Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
“No.” River took a deep breath. “Let’s go to the private room and have something to eat.”
Once inside the private room, River sat down, her mind still reeling. She couldn’t help but touch her belly, feeling a deep ache in her heart.
For a moment, regret washed over her. ‘Why am I pregnant? If it weren’t for my past infatuation with Noah, my babies would definitely have someone to call a father!’
“River? River?” Paige’s voice brought her back to reality. She looked up, dazed, and saw Paige, whose face was filled with anger.
Paige handed her a tissue. “It’s embarrassing, Wipe away your tears.”
River absentmindedly touched her face, realizing it was wet with tears.
“Stop crying. At most, I’ll help you raise the kids,” Paige comforted her.
“Men are jerks! How can he treat the mothers of his children so differently?”
River whispered, “Speak softly.”
Noah was just next door, and she didn’t want to be discovered by him. She also despised seeing Daniella flaunt herself in front of her.
Paige rolled her eyes. “So what if he hears me? At most, I’ll resign. Then I won’t have to see that pretentious bitch’s face every day.”
River gently patted Paige’s hand. “It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”
Paige asked, “Are you really okay? Just now, you seemed as if your soul escaped your body.
Daniella keeps trying to get in between the two of you and snatch him away at every possible corner. Why are you stepping back and giving up so easily? Ughhh! You’re killing me!”
River replied, “Do you want me to be stuck between them and live a shameful life forever?”
She had had enough of being labeled as a mistress. She didn’t want to be a homewrecker. She knew very well who she could and couldn’t fall in love with.
If she pursued Noah out of hatred for Daniella, and for the sake of their children, she might end up ruining her entire life.
Paige relented. “Okay, forget it.”
River revealed a smile. “I stand by my decision. I’m the one who chose to keep the babies. Regardless of how my future turns out, it has nothing to do with Noah.”
After the meal, Paige drove River back to Redwood Neighborhood..
When River arrived home, her phone rang.
It was a call from Neil.
“River, can I talk to you for a moment?”
River checked the time. “What’s the matter?”
Neil explained, “My question might offend you, but after hearing about what happened, I can’t help but ask.“1
“Go on.”
“River, is it true that you were adopted?”
His voice was tinged with nervousness.
River’s tone turned cold. “Are you investigating my private matters?”
Neil quickly clarified, “No, today I was out with friends, and they mentioned the fire at Cloude Orphanage. When they brought up your name, I inquired about it. I’m sorry.”
Hearing his explanation, River’s expression softened.
After a brief pause, she answered, “Yes, my mother adopted me.”
Neil fell silent for a moment.
If it weren’t for the call still being connected as shown on the phone screen, River would have thought he had hung up.
After a while, Neil asked, “How are you planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve tomorrow?”
“Just the usual,” River replied casually.
She didn’t feel the need to share her personal affairs with others.
“I’ll hang up now if you’re done. Bye
With that, she ended the call before waiting for his response.
Neil’s tone had been too telling. He almost blurted out that she was his long–lost younger sister.
The Xander family held high prestige and power. Of course, this kind of melodramatic thing. would never happen to her, not in a million years.
She had never even considered it. Not even once.
It was New Year’s Eve.
River visited the florist early in the morning and bought two bouquets of chrysanthemums before rushing to the cemetery
Once she arrived, she placed the bouquets before Bradley and Katie’s tombstones, one for each.
Then, she took out a tissue and began wiping the dust off Katie’s photograph.
“Mom, it’s New Year’s Eve. I’ve come to keep you company.”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she touched the photograph. “I went to the orphanage, but 1
couldn’t find any relevant information. I’ve sought Mr. Hall’s help to further look into it for me.
Mom, I really want to know who I am. Please don’t be angry that I’m looking into it so soon. I just want to reclaim what I’ve lost…”
As she spoke, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her.
River immediately stopped talking and turned to look behind her.
It was none other than Dr. Wilson, holding a bouquet of Leucanthemella flowers.
“Doctor Wilson?” River stood up in astonishment. It had been quite some time since she last saw Scott.
Under the warm sunlight, Scott’s facial features emanated a gentle charm. He appeared refined and kind
With a smile, Scott said, “I saw you as I was heading upstairs just now, but I didn’t want to disturb.
you since you were talking to Mrs. Healy.”
Awkwardness washed over her. River didn’t know how much he had overheard.
To change the subject, River spoke up. “Thank you for visiting my mother.”
Scott placed the flowers in front of the tombstone and spoke with clarity and tenderness, ‘You haven’t been taking good care of yourself.”
His words carried a certain conviction.
River lowered her gaze. “I’ve been very busy with work lately.”
Scott glanced at her belly. “You should think about your babies. The first three months are crucial.
River nodded. “Okay, I understand.”
“I recently changed jobs, so I’ve been busy and haven’t had the chance to ask about you…”
Scott inquired hesitantly, “Are you… okay with him?”
River smoothed her hair, which had been slightly ruffled by the wind. “We’re separated, and
I’ve moved out.”
Scott was taken aback. “So, you didn’t tell him about the babies?“.
“No.” River’s voice sounded helpless.
Scott suggested, “If that’s the case, and only if you’re comfortable with it, let me take you out for a meal.”
River was at a loss for words.
He truly was a kind–hearted person.
He always considered others‘ feelings in his speech and behavior.
When her mother was alive, he had helped take care of her.
When her mother passed away, he set aside his own work to assist with the funeral arrangements.
It would be unreasonable to refuse a simple meal with him considering all that
With that in mind, she asked him subconsciously, “Are you going to celebrate New Year’s alone?”