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!"

a sudden hush,

"Please, continue to play."

and asked her, "Can you play

She shook her head.

"No."

games were

was a virtuous girl who spent her time studying

her to

sat on the sofa and poured himself a glass

to

addicted to gambling like he had.She regarded gambling as one of the worst vices known to

destroyed because of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family

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

to sit

at this conundrum, her mind

Clayton always took Arlene to the amusement park or

little house behind the

his hand out to

aback, she asked, "What's

a

became absent-minded when she was around

"Okay."

Ayla jerked herself back to reality, she quickly brought

it to him, someone bumped into

held her hand and asked, "Why are you

sudden concern

fine.The tea is not

pushed his hand

crowd of people

looked at her and

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

at

her.A change

off to another room on the same

beautiful and

European-styled interior, with an exquisite imported crystal chandelier that emitted a strange brilliance, was

and have a seat.I bet you are not used to being suffocated by so many men drinking and smoking all around

continued with her annoying

doesn't

she had a choice, she

Brian

walked towards the

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

rather wear