《The Arranged Bride》


 Chapter - 01

    Chapter - 01


    Sophia''s POV


    I slightly groaned when I felt the bright sunlight fall on me. I twisted and turned in my bed for a few


    more minutes before I was finally up.


    Bree , who was sitting just by the side of the bed, started barking and wagging her tail. I gently patted


    her hair.


    Today I had a day off and was nning onzing around . Maybe call my idiot best friends over and


    watch some movies with tubs of chocte chip ice cream.


    With happy thoughts swimming in my mind , I went to do my morning routine before going downstairs


    for breakfast . It was my day off so I woke upte and Dad had already left for office.


    "Good morning , Mom " I jogged off to my seat.


    "Good morning sweetie" , my mom smiled and set down a te of breakfast for me.


    "I don''t know if it''s because I am too hungry or the pancakes are really so delicious but these taste


    amazing , mom." I stuffed my mouth with the pancakes after dipping it in chocte sauce.


    Shaking her head she justughed.


    We were talking about random things when Mom''s phone rang and it was Dad.


    " Yes David " My mom picked up the phone.


    " ........ " Mom''s eyebrows creased and she was impatiently tapping the table top.


    "Umm okay , I will just see "


    Hanging up Mom went upstairs. She came down after a few minutes with a file in her hand.


    " Sophie , your Dad has forgotten an important file and today he has a meeting with his boss . He really


    needs it , can you take this file to him ? Mom looked at me with hopeful eyes. I huffed.


    So much for nning a fun day.


    " Sure " , saying that I got up and went to get ready.


    I changed into an oversized sweater and a ck skirt. Putting on a bit of nude lipstick and winged liner


    , I left for his office with the file.


    I got inside a cab .


    "Where to , ma''am ?" The driver looked at my face.


    "Carter Enterprises , please. " My Dad worked at Carter Enterprises. Nichs Carter, the CEO of


    Carter Enterprises was one of top businesses in the world. It is said that thepany reached heights


    after he took over. I had seen him twice in some magazines but can''t say I haven''t seen his face


    properly. He is too handsome to not take a proper nce. He is the perfect handsome billionaire but it


    can''t be said if he is a yboy or not. His personal affairs haven''t been the headlines often.


    It was a twenty minutes ride from my home . I had put on my headphones to listen to some music.


    "Ma''am we are here " I took off my headphones and looked out to see at the huge building.


    After paying him and thanking him , I walked towards the building. Entering through thevish entrance,


    I headed straight to the reception.


    " Excuse me " the receptionist looked up with a greeting smile " How can I help you ?"


    " I am here to meet Mr. David Jones "


    " Please take the elevator to the 21 st floor and on your left you will get to his office . "


    "Thank you"


    She smilingly nodded at me.


    I walked into the elevator and pressed the button. The elevator stopped at the 8 th floor and a tall good


    looking guy walked in . I could feel him staring at me a few times before I turned to look at him. He


    smiled at me and introduced himself.


    " Hi , I am Caleb " , he put his hand forward.


    " Sophia Jones " , I shook his hand with a smile on my face.


    " So .. to meet someone ?" He asked. He seemed like a nice guy and didn''t give me the creeps.


    " Yes , I came to give this file to my Dad , uhm Mr. Jones , he left it back at home." I exined.


    He nodded and then there was silence . Finally the elevator stopped and I stepped out.


    "It was nice meeting you " , he waved at me .


    "Same here ", I waved back and the door closed with a ding.


    Just as I turned to my left , something small collided with my legs. I looked down to see a little boy with


    brown hair and an extremely cute face. He looked up and stared at me. I bent down to his height and


    observed his bright brown eyes.


    "Hey little man , I am Sophia, what''s your name ? " , I asked with a bigforting smile.


    He looked at me for a few seconds debating on whether to reply or not. Finally deciding to reply , he


    smiled at me .


    " Ethan " He still looked doubtful of me but I wasn''t upset. I like the fact that this little boy was smart


    enough to not easily trust a stranger.


    " That''s a nice name and how old are you sweetheart ? "


    " I am 5," he said with a proud smile. His expression showed that he believed himself to be a big boy.


    "Aww , so why were you running sweetheart, you know you could have gotten hurt. " I gently spoke to


    him. Honestly I could never resist the urge to spend time with children. I mean who can?


    " I - Dad scolded me s-so , I-I was going to grandpa " . He looked down as if he was a bit guilty of


    running off like that.


    "Oh , fine I will take you to him, where is he ? " I offered because I didn''t want this cute little kid to again


    run into someone and get hurt.


    " Right behind you " , a deep voice spoke from behind me.


    I looked behind to see a man in histe 50s . I stood up and faced him.


    "Uhm hi , he was running uh so I thought I should ..." I trailed off guessing he had heard thest part of


    our conversation.


    " Oh thank you sweetheart, not many people are this thoughtful these days. " He said with a bright


    smile which was quite simr to that of Ethan.


    " Wee Mr... " I waited for him to fill in.


    " Carter. Joseph Carter "


    My eyes widened at that and I immediately recognized him. He was the boss of my father or should I


    say ex-boss and I was instantly nervous. Well , he didn''t have the cold closed demeanor of a billionaire


    boss. What shocked me more was that the handsome billionaire had a kid.


    " Umm I am extremely sorry Sir , I should have known." I spoke embarrassed but he looked rather


    amused at my nervousness.


    "Not a big deal , and you are? " His voice was weing .


    " Sophia Jones, " I said.


    "So , by any chance do you work here?" Well , it''s normal he didn''t know all of his employees especially


    when thepany is as big as this.


    " No , I came to deliver a file to Mr. David Jones . He left it back at home." I exined the same thing


    for the second time in the day.


    Recognition passed through his eyes before he spoke again .


    " Mr. Jones , public rtions head ?" I guessed that he would have known my father .


    "Yes , Sir ." I politely replied.


    He nodded to himself and then looked up to speak .


    "Well it was ni-"


    " ETHAN " , I heard a very deep masculine voice behind me.


    Turning around my eyes weed the sight of an extremely handsome man. Nichs Carter! He was


    about 6''3" or 6''4" . He had broad shoulders and a muscr body, dressed in a properly fitting suit. He


    had tan skin and gelled brown hair. But what made his face absolutely gorgeous was the pair of warm


    brown eyes. Seeing him this close made me realize that the photos in the magazines haven''t done


    justice to his looks. He was even more enticing in person.


    This was the longest that I have looked at a stranger.


    I averted my gaze on realizing that I was staring a little too long, although not long enough for drooling .


    " Why did you run off ? I have asked you to not go anywhere alone , haven''t I? " , He asked Ethan in a


    stern voice while the kid hid behind his grandfather and looked up at his father .


    "Ethan, answer me " , he raised his voice at which Ethan jumped a little and looked up at him . Tears


    rolled down his eyes while he stubbornly shook his head in a no. The guy was supposed to be a bit


    more soft on him. He was just a kid and scolding him like that won''t be helpful. But I knew better than to


    lecture my father''s boss on how he should behave with his child.


    When his father was about to yell again I bent down in front of him . Taking his tiny hands in mine I


    pulled him closer. He looked at me through his tears .


    " Sweetheart, you shouldn''t have run away like that. Your Dad was worried , right ? What if you got


    hurt? And you should reply when you''re spoken to baby ." I spoke softly .


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    At this, he brought his tiny hands around my neck and hugged me. I was little shocked at his sudden


    gesture but then I hugged him back, offering thefort he was seeking. His small body was shaking.


    "I- I am s-sorry .... Dad he ..he shouted at m-me ..a-and I was.. I was angry .... I ..I am sorry." He


    huped.


    " Sssh , it''s okay , don''t cry , you won''t do it again right ? " , I asked while rubbing his back .


    "Y-Yes , I won''t " , he said looking at me while shaking his head.


    "Good boy." , I wiped his tears and stood up. Both the Carters were staring at me with a strange look.


    Not creepy at all ! I mentally shrugged it off .


    "Uhm , I guess I will take your leave now ." I told in general.


    "It was nice meeting you " , Mr. Carter (senior ) said.


    " Same here Mr. Carter " I walked off to Dad''s cabin after offering Ethan arge smile.

 Chapter - 02

    Chapter - 02


    Nichs''s POV


    " Christina , I was busy " , I sighed.


    " Don''t give me that shit , you were so busy that you couldn''t call me for two days straight ? " She


    yelled.


    "Yes I was and I still am". I was the CEO for fuck''s sake.


    Dad had handed me down the business when I was 28 and know he has retired but he is quite


    addicted to this ce and thus has his own cabin. So he keepsing atleast twice in a week and


    attends the important meetings .


    " It has been so long we spent time together . Nick , you have to take me out on a date , yes baby ? " ,


    She demanded.


    I sighed .


    " Uh okay I''ll let you know "


    "Bye baby , see you "


    "Bye "


    Huffing , I put down my phone.


    I have taken Christina on one or two dates in the past few months and now She thinks of herself as my


    girlfriend although I have never really asked her. She was a blonde with blue eyes and a tall , slender


    figure. She is beautiful and everything but I am not intomitments.


    I don''t really trust women other than my mom and sister . My first girlfriend cheated on me . Then again


    after a few years I was serious with ra . Things were good but then one day she got pregnant with


    Ethan. Thereafter she started behaving weirdly . She used to pickup meaningless fights , was


    excessively demanding and started avoiding me even. ming it on her pregnancy hormones , I let


    everything slide until one day I came home to a drunk ra. I was furious at her for being this careless


    when she was pregnant but then what she said, had my heart in a twist. She slurred that she was


    disgusted at the thought of a baby and she did not at all ept the thought of being a mother. She kept


    on speaking on how she wanted to live her life freely and how much of a hindrance that bastard child of


    mine was in that path. I took her to bed and the very next day , I made her sign a contract stating that


    she wasn''t allowed to show any kind of casualty towards her health during her pregnancy. After giving


    birth she was allowed to leave the child with me and get back her life along with one million dors.


    Being the perfect example of gold digger she was, she epted the offer without hesitation and here I


    was being a single father to my 5 year old boy , Ethan , my ray of sunshine. He was one of the best


    things that had ever happened to me. I could never imagine what my life would have been without him.


    So back to where we were. From then onwards I don''t domitments because all of them turn out to


    be the same and I very well know that Christina is not too much of an exception but then, I don''t love


    her. Just mere attraction...


    Now I was so pissed . Firstly I had so much on my te and on top of that Christina and her stupid


    date .


    Tired , I sat down when I saw Ethan enter my cabin with Amy, his nanny.


    "Dad!" He widely smiled at me.


    " Ethane here " , I took him from Amy .


    "Mr. Carter , shall I go for my lunch ?" , Amy asked


    "Yeah sure , I will have him. "


    Nodding , she walked off.


    "Daddy " He sang, passing one wide grin, the one he uses when he is about to demand something.


    " Yes darling " I gave him myplete attention.


    " I want to go out for ice cream " I mentally rolled my eyes. How I saw thising. His overly sweet


    tone was indicative.


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    "Not now , Ethan. "


    "Please Dad " he gave me those puppy eyes but I had to be stern . Too much sugar was not good for


    him .


    "No "


    "I WANT ICE CREAM" , he started throwing a tantrum.


    "I said no " I raised my voice and he flinched before he jumped off myp and ran out of the door.


    Shit!


    I ran after him but but when I came out of my cabin I lost him. I couldn''t see him and started off to the


    most relevant ce , Dad''s office.


    I was walking really fast. When ites to Ethan, I really get worked up. But then I came to a halt


    when I saw Ethan holding on to some woman''s hand , her back faced to me and she was speaking to


    Dad but I was just concentrated on Ethan.


    "ETHAN" , I shouted.


    Three of them turned to look at me while I kept my stare at him.


    "Why did you run off? I have asked you to not go anywhere, haven''t I ? " I sternly asked him while he


    kept looking at the floor and hid behind my Dad.


    "Ethan , answer me " , I raised my voice at which he jumped and looked up at me , tears rolled down


    his eyes but he being the stubborn kid shook his in a no.


    I tried again but he refused to answer. I was getting pissed of , when I was going to again open my


    mouth , the woman who earlier had held his hand , turned him around. Pulling him by his hands in hers


    , she bent down in front of him.


    Only then I noticed her face for the first time . She had brown wavy hair that fell down her shoulders in


    beautiful waves . Her eyes were a deep and mesmerizing shade of grey. She had an almost negligible


    bit of makeup on her face and her lips with the nude lipstick made her look so simple yet elegant.


