “Please follow me.”
River and Paige walked ahead, stepping on the petals.
They walked past the corridor and lobby that were meticulously decorated before they arrived at the back garden.
The small path decorated with tiny lamps stretched to the hill behind.
River’s heart was racing. She had a feeling that Noah was at the end of the path, Paige said, “River, I’m a little scared to walk inside.”
River said, “Why?”
Paige pointed at the uphill path in fear. The path looks scary. It’s dark.”
River held Paige’s hand. “Don’t be scared. Charon is here, so here, so am 1.”
Paige clung to River with one hand and caressed her belly. “Alright then__”
They walked slowly, and a muffled bang echoed just as they stepped onto the first flight of stairs.
“Gah!”
Paige hugged River in fear.
River was startled as well. Soon, the sky suddenly burst into a brilliant fireworks display.
Paige opened her eyes and looked to the sky with River.
The first firework burst, and the words ‘C+E‘ came into view.
River’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw her and Noah’s initials.
Soon afterward, the second firework exploded, and the words ‘P+A‘ showed up.
Paige covered her mouth right away, her eyes welled up with emotions.
“River. It’s them… They did this…” Paige was so emotional that else was rambling.
She had assumed that it was all to set River and Noah up. She had not expected Alex to be doing this for her after he disappeared for such a long time!
River felt the urge to cry and was overwhelmed by emotions as the firework’s brilliance reflected in her eyes.
“Paige, let’s go.” River said while sniffing.
Paige nodded strenuously and wiped her tears. She said smilingly, “Sure.”
The fireworks burst in the sky, illuminating the winding hill path.
As they stepped onto the last flight of stairs, they stopped walking, awed by the scene before them.
Colorful flowers were strewn across the ground, wrapped with dazzling light strips.
Noah and Alex were standing in the middle of the flowerbed, facing where they came from.
The lighting accentuated their faces and added a tinge of ineffable gentleness to their expressions.
“I can’t hold it in anymore…” Paige shed tears instantly.
The ambiance and their meticulous preparations visibly moved River.
She looked at Noah with tear–reddened eyes.
He gazed at her with a faint smile as if he was very pleased with her not running away.
“Surprise!” Alex spread his arms and told River and Paige, “Are you satisfied with our service?”
Paige approached, pulling River along. “So you’ve been keeping me in the dark, you scoundrel!”
Alex giggled and said, “Would it still be a surprise if I told you?”
Paige loosened her grip over River and threw herself into Alex’s arms. She bawled loudly. “I’m really touched, Alex. Thank you, I love it very much!”
River wiped her tears at the sight of Paige’s joyous state.
Noah approached her, removed his coat, and draped it over her. He said with a deep yet gentle voice, “It’s cold up here.”
River looked into his eyes. She could see her reflection in his eyes under the dim lighting Her heart was beating out of her chest. She smiled after holding the gaze for a moment. “Aren’t you colder than me?”
“Would a regular guy be scared of the cold?‘ Noah asked, smiling at her.
River’s smile faded. “You’re really not the romantic type, are you? You didn’t come up with this plan today, did you?”
Before Noah could confess, Alex chimed in. “You underestimate Noah, River. He spent a long time searching the Internet for this.”
Noah couldn’t help but think to himself that he wasn’t that free to search the Internet for such matters.
After a short pause, River said, “You’re right. You once gave me a garden full of roses.”
Noah was rendered speechless, wondering how River had connected the two incidents. But her misunderstanding didn’t bother him, as he could see the joy in her eyes.
Rubbing her eyes, Paige looked up and asked, “Alex, why did you guys put in so much effort for this?”
Alex stuttered, “W–Well, we had our reasons.” He turned beet red and glanced at Noah for support.
Noah, however, awkwardly looked away and didn’t respond.
Paige narrowed her eyes and scrutinized Alex. “Is there more to this surprise?”
“No!” Alex quickly denied. “This is it!”
“Okay,” Paige said, disappointed. She then turned to River. “There are seats over there, River, Let’s go sit and watch the fireworks.”
River smiled and nodded. “Sure.”
They made their way to the chairs.
Alex quickly approached Noah. “You should speak up first, Noah. Tell River you want to get back.
together!”
Noah protested, “You didn’t say anything either. Why should I go first?”
“Well, I’m nervous,” Alex confessed, rubbing his hands on his pants. “I can’t even take out the ring right now!”
Noah snorted. “What’s that got to do with me?”
“I want you to give me some courage,” Alex admitted. “When are you going to tell her? Are you nervous, too?
Noah sternly replied, “Can’t you be quiet?”
“I have butterflies in my stomach!” Alex clung to Noah’s arm. “Why don’t you tell Paige for me?”
Noah retorted, “Why don’t I marry her for you?
Alex asked, “Don’t tell me you like Paige?”
Noah looked at Alex disdainfully and walked over to sit beside River, gazing up at the fireworks.
Not only Paige but River also sensed that Noah had something to say. She grew curious as he remained silent..
“You…” River hesitated. “You don’t have anything to say to me, do you?”
Noah gently clenched his fists in his pockets in response. He looked at River and asked, “What do you think I want to say to you?”
River blushed. “I’m not a mind–reader. How would I know what you want to say? You’ve put in so much effort.”
It seemed unlikely that this grand gesture was just for a fireworks show.
“River,” Noah began with a deep gaze. “I’ve already told you that I don’t want to burden you by repeating myself. You know my thoughts better than anyone, but I don’t want to make you feel conflicted or uncomfortable by putting them into words.
“I need you to think about whether you want to be with me. So, I won’t ask again until you’ve thought this through.”
Silence hung between them as the fireworks above slowly faded, leaving them in quiet contemplation.
Noah continued when he received no response. “You understand my feelings better than anyone else, I don’t want to rush you, but I won’t ask again until you’re ready.”
Noah’s words left River feeling helpless and speechless. She shifted her gaze away from Noah and quietly contemplated his words. She wondered if she was truly ready for what he had just revealed.
Suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept through, scattering the roses that lay on the floor and filling the air with a delicate fragrance. This unexpected change in the atmosphere gradually calmed River’s flustered mind.
Looking down at the city aglow with lights at the base of the mountains, she realized that she needed someone by her side to brighten her world and provide support. This epiphany brought a sudden sense of tranquility.
Yes, she liked him and decided to be bold and accept him once again for the sake of her feelings.
She began to form the words to express her decision when Paige interrupted her with an urgent “River!”
River’s courage waned, and she helplessly turned her attention to Paige. “What’s wrong?”
Paige fidgeted with a backpack she had retrieved from somewhere and asked, “Alex has some warm drinks prepared. Would you like some to warm up?”