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.

took in her surroundings, it occurred to her that everything changed as

my heart, my

how these things from her past

her a while to

for a period of time until

until tomorrow so she had the rest of the day

skyscraper that housed her would- be office. Her musings were interrupted

peered into the peephole, she saw Lucas standing

curiously, as

you wouldn't starve yourself.That's why I brought you something

breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in

of her, Ayla stared at him and she

her and she would

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

cook for herself more if she wanted

prepare the food?

excited to

course!" Ayla agreed

was touched that Lucas liked her food well enough to ask for it, although it was just simple home cooking.She remembered how Brian picked

presence so much he couldn't

not to dwell on such

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

his way so

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

soybean milk and exclaimed, "I haven't

for you every day," he assured

joy watching her eat

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

was why she only ate a few dumplings.Despite that, she

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

hearing the word

immensely and he took it as a sign that she was beginning to accept

cleared his throat

supermarket isn't far from here.Don't you have

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

up the breakfast table after Lucas

everything was spotless in the room,

to her surprise, she came

seconds as she never imagined

Anna, what brings

ask despite the shock she

fail to notice how the woman looked

that she was pulling on her clothes and trying

like this.It's embarrassing," she

and understanding what they

are here?" Ayla asked to

to turn a blind eye to what she was seeing, although she was still

free today.I can take you to your office and

it

there would be no chance for her to run into Brian

today.We can go

"Alright, then. Let's go!"