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.

clearly misunderstood the relationship between Toby and

believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying

have suffered back then listening to

looked like a weak,

carry out menial tasks! Why on earth 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

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

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

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

hadn't taken any contraceptives recently, but why hadn't she fallen pregnant yet?Toby cradled Molly in his arms and lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly sorry.Let's put this unpleasant episode behind us and move forward with renewed strength and trust.I am your husband

been indecisive in

up on Ayla because

nothing without the Smith family.Molly gazed

Do you really mean it? Can you promise never to see Ayla ever again? Not to even think about her? Can you erase every memory of her? If you make every attempt to avoid

Molly concluded.

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

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

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

a

beam of sunlight to

in the hotel? We should not head home.You know how inquisitive my

a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover, but it had all been in the name of love.She would

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

take over now.You get some well-deserved

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

out all disturbing thoughts

desperate she would

name did you bruise your face so badly? Oh no! Your lips

nothing," Ayla

accidentally walked into a wall and got a nasty bump."

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

tenderly nestled Ayla on

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

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

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

know.I'll ensure

determined not to run into Brian

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

their conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

crushed

you back so soon!" she

much earlier

noticed the bruise on her

"What happened to you?"

walked into a wall and