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!"

by a sudden hush, as everyone stood up and respectfully addressed him

"Please, continue to play."

then looked at Ayla and

She shook her head.

"No."

games were alien to

was a virtuous girl who spent her

teach her

the sofa and

to learn how to

had.She regarded gambling

gambling tendencies?The Woodsen

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

asked Ayla to sit next

this conundrum,

the amusement park or ski resort for two weeks at

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

hand

aback, she asked,

a cup of

became absent-minded when

"Okay."

jerked herself back to reality, she quickly brought

someone bumped into her and the

asked, "Why are you so clumsy? Did

concern

tea is

his hand

crowd of people gathered

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

come along with me.I'll get you a change of

at Brian,

with her.A change

another room on

room was breathtakingly beautiful

an exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted a strange brilliance, was

seat.I bet you are not used to being suffocated

with

actually doesn't matter,"

a choice, she would

be with Brian then

towards

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

would rather wear