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.

had clearly misunderstood the relationship

refused to believe that the innocent baby that Ayla was carrying was

then listening to the

like a

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

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

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

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

given herself to him so early

cradled Molly in his arms and lovingly remarked, "Molly, I am truly sorry.Let's

been indecisive in

Ayla because he saw how she was pressured

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

Molly concluded.

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

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

in pain in that diseased hospital bed.Molly was the only person who had stood by him and helped him

destined to be a major part

beam of sunlight to

smile, she teased, "Shall we spend the night in the hotel? We should not head home.You know how inquisitive my

she truly loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective, somewhat possessive lover,

Ayla had returned to

take over now.You get some well-deserved

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

wanted to wash out all

her thoughts, the less desperate

your face so badly? Oh no! Your

it's nothing,"

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

can't bear to see

nestled Ayla on

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

happy when he finds

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

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

was determined not to run into Brian

mention to me? Why

had overheard their conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

pack crushed to

were not expecting you back so soon!" she

had returned much earlier than

noticed the bruise on

"What happened to you?"

accidentally walked into a wall