    "Sweetheart, you shouldn''t have run away like that and your Dad was worried about you. What if you


    had got hurt ? And you should reply when you''re spoken to baby " , She spoke in such a soft voice with


    a faint smile yet seriousness that she even had my full attention.


    Ethan stayed silent for a few seconds and then wrapped his arms around her neck , taking her in a


    hug. She looked taken aback but was quick to recover and brought her hands to hug him back. He


    cried on her shoulders.


    " I-I am s-sorry .... Dad he ..he shouted at m-me ..a-and I was.. I was angry ...I ..I am sorry " He


    mumbled out the words and I was feeling a bit sorry for raising my voice at him. I can''t let my stress


    come in the way. He is a child and is to be treated like one. I rubbed my temple in frustration.


    "Sssh , don''t cry , you won''t do it again right? " She asked him while rubbing his back .


    "Y-Yes, I won''t. " he pulled away to look at her .


    "Good " , she wiped his tears and stood up to look at us . Her eyes rested on me for a brief second


    before she looked at Dad.


    I was quite shocked at what I saw for Ethan definitely wasn''t the obedient kid to give in to someone


    easily but with her it was so smooth. I am sure Dad had the same expression before she spoke again.


    "Uhm I guess I will take your leave now" she said in general.


    I looked at her to take in her whole appearance and honestly she was beautiful.


    "It was nice meeting you Sophia. " Dad said.


    So her name was Sophia ..


    "Same here Mr. Carter " , she replied and left without even acknowledging me.


    Well I didn''t introduce myself ..


    "Dad I am sorry " , Ethan pulled at my hand with a cute pout.


    "It''s okay li''l man , just don''t repeat this okay ? And Dad is sorry for shouting at you honey " , I cooed at


    him.


    He smiled .


    "Shall we go then ?"I asked taking his hand . He nodded and we walked off while I kept thinking about


    certain grey eyed beauty.

 Chapter - 03

    Chapter - 03


    Joseph''s POV


    I was going to my son , Nick''s cabin when I saw Ethan smiling and speaking to a young woman who


    had her back facing me.


    Coming closer I heard thedy gently saying him how he would have got hurt for running like that .


    Then she offered to take him to his grandfather. I was touched at the random woman''s concern for a


    kid whom she met right now.


    She looked a bit embarrassed to not know me . When she told me she hade to meet Mr. Jones , I


    recognized him. He was the marketing head and was quite efficient. I noticed that the girl looked quite


    simr to David and guessed her to be his daughter but refrained from asking anything.


    When Nick made an appearance I saw her checking him out which was nothing new to me. But she


    was sophisticated in her ways and did not drool like the other ones I have seen.


    I was indeed shocked when Ethan hugged her and she convinced him to realize his mistake and he


    even apologized which was not a regr scene . Ethan was never toofortable with strangers.


    Nick''s face mirrored the same expression.


    From my peripheral vision I saw Nick taking in her appearance . He did not avert his eyes till she was


    out of vision.


    Currently I was sitting in my cabin looking through the file containing every details of Sophia for which I


    had to make a call.


    Sophia Jones, 27 years old, only daughter of David Jones and Amelia Jones. She had done MBA in


    marketing and was currently the marketing manager in Knight''s Enterprises.


    "Impressive" I thought.


    I was always worried about Nick. Having been hurt repeatedly, he had lost trust in women . But


    unfortunately he was too naive to not see through their intentions. He says as I quote '' I don''t do love '' .


    I am tired of his yboy ways and currently that Christina or whatever is always clinging onto him. Her


    face purely shows what a bitch she is but still he keeps her around, I don''t know why.


    Ethan too needs the care and love of a mother like every child. I have been looking for a decent , kind


    woman to marry my son off to.


    "And looks like I found her " , I smiled to myself.


    I called for David in my office. I was thinking of my ns when I heard a knock.


    "Come in "


    "Mr. Carter , you called. " David greeted.


    " Mr. Jones , please take a seat."


    As he settled down I spoke further.


    " I don''t like to beat around the bush . So ... Yesterday I saw your daughter Sophia in my office. She


    looked like a decent youngdy and I wish to have her hand for my son''s marriage."


    He took a few seconds to absorb my words .


    " I don''t really know what to say ..uhm but I think it''s her decision to make " , he said.


    "I hope you would try to convince her." , I spoke in a serious tone.


    He seemed to be debating on his next reply.


    "I''ll try , Mr. Carter"


    Nodding I dismissed him.


    Let''s wait now..


    Sophia''s POV


    I was currently in my room scrolling through my Instagram feed when Bree jumped up the bed and


    started licking my face.


    " Breee , stop -stop it " , I squealed. I was quite ticklish.


    He happily barked and wagged it''s tail.


    "Sophiee down , dinner''s ready "


    " Coming Mom " I sang as I made my way downstairs.


    "Hey Dad " , I hugged my Dad as he was seated on the table


    " Hey Princess " , I like it when he calls me princess. I feel like I was still my Dad''s little girl.


    It was half way through dinner when Dad spoke .


    "Sophie , I got you tell you something"


    "Yes Dad "


    "Uhh today I was called to meet Mr Carter in his office. He asked for your hand in marriage to his son,


    Nichs Carter, our current boss " .


    I was silent.


    "What do you think?" , He asked with hopeful eyes .


    I looked at mom and she looked ecstatic at the proposal.


    " I don''t know umm I haven''t properly met him even."


    " Sophie, I would want you to give it a thought."


    " We are getting old , baby and we want to see you settled down and happy. " Mom looked at me with


    genuine concern.


    "BUT the decision is always yours. We won''t pressurize you ." Dad said and mom nodded in


    agreement.


    "Thank you Dad"


    The rest of dinner was spent in afortable silence.


    I went to my room. Slipping in, I was drowned in deep thought.


    I was not sure of this sudden marriage thing. In no way was I resentful of marriage. Just that I had


    never fallen in love . I have surely dated a few but love.. nah . So I have never seriously thought of


    marriage.


    My parents never forced me into anything and even today they have left it for me to decide. Mr. Carter


    surely seemed like a nice man and Ethan ..that kid was too cute. I hope that Mr. Carter''s son is like


    him.


    Nichs Carter .. the name''s hot enough and he looked good as well.


    Just good !?


    Ugh fine , he was hot , extremely handsome.


    But that doesn''t really make a point.


    But then Mom and Dad are really hopeful. They had never asked for anything and maybe I could do


    this.


    Maybe I could give this a chance...


    Next morning....


    "Good morningggg" , I stretched


    "Morning sweetie" mom greeted.


    We sat down for our breakfast.


    I sipped the juice and decided to say it.


    " Dad , uhh I thought about it "


    He looked on for me to continue.


    " I am fine with the proposal".


    Both of my parents'' face broke into big smiles.


    "Oh sweetheart you made me so happy " , mom said as she took me in a hug.


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    " Yes Princess , you really made us happy " , Dad patted my head.


    I smiled at them. I was quite satisfied with my decision when I saw the happiness in their eyes .


    We had our breakfast with asional small talks and mostly how mom has dreamt my wedding to be.


    "I will leave for the office then " Dad kissed mom''s forehead.


    "Sophie e I will drop you on the way " , Dad said.


    "Okay Dad , bye Mom "


    "Bye dear "

 Chapter - 04

    Chapter - 04


    Nick''s POV


    "Son , I have some great news for you", Dad barged into my cabin with a grinning face.


    " Go on " , I said looking back into the files.


    " You are getting married " , he said.


    I chuckled ."Nice one Dad " . I waited for him to say something but when he didn''t I looked up.


    His face had no hint of humor.


    " You can''t be serious !"


    "Oh I am son , you are getting married to Mr. David''s daughter, Sophia . They have epted my


    proposal."


    " Dad you know that marriage is just not my thing."


    " Well you can try . Besides she will be a nice mother to Ethan. Stop just thinking about yourself, think


    of the little child. "


    "How can you say that! You saw her once and you think that she will be a good mother to Ethan. She


    maybe something else under her facade for god''s sake." I shouted in exasperation.


    "Don''t raise your voice young man and I as a matter of fact have a better choice in women than you . I


    very well know that she is not like the gold digger that you keep around these days ... Christina right ?"


    " Sure , she isn''t "


    I don''t know how can Dad not see her intentions. We weren''t properly introduced and she is ready for


    the marriage . What else if not for money?


    " You are marrying her , end of discussion. I have had enough of your yboy ways. It''s time for you to


    settle down. Tonight they areing to dinner. I expect you to be there by 7 " with that he left.


    I was so fucking pissed. First marriage and then this stupid dinner.


    I drowned myself in work to get away from all these thoughts for the while but every now and then I


    remembered her face .


    Her brown hair , her grey mesmerizing eyes, soft kissable lips ...


    Urgh .. stop it , she is just a gold digger.


    Sophia''s POV


    It was half past 5 and we had to the Carters'' for dinner. So I got up to get ready.


    I took a warm shower and blow dried my hair. I wore an one-shoulder blue jumpsuit, put my hair down


    and put on minimal makeup . Ipleted my look with a pair of dazzling earrings and heels


    I came down to the living room where mom and dad were already waiting.


    "Oh you look gorgeous honey " , momplimented.


    "You look beautiful as well " , I smiled.


    "Now Princess, let''s get going." Dad said checking his watch.


    We got into our car and drove to the Carter Mansion.


    When we arrived there I was surprised at how huge it was.


    A maid opened the door and let us in. I looked around. The interior was even more magnificent and


    every corner screamed wealth. I was always ufortable with too much riches . I felt out of ce


    and was reconsidering my decision when a familiar warm voice greeted us.


    " David , good evening " , Mr. Carter greeted us cheerfully.


    " Good evening Mr. Carter " Dad greeted back.


    "Oh leave the formalities , call me Joseph "


    Dad smiled back.


    Just then a tall woman in her mid fifties walked in with a bright smile. She was beautiful and had the


    perfect figure . She came and greeted mom.


    " I am Juliana , Joseph''s wife. Nice to meet you, Amelia right ? " She asked.


    "Yes , that will be me " , mom warmly smiled.


    "And you''re Sophia , you really are a beauty. I have been waiting to meet you since Joseph told me


    about you ."


    "Thank you Mrs. Carter , I was looking forward to this meeting as well." , I replied.


    " Nowe in ." She showed us the way into the living space.


    We were making small talks when the doorbell rang and in a few minutes , the ever-so-handsome


    Nichs Carter came in . He was wearing a ck shirt that showed off his muscles in the perfect way.


    His first two buttons were undone and he looked strikingly gorgeous.


    I averted my eyes before he saw me checking him out.


    Nick''s POV


    "Son , meet Mr. David , his wife Amelia and their beautiful daughter Sophia " , my mom introduced


    them.


    I shook hands with them and gave a small smile to Sophia. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her face


    looked quite natural and she looked like a genuine person but I knew better than this.


    I had already decided that I would behave like a gentleman and marry her. She wants to marry my


    wealth. I will show the gold digger what she will get from this marriage.


    "Sophia " , Ethan squealed and sprinted from Amy''s hold towards Sophia.


    Sophia smiled and ced him on herp.


    "Hey , sweetheart " , she shed a big smile.


    "Are you Grandma''s friend ? Will youe again ? " Ethan looked at Sophia with hopeful eyes.


    " No baby she is going to marry your Dad." Mom answered for her.


    His face changed from a nk to an excited one . He looked up at Sophia.


    "That means you are going to stay with us ! It will be so much fun ." He pumped his fist in the air.


    Sophia giggled at his antics. Her giggle sounded so pure and sweet.


    Focus ! pure!? my ass!


    " Yes, it will be fun. " she smiled.


    The dinner went with the parents talking of a lot of things and us stealing asional nces of each


    other.


    Us ... Sounds good


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    Shut up ! There''s no us.


    By the end of the dinner our wedding was fixed at the end of the next week.


    Mom gave me the ring to give Sophia.


    " I am so happy right now , I would love to have you as my daughter-inw " Mom hugged Sophia with


    a look of .... adoration?


    "Thank you Mrs. Carter "


    "Oh you make me sound so old , call me Mom " Mom demanded


    Why the hell ? Dad , Ethan and Mom as well ? She was a tough one. I never saw her so warm with


    ra but there she was smiling andplimenting Sophia.


    "Sure Mrs. - I mean Mom " she gave in .


    "Okay we will take your leave now ", Mr. Jones spoke.


    "It was lovely meeting you Juliana" , Amelia smiled a mom.


    "Oh the pleasure was all mine ."


    "Bye Ethan " , Sophia bent down and kissed him on his cheek.


    "Bye Sophia " , Ethan hugged her when she returned.


    She stood up and looked at me for a second and turned to leave.


    I looked at my hand more specifically the ring.


