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!"

the vibrant and lively private room was followed by a sudden

"Please, continue to play."

then looked at Ayla and asked her, "Can you

She shook her head.

"No."

were alien

was a virtuous girl who spent her time

teach her

sofa and poured himself

don't wish to learn how

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

of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was

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

Ayla to sit

stared at this conundrum, her mind wandered

always took Arlene to the amusement park

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

hand

asked,

a cup

became

"Okay."

reality, she quickly brought him a cup of

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

"Why are you so clumsy?

sudden concern frightened

fine.The tea

his hand

crowd of people gathered

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

"Miss Woodsen, come along with me.I'll get you a

looked at

change of clothes is

to another room

was breathtakingly beautiful and of

an exquisite imported crystal

a seat.I bet you are not used to being suffocated by so many

continued with her

doesn't matter," replied

she would never

really want to be with Brian then it

towards

wear.Brian has spoiled me rotten by buying me such a huge selection of clothing.My wardrobe is bursting at the seams as a

thanks.I would rather