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

my heart,

of how these things from her past

 It took her a while to realize that everything

have to live here for a

wouldn't start until tomorrow so she had the

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

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

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

why I brought you something to eat," he

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

front of her, Ayla stared at

looked after her and she would be thankful

know and thanks for reminding me.I will take good care of myself," Ayla replied gently, an easy

would cook for herself more if she

me prepare the food? I really

was excited to

Ayla agreed

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

my presence so much he

herself not to

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

want to get in his way

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

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

it for you

was a joy

not a picky eater.I'll eat whatever you buy," Ayla said as she

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

idea that we'd always have meals at

stilled upon hearing the word

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

wanting to spoil the moment, he cleared his throat and offered, "I'll drive you

far from here.Don't you have things to

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

tidied up the breakfast table after Lucas left for

the room, she grabbed her bag and headed

she came

seconds

Anna, what brings

managed to ask despite the shock

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

was pulling on

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

they implied hurt her

here?" Ayla

was seeing, although she was still heartbroken over Brian's

if you're free today.I can take you to your

considered it for a

building, there would be no chance for her to

today.We can go now,"

"Alright, then. Let's go!"