    Engaged pheew!

 Chapter - 05

    Chapter - 05


    Sophia''s POV


    "What''s my baby doin -- OH MY GOD " , I heard the high pitched shriek of my best friend Charlotte.


    " YOU ARE FUCKING ENGAGED "


    " Jesus , stop yelling Char. "


    " Don''t . Just don''t. You pathetic excuse of a best friend, you got fucking engaged and didn''t tell me!?"


    She semi-yelled .


    "ENGAGED ?" Ryan walked into my room.


    Char pulled my hand up for him to see.


    " WHAT THE HELL SOPH ? ", Ryan yelled with wide eyes.


    Charlotte and I have been best friends since our primary school days. We were inseparable. She is a


    brte , with green eyes and an extremely outgoing nature. Her parents died in an car crash . So she


    has only Ryan , her brother as her family and of course me !


    Ryan has a tall lean frame with the same green eyes and dark brown hair. He is quite a good looking


    guy and is never short of girls- attention if that''s a word . After the ident, he used toe along to


    hang out with us to distract himself and he was basically a year older than us. So our vibes really


    matched . We three are really very close and practically share everything.


    " Will you two just shut up and let me speak ? " I threw my hand in the air.


    " Oh you don''t get to shout , it''s us who have been deprived of our rights . " , Char crossed her hands


    across her chest.


    Ignoring her words I started narrating everything to them and for the whole time I had their undivided


    attention.


    " NICHOLAS CARTER !? THE NICHOLAS CARTER ? " she yelled again.


    "Woman, if you don''t stop yelling I will kick your ass out of this room right now." I warned her.


    "This is unbelievable . Girls die to hang out with that piece of sculpture and you''re going to marry him . I


    can already tell the babies are going to be gorgeous" , she was now whispering.


    I blushed at her words butposed myself.


    "Char, you know right , no babies." , I said as a matter of fact but the thought always pains me.


    "Oh I am sorry Soph . "


    Ryan embraced me in a hug .


    "Soph it''s fine , don''t be sad . We have your wedding to n . Come on cheer up " , I looked up at


    Ryan and smiled.


    "Yeah , I have to buy a dress for tomorrow''s engagement party. " I said.


    "And wedding dress ?" Char asked.


    "Ah that , Mrs. Carter wants me to go with her and buy. Nichs''s sister will be joining too." , I said.


    "Okay then ,let''s go shopping!!" , She sprinted out of the bed . Iughed at her excitement while Ryan


    only shook his head.


    4 hourster ...


    We have been walking for 3 hours . Char was dragging us from this shop to that shop and she hasn''t


    found ''the one'' for me yet. I was standing with Ryan in a corner when she came running to us.


    "Try this one " , she handed me a blush coloured gown which I must say looked really elegant.


    I came out wearing it .


    "I knew it, THIS IS ''THE ONE'' ", she pped her hands.


    "I love it as well " I stared at myself .


    We paid for it and headed out .


    "Let''s get some food .I am starving." Ryan whined.


    "Me too" , I huffed.


    The waiter served our burgers , fries and cokes.


    I was munching on my burger when..


    "Now tell me , how do you like him ?" Ryan looked at me.


    " Uhh Mr. Carter is a nice and cheerful man and Juliana is a very warm and weingdy. And Ethan


    is a very sweet kid. So.. I like them ."


    "Soph , I guess I asked about him , the one you''re supposed to marry, Nichs Carter. "


    "He .. actually umm he is nice.. I guess"


    "You guess ?", He sounded pissed.


    "Okay fine we haven''t talked " , he scrunched up his eyebrows " but he seemed like a nice man."


    "Nice !? I think he is sexy !" , Char added and I was thankful that she was trying to lighten the


    atmosphere but..


    "Seriously Soph ? You haven''t spoken to him and you''re marrying him ? What''s wrong? Are you being


    forced or something? " Ryan asked in a no-shit-tone .


    "No nothing like that , I was given the liberty to decide. It''s just that ...Dad and Mom were extremely


    happy when I agreed to the proposal and the Carters seemed to be nice people. Besides I don''t love


    anyone nor am I dating anybody so...." I trailed off.


    " O okay , I just hope you are happy with this ." Ryan smiled gently which I returned.


    He always acts like the overprotective brother I never had.


    "Now enough of the serious talks, we need to buy jewellery and other stuff. Shove the food down your


    throats or I''ll dly do it." , Char warned.


    "Ugh I''m tired " ,I whined


    "Can''t be helped" , she winked.


    After 2 more torturous hours we were finally done. They stayed for dinner at my house and then left ,


    promising to be there the next day by 4


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I changed into my night suit and rolled into bed. Bree came up and I cuddled with her till I fell asleep.


    Next day ....


    I woke up when the rm went off.


    A nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach. Pushing it aside I rolled off my bed . The rest of the day


    passed in a blur . It was 3 :30 when..


    "Hey babe , your very own makeup artist here " Char barged in putting her hands up in the air .


    " So matured " , I leaned back on my bed.


    "But you look gorgeous Char " . She was dressed in a red shimmery backless gown and her hair in a


    messy pony tail.


    " Well thank you . So get your matured ass to the shower right now ande out in ten ." , She pulled


    me down the bed and shooed me to the bathroom.


    I stripped and got into the bath tub. I scrubbed my body and shampooed my hair. I came out in my


    bathrobe.


    "Sit and let me start with your makeup and you''re not allowed to look at the mirror till I finish off." She


    bossed me.


    I shrugged in surrender.


    She started off with her work and she was very good in it. So I was kind of sure that it woulde out


    nice.


    Finally she was done but did not allow me to sneak a look. I slipped into my dress and she started off


    with the hair. It took her a good 3 hours .


    Atst when I look into the mirror I couldn''t believe it to be me. She had done a warm nude makeup


    look . My hair was done in a loose updo with strands falling on the sides of my face.


    I looked beautiful .


    " This is amazing , Char " , I eximed.


    "Thank meter babe ." She waved


    "I love you bitch "


    "I love you too girl . Come let''s go down"


    We went to the living room where Ryan was sitting with my parents.


    " Attention everyone. Have a look at your gorgeous would-be-bride." Char dramatically presented me.


    All of them took a minute to react.


    "God , baby you look like a princess " , Dad said and mom just looked on proudly.


    "Soph you will blow off everyone''s mind. " Ryanplimented .


    "You look hot as well " , I said.


    Now let''s get going dear or we''ll bete.


    We arrived at the venue and it was beautiful. It was decorated with a touch of elegancy and


    sophistication.


    As soon as we walked in Mr. and Mrs. Carter came our way. Both of them looked graceful and... Rich.


    "You look beautiful Sophia " she scanned me from top to bottom .


    "Thank you Mom"


    "Come , I need to introduce you to a lot of people ." She led me in and introduced me to a lot of guests.


    I then excused myself to where my best friends were.


    "Where''s your to-be-husband ?" Char raised a brow at me.


    I just shrugged.


    I was looking around when I spotted him .


    His hair was perfectly gelled. He was wearing a blue three piece suit, fitting him just right showing off


    his muscr lean body. He looked extremely hot and I bet girls will be drooling over him.


    Just like you ..


    I should look away before he catches me staring but I can''t.


    Then I looked up and my eyes met with his warm brown ones. He caught me staring.


    Shit !

 Chapter - 06

    Chapter - 06


    Nick''s POV


    I was pissed , super pissed with this stupid engagement party.


    I was conversing with some important business men when I saw mom and dad rush towards the gate


    to receive someone I guess..


    I saw Mr. And Mrs. Jones enter and greet my parents.


    And then I saw her...


    I felt like I was knocked out of breath.


    She was in a blush pink dress making her look almost angelic. Her hair was done in a messy yet


    gorgeous updo. Her eyes , lips , everything seemed just perfect. She looked so fucking beautiful.


    "Beautiful , isn''t she ?" , Caleb raised his eyebrow suggestively.


    I tore away my gaze and rolled my eyes at him.


    " I have seen way better."


    "Oh then why were you checking her out for so long ? "


    "Bull shit. I wasn''t checking her out .", I tried ying off.


    " Sure you weren''t" , he smirked .


    Caleb has been my best friend since we were in our diapers . Our moms are best friends so it''s only


    justified.


    He had inherited Parker enterprises from his Dad and is the CEO. He is one of the few people who


    knows me inside out. I had told him about this forced marriage and he told me to wait before judging


    Sophia but I knew better.


    I saw Mom pull Sophia to introduce her to some guests. She still didn''t notice me. She smiled at


    everyone and after a while excused herself to a brte in a red dress and a man ?


    Who is he ? Friend maybe ..


    Why do you care ?


    I don''t!


    She shrugged at something that the girl said . Her eyes roamed through the ce andnded on me.


    She took in every detail and when she looked up her eyes met with mine.


    On realizing that I saw her checking me out, she looked away. She seemed a bit nervous but when that


    guy said something in her ears, she startedughing. It was like she forgot her nervousness and looked


    carefree. I didn''t like the guy holding her by the shoulder but why ?


    Cause you are jealous...


    Bull shit .


    I made my way towards her.


    She looked my way and faintly smiled.


    "We need to talk " , I know that was rude but she doesn''t deserve better.


    But I had to make it look nice . So I started again with a softer tone.


    "Actually we need to discuss something ." I was looking at her but I could feel the guy and the girl


    staring at me with observing eyes.


    " Sure , uhh Nichs this is Charlotte ,my best friend and her brother , Ryan . Ryan , Char this is


    Nichs Carter." She introduced.


    "Oh who doesn''t know him ? The most eligible bachelor and the handsome billionaire Nichs Carter


    ." Charlotte shed a bright smile.


    "Oh I''m ttered . " I really was.


    "Nice to meet you ." , Ryan offered his hand for a shake and stared straight into my eyes .


    "Same here " , I matched his stare sping his hands in a firm grip .


    " Excuse us guys " Sophia said realizing the tension between us and we let go .


    "Sure , babe " , Charlotte winked at her.


    "So , you wanted to say something.", She was looking at me.


    "Yeah , I guess we need to decide on the story we going to narrate to people regarding this ''how-we-


    met'' thing." , I told her with a straight face.


    "So have you thought of something?"


    "Uhh bumped into each other at a cafe and hit it off ?" I asked.


    "What about , met at your office while I went to deliver the file , got acquainted and you know .. a bit


    less clich¨¦ ." , She suggested.


    "Fine by me. " I shrugged.


    "Sophia !" I Heard Ethan squealing while he came running to us with Amy behind him.


    "Oh someone looks handsome." , Sophia said picking him up and brushing her nose with his while he


    giggled.


    "I missed you " , he sighed in content.


    "I missed you too baby ." , She replied.


    "Ladies and gentlemen " , I turned around to see Dad on the stage , " we are here to celebrate the


    engagement of my dear son Nichs and would-be daughter-inw Sophia. Thank you foring to


    share this milestone event. I would like to wee them to the dance floor. Please raise your sses


    and join me in a toast for the newly engaged couple."


    I stood up and offered Sophia my hand . She gently ced her hand in mine and I guided her to the


    dance floor.


    We started swaying our bodies to the music. She was carrying herself gracefully and her hands fitted


    perfectly in mine. At that moment I was unable to strongly feel the hatred towards her. I felt peaceful .


    Cut the crap , you know right all the women are the same.


    Maybe she''s different.


    No , she isn''t. She is just another gold digger.


    Our eyes met every now and then and she would be the one to break the contact.


    Finally the song ended and we stopped.


    Everyone pped while Ethan ran up to Sophia and hugged her legs.


    "You dance so well. You too look so good" , he told her enthusiastically.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Aww lil man , thank you so much" , she kissed him on the nose and he giggled at that.


    I smiled at him and ruffled his hair while he huffed at my action.


    "Dad ! Not my hair " .


    I chuckled at his expression raising my hand in surrender.


    I walked off to meet different people .


    After sometime I saw Sophia talking to Caleb and they wereughing at something. I could feel that he


    had already taken a liking to her.


    Not him as well.


    The rest of the night passed quicker than expected and soon I found myself in my bed reying the


    events in my head. Every time I closed my eyes I could see her face.


    What the hell is wrong with me ?


    I closed my eyes and forced myself to drift off to sleep.

 Chapter - 07

    Chapter - 07


    Sophia''s POV


    When I saw Nichs walking towards me , I became a bit nervous but I covered it up and smiled at


    him.


    I don''t know why he sounded rude when he said that he wanted to talk .


    I could tell he really was ttered at Char''spliment.


    There was some kind of tension between him and Ryan . Sensing it, I excused myself and Nichs .


