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

innocent baby

have suffered back then listening to the baseless accusations

looked like a weak,

Clark family had enough servants to carry out menial tasks! Why on

was she embarrassed? It was I who was embarrassed! I was the one who was subjected 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 to you.That's not your responsibility! Did

finally took a breath after this tirade.She was fully aware that

had sexual relations.She was aware that people

had married her so soon only because she had given herself to him so early in their relationship.Besides, there

am truly sorry.Let's put this unpleasant episode behind us and move

had been indecisive in the

on Ayla because he saw

nothing without the Smith family.Molly

it? Can you promise never to see Ayla ever again? Not to even think about her? Can you

Molly concluded.

at the end of the day, was he really worth it? Toby slowly

gently as a newborn, he

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

a major part of his

brought a beam of sunlight to her

sensual smile, she teased, "Shall we spend the night in the hotel? We should

loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover, but it had

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

over now.You get some well-deserved

her "Lala" when no one else was around.Ayla replied sweetly, "It's okay.I need to keep busy right

all disturbing thoughts

desperate

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

nothing,"

got a nasty bump." Ayla's lies literally ate

bear to see you in such pain.Who did this to you? How can

nestled Ayla on

which she wrapped in a towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla

not be too happy when he finds out."

herself from conflicts as a rule.What could have possibly transpired at the mall that resulted in her

need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back in my

was determined not to

she not mention to me? Why don't you want me to know?" asked

had overheard their conversation in the living

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

crushed to

expecting you back

had returned much earlier than

bruise on

"What happened to you?"

accidentally walked into a wall and got a