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!"

entry into the vibrant and lively private room was followed by a sudden hush, as everyone stood up and respectfully addressed him

"Please, continue to play."

at Ayla and asked her, "Can

She shook her head.

"No."

games were

girl who spent her time

her to

and poured himself a

I don't wish to learn how

didn't want to become addicted to gambling like he had.She regarded gambling as one of the worst

of his gambling tendencies?The Woodsen family was ruined

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

asked Ayla to

this conundrum, her mind wandered

always took Arlene to the amusement park or ski

remain in the little house behind the Woodsen family's villa, reading or cleaning.She was not

hand

aback, she asked, "What's the

me a cup of

easily she became absent-minded when she was around

"Okay."

back to reality, she quickly brought him a

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

immediately held her hand and asked, "Why are you so

sudden concern frightened

fine.The tea is

pushed his hand

of people

behave like this?He looked at her and enquired,

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

looked at Brian,

change of clothes is

another room on

room was breathtakingly beautiful and of

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

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

continued with

doesn't

she would never have come

guess if you really want to be with Brian then

walked towards the

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 impressed.She

would rather wear my