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.

the relationship between Toby

the innocent baby that

then listening to

looked like a weak,

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

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 to

was fully aware that Ayla and Toby had lived together

they had not had sexual relations.She was aware that people wouldn't easily forget those

had given herself to him so early in their relationship.Besides, there was one thing confusing

I am truly

had been indecisive in

give up on Ayla because he saw how she was pressured and tortured

without the Smith family.Molly gazed into

Not to even think about her? Can

Molly concluded.

a sacrifice to sustain this love, but at the end

taking her in his arms as gently as a newborn, he whispered convincingly, "Yes,

only person who

destined to be a major

brought a beam of

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

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

him with the hues of the powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had

"I'll take over now.You get some

"Lala" when no one else was around.Ayla replied sweetly,

out all

desperate she

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

it's nothing,"

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

Lala.Tell me what happened.I can't bear to see you in such pain.Who did this to you? How

tenderly nestled Ayla

and dabbed on her face.Ayla took the ice pack and reassured Maria, "I'm fine, really.I'll be

happy when he finds out." Maria's eyes scaled

hearted.She distances herself from conflicts as a rule.What could have possibly transpired at the mall that

to him.He doesn't need to know.I'll ensure

not to run into Brian that

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

had overheard their conversation in

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

ice pack crushed

were not expecting you back so soon!"

much earlier than

the bruise

"What happened to you?"

walked into a wall and got