Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River wondered, ‘How painful must it be to encounter one’s enemy every day?
River rolled down the car window, feeling the biting cold wind, but it did little to ease her agitation.
“Ms. Healy, you haven’t fully recovered from your injuries. You might catch a cold,” the bodyguard cautioned.
River shook her head. “It’s okay. Just drive carefully.”
She needed to calm herself to figure out how to tell Noah about the threats she had received. At the same time, she wanted to alleviate her guilt toward him because she knew she was the cause of this situation. However, she couldn’t implicate the children, River picked up the kids from school and carefully considered when to break the news about Axel’s condition.
Tyler and Lora were taken aback.
After a moment, Tyler finally recovered from his shock. “He had a few nosebleeds before, so it turns out he really is sick…”
Liora nodded. “Yes… He bled a lot…”
Anxiously, River asked, “When did you first notice this?”
Tyler thought for a moment. “Not long after we started kindergarten. Lia and I saw it happen a few times.”
River’s heart ached. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
She wondered if she had neglected her children.
“Mommy, is Axel’s weight loss related to his sickness, too?” Liora asked.
River’s thoughts drifted. She had assumed Axel’s weight loss was due to adjusting to Villa Rosa, but now she felt foolish. She couldn’t blame Noah for not telling her about her child’s condition when she hadn’t noticed it herself.
River felt overwhelming guilt and couldn’t find the words to speak. After returning to Bayview Villa, she locked herself in her room and had no appetite for dinner.
Tyler and Liora were concerned but didn’t want to disturb her.
After dinner, Liora went to her room and pulled out the phone Noah had provided to send a message.
Llora: [Mommy didn’t have dinner, probably because of Axel.]
Noah was on his way to the hospital. Liora’s message melted his heart, erasing the day’s humiliation.
However, he frowned after reading it and quickly responded.
Noah: [How is your mom’s mood?
Liora: Not so good. We’re very sad about Axel’s sickness, too. When will Axel be out of the hospital? Will he recover fully?]
Noah: [Yes, he will. I’ll take him to spend Mardi Gras with you. Can you check on your mom now?]
Liora: I won’t be a spy! I will keep Mommy’s matters confidential Noah smiled.
Noah: [You’re not being a spy, Lia. You’re doing it because you care about your mom.]
Liora thought for a moment.
Liora: Will you come and see Mommy if she really isn’t feeling well?]
Noah’s gaze dimmed, thinking. Will she want to see me? She might be in a worse mood after seeing me, right?
Noah: (I won’t come if she’s fine.]
Liora misunderstood Noah’s intention and assumed he would come if her mother was unwell. She wanted to see him, so she decided to check on River, worried about her health, Liora put her phone away and quietly walked to River’s room. She gently pushed the door open and peeked inside, her heart racing.
“Lia?” River’s voice suddenly broke the darkness.
Startled, Liora hastily opened the door and said, “Mom… Mommy, I’m here to check on you.”
River sat up straight on the bed and gestured for Liora to enter.
Liora obediently approached and climbed into River’s bed, her gaze fixed on her mother.
River tenderly stroked Liora’s head and asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Liora remained silent but switched on the bedside lamp for a closer look.
“Mommy, your face is all red,” Liora exclaimed, placing her hand on River’s forehead.
“Mommy, you have a fever!” Liora gasped in alarm.
River was taken aback. She hadn’t realized she had a fever but now felt dizzy. She reached for the drawer and grabbed an infrared thermometer, Liora leaned in to see. “Mommy, it’s 38°C! You need medicine!”
River patted Liora’s thigh. “Go outside, Lia. I don’t want you to catch it if it’s contagious.”
“Okay, Mommy!” Liora nodded and hurried out of the room.
River wondered why Liora was acting unusually quickly today.
Liora grabbed her phone and sent a frantic text to Noah.
Liora: Mommy has a fever!]
Noah furrowed his brow upon receiving Liora’s message and told Reuben, “Turn around and head to Bayview Villa!”
“Huh? Of course, sir,” Reuben complied.
Noah arrived at Bayview Villa twenty minutes later, just as Kenny returned home.
They met in the yard, and Kenny eyed Noah suspiciously. “It’s you, Mr. De Marco? Why did you abandon Daniella to see River?”
Noah brushed off Kenny’s comment and shot him a glance before heading toward the villa.
“Hey! Don’t ignore me!” Kenny caught up to him.
“Shut up! River has a fever!” Noah Impatiently shouted.
“What does River’s fever have to do with you being here?” Kenny was momentarily stunned. “Wait, River has a fever?”
Noah had already entered the villa by the time Kenny finished speaking.
Tyler looked up from his building blocks in the living room, surprised by Noah’s sudden appearance.
Noah briefly scanned the room, met Tyler’s eyes, and said, “Where’s the first aid kit, Ty?”
“Why would Ty know where the first aid kit is? I’ll get it!” Kenny hurried inside.
Tyler was momentarily confused. He then realized that Noah was there because of his mother.
He left his building blocks, rushed upstairs, and barged into River’s room.
“Mommy, are you sick?” he asked anxiously.
River was stirred from her sleep and sat up, coughing twice. “Don’t stay here, Ty. I might have caught the flu.”
Tyler disregarded her advice and approached. “It’s okay. Mommy. Scumbag Daddy is here. Did you tell him you’re sick?
River was perplexed. “Why is he here? I didn’t inform him.”
Tyler furrowed his brow, thinking, “If Mommy didn’t tell him, it must be Lia. She is starting to turn her back.
on us.
Just as River’s voice trailed off, the sound of two sets of footsteps approached from the corridor.
Kenny and Noah soon entered the room.
Kenny wanted to rush to River’s side out of concern, but Noah got there first.
Noah sat beside the bed, his gaze filled with worry. “How do you feel? Are you in pain? Have you taken your medicine?”
River was overwhelmed by the questions. “I’m fine. What brought you here?”
“He’s here because he cares about you. Take your medicine first,” Kenny said as he handed River a glass of water and her medicine.
River took her medicine with a sip of water.
Kenny held the glass and took Tyler outside, leaving Noah with a warning glance that went unnoticed.
River massaged her forehead and said. “I’m okay. You can go home.”
Noah leaned forward, concerned. “Why do you have a fever? I’ll check your wound for infection.”
River dodged his approach. “Eira changed my dressing this morning. There’s no infection. I might have caught a cold.”
Noah’s expression turned serious. “Why expose yourself to the cold in this weather?”
River slowly reclined against the headboard. “I saw MK’s official announcement.”
Noah’s gaze dimmed. “It’s none of your business. You should rest.”
River decided to confide in Noah. “I need to tell you something.”
Noah tucked her in and replied, “I know you’re involved with Casey against your will.
River looked at him in surprise.
“You want to know how I figured that out, right? I’m not stupid,” Noah grumbled.
River stayed silent for a moment. “Aren’t you going to ask why?”
“If you want to tell me, you will. Why should I ask?” Noah said.
River clutched her blanket. “So, you don’t doubt me anymore?”
Noah assured, “I’ve said I won’t easily doubt you.”
“Will Casey joining the company affect you?” River asked.
Noah scoffed. “He can’t cause much trouble. Rest and recover. I handle this.”
I “Sorry I can’t tell you the reason for now,” River said guiltily.
Why do you have such an idiot female protagonist ?