Exactly. Summer was (and still is) the love of his life. He is so attached to her memory and a deep longing for her that even Summer's death did not stop him from making sure he and summer had their own biological children. He was so commited to Summer's memory that he insisted that River not be referred to as mother by the twins and that only Summer is their mother.
Keep in mind River was the surrogate mother who carried the twins. Yet even this wasnt enough for him to let River and the twins have a parental bond.
River is someone he "likes" and treated more like staff i.e live-in housekeeper and nanny than an actual "wife" let alone is actually considered family to him. The kids miss their "Nanny".
Ikr. If it ever came down to it, he'll always choose Summer over river. She's just a replacement and that too cuz she carried his kids
And this is why Noah shouldnt be the end game. That while his children should be his priority, his reaction is exactly of someone who couldn’t care less about River. He is sad, yes. Devastated that he has to choose between River and his children? Never. It’s more like he still couldnt get over Summer and she will always be the love of his life. And if he was made to choose between her and River, he would undoubtedly choose her.
River should just marry someone ordinary after all these shenanigans with billionaires. Only then will she have peace of mind.