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,

things from her past almost drove her to the

took her a while to realize that

for a period of time

wouldn't start until tomorrow so she had

her apartment was an impressive skyscraper 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 the door carrying a

what brought you here so early?" she asked curiously,

starve yourself.That's why I brought you something to eat,"

won't eat breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what

front of her, Ayla stared at him and she could

and she would be

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

cook for herself more if she

you help me prepare the food?

was excited to share

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

hated my presence so

she reminded herself not to dwell on such

some errands that I need to deal with today.Would you be fine with staying here alone?"

get in his way

stuffed her mouth with the delicious fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded

gulped the refreshing soybean milk and exclaimed, "I haven't eaten such a delicious breakfast

for you every

was a joy watching

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

why she only ate a few dumplings.Despite

buy groceries today.I like the idea that we'd always have meals at home," Ayla informed

stilled upon hearing the word "home" from

took it as a sign that she was

spoil the moment, he cleared his throat and

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

thank Yareli for that.Ms.Evans

up the breakfast table after Lucas left

in the room, she grabbed her

to her surprise, she came

a few seconds as she never imagined this would

Anna, what brings

to ask despite the shock she

didn't fail to notice how the woman looked at

would be sorely affected, Anna continued to pretend that she was

embarrassing," she even stated

words and understanding what they

why you are here?" Ayla asked

eye to what she was seeing, although she was still heartbroken over

take you to your office and give you a little tour,"

considered it for

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

I'm free today.We can

"Alright, then. Let's go!"