    He wanted to decide on what we were going to sell people about how we met and all. We eventually


    came up with one.


    Just then I heard Ethan . He seemed happy to see me and said that he missed me. Well no shit , I was


    happy to see him as well. He was such a cute and happy kid. He looked quite handsome in that small


    suit. I could totally bet that he would break hearts when he grows up.


    We turned our head to Mr. Carter congratting us on our engagement and thanking everyone for


    joining. He called us on the dance floor.


    Nichs , led me to the dance floor and and we started dancing to the song. Our steps were


    coordinated and our hands fitted perfectly.


    Our gazes met a few times and I was always the one to break it.


    It felt perfect but would have been better if we were in love.


    But I hope we will reach there someday.


    Everyoneplimented us on our performance and went on ,on how perfect we looked together.


    Exhausted I was seated when a familiar tall handsome guy approached me. I recognized him from the


    lift at the office, Caleb.


    I learnt that he was Nichs''s best friend since they were infants. Initially , he seemed a little guarded


    and was as if trying to understand me . but after few minutes he was his own self. He was a fun and


    carefree guy , one with whom you can discuss everything. Maybe we could be good friends.


    The rest of event passed and by the time I came back, I was utterly exhausted. Walking in heels for


    hours is no joke.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I snuggled closer to Bree and thought of everything that had happened today.


    Majority of my thoughts were about Nichs. His brown eyes , sharp jawline , and the sexy lips-


    Something is seriously wrong with me.


    Ugh , I need to sleep .


    "Goodnight Bree"


    She barked in response.


    Next day...


    " Sophie , are you ready yet , Juliana and Erica will be here anytime." , Mom yelled.


    "Yeah Mom , almost " , I responded.


    Erica is Nichs''s sister. She was unable to attend the engagement party because she had to visit her


    friend in Italy. It was some kind of emergency . So this was the first time I was going to meet her.


    Till now I love the Carter family and I hope that she is not some sort of snobbish rich spoiled princess. I


    can''t really stand these people.


    I had put on a oversized sweater with high-waist jeans and pulled up my hair in a ponytail.


    I came down to see Mrs. Carter seated and speaking to my Mom and beside her was a slim , brte.


    She had nice tanned skin and was wearing a crop top with jeans and a beige cardigan. She was really


    beautiful.


    When I approached ,both of them smiled brightly at me.


    "Sophia !? Oh my you are even prettier than Mom had told me. " , Erica gushed.


    " Uhh thank you Erica , you are beautiful as well. " I blushed.


    They chuckled a bit at my response.


    "Honey , let''s go , we have a lot to do ." Mrs. Carter said.


    I nodded and went with them.


    She took us to one of the best designer boutiques in city whose owner happened to be her friend. On


    the way , me and Erica had be a bit acquainted. She was quite nice and cheerful .


    After looking through a lot of dresses , one caught Erica''s attention.


    "Hey , this looks great, try this one. "


    "Nice choice dear , it''s one of my personal favorites." , Laurel , the owner said.


    I went to the trial room . It had a plunging neckline and had withce detailing all over it. I came out


    wearing it.


    "Oh my .. this is it. It looks FUCKING Gorgeous on you." Erica eximed , making me blush.


    "Language, youngdy " , Mrs. Carter looked at her with stern eyes and she looked like she was


    caught doing some mischief.


    I bit back augh.


    "It looks really beautiful on you dear." , Laurel said and Mrs. Carter smiled.


    "Thank you, the dress is really beautiful." I said


    "Then we will take this. " , Mrs. Carter said. I came back with the dress and gave it for the alterations.


    Mrs. Carter paid for the dress , and I didn''t bother to look at the price. I knew it must have cost a


    fortune and looking at the price would only raise my guilt . They had earlier told mom that they were to


    buy me the dress and it wasn''t up for discussion.


    We then visited the jewelery shop and then bought a pair of heels.


    After nearly 3 hours we went to a restaurant to eat.


    We conversed on various topics and I found that both of them were quite alike. They were friendly and


    fun to be with.


    Next we went to taste the cake as well. Mrs. Carter said that Nichs was busy with his work so he


    won''t be able to join .


    We tried a lot of them and finally settled on chocte cake.


    It was 7 in the evening when I finally reached home.


    "Mommm " , I called.


    "In the kitchen, dear " , she said.


    I waddled to the kitchen . She was baking cookies. I took a hot one , jumped up and settled on the


    counter.


    " How was your day Sophie? You look exhausted." She asked.


    "Oh , it was nice. They are some amazing people. Cool and fun. But all this shopping totally drained out


    my energy." , I sighed.


    I was staring into space when Mom touched my shoulder.


    "Sophie , do you feel that we took a wrong decision to fix your marriage here? Do you feel that you are


    not happy with your situation? I honestly want to know ." She looked at me with concern.


    " Mom, it''s nothing like that. They are nice people , warm friendly and as of Nichs, I didn''t find


    anything against him. So , your decision is not wrong but this is just a bit.. I am a little nervous. But


    nothing I can''t handle. You know I am Dad''s wonder girl." I said putting up my hands in the air.


    Momughed and shook her hand .


    " That you''re and I know you will find love and be happy. Now go and sleep. You need to rest. " .


    "Goodnight Mom" I yawned and made my way to my room.


    Long day it was ..

 Chapter - 08

    Chapter - 08


    Sophia''s POV


    This is it. Today is the day I am getting married.


    My mind was totally messed up.


    I was feeling a hurricane of emotions.


    I was feeling sad at the thought of leaving my parents, nervous at the thought of starting a new life with


    my husband, and excited at the thought of getting married but the feeling of nervousness was


    overwhelming.


    On top of that, the thought of paparazzi was making me mad. The news of our engagement was the


    headlines on the day after the party.


    The day we went to shop for bridesmaids'' dresses , the paparazzi were outside the shop and there


    were a lot of them. Erica had to call her bodyguards who escorted us to the car. And today they were


    going to be even more in number.


    I was pacing forth and back while my two best friends were seatedfortably on my bed watching


    me.


    " Soph , stop it. Don''t be so nervous although it''s fun watching you running like a headless chicken" ,


    Char chuckled.


    " d that I can entertain you ." , I said sarcastically.


    " Sophe here ." Ryan pulled me into a tight hug. " Everything is going to be fine and if not , you


    have us. We will be a call away."


    I rested my head on his chest.


    "I know I can always count on you guys. I love you guys so much " .


    "Aww , we love you too" Char joined in the hug and I sighed. After a minute we pulled away.


    "Now , enough of this melodrama. We have a wedding to attend and save your tears for now. We need


    to get yourzy ass ready for the wedding." Char pped her hands with an overly excited grin.


    " Yeah , right ." I went to the shower. I used my time and by the time I was back , Ryan was not in the


    room.


    " Oh Cindere, sit down . I need to work my magic on you , you know ...to make you look pretty.'''' She


    teased.


    " Whatever" , I rolled my eyes at her and took the seat.


    She did a neutral smokey makeup look and put my hair up in a beautiful updo.


    I put on my wedding gown and looked at my reflection. I looked matured , different....... beautiful.


    "Thank you Char . You are amazing. " , I eximed


    "Oh I know , you can''t ever thank me enough. Now make some space for the maid of honour to get


    ready." She made a shooing motion. Iughed and stepped aside. She took her time to get ready.


    She was the maid of honour . I had asked Erica and two of my colleagues, Mia and Daphne to be my


    bridesmaids.


    Their dresses were one shoulder, sparkly rose gold coloured.


    Just then , Erica , Mia and Daphne entered my room.


    "You''re looking beautiful Soph ." Daphne said.


    " More than ever ." Mia added.


    " Aww , thanks . You all are looking gorgeous." , I smiled .


    "Come , Sophia, let''s put the veil on you." Erica said, taking the veil.


    Char helped her in properly pinning the veil.


    We were soon at the church. Ryan helped me to get down without tripping.


    " Today, you don''t look like the small Soph , you know , you look like a matured version of my Soph."


    Ryan said with a proud smile. I was feeling emotional and settled at just smiling.


    I was soon ready standing with the bouquet waiting for Dad.


    Dad came and looked at me with love and adoration in his eyes.


    " My wonder girl is bing a wonder woman today. I am proud of how lovely a youngdy you have


    grown to be. But remember whenever my princess needs me , I am there." Dad said and ced a


    gentle hand on my head.


    My eyes teared up his words and I just nodded.


    "Oh honey , don''t make the little girl cry ." , Mom said who was trying to blink away her tears.


    " Yes , David I worked a lot on her makeup. We don''t want to spoil it now , do we ?" , Char said but not


    in her usual yful voice.


    These people bing emotional was making me more nervous.


    I took Dad''s arm and when the music yed, Dad started walking me down the aisle.


    I looked up to see Nichs in a ck tuxedo with a flower brooch, looking absolutely handsome. It was


    hard to believe that this extremely hot man standing at the other end was going to be my husband.


    Then I noticed everyone looking at me which worsened my situation. I gripped Dad''s arm tightly.


    Princess , everything is going to be fine, rx ." Dad whispered in my ear.


    I then saw Ethan who was smiling brightly at me and I smiled back , not sure if he could see my smile


    through the veil.


    Dad then stopped and I noticed that we were there. He put my hand in Nichs''s , kissed my cheek


    and nodded at him. He stiffly nodded back.


    I stood in front of him and then I properly noticed his face. His hair has gelled as usual. His brown eyes


    were intensely staring at me. Feeling overwhelmed I looked down.


    Char gave me the ring while Caleb , who was Nichs''s best man , passed him the wedding ring. We


    exchanged the rings.


    "Do you Mr. Nichs Daniel Carter take Ms. Sophia Avery Jones as your legally wedded wife to have


    and to hold, from this day forward , for better, for worse, for richer , for poorer, in sickness and in health


    , to love and to cherish , till death do you apart?"


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    "I do ." He sighed and said with a straight face


    "Do you Ms. Sophia Avery Jones take Mr. Nichs Daniel Carter as your legally wedded husband to


    have and to hold , from this day forward, for better, for worse , for riche, for poorer , in sickness and in


    health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?"


    "I do " , I took a deep breath.


    " By the power vested in me I now pronounce you as husband and wife.


    You may kiss the bride."


    My nervousness reached its peak on hearing this. Nichs came forward and lifted the veil before


    leaning forward. My heart was beating so loud that I am sure even he could hear it.


    He lightly pecked my lips and withdrew. I guess he was just as ufortable as I was . The crowd


    cheered and pped.


    We walked towards our parents. Mr. and Mrs. Carter or Mama and Papa came towards me and hugged


    me . I settled on calling them Mama and Papa to avoid confusion.


    "I''m so happy that from today onwards I have another daughter." Mama said.


    " I know she is the perfect partner for our Nick." , Papa said and Mama nodded .


    Mom and Dad stood at a distance, big smiles etched on their faces.


    I walked upto them and hugged them.


    "Soph!" , Char hugged me and then Ryan.


    I detached myself to look at Nick who looked a bit irritated.


    It was time that we got into the car to drive to the reception hall.


    During the short ride both of us were silent. I looked at my finger.


    ...........Married !

 Chapter - 09

    Chapter - 09


    Nick''s POV


    " Finally my Nicky is getting married. I am so happy." Caleb fake wiped a tear .


    " How many times did I tell you not to call me that ?"


    He made a thinking expression.


    "Probably a lot of times, but I don''t think I care . " He ended with a grin.


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    Everyone was so happy. Mom and Dad were excited to get a ''daughter'', Erica was happy to get a


    ''sister'' . Ethan seemed happy too . And the happiest of them all was me .


    Note the sarcasm.


    Since morning I have been in my worst mood. I feel like I am getting caged but I''m sure as hell that I


    won''t be changing my lifestyle for that gold digger.


    The music started ying and everyone turned towards the door expectantly and then....


    She entered.


    It was so enchanting to look at her in the white dress. The veil was preventing me from having a clear


    view of her face. She looked up once at me and on seeing everyone''s eyes at her, she quickly looked


    down. Holding her father''s arm in a tight grip she made her way to the alter.


    I took her hand in mine and she stood in front of me.


    It was then that I was able to properly see her face . There was a neutral makeup on her face. I could


    see her beautiful grey eyes whenever she would look at me only to avert her gaze. Her lips seemed


    perfect to be kissed.


    Really? What am I thinking?


    That she is beautiful and perfect.


    No she isn''t. Just a bloody opportunist.


    I stared at her without looking away , I could feel that she was ufortable under my stare as she


    was shifting ufortably.


    We exchanged rings.


