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 much as

heart, my

things from her

her a while to realize

live here for a period of

until tomorrow so she

office. Her musings were interrupted when the doorbell rang, signaling the presence of

peephole, she saw Lucas standing outside the door

early?" she asked curiously, as she opened the

make sure you wouldn't starve yourself.That's why

you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the future?" Lucas continued on his

he set the food onto the table in front of her, Ayla stared at him and she could see the concern

always looked after her and she

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

would cook for herself more if she wanted to

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

to share

Ayla agreed

it, although it was just simple

so much he

not

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

want to get in his way

that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with

exclaimed, "I haven't eaten

you every

was a joy watching her

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

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

the word "home" from

immensely and he took it as a sign that

the moment, he cleared his throat

okay.The supermarket isn't far from here.Don't you have things

was 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 be

tidied up the breakfast table after

the room, she grabbed her bag

surprise, she came across Anna at the

speechless for a few seconds as

Anna, what brings

ask despite the

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

be sorely affected, Anna continued to pretend that she was pulling on

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

what they implied hurt her to

here?" Ayla asked

was seeing, although she was

I wanted to check if you're free today.I can take you to your office and give you

considered it for

building, there would be no chance

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

"Alright, then. Let's go!"