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!"

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

"Please, continue to play."

then looked at Ayla and asked her,

She shook her head.

"No."

were alien

was a virtuous girl who spent her time

teach her to play

and poured himself a

I don't wish to learn how to play

he had.She regarded gambling as one of the

Clayton destroyed because of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was ruined by

walked to the automatic mahjong table and remarked, "Observe carefully.You will learn quickly.It

to sit

this conundrum, her

always took Arlene to the amusement

Ayla was expected to remain in the little house behind the Woodsen family's villa, reading or cleaning.She was not

hand

asked, "What's the

me a cup of

knew how easily she became absent-minded when she was around

"Okay."

jerked herself back to reality, she quickly brought him a cup

could hand it to him, someone bumped into her and the tea spilled

her hand and asked, "Why are you so clumsy?

sudden concern frightened

tea is not

his

of people gathered

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

"Miss Woodsen, come along with me.I'll get you a change of clothes.I have a wardrobe of

at Brian, seeking

with her.A change

off to another room

room was breathtakingly beautiful and of

crystal chandelier that emitted a strange brilliance,

used to being suffocated by so many men drinking and smoking all

continued with

actually doesn't matter,"

choice, she would never

to be with Brian then it doesn't matter where you end up,

walked towards the

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 his generosity.There's more for you to choose from.Ayla glanced at the designer

thanks.I would rather wear my own