The Substitute Bride: Making Memories Of Us (Lois Stone)

Ayla sat up and said, "I don't want to stay here."

She despised living there, more so after Anna called Brian.

Brian advanced towards her and angrily threw back the covers.

"Then don't sleep tonight!"

How could this woman be so ungrateful? She was clearly taking advantage of his kindness.

Brian had ruthlessly tortured her throughout the night.

She felt too weak to beg for mercy.On Chinese New Year's Day, Ayla only awoke at noon.She was in Brian's room.Her body wracked with pain, making any kind of movement difficult.

She promised herself that she would not act tough in front of him in future for her own safety.On the other hand, Brian seemed unperturbed.

Lounging in a black robe, he looked laid-back, yet elegant, as he savored a glass of red wine.

"Are you awake? Get up! Quit pretending to be asleep!"

Brian had noticed her eyelids flutter, but she quickly pretended to fall into a slumber again.

Ayla awoke, draped herself in the thin quilt then picked up the phone.

She requested Maria to bring her a fresh set of clothes.

The maid came up from the first floor, clothes in hand and greeted Ayla warmly, "Good morning, Mrs.Clark."

She took the clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.

After a while she stepped back into the room, beautifully adorned.

As Brian placed his glass down, he instructed her, "Go downstairs and prepare lunch if you are ready.We have to go out this afternoon."

She knew that she would be forced to accompany him, but she had no idea that he would take her to the entertainment club.

"Are you working on the first day of the Chinese New Year?"

She stood at the door, fearing to go beyond.The parking lot of the entertainment club was choked with various cars.

The club was pretty lively even for the daytime.

"No," he replied softly, as he walked in, holding her around the waist.

As they pushed the door and entered the luxurious private VIP room, Ayla was consumed by nausea.

She was allergic to the smell of alcohol and cigarettes and swooned into a bout of coughing.Anna was heartbroken to see Brian holding Ayla so lovingly.

Nevertheless, she approached him and with a smile, she said, "Welcome, Brian! Everyone is waiting for you!"

private room was followed by a sudden hush, as everyone stood up and respectfully addressed him as

"Please, continue to play."

Ayla and asked her, "Can you play

She shook her head.

"No."

games were alien to

virtuous girl who spent her time studying

her to

the sofa and poured himself a glass of

I don't wish to learn how

become addicted to gambling like he had.She regarded gambling as one of the worst

his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was ruined by

automatic mahjong table and remarked, "Observe carefully.You will learn quickly.It will be useful to you

asked Ayla to sit next to

at this conundrum, her

they were young, Clayton always took Arlene to the amusement park or ski resort

the Woodsen family's villa, reading or cleaning.She was not accustomed to

extended his hand out

she asked, "What's the

me a cup

she became

"Okay."

herself back to reality, she quickly brought him a

him, someone bumped into her and the tea spilled all

asked, "Why are

sudden concern frightened

fine.The tea is not

his

crowd of people

to behave like this?He looked at her and enquired, "Are you sure you

along with me.I'll get you a change

at

change of

another

room was breathtakingly beautiful and of a

exquisite imported crystal chandelier that

and have a seat.I bet you are not used to being suffocated by so many men drinking and smoking all around

with her annoying

doesn't matter," replied

choice, she would never have

to be with Brian then it doesn't matter

towards

wardrobe is bursting at the seams as a result of his

thanks.I would rather wear my