Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
She nodded back and said, “I’ll pass them on to Ms. Healy. Goodbye!”
Reuben replied, “Sure, thank you.”
As he watched Eira disappear into the villa with the gifts, he wondered, ‘Are there still young nannies like her these days?”
Later that night, River returned with the children.
Eira had already prepared dinner and approached River with a smile. “Ms. Healy, there are gifts for you and the children in the living room.”
Liora rushed to the living room, and her eyes sparkled with delight when she saw the large doll.
“LinaBell! Mommy, it’s a huge LinaBell!” Liora exclaimed.
Tyler lifted the thermos flask, remarking, “I know who sent this.”
River grasped the scarf–packed gift box, asking, “It’s from Axel, right?”
Tyler nodded. “I have a gift for Axel too, Mommy. Could you arrange for its delivery?”
“Mommy, I’ve got a present for Axel too!” Liora said.
“Alright,” River replied, contemplating who should handle the gift deliveries, when Eira approached.
“I’ll do it! I met the man who came this afternoon! He looks plain, but he has enormous eyes and a graceful face,” Eira stated.
River realized Eira was referring to Reuben but didn’t expect her to describe him as dull.
River instructed the children, ‘Fetch the gifts from upstairs. There’s a watch on my bedside.
table. Please bring it as well.”
Liora playfully teased River, “You secretly bought a gift for Axel too, Mommy.”
River affectionately patted Liora’s head. “It’s the same watch you have.”
The two children hurried upstairs to retrieve the gifts while River provided Eira with Villa
Rosa’s address.
After dinner, Eira delivered the gifts to Villa Rosa while River prepared the children for bed. They needed to wake up early the next day.
Alex visited Noah in the hospital. Observing Axel asleep before 7:00 p.m., Alex whispered, “Why is he asleep so early?”
With a deep frown, Noah held up the test results sent by the doctor. “He has a high fever, and they drew a lot of blood.”
Alex sighed. “When does chemotherapy start?”
Noah looked up. “After his infection clears and his fever subsides, probably the day after tomorrow.
Alex asked, “What about the bone marrow?”
Noah’s suspicious expression deepened. “I’ve sent someone to check the black market and reach out to major hospitals, but they haven’t found a suitable match yet.”
“You don’t need to rush it. I heard the transplant can only happen after the initial treatment,” Alex reassured.
Noah placed the report on the shelf. “Hmm. Watch over Axel for me tomorrow.”
Alex agreed, “Of course. What will you be doing?”
Noah replied in a deep voice, “I have to attend Lily’s burial.”
“Ah. Leave it to me,” Alex offered.
On December 25th, River brought the children to the cemetery early in the morning.
Scott had chosen the same cemetery where River’s adoptive mother rested.
As River stepped out of the car, her tears flowed uncontrollably. Paige handed her a tissue and said, “Don’t cry, River. Ms. Smith wouldn’t want you to be sad.”
River nodded, and they entered the cemetery together. A funeral celebrant led the burial ceremony at the tombstone chosen by Scott.
After the procedures concluded, River sank to her knees in sorrow. Meanwhile, the two children sobbed in Paige and Neil’s comforting arms.
As the group prepared to leave, an unexpected figure appeared.
“Why is my boss here?” Paige exclaimed.
River’s gaze turned icy as she spotted the man in a black suit approaching with Reuben.
River spoke coldly. “Take the children and wait in the car.”
Paige looked concerned but complied, “Are you staying?”
Neil added, “River, it might be best if we stay.”
Kenny hesitated to leave. “What if those bullies bother you?”
River glanced at him. “They won’t. We’re in the cemetery. Neil, Scott, please escort the funeral.
celebrant.”
The group noticed River’s determination and chose a different path without commenting further.
Once they departed, Noah approached the tombstone River’s icy glare met him, and she slapped him without a word.
Reuben’s eyes widened in shock at the crisp slap. “Ms. Healy!”
River suppressed her anger. “How dare you come here!”
Noah turned solemnly, matching River’s intense anger with his own cold stare. “Do you realize what you’re doing?”
River closed in on Noah. Td like to ask you: what have you done?”
Noah’s temples pulsed with veins. “Explain yourself!”
River’s eyes turned bloodshot. “You sent the doctor to get my consent for Lily’s surgery, and she died during the operation!”
Noah emanated an eerie presence.
