The Substitute Bride: Making Memories Of Us (Lois Stone)

Ayla smiled at him.
"Lucas, I'm fine.Anyway, I need to go.I have to go back to work now."
She couldn't afford to stay here for too long.More importantly, she didn't want to cause an even bigger misunderstanding.
"Lala, is he really worth all this effort?" Lucas just couldn't understand her.
This woman had been with him for more than two years, and still, he couldn't figure out what she was thinking most of the time.
Perhaps he never could.
Ayla took a deep breath.
"Lucas, you need to know that I'm doing this for myself, not for Brian.Your question makes no sense."
It was true.She did it all for herself, and she wouldn't change any of it for Brian's sake.If everything was predetermined to
happen, then she would start from square one.
"In that case, don't push yourself too hard.And don't let anyone bully you, you hear?"
Lucas had already known her decision, but he still couldn't change her mind.He had no other choice but to let her do whatever
she wanted.
Ayla nodded firmly.
"l know, Lucas.Please don't go against Mr.Clark.I doubt you can defeat him.And don't worry! He won't do anything to me."
"Lala, what are you going to do if he dies?"
If Lucas were to enact his revenge, he wanted to make sure that she wouldn't suffer in the process.
And if she were happy with Brian, he might even toss out the idea of vengeance.His words left Ayla stunned.
"What do you mean by that, Lucas? Why do you think he'll die? Are you planning to do something to him?"
The sound of her anxious voice and sight of concern in her eyes were like daggers to Lucas’ heart.It was just a hypothetical
question, and she had already gotten so anxious about it.

Then, she was probably lying if she said that she didn't love Brian anymore.
Lucas forced a smile.
"I'm just kidding, Lala."
It might be true.He was probably just joking, but she took it seriously.
Upon hearing that he was jesting, Ayla breathed a sigh of relief.
"I need to go, Lucas."
He wasn't planning to delay her any longer because he knew that she was too busy with work lately.
The newspapers were full of reports about her designs, and the grand fashion show.
Those were probably the results of her efforts.
As soon as Ayla opened the door, someone slapped her face before she could even react.
Haley hit her so hard that she staggered back several steps.
Fortunately, Lucas was there to keep her from falling.
Although Haley didn't make a scene last night, she had been waiting outside the room for the entire night.
She wasn't gracious enough to let her man stay in the same room as another woman.Ayla could taste blood on her lips.
That slap made her feel like her face was burning, but she didn't feel angry about it.She just looked at Haley and saw how
haggard and pale this woman was.
Perhaps she felt restless due to the fact that Ayla was sleeping in the same room as Lucas last night."Haley, why the hell did you
slap her?"
Lucas shouted at Haley as he held Aylain his arms.
"Why can't I? That bitch deserves it!"
Haley frowned, covering her belly with one hand.

"You..."
Lucas wanted to slap her back, but his hand froze in midair."If you want to hit me for the sake of that bitch, then do it!"
Haley growled.
"If you have the balls to do it, then hit me so hard that I'll have a miscarriage.And when that happens, you can finally live a happy
life with your bitch!" she added.
Her snide remarks angered him so much that he carried out the slap.
With nothing to support her, Haley fell to the floor.
"Lucas! You didn't have to do that.I'm okay."
Ayla never expected that he would actually hit Haley.
"Lala, you shouldn't let people trample on you like that.She hit you for no reason.I won't let anyone harm you from right under my
nose, because I love you so much, and I'm willing to do anything for you."
Lucas held Ayla.He just witnessed her getting slapped by Haley.
How could he just stand there and do nothing?As Ayla wiped the blood from her lips using the back of her hand, she said, "I'm
fine."
After speaking, she wanted to help Haley up.
But then, she noticed that her face was ghastly pale, and there was blood flowing between her legs.
"Lucas, Miss Green, she's..."
Ayla was horrified by what she saw.
"Take her to the hospital at once!" she urged Lucas.
Quickly, he picked Haley up and ran downstairs as fast as he could.Upon their arrival at the hospital, Haley was brought to the
emergency room, while Lucas and Ayla waited outside.
"Lucas, do you think she'll be okay?"

Feeling helpless, he rubbed his temples.He was conflicted about how he should feel right now.He wasn't even sure whether he
wanted to keep that baby or not.
Ayla looked at him, and apologized, "I'm sorry, Lucas This is all my fault.
If it weren't for me, things wouldn't have turned out like this.
If harm befalls that child in her womb, I will resent myself for the rest of my life."
"Stop it, Lala.It's not your fault."
Lucas caressed her swollen cheek.
Haley's palm print was still apparent on I her face, so he felt sorry for her.
Ayla also touched her face and smiled faintly.
At the same time, the corners of her mouth twitched due to the pain.The operation lasted around two hours, and they waited
outside until the red light turned off.
"Doctor, how is she?" Lucas asked as he held the doctor's hand.
"I'm sorry, Mr.Collins.We couldn't save the baby."
Regret was evident on the doctor's face as he shook his head.
Upon hearing that the baby didn't survive, Ayla wee taken aback.
"Lala." Lucas held her arm.
"Lala, are you okay?"‘I'm fine."
Of course, she was fine.But she just witnessed the loss of a life, and it reminded her of her own child.
"Stay here with Miss Green.I'm going to buy some food," said Ayla.
"Lala, I'lljust ask someone else to do it.You also need to rest.I'll ask one of the nurses to give you a cold compress for your face."
Her face was so swollen, so she shouldn't go outside right now

"No, I'm really fine.I'll be back soon.Don't worry."
In all honesty, Ayla didn't feel any pain coming from her face now.
She then went out of the hospital and bought some chicken porridge; one for Haley, and the other one was for Lucas.
"This one is for you, Lucas.When Miss Green wakes up, tell her to have some of this porridge.She needs to replenish the
nutrients in her body and get plenty of rest.Also, you need to talk to her properly, and don't do anything to make her upset!" she
advised.
She was well aware of the fact that any woman would be heartbroken at the loss of her child.
Without saying anything, Lucas nodded.
Ayla didn't say much after that.Moments later, she left the ward.