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

to believe that the innocent baby that

back then listening to the baseless accusations snarled upon

looked like a weak, sick

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

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 you take responsibility

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

had sexual relations.She was aware that people wouldn't easily forget those who had sexual relations with

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

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 ...and always will

indecisive in

up on Ayla because he saw how she

without the Smith family.Molly gazed into Toby's

about her? Can

Molly concluded.

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

arms as gently as a

only person who had stood by him and helped him

destined to be a major part of

words brought a beam of sunlight to her

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

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

of the powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had

affectionately, "I'll take over now.You get some

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

wanted to wash out all disturbing

sooner she reconciled her thoughts, the less desperate she

name did you bruise your face so badly? Oh

it's nothing," Ayla

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

bear to see you

nestled Ayla

on her face.Ayla took

when

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

doesn't need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back in my room

not to run into Brian

me? Why don't

conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

pack crushed

you back so soon!" she

returned much

noticed the bruise on

"What happened to you?"

into a wall and got