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!"

entry into the vibrant and lively private room was followed by a sudden hush, as everyone stood up and

"Please, continue to play."

then looked at Ayla and asked her, "Can you play

She shook her head.

"No."

games were alien

a virtuous girl who

teach her to

sat on the sofa and

I don't wish to learn how to

he had.She regarded gambling as one of the worst

his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was ruined

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

asked Ayla to

stared at this

Arlene to the amusement park or ski resort for two weeks

remain in the little house behind the Woodsen family's

hand out to

asked,

me a cup

how easily she became absent-minded when

"Okay."

herself back to reality, she quickly brought him a

someone bumped into

immediately held her hand and asked, "Why

sudden concern

tea is

pushed his hand

people gathered

this?He looked at her and enquired, "Are you sure you are

that moment, Anna hastened forward and said, "Miss Woodsen, come along with me.I'll get you a change

at Brian,

her.A change

traipsed off to another room on the same

breathtakingly beautiful

exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted a strange brilliance, was

seat.I bet you are not used to

with

actually doesn't matter,"

a choice, she would never

Brian then it doesn't matter where you

towards

the seams as a result of his generosity.There's

thanks.I would rather wear