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!"

room was followed by a sudden hush, as

"Please, continue to play."

then looked at Ayla and

She shook her head.

"No."

games were

virtuous girl who spent her time

teach her

and poured

I don't wish to

addicted to gambling like he had.She

because of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family

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

asked Ayla to sit next

she stared at this conundrum,

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

was expected to remain in the little house behind the Woodsen family's villa, reading or cleaning.She was

his hand out to

aback, she asked, "What's the

a cup

how easily she became absent-minded when she was around

"Okay."

to reality, she quickly

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

"Why are you so clumsy? Did

sudden concern frightened

tea

his hand

of people gathered around

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

with me.I'll get you a

at

with her.A change of

traipsed off to another

room was breathtakingly beautiful and of

an exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted

bet you are not used to being suffocated by so many men drinking and smoking all around

continued with

actually doesn't

she would never

really want to be with Brian then it doesn't matter where

walked towards

the seams as a

rather