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.

misunderstood the relationship between Toby and

the innocent baby that

Ayla must have suffered back then listening to the

a weak, sick

out menial tasks! Why

beeline for another woman in public! Am I nothing to you? Be honest with me.You owe me that much.If you

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

had sexual relations.She was aware that people wouldn't

also knew that Toby had married her so soon only because she had given herself to him so early

his arms and lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly

been indecisive in the

only decided to give up on Ayla because he saw how she was pressured and

was nothing without the Smith

again? Not to even think about her? Can you erase every memory of her? If you make every attempt to avoid her

Molly concluded.

but at the

gently as a newborn, he whispered

in that diseased hospital bed.Molly was the only person who had stood by him and helped him get back on

a major part

words brought a beam of sunlight

sensual smile, she teased, "Shall we spend the night in the hotel? We should not head home.You know how

her being that she truly loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover, but it had

the hues of the powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had returned to the villa and was packing the

said affectionately, "I'll take over

else was around.Ayla replied sweetly,

wash out all

she reconciled her thoughts, the less desperate she would be.Suddenly Maria pulled Ayla towards

in heaven's name did you bruise your face so badly? Oh no! Your lips are also

nothing," Ayla

a wall and got a nasty bump." Ayla's

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

nestled Ayla on

the fridge and returned with an ice pack which she wrapped in a towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla took the

be too happy when he finds out." Maria's

too kind hearted.She distances herself from 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 in my

not to

must she not mention to me? Why don't

overheard their conversation in the living

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

pack crushed

you back

had returned much

the bruise on her

"What happened to you?"

into a