    "Do you Mr. Nichs Daniel Carter take Ms. Sophia Avery Jones as your legally wedded wife to have


    and to hold, from this day forward , for better, for worse, for richer , for poorer, in sickness and in health


    , to love and to cherish , till death do you apart?"


    "I do ." I sighed and said with a straight face and she again looked down.


    "Do you Ms. Sophia Avery Jones take Mr. Nichs Daniel Carter as your legally wedded husband to


    have and to hold , from this day forward, for better, for worse , for riche, for poorer , in sickness and in


    health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?"


    "I do " , she took a deep breath.


    " By the power vested in me I now pronounce you as husband and wife.


    You may kiss the bride."


    I clenched my jaw and moved forward to lift her veil. She looked really nervous as I leaned forward. I


    lightly pecked her lips and stepped back .


    People pped and cheered loudly while I looked away frustrated of everything.


    Everyone started congratting us. I looked at Sophia to see her hugging Ryan tightly. They seemed


    pretty close and I was quite annoyed at her . How could she act so close to another man when she was


    already married to me?


    " What do I smell here .... Jealousy?" Erika wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.


    I rolled my eyes at her and walked away.


    Finally we settled in our car to head to the reception hall. I did not initiate any conversation . She didn''t


    either..


    I looked out of the car window.


    ...... Married.


    As soon as we reached our destination , I saw the paparazzi rushing here.


    Chris and Leo stood in a protective trance in front of my car. I opened the door and went to Sophia''s


    side to help her out. Taking her hand in mine , I walked towards the entrance. After getting at an


    appropriate position we stopped to pose for a few pictures and I answered some of their questions.


    We walked in . She was extremely quiet and reserved. I didn''t see her like this before but maybe she


    isn''tfortable around me.


    She shouldn''t be and I wasn''t going to make it any easier.


    We had our first dance as a couple. I kept staring at her now and then .


    We then cut the cake before it was served.


    With each passing second I was getting more and more irritated and finally it was time for us to leave.


    Sophia hugged everyone with teary eyes.


    All these things were totally boring me .


    After a great deal of time she was done and we went inside the car.


    " My house ." , I ordered Benjamin, my driver as we settled in.


    Enough of this good guy facade. Now she was going to see the harsh reality. A rich wedding ,


    expensive clothes , a rich husband , this is what she wanted. I will see to it.


    Sophia''s POV


    " My house." , He told the driver in a rude tone which I didn''t like.


    We drove in a deafening silence. Soon the car parked in front of a white building. I thanked the driver


    and smiled at him. He looked too stunned to respond.


    He called this a house !? This was a huge freaking mansion. I was staring at it when I heard him.


    " If you''re done staring, feel free toe inside." He walked past me into his house.


    Rude much ?


    I walked in and saw maids rushing towards him. They greeted him and he gave a curt nod.


    Ethan was staying at Mama''s house . So it was only him .


    He walked upstairs and I followed him. Opening the door he walked inside what seemed to be his room


    , well ours now !


    " Sir , we have got ma''am''s luggage " , a maid said.


    "Keep it and leave " he said


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I thanked her while she bowed a little.


    Everything in the room was of only two colours- ck and grey. It looked very masculine . I was looking


    at the paintings on a wall when he spoke .


    " You won''t be sleeping on the bed ."


    I didn''t like his tone at all and I was not excited to sleep with him on the bed as of now.


    I shrugged and walked towards the couch.


    "Where do you think you are going? " , He asked.


    " To the couch " , I said in a duh tone.


    " Did I say that you could sleep there, you filthy woman ? "


    I was too stunned to reply and before I could take in his words , he spoke again.


    " You will be taking the floor ." , He said looking straight into my eyes .


    " Fine then , arrange another room for me." , I said shrugging. By now I was back from my stunned self.


    " Well , I dont think I had said that you can sleep anywhere else. " , He coldly said.


    " Well , I don''t think I had said that I will listen to you ." , I said using his tone.


    He looked angry. Maybe he hadn''t had anyone talk back to him.


    " You wouldn''t dare disobey me." He threatened in a low voice but I wasn''t backing down.


    "Look , I understand that you want to y the part of the arrogant billionaire jerk in a cliche novel where


    he makes his wife sleep on the floor but I love my sleep way to much to bear with these weird fetishes


    of yours ." I took a few seconds before continuing.


    " Either let me take the couch here or arrange another room for me. " I crossed my arms across the


    chest and waited for him.


    He looked shocked at my speech but covered it up with the same cold expression.


    "What made you think that I will do that ? " He asked.


    " You only said you don''t want me to sleep on the couch and I sure as hell won''t sleep on the floor. I


    can take the couch in the living room easily but there is a small problem. Your maids will know of how


    affectionately you treat your wife.


    It''s your decision to make. If you''re okay with that - "


    " Take this couch." , he cut me off .


    " Didn''t you realize it too fast , Einstein?" I mocked.


    He red at me and turned towards the bed.


    Considering it to be the end of discussion ,I took my shorts and an oversized tee from the suitcase and


    walked into the washroom .


    It was then I closed my eyes and let the tears flow down my cheeks.


    I spoke back to him , I argued and stood my ce , I even mocked him,but that doesn''t mean I am not


    hurt. I have never been treated as such. On my marriage night my husband treats me like shit. That


    definitely hurts , a lot but I was not going to let him do that.


    I wouldn''t let him emotionally degrade me.


    I wiped my tears , washed my face and promised to myself to be stronger than ever.


    After changing I came back to the room.


    Without sparing him even a nce, Iid down on the couch.


    I guess this was my life now. Married to this jerk!


    I was extremely exhausted , thus the couch wasn''t too much of a bother to my sleep.


    "Goodnight.." I whispered to myself.

 Chapter - 10

    Chapter - 10


    Nick''s POV


    I walked upstairs and she followed me. Opening the door I went inside my room.


    " Sir , we have got ma''am''s luggage " , a maid said standing at the door.


    "Keep it and leave " I said


    Sophia thanked her . Why is she being this polite when she is nothing but a bloody gold digger? This


    pretending won''tst long.


    She was taking in the look of the room when I spoke .


    " You won''t be sleeping on the bed ."


    I sounded rude and I sure as hell wanted to.


    She just shrugged and started walking towards the couch.


    "Where do you think you are going? " , I asked.


    " To the couch " , She said in a obvious tone.


    " Did I say that you could sleep there, you filthy woman ? "


    She looked too stunned to reply and looked at me with wide eyes.


    "Nick !?" , My name on her tongue sounded so hot- ughh Nick !


    " You will be taking the floor ." , I said looking straight into her eyes .


    " Fine then , arrange another room for me." , She said shrugging. By now she appeared to be back


    from her stunned self.


    " Well , I dont think I had said that you can sleep anywhere else. " , I coldly said.


    " Well , I don''t think I had said that I will listen to you ." , She said mimicking my tone.


    I was extremely angry at her. How dare that worthless woman talk back to me when no one had ever


    done that.


    " You wouldn''t dare disobey me." I threatened in a low voice which marvelously works on everyone but


    she wasn''t backing down.


    "Look , I understand that you want to y the part of the arrogant billionaire jerk in a cliche novel where


    he makes his wife sleep on the floor but I love my sleep way to much to bear with these weird fetishes


    of yours ." She paused for a few seconds before speaking again.


    " Either let me take the couch here or arrange another room for me. " She crossed my arms across the


    chest, waiting for me.


    I was shocked, really shocked at her words but covered it up with the same cold expression. I wasn''t


    going to let her win this easily.


    "What made you think that I will do that ? " I asked.


    " You only said you don''t want me to sleep on the couch and I sure as hell won''t sleep on the floor. I


    can take the sofa in the living room easily but there is a small problem. Your maids will know of how


    affectionately you treat your wife.


    It''s your decision to make. If you''re okay with that - "


    " Take this couch." , I cut her off .


    " Didn''t you realize it too fast , Einstein?" She mocked. She mocked!?


    Now I was beyond pissed.


    I red at her and turned towards the bed.


    Taking it as the end of the discussion, she walked to the bathroom.


    I sat on the bed repeating everything in my head. She threatened me , I let her. She won and I let her


    win.


    After a long time , she came back in a loose tee and pyjamas. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail .


    She didn''t even look at me andid down on the couch.


    I waited for a few more minutes and then went to the study room to work.


    Sophia''s POV


    When I opened my eyes I couldn''t recognize the room.


    "Oh God, where the hell did I- oh !" , Realization dawned upon me. It was Nick''s room.


    Nick was not there in the room . Maybe he woke up early, maybe he wasn''t there the whole night. Well


    in that case I could have taken the bed.


    My back was paining due to sleeping in such an ufortable couch.


    " I need to get myself a room." I said to myself and went to do my morning routine.


    I changed into a ck v neck full sleeve top and white checked skirt. Getting ready for work, I went


    downstairs.


    He was sitting there at the table, having his breakfast.


    Nick''s POV


    I had woken up in my study. Getting ready for work in my normal suite I went to have my breakfast.


    I was munching my toast when I heard her footsteps, Sophia!


    I fought the urge to turn around. When she walked past , a smell of roses hit my nostrils. She walked to


    the other side of the table and settled down.


    She looked formal and decent in her work clothes but still managed to look hot. She definitely dressed


    well but I wasn''t going to tell her.


    The maid set a te in front of her and she started off with her breakfast while scrolling through her


    phone. She didn''t even look at me which really bothered me.


    But why ? I was supposed to be relieved that she isn''t bothering me.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She started getting up and then I realised that she was going to work.


    " Do you think you are going to work Sophia ? " I liked the way her name rolled off my tongue.


    Ugh.. focus


    " No shit Sherlock ." , She replied while looking at her phone.


    " You will resign , today." , I stated.


    "Excuse me?" , She looked up and narrowed her eyes at me.


    "Excused . Do as I say." I said getting up .


    "In your dreams." She retorted.


    "Are you challenging me ? " I asked


    " I said you won''t be working anymore ."


    She smirked ," Watch me "


    Saying that she turned and I watched her till she walked out of the door.


    She left. She fucking walked out on me.


    I angrily raked my hand through my hair.


    Challenging me huh ? I will show you what I can do.


    Sophia''s POV


    How dare he order me ? I love my job and he is no one to stop me from working.


    I walked into the office . On the way to my cabin, I met Mr. Knight.


    "Good morning Mr. Knight. "


    " Good morning Mrs. Carter. Congrattions on your marriage but I am sorry to ask , why are you here


    today ? " He looked genuinely confused and I think I mirrored his expression.


    " For my job ?" It sounded more of a question.


    " But Mr. Carter called today itself saying that you won''t be working anymore."


    " What !? But I didn''t say anything and he doesn''t get to decide for me. I think I will be continuing my


    job." I said


    " Uhh actually Mrs. Carter , it was lovely working with you but I can''t go against Mr. Carter." , He looked


    down.


    I closed my eyes to calm my anger but it wasn''t helping and I knew I had to get it out. I had to confront


    him.


    "Thank you Mr. Knight ." I said with a polite smile. He wasn''t at fault and he wouldn''t dare disobey that


    influential jerk.


    I walked out of the office and called a cab.


    " To the Carter Enterprises"


    I was too angry to think straight. I had to speak to him and I knew this wasn''t going to be easy.


    I soon found myself infront of his office.


    As I walked in people stopped in their tracks to look at me. They were murmuring things which I


    couldn''t make out and didn''t try hard to.


    I hated this kind of attention. I made my way to his office with the help of the direction given by the


    receptionist.


    I barged into his cabin and what I saw wasn''t something I wanted to see. He was sucking the face of a


    blonde who was straddling hisp.


    On hearing the noise they quickly parted while I stood there, refusing to look away.


    " You should knock beforeing in, you know." Nick stated with no sign of remorse on his face. What


    an arrogant creature!


    " You should lock before whoring around you know ." I retorted coolly.


    Obviously the sight pained me and I was freaking mad at him for not respecting our vows but I wasn''t


    going to act on it.


    He looked irritated


    " Why are you here ? Oh wait I guess I know why you are here." He smirked and I felt my anger


    resurface.


    " You egoistic bastard , who the hell do you think you are , sending my resignation to my boss? " I


    yelled.


    " Don''t shout." He said with a clenched jaw.


    " Of course I will. Did it hurt your ego that much, huh ? Me walking out on you that you had to use your


    influence , jerk ?" I mocked him.


    "Christina, leave." Hemanded . It was then I remembered that we had an audience.


    The blonde closed the door behind her leaving me alone with Nick.


    His jaw was clenched and he looked pretty mad. If he wasn''t such a jerk , I would have found the angry


    Nick quite hot but I had a situation to handle.


    He took long predator like steps towards me and cornered me to the wall.


