Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
A response came within minutes. “Yes, I moved yesterday, but that person never showed up.”
River frowned. As expected, it was not an easy task.
As she was about to put her phone away, a text from an unfamiliar number caught her attention.
[I apologize, River. My cousin has caused trouble for you once again.]
She stared at the number in confusion for a moment before realizing it belonged to Neil, whom she had given her number to a few days ago as a gesture of gratitude for his previous help.
She only did that so that she could buy him a meal one day since she owed him two favors.
She checked the time before replying.
[It’s alright. Are you free tonight?]
[I am, if you’re asking me out.]
[How about we meet at Sycamore Restaurant on Grand River Road?]
Sure, see you in half an hour.]
After setting her phone aside, River instructed the driver to head toward Grand River Road.
Twenty minutes later, River arrived at Sycamore Restaurant, known for its succulent steaks in Novamere City. Despite the expensive price she would have to pay for it, she knew that someone like Neil, with his status, would appreciate fine dining.
Upon entering, she immediately requested a private room and promptly shared the room number with Neil. It didn’t take long for him to join her.
Neil appeared casually dressed, exuding friendliness and gentleness.
Teasingly, River remarked, “Just arrived, Mr. Xander?”
Smiling, he settled into his seat across from her. “I got your message as soon as I arrived.”
She handed him the menu. “Thank you for driving me twice. This dinner’s on me, to express my gratitude.”
Neil seemed a bit helpless. “It sounds like you’re trying to distance yourself from me.”
River’s hand, which was reaching for her glass, paused. In truth, that was exactly what she had intended.
He belonged to the upper class, while she was a regular office worker, nothing out of the ordinary.
People with such status disparities couldn’t be friends.
She took a sip of water and replied, “You’re perceptive, Mr. Xander. I don’t think I need to spell it out for you.”
He responded directly, I’m not so sure about that. I believe we can be friends.”
River was taken aback, her gaze fixed on him.
His eyes held warmth and kindness. “Don’t misunderstand. I mean genuine friendship, nothing. more. Don’t assume that your status is inferior. To me, everyone is equal. Besides, you’re remarkable, River. You should let go of any feelings of interiority.”
His words of affirmation touched her deeply.
This was the third time they had conversed, and she couldn’t help but conclude that he was a down– to–earth, warm, and easy–going person.
It was rare to find someone from the upper class who possessed such qualities.
She smiled, choosing to remain silent.
After they finished their meal, as she reached for her wallet to pay, the waiter informed her that Neil had already taken care of the bill.
Embarrassed, she said, “This is embarrassing. I invited you cut, after all.”
He waved off her concern. “Next time, I’ll make sure you have the chance to pay.”
She nodded, and they exited the private room together.
However, just as they stepped out, they encountered Noah and Daniella.
River’s heart raced at the sight of Noah’s face.
“What a coincidence, River. Are you here on a date?” Daniella asked, a smile on her face.
Her words made the simple meal sound like a special date.
River regarded her with a cold gaze, but before she could utter a word, Neil interjected. His voice was calm and pleasant. It dissipated River’s anxiety.
“Noah, it’s been a while.”
Neil’s intervention was apt. River had no connection to Noah anymore, and she no longer needed to fret about his misunderstandings.
Noah’s countenance reflected a chilling indifference as he mumbled, “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
Neil chuckled and remarked, “Well, it’s quite delightful.”
Daniella gazed up at Noah and remarked, “Noah, don’t you think River and this gentleman make a splendid match?”
Noah’s gloomy eyes revealed no emotions as he pursed his lips and replied curtly, “Hmm.”
Neil glanced at Daniella, then averted his gaze and suggested to River, “Shall we go? I’ll give you a ride home.”
River intended to decline but hesitated when he added, “It’s not safe there at night.”
With thoughts of her baby’s well–being, she reluctantly nodded in agreement as she brushed past Noah, catching a glimpse of his mocking smile.
On their way back, Neil chuckled and asked, “Are you upset because I didn’t clear the misunderstanding back there?”
River responded calmly. “There’s no reason to be angry if I’ve already let it go.”
“I find that you resemble my mother more now,” Neil remarked, his smile gradually fading.
River didn’t comprehend the meaning behind his words since she had little knowledge of his mother’s character.
Thus, she ventured, “Can I shamelessly assume you see me as your younger sister?”
Neil was taken aback, then burst into laughter. “Yes, you can put it that way.”
Her silence enveloped her.
Back at home, after freshening up, River settled in front of her computer and immersed herself again before retiring to bed.
Soon after she had dozed off, a sudden knock on her door jolted River awake. Her heart raced, and she peered cautiously towards the door.
Why would someone be knocking on my door at this hour? Is it some sort of trouble, considering it’s the end of the year?’ she wondered, her anxiety growing.
River anxiously switched on the lamp and approached the door, stepping lightly. As she looked through the peephole, she saw not a villain but Noah, his face flushed.
Frowning, River shouted through the door, “Noah, stop knocking…”
“River, open the door,” he threatened.
Reluctantly, River, not wanting to disturb her neighbors, opened the door slightly.
Taking advantage of the crack, Noah ‘sneaked into the house with his tall, robust frame. The scent of alcohol wafted from him, catching River off guard. Before she could react, he pulled her into his arms without uttering a word.
River swiftly pushed him away and, in a hushed tone, reminded him, “Noah, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
Ignoring her, he straightened his back and took two unsteady steps back to close the door.
After that, he glanced around the living room. When he found no one else except them, he sneered.
“Why didn’t you invite your new man to spend the night here?” he jeered.
His sarcasm ignited River’s anger. “Are you out of your mind? Did you come here in the middle of the night for an inspection?”
Almost immediately, she regretted saying that. She didn’t need to worry about any “inspections”
because he had no right to act that way now.
Noah’s expression turned cold, and his aura grew increasingly frigid. “River, do you crave money that much?”Perplexed, River furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about?”
“Leave Neil!” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
River laughed disdainfully. “What right do you have to order me around?”
“River!” he suddenly roared in anger. “If the Xanders find out you’re with Neil, they’ll ruin you.”
“What does that have to do with you?” River glared at him. “Isn’t it better if you focus on leading your life well with Daniella? Can’t we just stay out of each other’s lives?”
His response was an unexpected kiss, and River attempted to push him away. Yet, he swiftly. reacted, gripping her arms tightly.
Trapped in his hold, she struggled to break free, resorting to biting him forcefully.
He winced in pain but showed no intention of letting go. Instead, he raised his hand, holding the back of her head, intensifying the kiss.
The more she fought, the more relentless his grip became. Eventually, dizziness overcame her as his forceful kisses grew more consuming. In one swift motion, Noah picked her up and carried her toward the bedroom.
He tossed her onto the bed and loomed above her, his gaze fixed on her. “River, I haven’t signed the contract!”
Shame and fury surged through her, and she cursed, “Noah, you’re despicable!”
He sneered in response. “I’ll make sure you remember just how despicable I can be!”
It was four o’clock in the morning, and sleep eluded her. River tossed and turned, her eyes fixed fiercely on the man beside her. As he slumbered, his face lacked its usual sternness and instead appeared calm. The sight tempted her to strike him, to wake him up.
But she gritted her teeth and held herself back, knowing she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
However, if she continued sharing a bed with him, she couldn’t help but think of how he had slept.
with Daniella
Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the bedside table.
River spun around and found the phone.
Upon seeing the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen, a frown involuntarily creased her forehead.
Who was it calling her in the middle of the night?