“Can I control the surgery? Can’t you see I hired the best medical team for Lily?” Noah retorted.
River refused to listen. “I won’t tolerate your arrogance. You’re trying to hurt me, aren’t you?”
Noah retorted, “If I wanted revenge, do you think you’d still be here?”
“You’re known for exploiting people’s vulnerabilities. Now you’ve succeeded. You’re enjoying my pain, aren’t you?” River accused.
Noah felt a tightening in his chest. “Am I truly that despicable? Would I harm a comatose person to get back at you?”
River sneered. “Lily is here. Will you swear on her grave you never wished her harm?”
“I didn’t do it. Swearing is unnecessary,” Noah replied coldly.
“Unnecessary? Can you claim a clear conscience without swearing?” River taunted.
Noah frowned. “What must I do for you to believe me?”
“Getting impatient, Noah? How does it feel to be doubted?” River chuckled and pointed to herself. “I’ve endured your doubts repeatedly, but you’ve only faced it once.”
Noah’s gaze shifted, his fists clenched tightly.
“Go away! I don’t want to see you again!” River said sternly.
Noah looked at River with mixed emotions. “Lily’s death isn’t my fault, and I’ll say it just once.”
“Fine. Show me the evidence, then,” River challenged.
Noah sighed. “How can I prove it? I hired the medical team. Even if there’s documentation, you’ll still suspect me, right?”
“So, what’s your defense?” River asked indifferently.
Noah’s expression grew tense. “River, why are you being so unreasonable?”
River sneered. “I learned from my ex–boss!”
“Reuben, set down the flowers!” Noah called out.
Noah turned away, and Reuben hurriedly placed the bouquet before Lily’s tombstone
Reuben gazed at River and spoke. “Mr. De Marco isn’t that kind of person, Ms. Healy. You worked for him for three years. Have you ever seen him use such unethical tactics?
“Mr. De Marco invested a lot of manpower and money into commissioning the medical team. You’ve crossed a line today, Ms. Healy.”
With those words, Reuben departed.
River stood in front of the tombstone, silent.
She thought, Have I gone too far? I wanted to believe that you intended to save Lily willingly, too.
Yet, Lily died during the surgery performed by the doctors you hired! You won’t even swear to it.
How can I trust that your conscience is clear?’
After some time, River walked toward Katie’s tombstone, placing the bouquet she had prepared before it. She retrieved a tissue and used it to clean the tombstone.
“Mom, I’m here. Do you blame me for not visiting in so long?” River managed a weak smile. “I changed my name and hid for five years abroad. I’m a fashion designer now, with a few small achievements since my return.
“You must watch over me, ensuring my career goes smoothly, right? Mom, I have three adorable you next time, okay?” and intelligent grandchildren. I’ll bring them to visi
River looked at Katie’s name on the tombstone, her eyes welling with tears. “Mom, please forgive me for not visiting. I haven’t yet defeated my enemies, so I don’t have the courage to face you. Please forgive me.”
In the car on the way back, Noah looked displeased. He stared out the window, feeling suffocated. He had faced doubts from others, but when River doubted him, it stirred a furious but dumb response within him.
“Mr. De Marco, Ms. Healy’s words may be harsh due to her overwhelming sadness,” Reuben said, feeling uneasy.
Noah glanced at him. “How would you feel if you were repeatedly doubted?”
“Well… I would distance myself.” Reuben hesitated. “Mr. De Marco, there’s something I’m uncertain
“Go on,” Noah urged in a deep voice.
“I believe Ms. Healy wants to understand why you never trusted her,” Reuben said. “Mr. De Marco, maybe you could try putting yourself in her shoes after today’s incident. Perhaps Ms. Healy didn’t harm Mrs. De Marco, just as you never intended to harm Ms. Smith.”
Noah contemplated this, feeling as if his heart had been hollowed out, flooded with memories. He recalled River’s disappointed gaze, sorrowful expression, and powerless explanations, all of which he had never truly believed.
That night, River locked herself in her room upon returning to the villa.
Kenny took off his jacket and approached Paige, who was eating heartily. “What’s going on with
G? Is she still grieving?”
Paige rolled her eyes at Kenny before turning to Neil. “Can you please explain to this clueless guy.
Neil?”
Neil clarified, “Lily was just buried. River can’t move on from the grief so quickly. Besides, there’s more than just grief on her mind.”
The puzzled Kenny asked, “What else?”