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

Chapter 175: The Man In The Past 

Ayla took a sip of the honey water and smiled.

"Ms.Evans, I'm afraid that I can't go back to how things were in the past."

Even if she wanted to go back, she didn't have the courage to do so, because she would just end up being miserable again.

"But you need to remember that some things out there are worth fighting for, Lala." Yareli was right.

Many years ago, she lost something, and she couldn't get it back anymore.

"Ms.Evans, you have no idea how much getting your heart broken can drive you towards despair."

Ayla knew that she was no longer strong enough to allow herself to experience heartbreak.

"Oh, this is too depressing to talk about.Never mind.Just let nature take its course.Don't force yourself to do anything that you don't want to.I'm only telling you this for your own good.Do you understand? Sometimes, when you let go of someone you love, they might never come back," Yareli remarked.

Ayla nodded.

"I know that all too well, Ms.Evans."

She already knew that, but she just didn't want to do it.

Perhaps because she was too afraid of the outcome.

They kept chatting until the party almost reached its conclusion.

The only reason they stopped was because Brian came in and asked them to conclude the party together.

As soon as the party ended, he asked the chauffeur to drive Yareli and Ayla home.

"Ms.Evans, are you going to stay in A City for a bit longer this time?"

Actually, Ayla was being mentored by Yareli in many different aspects.

Even though they didn't talk over the phone every day, they still sent e-mails to each other every two or three days.

"Yes.I was actually planning to stay for fifteen days.There's something I have to do."

This time around, Yareli was here to deal with both official business and personal matters.She was hoping to find her daughter.

And although the chances were slim to none, she didn't want to give up.

"Sounds like a good plan.I was afraid all this traveling by plane will take a toll on your body."

Ayla noticed that she wasn't looking very well.

"I agree! I'm getting old, and my body isn't as strong as it used to be."

Indeed, Yareli had been feeling a little feeble lately.She really was getting old.

As a matter of fact, it might've been a good idea that she returned to Antawood.

Ayla looked at the other woman intently, and said, "How could you say that, Ms.Evans? You're still young!"

If Yareli didn't mention that she was fifty years old already, everyone would think that she was much younger than she actually was.

"You're a smooth talker!" Ayla's words made Yareli feel flattered.

"Anyway, Lala, I don't have anything to do later.Would you like to have tea with me?"

"I would love to! I know a good teahouse around here. They serve your favorite tea."

Every time she was with Yareli, she felt so happy that the void in her heart felt like it didn't exist.

Even though they didn't have that much time to chat all the time, they were still so close to each other.

Their relationship was a bit complex; it was similar to a familial affection.Once Ayla told the chauffeur the teahouse’s address, he brought them there quickly.

Meanwhile, Hayden was seated at a table on the first floor of Chatime Teahouse.An old man of similar age was sitting across him.

It seemed that they were old friends.

"Hayden, you've been dealing with the company’s affairs all these years.We hardly see each other,"said his friend.

"Yes.Now, I've gotten old, and my health isn't how it used to be.It's boring to stay at home all day.Since you're retired already, how about we go fishing together when we're both free?"

It was true that Hayden had grown tired of staying at home all day long.

He had been quarreling with his wife for so many years, and the same thing had been happening to his daughter, and son-in- law.

That kind of scene was something he didn't want to see anymore.

As the saying went, "Out of sight, out of mind."

This way, he could live a few years longer.

"No problem."

While they were happily chatting, Ayla and Yareli walked into the teahouse.

"This way, please," said the waiter.

He then led them to a private room, and they passed by Hayden.

Upon seeing the familiar figure, Hayden thought that he must be seeing things again.

But then he saw that Ayla was there.

And so, he gestured to his friend that he wanted to follow the woman.

"Lala?"

Hayden went to see her at the room next to the one he was in.

"Uncle Hayden? Are you here to have tea as well?"

Ayla hadn't spoken to him for a long time.She figured that since Molly was pregnant, all the members of the Smith family needed to be there for her.

"I am.I'm actually here with an old friend of mine.I'm sorry I didn't come to your fashion show today."

After saying that, Hayden looked at the woman sitting across Ayla.Initially, Yareli thought that her ears were imagining the familiar voice.

But when she stared back at him, the teacup in her hand fell to the floor.Upon seeing how shocked the two of them were, Ayla asked, "Uncle Hayden, Ms.

Evans, do you two know each other?"Hayden nodded slowly.

"Yes.In fact, we've known each other for many years."

"I see! Why don't you take a seat with us, Uncle Hayden?" Ayla moved to another seat to make way for him, but he refused to sit there.

"It's fine.I have to get back to my friend.He's still in the other room."He didn't say that because he didn't want to see Yareli.It was actually because he needed some time to process what was happening.It had been a long, long time since he separated with Yareli.it was only natural that Hayden was surprised to see her.

Glancing at Yareli, Ayla asked, "Ms.Evans, are you close to Uncle Hayden?"

"I guess you could say that.We haven't seen each other in along time."

Yareli had never imagined that she would bump into Hayden this time.It was so unexpected.

For many years, she had forgotten all about him. RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

It was as if she pretended like they never even met.Hayden was the man she loved and hated.Ayla didn't mention it again.

As they drank tea, Yareli seemed like her mind was wandering, which made Ayla realize something.

After receiving a call from Brian, she decided to head back.

He said that there was something important that must be dealt with, but she knew that he would never come to her for anything important.

Meanwhile, Yareli walked out of the teahouse, and stood at the entrance, waiting for the driver to pick her up.

"Yareli," Hayden greeted.

It turned out that he hadn't left.it seemed that he had been waiting for her.

"It really is you! Let's go find somewhere we could talk!" he said.

Then, Hayden led her to a black limo and opened the door for her.

Yareli didn't refuse his invitation, and decided to go in and sit next to him.

Not long after, they arrived at a restaurant in the suburb.

"Yareli, how have you been all these years?" asked Hayden.

"Seriously? You're only asking that now? Don't you think it's a bit too late for that?"

For twenty long years, she went through hell and back just to build everything that she had achieved today.Nobody in this world could ever understand how Yareli felt, especially not Hayden.

He was the owner of the Smith Group, and his wife was the heiress of the Jones family.

Their marriage served to strengthen his company further.

No matter how hard he tried, Hayden could never understand Yareli's pain.She had suffered a lot when she was all alone during her pregnancy.

Back then, to prevent her daughter from suffering the same fate, Yareli didn't keep her daughter by her side.

But unfortunately, she couldn't find her daughter anymore.