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

innocent baby that Ayla was carrying

Ayla must have suffered back then listening to the baseless accusations snarled

like a

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

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

this tirade.She was fully aware that Ayla and

not had sexual relations.She was aware that

because she had given herself to him so early in their relationship.Besides,

lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly sorry.Let's put this unpleasant episode behind us and move forward with renewed strength and

indecisive in the

because he saw how she was

was nothing without the Smith family.Molly

sure? 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 her

Molly concluded.

she had made many a sacrifice to sustain this love, but at the end of the day, was he really worth it?

his arms as gently as a newborn, he

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

to be a major part

beam of sunlight

the night in the hotel? We

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 would always treat

Ayla had returned to

over now.You get some

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

wanted to wash out all disturbing thoughts from

desperate she would be.Suddenly Maria pulled Ayla

so badly? Oh no! Your lips are also swollen!" she

nothing," Ayla

and got a nasty bump." Ayla's lies

happened.I can't bear to see you in such pain.Who did this to

nestled Ayla

with an ice pack which she wrapped in a towel and dabbed on

not be too happy when he finds out." Maria's eyes scaled

rule.What could have possibly transpired at the

need to know.I'll ensure that I'm back in my room before

determined not to

me? Why don't you want me

their conversation

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

ice pack crushed

we were not expecting you back so soon!"

returned much earlier

bruise

"What happened to you?"

a wall and got a