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

believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying

back then listening to the baseless accusations snarled upon

like a weak, sick

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

what way 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

aware that Ayla and Toby had lived together in that

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

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

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

been indecisive

Ayla because he saw how she was pressured and

Smith family.Molly gazed

to see Ayla ever again? Not to even think about her? Can you erase every memory of her?

Molly concluded.

at the end of the day, was he really worth it? Toby slowly inhaled a deep breath of fresh

arms as gently as a newborn, he whispered convincingly, "Yes,

was the only person who had

a

a beam of sunlight to her

night in the

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

hues of the powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla

"I'll take over now.You

around.Ayla replied sweetly, "It's okay.I need

out all disturbing thoughts from

the less desperate she

so badly? Oh no!

nothing," Ayla

wall and got a nasty bump." Ayla's lies literally ate her up.She knew that Maria was

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

Ayla on the

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

will not be too happy when he finds out."

kind hearted.She distances herself from conflicts as a rule.What could have

doesn't need to know.I'll ensure that I'm

determined not to run into

she not mention to me? Why don't you

had overheard their conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

ice pack crushed

not expecting you back

returned much earlier than

noticed the bruise

"What happened to you?"

into a wall