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

refused to believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying was

back then listening

a

to carry out menial tasks! Why on earth was she asked to

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

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

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

given herself to him so early in their relationship.Besides, there was

arms and lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly sorry.Let's put this unpleasant episode behind us and move forward with

had been indecisive in the

up on Ayla because

the Smith

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

Molly concluded.

to herself that she had made many a sacrifice to sustain this love, but at the end of the day, was he

as gently as a newborn, he whispered convincingly,

bed.Molly was the only person

to be a major part of his

a beam of sunlight to her

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

she truly loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective,

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

over

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

out all disturbing thoughts from

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

in heaven's name did you bruise your face so

nothing,"

bump." Ayla's

me what happened.I can't bear to see you in such

nestled Ayla

she wrapped in a towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla took the ice pack and reassured Maria, "I'm fine, really.I'll be as good as new in a

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

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

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

was determined not to run into Brian that

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

their conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

ice pack crushed to the

were not expecting you back

had returned much earlier

bruise on her

"What happened to you?"

accidentally walked into a wall and got a