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 relationship between Toby

refused to believe that the innocent

have suffered back then listening to the baseless accusations snarled upon

looked like a weak,

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

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 for Ayla?

tirade.She was fully aware that Ayla

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

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

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

indecisive

because he

without the Smith family.Molly gazed into Toby's

really mean it? Can you promise never to see Ayla ever again? Not to even think about her? Can

Molly concluded.

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

gently as a newborn, he whispered convincingly, "Yes, I

the only person who had stood by him and helped him get back on

be a

words brought a beam

smile, she teased, "Shall we spend the night in the hotel? We should not

depths of her being that she truly loved Toby.She had always been a caring, protective,

powerful rainbow.Meanwhile, Ayla had returned to the villa

"I'll take over now.You get

was around.Ayla replied

out all

less desperate she would be.Suddenly Maria pulled Ayla towards

you bruise your face so badly?

it's nothing," Ayla

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

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

tenderly nestled Ayla

and returned with an ice pack which she wrapped in a towel and dabbed on her face.Ayla took the ice pack and reassured Maria, "I'm fine,

happy when

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

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

to

not mention to me? Why don't you want me to know?"

their conversation in the

Mortified, Ayla stood up.

crushed

were not expecting you back so soon!" she

much

the bruise on

"What happened to you?"

accidentally walked into a wall and