    " What do you think you are doing?"


    Yes , I didn''t shutter because I was mad as hell.


    " Sophia , you shouldn''t have yelled at me, let alone hurling abuses." He gritted through his teeth.


    " And you should have let me be, instead of interfering in my business."


    We were having an intense staringpetition when Papa barged in.


    " Nick , I heard Sophia''s - Oh my God " , he turned to look somewhere else.


    I realised that we were in such apromising position that too because of this jerk and he was


    smirking?


    Enjoying it ? Fine by me .


    I freed myself before speaking.


    " Uhh Papa, you can look here. " I said while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and acting all shy.


    " Oh , no need to be shy. I am happy that you are already getting along. "


    I shyly smiled before continuing.


    " Uhh Papa see , Nick here isn''t allowing me to continue with my job ." I whined


    Papa looked at him.


    " Dad , that''s because it won''t look good that my wife is working in another firm and besides I don''t


    want her to work hard." He stated with a concerned expression and Papa seemed convinced as he


    nodded.


    Nick smirked at me thinking that he won. I smirked back at him which made him confused. Little did he


    know that he made my work even easier.


    " I understand, but how about I work in the Carter Enterprises itself ? I really love my job and working


    here won''t be a bother to Nick''s reputation, right Papa?" I asked in a sweet tone.


    " Well that isn''t a problem at all." , Papa acknowledged.


    " See that''s what I was saying you. " I said while looking at Nick. I turned towards Papa and said." Nick


    here, is worried about me and wants me to rest. He doesn''t need to worry while I work here. "


    Nick looked bbergasted.


    " Yes Nick , no need to worry. She can work here while you can always see that she doesn''t overwork


    herself. She loves her job so let her do it . Besides our marketing department definitely needs help and


    she is worthy of bing the head there." Papa said and I smiled brightly at him.


    Nick gave him a tight lipped smile.


    " Thank you Papa . Thank you so much." I hugged him while he hugged back.


    " Anything for my daughter." , He smiled .


    "I will leave you to yourselves and tonight you two areing for dinner at our ce. David and


    Juliana will be there as well. Nick , don''t bete and Sophia please invite Ryan and Charlotte for me ,


    will you ?" Papa asked.


    " Sure . " I smiled.


    Then I remembered something.


    " Uhh Papa will Ethan being back with us today ?" I asked with hopeful eyes. I desperately wanted


    him back. I would have someone to talk to and I would definitely love bonding with that cute little guy.


    " Yeah he will . Besides the kid already misses you and is pretty excited to meet you." He said


    I nodded smiling and shortly after he left.


    " So " I turned to look at Nick. " Thank you so much Nick , your fake concern really made my job easier.


    "


    He didn''t say anything , just continued ring at me.


    " No yelling , no smartments, nothing? ...... Okay then , see you tomorrow."


    I waved my hand at him and walked out of his cabin.


    I was satisfied with my doing. Maybe I didn''t get to continue with my previous job but I was still working


    and very much in my field.


    I hailed a cab and returned home.

 Chapter - 11

    Chapter - 11


    Nick''s POV


    As soon as Sophia left my cabin I mmed my hand on the table. I couldn''t believe she tricked me.


    The rest of the day , I tried drowning myself in work but the only thing I could think of , was Sophia.


    It was around 6 when I remembered about the dinner. I didn''t want to bete and hear a long lecture


    from Mom. So I decided on heading home.


    On reaching , I made my way to my room. Keeping my zer on the bed , I was loosening the tie


    around my neck when suddenly Sophia came out of the walk-in closet .


    She was donning a white one shoulder dress and ck heels. With a minimal bit of makeup on her


    face , her look was pretty simple yet she looked absolutely gorgeous.


    She cleared her throat and I realized that I had been gawking at her. I looked up to see her smirking at


    me. Averting my eyes I quickly walked over to the bathroom and closed the door behind me.


    Taking a shower , I came out in just my sweatpants. I did it intentionally and it seemed to have worked.


    She was sitting on the edge of the bed scrolling through her phone. When she looked at me her eyes


    seemed to be stuck. She absent-mindedly kept scrolling while checking me out.


    I cleared my throat and I saw her cheeks turning pink. Now it was my turn to smirk.


    She clumsily stood up and scurried out of the room causing me to chuckle.


    Sophia''s POV


    God ! It was so embarrassing. I knew he did it intentionally.


    Stupid jerk.


    You mean stupid handsome jerk ?


    Yeah that !


    Today Ethan was going toe back and I was so excited and relieved to have somepany finally.


    I was really looking forward to bond with him.


    As soon as I heard his footsteps , I started walking towards the car. I was sure that he would be looking


    devilishly handsome and I definitely didn''t want to experience another embarrassing moment.


    Benjamin , which I came to know was the name of the driver, opened the door for me and I slipped in.


    As soon as Nick settled in , Benjamin started driving. From the corner of my eyes I looked at Nick and I


    was correct. He was gorgeous in his light blue shirt.


    I wonder if he had any other colour in his wardrobe other than blue , ck and grey. Well , I wasn''t


    comining either. I am not fond of dressing my man in pink and orange colours.


    My man !?


    I rolled my eyes at myself.


    We were soon in front of his parents house . We made our way to the door and a maid opened the


    door for us.


    On entering the living room I saw my whole family . Mom and Mama were speaking to each other like


    some long lost friends while Dad looked a bit reserved in front of Papa , maybe because he was his


    employee. Char and Erica looked veryfortable with each other while Ryan was stealing nces at


    Erica !?


    Hmm , that''s something interesting.


    The first to notice us was Ethan. He sprinted off of Papa''sp and came running to us.


    " Sophia !" , He hugged my legs.


    I picked him up and kissed his cheek to which he giggled.


    " Oh , baby ! I missed you so much ." I said.


    " I missed you too and Grandpa said I am going home with you today. " , He said excitedly.


    " Yes , I know and from now on we are going to have a lot of fun at home , okay ?"


    He nodded showing all of his teeth.


    I put him down to hug Mom and Dad.


    "I missed you guys so much ." I said.


    " We missed you too princess." , Dad said.


    "What about me ? " Char put her hands on her hip ring at me yfully.


    I hugged her but didn''t say anything.


    "Soph " , I pulled away to look at Ryan.


    I took him in a tight hug .


    "How have you been?" , He almost whispered.


    I just nodded and kept quiet. He sighed and I knew that he had realized something was wrong.


    " Soph , we are talking about thister." He said in a no-room-for-argument voice and I just sighed.


    "Ryan ." , I heard Nick speak for the first time since we had arrived.


    I pulled away only to be pulled back against a hard chest. Nick''s familiar scent engulfed me. He ced


    his hand on my waist which sent a strange shiver down my body.


    He was giving a hard stare at Ryan. Was he jealous ? He can''t be. Then why was he behaving like a


    possessive man when he actually doesn''t give a fuck? God he is so confusing.


    " Come on, dinner is ready." , Mama said breaking the awkward moment.


    We walked to the table . Nick pulled out a chair for me and settled down beside me. I took a lot to hide


    the surprise on my face.


    " Did you hit your head somewhere?" , I whispered to him.


    He gave me a strange look, expecting me to exin further.


    " What''s up with you and your new-found gentlemanliness ? " I raised an eyebrow.


    " Cause honey , we are in front of our parents and I don''t want to hear from mom on how I should be


    treating my wife ." He said in a mocking tone.


    " Right." I was a bit saddened at his words. What else did I expect ,he had suddenly be a


    gentleman?


    Dinner was spent with our parents giving out on our embarrassing childhood memories. By the end of


    the dinner , I was concentrating only on my te.


    We talked a bit more before it was time to leave.


    "Say goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma, Ethan." I said taking his hand in mine.


    "Good bye ." , He waved at his two set of grandparents and they waved back.


    I hugged everyone and before I could reach Ryan, Nick pulled me back by my waist.


    Char wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and I red at Nick.


    "We have to leave now." Nick said.


    ...


    We were back at home . I looked at Ethan who was yawning.


    " Come , let''s tuck you in." I said him.


    "No need , I will do it ." , Nick intervened.


    " Dad , I want Sophia to take me to bed." Ethan pouted to which Mr. Jerk just sighed.


    " Let''s go ." Ethan guided me to his room. The room had blue and white walls. The room looked


    nothing like that of a kid. It was more of matured and elegantly designed.


    I put him to bed and pulled the cover to his body. Kissing him goodbye , I switched off the lights and


    walked out of the room.


    I went to my new room , which I had arranged for while he was at his office. I had shifted some of my


    work clothes and night wears to the wardrobe in the room , keeping the rest in Nick''s bedroom to avoid


    any kind of problem in case our parents decide to surprise us.


    I changed into myfy pajamas and slipped under the cover. I was exhausted and had just closed


    my eyes when the door to the room opened and lights were switched on.


    " What are you doing here ?" , Nick stood with his arms crossed against his check .


    " Sleeping?" I spoke in a mocking tone.


    " Why here ? " , He asked with a clenched jaw.


    " Because I wasn''tfortable there ." I said .


    " Of course you weren''t. You aren''tfortable with sleeping in the same room with me but you''re


    comfortable with hugging Ryan like your life depended on it." He scoffed.


    "Excuse me ? You expect me to befortable with the person who expects me to sleep on the floor


    and I had to fight my way to the couch ? Well , I can''t. And of course I amfortable with hugging


    Ryan because he is my best friend." I said.


    " And I am your husband." He said taking long steps towards me.


    " More of a rude stranger. Now kindly get out of here and let me sleep." , I said looking straight into his


    eyes.


    "It''s my house and you can''t tell me where to go ." He saiding closer.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " You know what ? I don''t care. Sit here and fuck your arrogant ass . I need to sleep ."


    I turned towards the bed but he gripped my arm and pulled me back. The next thing I knew was that his


    lips were on mine.


    He roughly moved his lips against mine , demanding something and maybe punishing me.I couldn''t


    process what was happening. Although I wasn''t kissing him back, I was having a strange sensation.


    The feeling of his lips on mine was making me weak . He bit on my lip to enter my mouth when I


    snapped out of my trance. I pushed him away and wiped my lips with the back of my hand.


    " What the hell do you think you''re doing , you arrogant man ? You think you can kiss me like that? I


    was ready to give our marriage a chance , but from the very first day, you have been acting like an


    absolute jerk to me . Now all of a sudden you feel the need to be my husband ,acting all possessive


    and jealous and kiss me when you actually don''t care ." I yelled, frustrated.


    " Yes , you''re right I don''t give a damn and I''m definitely not jealous over a lowlife like you, but I can''t


    have my slut of a wife, flirting with another man in front of my parents. "


    I was shocked. Did he really say that ? He called me a slut. How could he assess my character just like


    that? I really didn''t have aeback because I had never been spoken to like that. I have always had


    a carefree and happy life and never been insulted like this. But I couldn''t give him the satisfaction of


    seeing me cry.


    "Leave ." I gritted my teeth , shocked at how strong my voice still sounded.


    Without further words he left mming the door .


    I fell on the bed and stuffed my head in the pillow, I let my tears flow.

 Chapter - 12

    Chapter - 12


    Nick''s POV


    Jealous ? She thought I was jealous ? Huh.


    And she was right.


    No she wasn''t. I don''t give a shit but that doesn''t mean she can bloody flirt with another man in front of


    my parents. But can''t really me her , a gold digger like her can''t be better than this.


    But what I don''t understand, is that why the hell did I kiss her ? I was pouring all my frustrations and


    anger in that kiss but why ? I must admit that her lips tasted sweet, it was like there was a certain


    sensation in me. I was feeling connected -


    "Bullshit ! It had a been long since I had gotid." I shook away these thoughts.


    Sophia''s POV


    I had cried myself to sleepst night. It was around 7 in the morning when I woke up.


    Doing my morning routine I first decided on making breakfast since it was my first day with Ethan.


    Coming to the kitchen , the maids helped me to find the required ingredients and I made choco chip


    pancakes and strawberry smoothie.


    I went to my room and changed into my work clothes. When I came back to the dinning table , Nick and


    Ethan were sitting on the table and having the pancakes.


    " Mmm this is so tasty and...different ." Ethan said looking at the pancakes.


    " Did you like it ?" , I asked sitting down beside him.


    " You made it ?" He asked and I could feel Nick looking at me. I nodded .


    " I love it . It''s the best I have ever had ." Ethan said and I kissed him on the cheek.


    "Thank you li''l guy."


    Nick stopped eating mid way. Pushing away the te , he got up and suddenly left without even


    looking back.


    Was his ego so big that he had to push away his food? I shook my head at his maturity.


