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

heart, my unborn

these things from her past almost

while to realize that everything was

to live here for a period of time until

tomorrow so she had the rest

her would- be office. Her musings were interrupted

she peered into the peephole, she saw Lucas standing outside

curiously,

starve yourself.That's why I brought you something to

start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the future?"

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

looked after her and she would be thankful for that

good care of myself," Ayla

more if she wanted

you help me prepare the food? I really enjoy your

to share

Ayla

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

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

her head, she reminded herself not to dwell on such

to deal with today.Would you be fine with staying here

get in his way so she replied,

with the delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She

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

you every day," he assured

a joy watching her

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

have much appetite that morning that was why she only ate a few dumplings.Despite that, she felt as if her stomach would

we'd always have meals at

hearing the word "home" from

as a sign that she was beginning

moment, he cleared

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

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 made sure she

breakfast table after Lucas left for

was spotless in the room,

her surprise, she came

was utterly speechless for a few seconds as she never imagined this

Anna, what brings

despite

to notice how the woman looked at

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,"

and understanding what they implied hurt

why you are here?" Ayla asked

was seeing, although she was still heartbroken

I wanted to check if you're free today.I can take you to your office and give you a little tour," Anna informed

it for a

building, there would be no chance for her to run into Brian

can

"Alright, then. Let's go!"