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!"

a sudden hush, as everyone

"Please, continue to play."

and asked her, "Can you play

She shook her head.

"No."

games were alien to

a virtuous girl who spent her time

her to play

on the sofa and poured himself a

to learn how to play

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

of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family

automatic mahjong table and remarked, "Observe carefully.You

Ayla to sit

stared at this conundrum, her

were young, Clayton always took Arlene to the amusement park or ski resort for two weeks

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

extended his hand out to

she asked, "What's

a cup of

how easily she became absent-minded when she was

"Okay."

to reality, she quickly brought him a cup

could hand it to him, someone bumped into her and

held her hand and asked, "Why are you so

sudden concern

tea is not

his hand

people gathered

this?He looked at her

come along with me.I'll get you a

looked at

her.A change of

to another room on the

breathtakingly beautiful and of a magnificent

European-styled interior, with an exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted a strange

have a seat.I bet you are not used to being suffocated by so many

continued with her annoying

doesn't matter," replied

she

with Brian then

walked towards the

you prefer? Feel free to select whatever you wish to wear.Brian has spoiled me rotten by buying me such a huge selection of clothing.My wardrobe is bursting at the seams as a result of

thanks.I would rather