    " Was Dad angry on me ?" , Ethan asked looking sad.


    " No baby, he can''t be angry on you." , I assured him. " Nowe on , I will take you to your school."


    " Yes let''s go." He said , his smile returning and it was good to see him happy again.


    .....


    " Bye Ethan , be a nice kid , okay ?" , I askeding out of the cab.


    He nodded. " Bye Sophia " , he waved and ran off.


    " Don''t run ." I yelled after him but he was already gone.


    I got back in the cab and went to my new office.


    ...


    I entered the same overly luxurious building.


    Again everyone stopped to look at me. Some even wished me good morning on my way while some


    women were giving nasty res. Ignoring them I went to the marketing department which was on the


    20th floor .


    ......


    My first day was pretty nice. Some of them were nice to me and some overdid it because I was their


    boss''s wife. I had made some new friends.


    Skyler had been working here for three years and she and Tyler are a couple. She is a bit reserved and


    quiet in contrast to Tyler who is overly energetic and lively. Nheless, I liked theirpany.


    Jenny is a sliver head and is extremely outgoing in nature and finally there was Mark , a good-looking


    fun guy.


    We bonded pretty well over lunch at the office canteen.


    The day passed smoothly for me and it was around 5 when I left the office. I hadn''t seen or heard from


    Nick throughout the day but then , he was clear when he showed disinterest in me.


    I tried not to let these thoughts dampen my mood.


    On reaching home , I didn''t see Ethan anywhere. So I first went to change and then walked to his


    room. He was sitting on his bed , lost in his thoughts.


    "Ethan ?" , On looking at me a bright smile came on his face only to disappear the very next moment.


    " What''s troubling you baby?" , I cooed as I sat beside him.


    He didn''t say anything but kept fiddling with his fingers while I waited for him .


    " Uhh I had a small fight with Joshua at school today and our teacher has asked to bring our parents


    tomorrow." He said and I knew there was more to the story.


    " Why did you fight ? You know nah , good boys don''t fight." , I said.


    " But brave men do ." He said proudly but I found his expression amusing.


    " So , my brave li''l man, can I know what was the fight about? "


    He looked down and hesitated.


    " He was saying that I am a very bad kid and therefore I didn''t have my Mom with me." He looked very


    sad which broke my heart.


    " I -I ..." He hesitated again.


    "Go on ." I urged him .


    " I - I told them that I have a mom and said your name but he said that I was lying and that you were


    not my mom. I am .. I am sorry." He said.


    I could realise where this was leading to and I would be lying if I was not hopeful.


    " It''s okay." I smiled at him.


    " Umm , do you mind if I call you Mom? If you do , I won''t call you Mom. Sophia is fine too . Please


    don''t be angry on me." He again looked down after his mini rant.


    I was hoping this but hearing it from Ethan was made me much more ecstatic than I had ever imagined.


    I had goosebumps.


    I pulled him to myp and made him look at me.


    " Oh baby , you definitely can call me Mom. I would love to be your mother." I said , my eyes were


    blurry.


    He looked shock for a minute and then a thousand watt smile adorned his face.


    " I love you Mom." Ethan hugged me.


    My heart skipped a beat hearing him call me Mom. I always saddened at the thought that I couldn''t be


    a mother but today he filled that void. I hugged him back.


    " I love you too baby ."


    "Nowe on , let''s go and watch a movie , shall we ?" I asked getting up.


    " With popcorn ?" , He asked stepping down .


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Sure " , I smiled at him and made our way to the living room.


    When I came to the living room I was stopped by what I saw. The sight in front of my eyespletely


    broke my heart.

 Chapter - 13

    Chapter - 13


    Sophia''s POV


    When I came to the living room I was stopped by what I saw. The sight in front of my eyespletely


    broke my heart.


    Nick was sitting on the sofa with that same blonde girl from his office straddling him. They were sucking


    their faces off.


    How could he ? The previous night he stole a kiss from me and now he had brought a woman home !?.


    Ignoring the bitter pain in my heart , I turned to look at Ethan to not find him there.


    Just then he wasing out of his room with a duvet in his hand which was covering his view.


    I went up to him.


    " I brought this. We can cuddle under this while watching the movie." , He said with smiling eyes.


    " Ethan , why don''t we go out for some ice cream ?" , I asked covering up with a bright smile.


    He thought for a second and then grinned, nodding.


    I turned to look at them who were standing and looking at us. Nick was looking away while that blonde


    bimbo was smirking at me. How matured !


    After making sure that Ethan won''t notice his father in apromising position with another woman , I


    took the cover from Ethan which was blocking his view.


    " Honey , can you go to my room and bring the small bag lying on the bed , please ?" I asked Ethan.


    " Yess Momm " he sang and went upstairs.


    I couldn''t help but smile each time he called me that.


    When I turned around , I saw Nick had a shocked expression apparently at Ethan , calling me Mom.


    " Nick , really? This is what you are capable of? Making out with a random woman in your house when


    you know your son is in the house and maye here anytime? Matured much ?" I spat.


    " Whom did you call a random woman , huh ? You bitch ! I am his girlfriend. " , That bimbo snarled


    angrily.


    It was like a second blow to my prestige. But I masked my emotions. Never would I give that bimbo the


    satisfaction of seeing me hurt.


    " Well , congrattions to you ! Now kindly get out, will you or I need to kick you out ?" , I spoke


    sarcastically.


    " And who gives you the right to do that? Who do you think you are ? Oh I remember, my gold digging


    wife ? " He scoffed. " When you spoke earlier , you unknowingly said the right words. This is my house


    and Ethan is my son. So don''t you dare lecture me on what I should be doing in my house and how I


    should be parenting my son . " He said, emphasizing on ''my''.


    It hurt , it hurt a lot. But more because he said that Ethan was his son which was technically true .


    I looked away and blinked away my tears , waiting for Ethan.


    "Mom " , Ethan came running to me and handed me the bag. This time , it hurt to hear the name , the


    wound Nick had given was fresh. I swallowed the pain and nodded my head. Ethan looked at Nick and


    instantly his smile widened.


    " Dad ! " He went towards Nick who picked him up and ced him on his hip.


    " Are youing with us for ice cream ?" He asked .


    " No baby , Dad is a bit busy. " , He said and resisted the urge to scoff. Busy my ass.


    Ethan''s smile dropped a bit but he nodded in understanding.


    I saw Benjamining in and he took Ethan out .


    " Leo will be going with you two." , Nick said in a cold voice.


    " We don''t need a bodyguard ." , I said.


    " And I don''t trust you with my son. And here take this card ."


    Without sparing another word I took it and walked out of the door to the car. Benjamin, Leo and Ethan


    were already seated . I slipped in beside Ethan and we drove off.


    I rolled down the window and the cool breeze hit my face. I was feeling a bit relieved to be out of that


    house for a while.


    We stopped in front of an ice cream parlour. Walking out of the car, we entered.


    "What do want sweetheart?" I asked Ethan.


    " Cookies and cream " , he said.


    " One cookies and cream voured and one double choco-chip please . " I ced our order.


    We sat down at a table . Ethan filled me on his daily routine , his friends and school over our ice


    creams.


    By the end of the time I was happy. I felt at peace.


    Getting up I packed two choco-chip ice-creams for Benjamin and Leo and paid the bill with my card. I


    was capable enough to buy us ice-creams.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Taking Ethan''s hand in mine I walked out to the car.


    I gave them the ice creams which they first refused and then on further insistence , epted while


    thanking me.


    As we were returning I reyed everything that happened in this one evening.


    I looked at Ethan who was now lying down with his head on myp. I stroked his hair and smiled to


    myself.


    I needed this ice cream date with my son. Yes , Ethan is my son as well . He wants me to be his


    mother and I won''t let Nick''s words affect me.


    On reaching home , I carried a sleeping Ethan inside. Nick was nowhere to be seen. After putting him


    to bed , I went to my room and slept off.


    .....


    " HE DID WHAT ?" , Char yelled in anger and shock.


    The morning after that eventful evening , I had called Char and Ryan here to catch up but the very first


    thing they wanted to know was how had been my married life so far . So I had to spill the beans and I


    would be lying if I say it didn''t feel hurt on repeating those actions of the jerk.


    " Calm down Char !" , I tried calming her. I ''tried''.


    " No , you don''t tell me toe down. HOW DARE HE ? HE KISSES YOU AND THEN BRINGS


    HOME ANOTHER WOMAN THE NEXT DAY. AND YOU ARE ASKING ME TO BLOODY CALM DOWN


    ! THAT STUCK -UP JERK."


    " Char , atleast stop yelling. You''re giving me a headache. And Ethan will hear you, so don''t curse." , I


    said while nibbling on my breakfast.


    It was a Saturday, so I was having my day off and Ethan was till sleeping. I had went to wake him up


    but he was being whinny , so I let him sleep a little more. Nick has left for office even before I woke up.


    I looked at Ryan who was quietly staring at me.


    "What ?"


    "Soph , do you want me to talk some sense into Nick?" , Ryan asked calmly.


    " No Ryan , let him do whatever he wants to . Do you even expect that arrogant man to listen to you?


    He is not going to be affected by anybody''s words and I don''t want him to know that I am affected by


    his doings." , I said .


    " You''re right . Don''t ever give him the satisfaction of seeing you hurt. I know you are much more


    stronger than this." , Ryan said giving me a hug.


    " So, on that note let''s go shopping." Char said acting like herself again . Even I wanted to go out . I


    laughed .


    "Yeah , give a minute , I''ll be ready."


    " Where are you going Mom ? " , I saw Ethan yawning while he stood at the door of my room.


    " Shopping. Do you wanna join us sweetheart?" , I asked .


    "Yes , I want to and then can we go to McDonald''s, please ? " , He asked


    "Of course baby. Now will you ask Amy to help you change or do you want me to do it ?" , I asked.


    " I will do it Ma''am." Amy saiding in.


    " Thank you Amy and it''s Sophia ." I said


    " Okay Sophia." She smiled.


    I went to Nick''s room to change because the majority of my clothes were in that wardrobe and I wanted


    to dress nicely.


    Coming to his room , it smelled of Nick. That same masculine addictive fragrance.


    I put on a ck mini dress and a blue denim jacket over it. Pairing it up with white sneakers , I pulled


    up my hair in a messy bun.


    When I was done I saw Nick entering the room. He was wearing his usual work suit and I was


    disappointed in myself that inspite of him hurting me so much , I still found him hot.


    Shaking my thoughts, I started walking off when he held my hand and pulled me back.


    " Where are you going in that outfit.?" , He sounded angry but when is he not ?


    " Shopping, why do you care ?" , I said.


    " With Ryan ." , He statedpletely ignoring my question.


    "And Char and Ethan." I said.


    " You''re not going out with him in this kind of outfit." He again ignored my words.


    I was amazed by his audacity to order me like that.


    " Did I ask for your permission ? I will go wherever and with whoever I feel like. " I slightly raised my


    voice.


    I didn''t wait for him to speak further. Yanking my hand off, I walked past him.

 Chapter - 14

    Chapter - 14


    Nick''s POV


    Throughout the day , I didn''t see Sophia even once in the office. I was extremely busy with work .


    At around 6 , I was done for the day. Leaving the office I got into my car and went home.


    I was tired as hell because of a sleepless night and then an extremely busy day at work. Instead of


    going to my room , I plopped down on the living room sofa . The house seemed too quite. So , I thought


    maybe Sophia was out with Ethan . I couldn''t trust thatdy with my son . I was thinking of calling her


    when I heard a high pitched voice.


    Christina came in wearing a dress which gave more than necessary amount of exposure to her assets.


    Before I could say something, she sat down on myp straddling me and told me how much she


    missed me and all.


    I was least interested in anything serious with her . So I just kept quiet. She urgently ced her lips on


    mine and hungrily kissed me. Within no time I kissed her back. But I didn''t enjoy it . Her lips didn''t taste


    as good as Sophia''s lips did. I didn''t feel anything or any sensation as I did with Sophi-


    Wtf ? Why am Iparing? Sophia is messing to much with my mind.


    I concentrated in kissing and tried blocking away everything.


    Then suddenly I heard Ethan''s voice.


    I quickly broke the kiss and stood up, Christina stumbling in the process. Sophia was also standing


    there , her back facing me. I let out a relieved sigh when I saw Ethan''s view was blocked by the duvet


    in his hand.


    Sophia suggested that they could go for some ice cream and Ethan happily nodded. On her request


    Ethan ran upstairs to bring her bag.


    I couldn''t help but wonder that how was Ethan being so obidient and helping. He never followed orders


    and there he was . Strange.


