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.

to her

my heart,

how these things from her past almost drove her to the brink of

her a while to realize that everything was

here for a period of time

start until tomorrow so she had the rest

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

she peered into the peephole, she saw Lucas standing outside the door carrying a bag in

she asked curiously, as

why I brought you something to

if you won't eat breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you

food onto the table in front of her, Ayla stared at him and she could see the concern

after her and she would be thankful for that

care of myself,"

herself more if

will you help me prepare the food? I really enjoy your cooking,"

excited to share breakfast with

Ayla agreed

food well enough to ask for it, although it was just simple home cooking.She remembered how Brian picked on everything she cooked, as if she couldn't do anything

just hated my presence so much he couldn't stand it"

reminded herself not to dwell on such ugly

have some errands that I need to deal with

get in his way so she replied,

stuffed her mouth with the delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with her eyes

milk and exclaimed, "I haven't

for you every day," he

a joy watching her

picky eater.I'll eat whatever you buy," Ayla said as she wiped her

that was why she only ate a few dumplings.Despite that, she

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

upon hearing the word "home" from

and he took it as a sign that

wanting to spoil the moment, he cleared his throat and offered,

from here.Don't you have things to

apartment was situated at the best location in the city. She'd have to thank Yareli for that.Ms.Evans had always treated her well and

the breakfast table after

in the room, she grabbed her bag and headed

came across Anna at

few seconds as she never imagined

what

ask despite the

fail to notice how the woman

she was pulling on her clothes and trying to put them

always acts like this.It's embarrassing," she even stated for added

they

here?" Ayla asked

turn a blind eye to what she was seeing,

check if you're free today.I can take you to your office and give

it for a

there would be no chance for

free today.We can go now," she

"Alright, then. Let's go!"