The Substitute Bride: Making Memories Of Us (Lois Stone)

Ayla looked at Molly totally aghast.Then she stared at Toby quizzically.She said, "Get up, Mrs.Brown.I promise not to ever see him again!"

After all that had transpired recently, there was certainly no reason for her and Toby to ever see each other again.

Toby tried to interject but Ayla knew that anything he uttered at that moment would further exacerbate the problem.

She instructed him, "Mr.Brown, take your precious wife home! We are in a public place now."

Ayla was not in the least bit concerned about anyone's opinions about her.

But she knew at the back of her mind that if the daughter and son-in-law of the prestigious Smith Group continued to misbehave in public, they would promptly feature in the following day's news broadcast.Ayla then made a hasty exit from the shopping mall.

Lyle, who had been patiently awaiting her at the gate, hurried forth to assist her with her bag.

He immediately detected that something was amiss.

Deeply concerned, he enquired, "Miss Woodsen, are you all right?"

Lyle was horrified to see her swollen face and the bloodstain at the corner of her mouth.

She had been in the mall for barely an hour.

What could have possibly happened to drive her into this tragic state?

"I'm just fine, Lyle.Don't mention a word about this to Mr.Clark," she pleaded.

Ayla slumped against the seat helplessly.

She gently closed her eyes and introspected.

Tears cascaded down her burning cheeks.

She was consumed by old emotions of heartbreak and bitterness.

Past pain of misery resurfaced.

Coupled with this emotional torture, she had reached a new low of extreme pain and helplessness.

Meanwhile, after quickly assessing the gravity of the situation, Toby swept Molly off to a nearby hotel.

Miley, on seeing them safe, gestured to the driver to take her back home.

Molly was visibly disturbed.She couldn't bear to look Toby in the eye.

"Molly,"

Toby comforted, "please don't be angry.You know that I had lost all contact with Lala.Was all this embarrassing drama even necessary? And in full view of the public?"

Toby asked her with some concern in his voice as he sat beside her.He was genuinely worried about Ayla.

Four months into her pregnancy and he did not notice a baby bump.

Chances were great that she had miscarried.

had clearly misunderstood the relationship between

refused to believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying

Ayla must have suffered back then listening to

like a

had enough servants to carry out menial tasks! Why on earth was she asked to go out and purchase the

to humiliation! My husband made a beeline for another woman in public! Am I nothing to you? Be honest with me.You owe me that much.If you no longer love me then admit it.You didn't have to feel obligated to marry me just because I gave up my virginity

breath after this tirade.She was fully aware that Ayla and Toby had lived together

sexual relations.She was aware that people wouldn't easily forget those who had sexual relations with

had married her so soon only because she had given herself

and lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly sorry.Let's

had been indecisive in the

had only decided to give up on Ayla because he saw how she

the Smith family.Molly gazed into

about her? Can

Molly concluded.

at the end of the day, was he really worth it? Toby slowly inhaled a deep breath

arms as gently as a

only person who had stood by him and helped him get back

a major part of

brought a beam of sunlight

she teased, "Shall we spend the night in the hotel?

truly loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover, but it had all been in the name of love.She would always treat him this

the hues of the powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had returned to the

over now.You get some

around.Ayla replied sweetly,

wash out all disturbing

less desperate she would be.Suddenly

you bruise your face so badly? Oh no! Your lips are also swollen!"

nothing,"

wall and got a nasty bump."

better than that, Lala.Tell me what happened.I can't bear to see you in such pain.Who did this to

tenderly nestled Ayla on the

in a towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla took the ice pack and reassured Maria, "I'm fine,

not be too happy when he finds out." Maria's eyes scaled

conflicts as a rule.What could have possibly

mention anything to him.He doesn't need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back

to run into Brian

must she not mention to me? Why don't you want me

overheard their conversation

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

ice pack crushed

were not expecting you back so

much earlier

the bruise on

"What happened to you?"

accidentally walked into a wall