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

love, my heart,

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

took her a while to realize that everything was

live here for a period of time until she finished the

wouldn't start until tomorrow so she had the rest of the day

that housed her would- be office. Her musings were interrupted when the doorbell rang, signaling the presence

peered into the peephole, she saw Lucas standing outside

asked curiously, as she opened the door

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

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 on his

onto the table in front of her, Ayla stared at

and she would

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

would cook for herself more if she wanted to

me prepare the food? I really

was excited to share breakfast

course!" Ayla

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

so

reminded herself not to dwell on such

to deal with today.Would you be

wouldn't want to get in his way so she replied, "Sure, no

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

and exclaimed, "I haven't eaten such a delicious

for you every day,"

a joy

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

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

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

stilled upon hearing the word "home"

it as a sign that she

the moment, he cleared his throat and offered,

from

the city. She'd have to thank Yareli

tidied up the breakfast table after Lucas left for his

the room, she grabbed her bag and

came

was utterly speechless for a few seconds

Anna, what

despite the shock

to notice how the woman looked at that

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

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

those words and understanding what they implied hurt her to the

that why you are here?" Ayla asked to divert

she was seeing, although she was still heartbroken

can take you to your office and give

it

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

free today.We can go now," she

"Alright, then. Let's go!"