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.

she took in her surroundings, it occurred to her that everything changed as much

love, my heart, my

but think of how these things from her past almost drove her to the

while to realize

to live here for a period of time until she finished

so she had the rest of the day for

would- be office. Her musings were interrupted when

she saw Lucas standing

asked curiously, as

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

if you won't eat breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the future?" Lucas continued

in front of her, Ayla stared at him and she could

and she would be thankful for that

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

for herself more if she wanted to stay

me prepare the food? I

excited to share

course!" Ayla agreed

touched that Lucas liked her 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

my presence so much he couldn't stand it"

her head, she reminded herself not to dwell on

with today.Would you be fine with

want to get in his way so she

delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously

the refreshing soybean milk and exclaimed, "I haven't eaten

you every day," he assured

a joy watching her eat

whatever you buy," Ayla said as she wiped her

why she only ate a few dumplings.Despite that, she felt as

to the supermarket to buy groceries today.I like the idea that we'd always have meals at home," Ayla informed him as she took more sips of her soybean

upon hearing the word "home" from

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

to spoil the moment, he cleared

supermarket isn't far from here.Don't you have things to

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

the breakfast table after Lucas left for his

the room, she

surprise, she came across Anna at the

utterly speechless for a few seconds as she never imagined

Anna, what brings

despite

to notice

to pretend that she was pulling on her clothes and trying to

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

they implied hurt her to

why you are here?" Ayla asked to

she was

take you to your office and give you a little tour," Anna informed

considered it

far away from the Clark Group's building, there would be no

today.We can go now,"

"Alright, then. Let's go!"