The Substitute Bride: Making Memories Of Us (Lois Stone)

"Anna, stop kidding around.This is no fun," Brian chastised her.

He looked intently at the woman beside him, wondering how it all came to be.

But there were certain things in life that one couldn't back out from once it happened.

He couldn't change the fact that he had a sexual relationship with Anna in the past, nor could he change the fact that he fell in love with Ayla.

Brian's silent thoughts were interrupted by Anna's outright admission, "I'm not kidding.I want us to have a child.I'm begging you."

No sign of shame could be seen from her demeanor.

Setting her dignity and pride aside, her love for this incredible man made her braver and more vocal than she ever was.

Brian looked at her incredulously and exclaimed, "You will regret it!"

 Before he could say anything more, she pulled him in for a deep slow kiss.

‘'I wouldn't regret carrying the child of the man I love the most, ‘' her heart spoke over her mind.

Brian just let her kiss his lips with much intensity.

Straddling his waist, her slender arms circled around his neck to deepen the kiss.

She had to admit that her past job as a bartender made her knowledgeable when it came to pleasing a man.She had always been the one who took the initiative in her relationship with Brian.

 He stopped in the middle of the kiss to caress her cheeks.

"What a silly woman you are, Anna," he whispered.

"I may be silly but I love you," she replied with a radiant smile on her face.

At that moment, nothing could stop her from surrendering herself to the man who captured her heart.

After their passionate lovemaking, Anna leaned against his broad chest as she evened out her breathing.

"Brian, no matter what happens in the future, I will always love you," she said to him with utmost sincerity.

If Brian knew that she had already seen Ayla and she chose not to tell him, he would certainly hate her.

Having a child with him was the key.

With a child binding the two of them together as one family, she was hopeful that he would still be with her in the future.

 This plan might sound like she was taking advantage of the baby to make him stay, but she didn't want to take any chances at losing Brian.

He remained quiet despite Anna's heartfelt words.

Instead, he held her tightly in his arms.

This woman had done so much for him and he already owed her countless things for that reason.

 It was already dawn when Ayla woke up.

Slowly, she walked towards the window and watched as the first light of day illuminated the sky.

Down the road, there was already a steady stream of cars coming and going.

After two long years, she finally came back.

took in her surroundings, it occurred to her that everything

my heart,

of how these things from her past almost drove her to

 It took her a while to realize

live here for a

she had the rest

apartment was an impressive skyscraper that housed her would- be office. Her musings were interrupted when the doorbell rang, signaling

the peephole, she saw Lucas standing outside the door

curiously, as she opened

you wouldn't starve yourself.That's why I

breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the future?"

food onto the table in front of her, Ayla stared at him and

looked after her and she would be thankful for that

reminding me.I will take good care of myself," Ayla replied gently, an easy

herself more if she wanted

you help me prepare the food? I

to share breakfast with

course!" Ayla

just

my presence so much he

head, she reminded herself not

with today.Would you be fine with staying here

his way so

delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously

the refreshing soybean milk and exclaimed, "I

for you every day," he assured

was a joy watching her

I'm not a picky eater.I'll eat whatever you buy," Ayla said as she wiped

why she only ate a

we'd always have meals at home," Ayla informed him as she took

the word "home"

and he took it as a sign that she was beginning to accept his

to spoil the moment, he cleared his throat and offered, "I'll

far from

She'd have to thank Yareli for that.Ms.Evans had always treated her

breakfast table after Lucas left for

everything was spotless in the room, she grabbed her bag and

came across Anna

seconds as

Anna, what brings

ask despite

didn't fail to notice how the

be sorely affected, Anna continued to pretend that she was pulling on her clothes and trying

this.It's embarrassing," she even

understanding what they implied hurt her to the

are here?" Ayla asked to

a blind eye to what she was seeing, although she was still heartbroken over Brian's devotion to

can take you to your office and give you a little

considered it for a

from the Clark Group's building, there would be no chance for her

I'm free today.We can go

"Alright, then. Let's go!"