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.

it occurred to her that everything changed as

heart,

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

her a while to realize that everything was

live here for a period of time until she finished the

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

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

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

what brought you here so early?" she asked curiously, as she opened the door to let him

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

if you 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

her, Ayla stared at him

after her and she would

reminding me.I will take good care of myself," Ayla replied gently, an easy smile

cook for herself more if she wanted to stay

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

to share

course!" Ayla

touched 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 couldn't do

presence so

she reminded herself not to dwell on

to deal with today.Would you be fine with staying here alone?"

get in his way so

Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with her eyes closed as she relished every tasty

milk and exclaimed, "I

it for you

a joy

know I'm not a picky eater.I'll eat whatever you buy," Ayla

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

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

as a sign that she

wanting to spoil the moment, he cleared his throat

far from here.Don't you have things

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 would

tidied up the breakfast table

everything was spotless in the room, she

to her surprise, she came across Anna

speechless for a few seconds as she never imagined this

what

managed to ask despite

keen eyes didn't fail to notice how the woman looked at that

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

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

those words and understanding what they implied hurt her to the

that why you are here?" Ayla asked to divert the

she was

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

considered it

Group's building, there would be no

I'm free today.We can go now," she

"Alright, then. Let's go!"