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.

surroundings, it occurred to her that

love, my heart, my unborn

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

 It took her a while to realize that everything

to live here for a period of time until she

work wouldn't start until tomorrow so she had

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 carrying a bag

here so early?" she asked curiously, as she opened

you wouldn't starve yourself.That's why I brought you something to eat," he

you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the

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

her and she

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

herself more if she wanted

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

to share

Ayla

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,

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

her head, she reminded herself not

some errands that I need to deal with today.Would you be fine with staying here alone?" Lucas

his way so she replied, "Sure, no

fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with her eyes closed as she relished

"I haven't eaten such a delicious

buy it for you every day,"

joy watching her

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

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

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

stilled upon hearing the word "home" from

immensely and he took it as a sign

he cleared his throat

supermarket isn't far from here.Don't

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

table after Lucas left for his

everything was spotless in the room, she grabbed

to her surprise, she came across Anna at

seconds as she never imagined

what

despite the shock she

didn't fail to notice how the

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

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

they implied hurt her to

you are here?" Ayla

was seeing, although she was still heartbroken over Brian's devotion to

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

considered it

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

free today.We can go

"Alright, then. Let's go!"