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.

in her surroundings, it occurred to her that

my heart,

help but think of how these things from her past

 It took her a while to realize

a period

until tomorrow so she had the

her would- be office. Her musings were interrupted when

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

asked curiously, as she opened the door to let him

starve yourself.That's why I brought you something to eat," he informed

breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in

the table in front of her, Ayla stared at him and she could see the concern etched on his

after her and she would be

good care of myself," Ayla replied

herself more if she wanted to stay

food? I really

excited to share breakfast

course!" Ayla agreed

was just simple home cooking.She remembered how Brian picked on everything

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

herself not to dwell on such

need to deal with

wouldn't want to get in his way so she

mouth with the delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded

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

it for you

was a joy watching her eat

whatever you buy," Ayla said as

she only ate a few dumplings.Despite

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

him immensely and he took it as a sign that she was

he cleared his

supermarket isn't far from here.Don't

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

tidied up the breakfast table after Lucas left

in the room, she grabbed her bag and

her surprise, she came across

few seconds as she never imagined this

Anna, what brings

to ask despite the shock she

fail to notice how the woman

affected, Anna continued to pretend that she was pulling on her clothes and trying

this.It's embarrassing," she even

and understanding what they implied

are here?" Ayla asked to

she was

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

considered it

building, there would

today.We can go now," she

"Alright, then. Let's go!"