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!"

vibrant and lively private room was followed by a sudden hush, as

"Please, continue to play."

Ayla and asked

She shook her head.

"No."

games were alien to

was a virtuous girl who spent

teach her to play

the sofa and

don't wish to learn how to

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

his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was ruined

and remarked, "Observe carefully.You will learn quickly.It will

Ayla to

at this conundrum, her mind

Clayton always took Arlene to the amusement park or ski resort for two weeks at a

remain in the little house behind the

hand

she asked, "What's the

a cup of

knew how easily she became absent-minded when she

"Okay."

reality, she

before she could hand it to him, someone bumped

immediately held her hand and asked, "Why are you

sudden concern frightened

fine.The tea

his

crowd of people

at her and

with me.I'll get

looked at Brian,

with her.A change of

off to another room on

room was breathtakingly beautiful and

an exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted a strange brilliance,

used to being suffocated by so many

with her

doesn't

choice, she

to be with Brian then it doesn't matter where

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 his generosity.There's more for you to choose from.Ayla glanced at the designer clothing that shimmered in the wardrobe.Was Anna just being boastful? Well Anna had picked on the wrong person.Ayla was far from

would rather