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.

her surroundings, it occurred to her that everything changed as much as

heart,

things from her past almost drove her to the brink of

while to realize that

would have to live here for a period of time

wouldn't start until tomorrow so she had the

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

she saw Lucas standing outside the door carrying a

curiously,

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

in poor health, what would become

onto the table in front of her, Ayla stared at him and she

looked after her and she would be thankful

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

cook for herself more if she wanted

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

to share breakfast

Ayla agreed

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

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

she reminded herself not

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

want to get in his way so

stuffed her mouth with the delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with her eyes closed as

milk and exclaimed, "I haven't eaten such

buy it for you every day," he assured

was a joy watching her

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

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

buy groceries today.I like the idea that we'd always have meals at

hearing the word "home" from

a

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

okay.The supermarket isn't far from

She'd have to thank Yareli for that.Ms.Evans had always treated her well and made sure

breakfast table after Lucas left for

the room, she

came across

speechless for a few seconds as she never

what brings you

to ask despite

to notice how

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

like this.It's embarrassing," she

those words and understanding what they implied hurt

why you are here?" Ayla asked

she was seeing, although she was still heartbroken over

take you to your

considered it

Clark Group's building, there would be

free today.We can

"Alright, then. Let's go!"