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 that everything changed as much as she

my heart, my unborn

think of how these things from her past almost drove

while to realize

live here for a period

until tomorrow so she had the

her would- be office. Her musings were

she saw Lucas standing outside the door carrying a bag

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

starve yourself.That's why I brought

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

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

after her and she would

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

would cook for herself more if she

the food? I really enjoy your cooking," Lucas

excited to share breakfast with

course!" Ayla

was just simple home cooking.She remembered how Brian picked

so much he

she reminded herself not to dwell

have some errands that I need to deal with today.Would

in his way so she replied, "Sure, no

dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously

she gulped the refreshing soybean milk and exclaimed, "I haven't eaten such a delicious breakfast in

you every day," he

joy watching her eat

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

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

go to the supermarket to buy groceries today.I like the idea that we'd always have

stilled upon hearing the word "home" from

touched him immensely and he took it as a sign that

moment, he cleared his throat and offered, "I'll drive

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

thank Yareli for that.Ms.Evans had always

up the breakfast table after Lucas left for

in the room, she grabbed her bag

surprise, she came across Anna at the

for a few seconds as

Anna, what brings

despite the

fail to notice how the woman looked at

to pretend that she was pulling on her clothes and trying

like this.It's embarrassing," she

those words and understanding what they implied hurt

you are here?" Ayla

a blind eye to what she was seeing, although she

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

considered it for a

Group's building, there would be no chance

free today.We can go now," she

"Alright, then. Let's go!"