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

Chapter 168: I Haven't Fully Recovered

The truth? Was there even one between them? And was it necessary to speak of it? Brian wanted to understand Ayla’s pain, but did she still feel pain like an average person? The pain she had suffered during that one year was more than she had in her whole life.

For so many times, she had been suffering so terrible that she thought she might die.

But in the end, she suffered through one great pain after another.

"Lala, tm the only one who'll stand by your side no matter what, understand? I'm the only person you can say whatever you want to," Brian said to her.

Ayla looked up at the man before her.

'Would he be willing to be my only one?’ The person who could've been the one for her didn't end up accompanying her for a lifetime. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

She was truly scared of her fate.

Ayla neither agreed nor refused.She just didn't know how to react right now.

During their conversation, the servant knocked on the door and said, "Mr.Clark, the chicken soup is ready."

"Go and have some chicken soup." Brian glanced at Ayla.She had never compromised on anything.

On the other hand, because he excelled in the field of business, never had he made concessions for anyone he had ever met.

But when he met Ayla, he allowed her to do whatever she desired.

Ayla sat at the table, staring at the delicious soup.She then took a sip, and felt disheartened.

Brian looked at Ayla from across the table and he wondered if he could get this woman back or not.

Even if he forced her to stay by his side, she would never offer him her heart.

They lived under the same roof and slept on the same bed, and yet they treated each other so awkwardly.

That night, Ayla was sleeping with her back turned against Brian.

On the other hand, he leaned against the headboard, reading a financial magazine leisurely.

Ayla hadn't said a word to Brian for the whole night.

After glancing at her, he went into the study and looked for the drug in the drawer.

It seemed as if there was nothing he could do for her other than to avenge her.

Ayla got up, pacing back and forth in the room.

Feeling dizzy, she touched the back of her head and cried out in pain.

'l won't be able to go to work tomorrow, will I?’

Going to work might be difficult because of how much pain she felt.Then, Ayla left the bedroom.She noticed that the light in the study was still on.

‘Is he angry at me? He's not such a stingy man, is he?’

She was well aware that Brian did all of this for her, so she went to the study to express her gratitude.

Upon seeing her, he asked, "What's up?"

It was already late.Why hadn't she gone to bed? Did she come here to say good night?

"Actually, it's nothing important."

Noticing that Brian quickly closed his drawer, Ayla figured that she might've interrupted something.

‘I think it would be better if I don't say anything"

"Well, since you're already here, come in!"

Nobody was allowed to enter Brian's study, and even Ayla hardly ever went here.

As she stood at the door, she was surprised for a moment before she managed to walk in.

"What's the matter? Did you wake up because you missed having me by your side?"

How shameless he was! Before she could move back, Brian embraced Ayla.

"Mr.Clark, I'm just here to say thank you." She was held so tightly that she could hardly breathe.

"Thank me? I don't wanna hear that.I prefer something more practical."

Brian flashed a devilish grin.

Ayla didn't even think of struggling.If she did that, it would only worsen her migraine.

"Mr.Clark, need I remind you that I still haven't fully recovered?"

"Since you're aware of that, perhaps you should go back to bed and get some rest? It's getting late."

When Brian told her that, her heart softened.

"How can I go to bed if you won't let go of me?" said Ayla.

Judging by his words, she could tell that he wanted the opposite of what he said.

Seconds later, Brian carried Ayla out of the study and into the bedroom.

After resting for three days, she went to the hospital for a follow-up examination.

Once she confirmed that there was no more problems with her body, she went back to the company.

Her presence surprised everyone in the Design Department.

Ellie went to her desk, and asked, "Miss Woodsen, are you feeling better now?"

Ayla nodded with a smile.

"I am, thanks for asking."

Meanwhile, Linda also smiled upon seeing her.

"Ayla, don't think that you can come to the company only when you want to, just because you have a connection to Mr.Clark."

Glancing back at her, Ayla said, "Miss Linda, don't you think you care so much about what I do with my life? I didn't come here to work, and I've asked for a sick leave.I don't think I need your permission for that.After all, you're neither the manager of this department, nor the design director anymore."

Her words served to enrage Linda, but she knew that she couldn't do anything about it.

What Ayla said was correct.

Linda didn't hold either of those positions of power.

The reason Brian kept this position vacant was because he didn't want to create a conflict regarding who would be in charge of the Design Department, considering that it had only been created a few months ago.

Technically, Anna was in charge of this whole department.It made things a lot easier to deal with.

Moreover, through this fashion season, the most talented designer would be chosen as the design director.

Brian and Anna stood at the door, listening to the office conversation.

Hearing Ayla’s words did not anger him at all.It only made him smirk.

He loved the way that she refused to admit defeat in the face of adversity.

Anna noticed the smile on his face.

She thought that Brian was indulging Ayla too much.

"Brian, you're so taken with Ayla.Do you think she'll even care about your feelings for her? Are you sure she loves you?" Anna said, feeling a bit angry.

"It's none of your business."

No matter what Ayla did, as long as she stayed by his side, Brian cared about nothing else.

Moments later, he and Anna entered the office.

When Ayla saw the two of them, she thought that they might've heard the conversation she had just now.But she didn't say anything.She just glanced at them and went back to her desk.

Brian cast Ayla a glance.

Yesterday, she received permission to work from the doctor.

This morning, she left the apartment without even saying anything to him, and went to the company.

Perhaps she was afraid that he wouldn't allow her to go back to work right away, so she quickly went to the company before he could wake up.

"Why are you so eager to go back to work?" Brian asked, leaning against the desk with his hands.

Ayla looked up at him, and said, "The doctor said I can go back to work."

"I know.I'm not deaf."

Brian was starting to feel pissed off with her non-compliant attitude.

"Then why bother asking?"

Ayla picked up a brush, and said, "Anyway, Mr.Clark, I suggest you go back to your own work.There's no need to concern yourself with me."

"Never said I was concerned about you," Brian answered with a cold glance.

He was just trying to show some concern, but she blatantly rejected him.

In that case, there was no more need for him to care about her.

Suddenly, Ayla stood up.

"I hope so." She picked up her handbag and started walking away.