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

believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying

listening to the baseless accusations

looked like a weak, sick

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

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 my virginity to you.That's not your responsibility! Did you take

breath after this tirade.She was fully aware that

believe that they had not had sexual relations.She was aware that people wouldn't

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

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

indecisive in the

give up on Ayla because he saw how she

the Smith family.Molly gazed into Toby's

about her? Can you erase every memory of her? If you make every attempt to

Molly concluded.

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

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

hospital bed.Molly was the only person who had stood by

was destined to be a

a beam of sunlight to

night in the hotel? We should not head

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

rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had returned

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

around.Ayla replied sweetly,

wanted to wash out all

her thoughts, the less desperate she would be.Suddenly

name did you bruise your face so badly?

nothing,"

nasty bump." Ayla's lies literally ate her up.She knew

me 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

Ayla

towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla took

will not be too happy when he

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

need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back

was determined not to run into Brian

me? Why don't

overheard their conversation in

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

crushed

not expecting you back so soon!" she

returned much earlier than

noticed the bruise

"What happened to you?"

walked into a wall and