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 much as

my heart,

from her past almost drove her to the brink

took her a while to realize that everything

here for a period of

she had the rest of the day

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

Lucas standing outside the door carrying

brought you here so early?" she asked curiously,

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

stomachache if you won't eat breakfast.If you'd start your new life here in poor health, what would become of you in the future?" Lucas continued on

Ayla stared

her and she would be thankful for

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

for herself more if she wanted to

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

to share breakfast

course!" Ayla

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 couldn't stand

not to

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

get in his way so she replied, "Sure,

fried dumplings that Lucas brought.She nodded vigorously with her

"I haven't eaten such a delicious breakfast in a

it for you every day,"

a joy watching

picky eater.I'll eat whatever you buy," Ayla said as

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

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

hearing the word "home" from

a sign

to spoil the moment, he cleared his throat and

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

table after Lucas left for his

in the room, she

she came across Anna

speechless for a few seconds

what brings

ask despite the

fail to notice how the woman looked at

sorely affected, Anna continued to pretend that she was pulling on her clothes and trying to put them back

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

understanding what they implied hurt her to

why you are here?"

blind eye to what she was

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

it

from the Clark Group's building, there would be no chance for

I'm free today.We can go

"Alright, then. Let's go!"