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

that the innocent baby that Ayla was

listening to

like a

to carry out menial tasks! Why on earth 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

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

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

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

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

had been indecisive in the

because he saw how she was pressured and

nothing without the Smith

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 her then there

Molly concluded.

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

as gently as a newborn, he whispered convincingly,

only person who had stood by him

to be a major part of his

brought a beam of sunlight to

the night in the hotel? We should not head home.You

a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover,

Ayla had returned to

"I'll take over now.You get some well-deserved rest,

around.Ayla

wanted to wash out all disturbing

desperate she would

heaven's name did you bruise your face so

it's nothing,"

accidentally walked into a wall and got a nasty bump." Ayla's

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

tenderly nestled Ayla on

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

too happy when he finds

a rule.What could have possibly

don't mention anything to him.He doesn't need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back in my room before

was determined not to run into Brian that

Why don't you want me to

had overheard their conversation in the living

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

crushed to

not expecting you back so soon!" she

had returned much

noticed the bruise

"What happened to you?"

a wall and got a