Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Noah narrowed his eyes, his tone gloomy. “Why do you keep pushing me away?”
“What purpose does your presence here serve? River demanded sternly. “Many people in Novamere.
need you. Why insist on staying here?”
Noah couldn’t understand why River had suddenly turned hostile toward him.
‘Do you want me to leave?” he asked icily.
“Yes,” River replied firmly. She didn’t want to jeopardize Noah’s happiness with Daniella if that’s what he truly desired.
Noah’s face contorted with anger. “I don’t think I did anything wrong just now, River.”
Suppressing her anger, River clarified, “I didn’t say you did anything wrong. I just don’t want you here.
Noah’s expression darkened further. “What are you so upset about?”
“I’m not upset, and I don’t have the right to be upset with you,” River retorted, her tone filled with spite.
I just don’t want to see you here. Isn’t that clear enough?
Noah grew increasingly frustrated. “Can’t you speak to me more kindly?”
River fired back, “This is how I speak! If you can’t handle it, then leave.”
Noah implored, “If something is bothering you, just be honest. You don’t have to keep me guessing.”
River couldn’t contain her frustration any longer. “I’m not hiding anything! Can you please stop pestering me?”
River’s outburst took Noah aback. He swallowed hard and spoke hoarsely. “Do you think…. I’m pestering you?”
This accusation cut deep, and Noah felt a surge of pain.
River recalled Daniella’s text, wondering if Noah was feeling the same way. She was also hurt, but she couldn’t understand why Noah always had to act that way.
Why did he want to keep such a wicked woman around her son? If Daniella was so important, Noah might as well be with her.
River gnashed her teeth, her eyes welling up. “Yes, you’re very annoying. I’ve had enough of you! Stay away from me, Noah!”
Noah’s face tensed as he saw River’s agitation. He suspected there was a reason behind her sudden outburst, but now wasn’t the time to argue. He needed to give her space to calm down.
While dwelling on that, Noah grabbed his phone and documents on the desk and strode out of the ward.
But before leaving, he ordered Reuben to stay and take care of River.
Besides, Reuben had heard the fight in the ward.
While watching Noah’s desolate back, Reuben turned and walked into the ward. He had a lot of things to say to River.
He walked to River and uttered sternly, “I don’t know why you wanted to treat Mr. De Marco this way, Ms.
Healy. He abandoned his work and flew to Fawn County after he had learned about your accident.
“When he saw you lying in the ICU, he stayed outside the ICU and never left. He didn’t eat, drink, or sleep while waiting for you to wake up. He even took care of you himself. Why do you want to treat him this way? I don’t understand it, Ms. Healy.”
“Stop.” River kept her head low and said hoarsely, “You should leave too.”
She didn’t want to be a homewrecker or see Noah dating two women at the same time. Besides, she had nothing to say about Daniella Reuben asked, “What’s the matter with you, Ms. Healy? Is Mr. De Marco not good enough? Do you have any idea how much he had secretly done for you when you just set up your company? How many people he had suppressed who were trying to find fault with you?
“If not, why would your company gain a firm foothold in this kind of business city like Novamere in such a short time?”
River’s eyes lit up.
Did he help her? So, what about that? Could he make up for the pain Daniella caused her by doing those things? Her painful past was the result of him tolerating Daniella.
How could she take that? How could she tolerate Daniella still keeping in touch with Noah?
She could not even imagine what kind of hardships she would face in the future with him as Daniella’s backer. She could not accept that at all.
“Get out!” River ordered coldly.
“Mr. Healy!” Reluctantly, Reuben continued. “You’re so nice to everyone. But why are you so cruel to Mr. De Marco?” Reuben kept staring at River. “I think you’re unworthy of Mr. De Marco.”
After that, he turned and left the ward but stood at the door lividly under Noah’s order.
Paige arrived at River’s ward with fruits at one o’clock in the afternoon.
When she saw Reuben standing at the door motionlessly, she asked, ‘Aren’t you tired of standing here?”
Reuben turned to Paige and sighed. “Please try to advise Ms. Healy if possible, Ms. Watson.”
Dazed, Paige asked, “Why?”
Hence, Reuben told her what had happened a while back.
Frowning, Paige explained, “There must be a reason behind it since River suddenly behaved this way.”
Reuben said, “Ugh-”
“Okay, I’ll go in and see her,” Paige interrupted him and walked into the ward.
After that, she walked to the bed and bent over but sighed softly when she saw River closing her eyes firmly. “River, I know you’re not asleep.”
Paige placed the fruits on the bedside cabinet and took out a banana. After that, she sat down and started peeling it.
“Can’t you complain about it to your bestie? Paige asked. “It’s uneasy to keep it all in.”
After that, she stuffed the banana into her mouth and munched it. “I was crossed in love, and you failed before you even began. Should we go and pray at the church instead?”
Speechless, River slowly opened her eyes in exhaustion. “There’s nothing to tell you.”
Stunned, Paige looked at River and asked thoughtfully, “Was it because of Daniella?”
River was struck speechless again.
Enlightened, Paige said, “I knew it was because of her.”
River turned slowly and covered her eyes with her left hand. “I don’t think I’m the right fit for him.”
Paige held her chin thoughtfully and replied, “From a logical standpoint, Noah shouldn’t have anything to do with Daniella after what she did to Axel. How could Noah tolerate that?
River mocked, “What if he has feelings for her?”
Paige analyzed, “That’s even more unlikely! Think about it. Would you still like Scott if he mistreated your children? Or would you still like him if he stole Noah’s identity?”
River said without hesitation, “No, I wouldn’t.”
Paige nodded, saying, “Exactly.”
River frowned as she lowered her hand. “So, what’s happening between Noah and Daniella?”
Paige looked confused as she asked, “Why haven’t you discussed it with him?”
River explained, “I’ve been avoiding talking about Daniella with him. It brings up trauma.”
Paige decided to change the topic, feeling helpless. “When are you planning to transfer to another hospital?”
River snapped back to reality, saying, “Can you ask the doctor for me? If it’s possible, I’d like to go back today.”
Paige got up and agreed. “Sure, I’ll check with the doctor now. If you can transfer, I’ll help you with the process.”
Half an hour later, Paige returned and informed River that she could transfer to another hospital, likely in Novamere, by the next morning.
River nodded in agreement without any objections.
In the afternoon, Paige lay in another bed, playing with her phone before dozing off.
River decided to take a nap, but her phone suddenly vibrated twice under her pillow.
She retrieved her phone and narrowed her eyes when she saw the caller ID.
River opened the message from Casey, which read: I think you’re awake now. Well, you did have it tough with this charity event.]
River hesitated but ultimately replied with one hand.
River: [Get to the point. I don’t need your fake concern.]
Casey’s words unnerved her.
Casey: Why would you say that, my dear partner?]
River was growing impatient.
River: Just say what you want to say!!
Casey. No, I just want to check if my partner is recovering. It would be challenging for me if you were gone.]
River: [Stop texting me if you have nothing important to say.]
Casey: [Sure, enjoy your time with Noah while it lasts. When I see you next time, maybe you guys…]
Casey played coy but didn’t elaborate further.
River prodded for more information.