    Sophia turned to look at me. She spat on my face about how irresponsible I was to do such things in


    the house when Ethan was at home.


    I agree I was wrong and I felt guilty at that but what made me angry was that, all she was concerned


    about was Ethan seeing his father in apromising position with another woman. Didn''t she feel hurt


    on seeing me with another woman?


    Even when Christina told her that she was my girlfriend, which was not at all true, I didn''t see any


    emotions cross her face. Instead she was being sarcastic.


    I was mad at how she could order someone to leave the house. It didn''t matter that she was talking to


    Christina like that but the thing that the gold digger thought that she had right on everything , irritated


    me.


    Besides Ethan was loving her and calling her Mom. I very well knew that once she would get her hands


    on my wealth she wouldn''t look back at him once before leaving.


    I had to show her , her ce. I told her it was my house. But when I told her that Ethan was my son


    and she didn''t have a say in anything , she looked hurt. That was finally when she couldn''t hide her


    emotions and she looked away to hide her tears.


    But I didn''t feel satisfied on hurting her but why? I desperately said those things to hurt her then why


    didn''t I feel good?


    Did she really care for Ethan , did she really love him and was therefore hurt ? Was I judging her


    correctly ?


    I sent Leo with them because I didn''t want them out alone at this time but I didn''t say it. Instead I hurt


    her even more by saying how I didn''t trust her with my son.


    When I gave her my card , she took it without hesitation, thus, confirming my suspicions. She surely


    didn''t care for anything else except for money and hence took the card without even protesting.


    After they left , I sent Christina back saying I was tired . She tried seducing me but I wasn''t having any


    of it.


    I asked a maid to make me a cup of strong ck coffee. Going to the study , I sat down to work.


    At around 9 , Leo texted me saying that Sophia and Ethan were back. I checked my phone to see no


    message saying that my card was swiped. Did she pay herself ?


    I went out of my study , to see Sophia carrying a sleeping Ethan to his room. After a few minutes, she


    came out to walk into her room.


    Entering Ethan''s room, I saw him sleeping peacefully. He was smiling in his sleep. I kissed him on his


    forehead and walked out of his room .


    I went to sleep with a certain face in my mind..... Sophia.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Next day ....


    It was Saturday but I had to leave early to office for a couple of hours.


    It was around 11 when I wasing back. On passing through the hall , I heard some voices from


    Sophia''s room .


    I went there to see Charlotte and Ryan sitting and ying with Ethan. Ethan was sitting on Ryan''sp


    and was enjoying himself.


    On seeing me , Ethan waved at me.


    "Dad ! We are going for shopping ! " He squealed . He was excited to go for shopping ? Well he didn''t


    know what a painful task it is to go shopping with women. But wait.


    "Where is Sophia ?" I asked.


    Charlotte scoffed at me while Ryan looked away clenching his jaw. From their reactions I could guess


    that they were aware of the equation , we and Sophia share.


    " Mom is upstairs , getting ready." Ethan said ignorant of the heaviness in the surrounding.


    I nodded and went up to my room to see Sophiaing out. She was wearing a short ck dress with


    a blue denim jacket . She looked hot but I couldn''t let her leave the house in such a short dress that too


    with that Ryan!


    She looked at me for a brief second and then started walking away , when I held her by her hand and


    pulled her back.


    "Where are you going in that outfit.?" , I surely sounded angry.


    " Shopping, why do you care ?" , She said , in a bored tone.


    " With Ryan ." , I statedpletely ignoring her question because I actually didn''t know the answer.


    "And Char and Ethan." She said.


    " You''re not going out with him in this kind of outfit." I again ignored her


    words.


    She looked a bit frustrated .


    " Did I ask for your permission ? I will go wherever and with whoever I feel like. " She slightly raised my


    voice.


    Even before I could speak further, she yanked her hand away and walked out.


    This was the second time she walked out on me. I was damn frustrated at how she likes to disobey me


    every fucking time .


    Something I realised is that she is a strong-willed woman and didn''t want to let anyone show her


    emotions. She wasn''t going to bend to anyone''s will. I couldn''t help but respect her for that.


    The whole day was spent and yet again she didn''t use my card for shopping when she very well could.


    Was I wrong in judging her? Maybe she isn''t a gold digger like I had thought. I was forced to marry her


    and maybe she too had agreed to the marriage for her parents.


    I was pacing around in my room . It was around 7 . It had been so many hours since she had left with


    that guy and I was being really restless.


    Finally I heard some voices. I came out of the room to see Sophia was back. Ryan was putting down


    the bags on the sofa and then he hugged Sophia . He was saying something to her and kissed her


    forehead before leaving. If the hug didn''t anger me then the forehead kiss definitely did. How dare he?


    I rushed down the stairs to her room. I barged into her room and she was shocked.


    " What took you so long ? " , My tone however wasn''t demanding answers.


    " Nick , please . I don''t have the energy to do this now. " , She said.


    " Of course you don''t. How will you when you have spent all your energy on Ryan? Why didn''t you


    marry him when you love hispany, his hugs so much? " I spat.


    " Oh my God Nick , you''re such a hypocrite! Tell me why didn''t you marry Christina when you love


    sucking her face off so much , huh ? " She said in exasperation. Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I


    felt guilty. I had decided to not misjudge her and here I can''t control my jealousy.


    " Soph-"


    " No just shut up. If you''re having such a huge problem over a small hug then how would you like it, if at


    every instance you find me kissing another man . Tell me ." By this time she was breathing heavily.


    I clenched my jaw at that thought but it was my fault. I moved towards her and tried hugging her.


    " No , don''t. Stay away .You are the one who told me that this is your house I have no right here then


    why do you think you have right on my actions. I will go out with whoever I like , I will hug whoever I feel


    like and I will kiss who-" .


    I cut her off my cing my lips on her but this time I was gentle. Holding her by the waist and my other


    hand on the nape of her neck, I was softly kissing her , trying to soothe her , showing her that I was


    sorry. After some time, she started kissing me back. Her arms circled my neck and reached my hair . I


    started pushing her gently without breaking the kiss till her back met the wall. Her lips tasted even


    sweeter thanst time . I poured in all my emotions trying to be apologetic. When we finally broke the


    kiss , our foreheads were touching and we were breathing heavily.


    I think I could try and see her differently. I could be understanding towards her. I didn''t know if I could


    afford to ever love again but I would definitely not deliberately hurt her again.


    " I am sorry . I am extremely sorry." I whispered to her before leaving the room.

 Chapter - 15

    Chapter - 15


    Sophia''s POV


    The day was really fun for me. My best friends and shopping really took my mind off a lot of things.


    Ethan was also enjoying his time. He bonded really well with Char and especially Ryan.


    I never knew that Ryan was so good with kids. While me and Char were shopping they kept each other


    company like some long lost friends. He even made him promise that he will visit soon.


    We ended up watching movie as well. I was skeptical of Nick''s reaction about being sote as Ethan


    was with us. But then , Ethan gave me those puppy eyes which I couldn''t have resisted. So I gave in .


    When we finally reached , Char was too tired toe out of the car . So I carried Ethan to his room


    while Ryan brought in my shopping bags.


    He engulfed me in a warm embrace.


    " Soph , remember that whenever you think you can''t take anymore or you need anyone , we are


    always there." He said and kissed my forehead.


    He never fails to make me feel good. He had always filled the space of a brother in my life and Nick


    uses me of flirting with him!


    I walked into my room and was about to enter the washroom when someone barged in. I turned to look


    at a fuming Nick.


    " What took you so long ? " , He said in a tone that wasn''t really demanding answers and I wasn''t in for


    a fight.


    " Nick , please . I don''t have the energy to do this now. " , I said. I was really bored of all this. I didn''t


    want him to spoil my mood.


    " Of course you don''t. How will you when you have spent all your energy on Ryan? Why didn''t you


    marry him when you love hispany, his hugs so much? " He spat and I was so mad at him.


    " Oh my God Nick , you''re such a hypocrite! Tell me why didn''t you marry Christina when you love


    sucking her face off so much , huh ? " I said in exasperation. There was a change in his expression as


    if realisation had hit him hard.


    " Soph-"


    " No just shut up. If you''re having such a huge problem over a small hug then how would you like it, if at


    every instance you find me kissing another man . Tell me ." By this time I was breathing heavily. I was


    so frustrated with him and I couldn''t stop without letting everything out.


    He clenched his jaw and I knew he was again going to hurl some harsh insults at me but he started


    moving towards me in a calm manner . Before he could do something I again spoke.


    " No , don''t. Stay away .You are the one who told me that this is your house I have no right here ,then


    why do you think you have right on my actions. I will go out with whoever I like , I will hug whoever I feel


    like and I will kiss who-" .


    I was cut off when he ced his lips on mine but this time he was gentle with his actions. Holding me


    by the waist , he had his other hand on the nape of my neck and he softly kissed me . It was like he


    was trying to soothe me, showing me that he was sorry. After sometime, I started kissing him back. My


    arms circled his neck and reached his hair . I didn''t realise when I was walked backwards until my back


    met the wall. Last time, the kiss felt punishing and I was too upied to enjoy it but this time I felt


    something. It was like my sense hade to life. His lips tasted so good and the kiss felt passionate .


    It was as if he poured in all his emotions trying to be apologetic. When we finally broke the kiss , our


    foreheads were touching and we were breathing heavily.


    I was having a hard time calcting his actions.


    " I am sorry . I am extremely sorry." He whispered before leaving the room. His words , his expression


    seemed genuine.


    After he left I changed my clothes and crawled into the bed. The kiss was upying my thoughts. This


    time I had kissed him back. It was obviously my first official kiss with him!


    I tossed and turned in my bed until I drifted off to deep slumber.


    I opened my eyes to see Ethan intently staring at me. On seeing me , he widely smiled at me. I would


    kill to wake up to this kind sight every morning.


    " Good Morning sweetheart." I pulled him to me.


    " Good morning Mom" , he giggled.


    Wey down like that for some minutes in a peaceful silence when he spoke.


    " Mom , why don''t you and Dad sleep in the same room ? " , Ethan asked.


    I was at a loss of words.


    " Honey , me and your Dad need time to adjust to each other . So we had decided to sleep separately."


    , I made up


    " Does that mean you don''t love Dad? Is he mean to you?" , He asked.


    No , ofcourse not . Asking you to sleep on the floor . Does that count ?


    " No baby , your Dad is not mean to me. It''s our joint decision. It''s just that we want to first know each


    other well . When we do , we will sleep in the same room . " I said but was unsure of my own words.


    He nodded.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " Sweetheart, this sleeping thing stays between us three , ok ? I can make you understand this


    because you are a smart kid but others are not as smart as you. So it''s our tiny miny secret , okay ?" I


    said. I didn''t want Nick''s or my parents to know this and get worried.


    " Yes Mom." He said, proud of the fact that I called him smart. I mentally giggled at his antics.


    " Mom , grandma says that family outings are the best way to bond with each other .So why don''t we


    go out , just me , Dad and you ? He asked . He was thoughtful enough for a five year kid. But I wasn''t


    sure if Nick would want to go and I was not going to ask him only to get insulted.


    " Baby , I don''t think that''s a good idea . Dad maybe busy ." I tried convincing.


    " I think that''s a very nice idea. And no, I am not busy."I heard Nick say. I didn''t turn around because if I


    did I would have surely blushed at the memory of our kiss.


    " Really Dad ? " , Ethan asked.


    " Why not ? " , Nick replied.


    I was confused , really confused. When I thought that he couldn''t have been more strange , he


    apologized - Mr. Jerk apologized! And now he was fine with a ''family outing''! Something is really wrong


    with him or maybe he wants to spend time with Ethan...


    " But Dad , why were you listening to us ? We were talking and it''s bad habit to listen like that ." Ethan


    said and I had an amused expression on my face. This kid was really something.


    " Uhh sorry ?" Nick said or more like questioned. I was mentally grinning.


    "Yes , should be." Ethan said while nodding seriously. At this I couldn''t hold back myughter .


    " Oh my God ! Ethan are you really 5 or what ? " I asked him stillughing.


    Ethan grinned and then joined me inughing.


    " If you''re doneughing can we decide where to go?" Nick asked me embarassed .


    Mentally preparing myself , I turned around.


    " Are you sure it won''t be a bother..." I trailed off because I was lost in staring at him. He was wearing a


    grey t-shirt which was giving a faint outline of his perfect muscr body. His hands were in his pants''


    pockets and his hair wasn''t the usual perfect gelled one. It was messy which made him look even more


    sexy. I was gaping at him but I couldn''t help it.


    Nick cleared his throat . Coming out of my trance, I saw both Ethan and Nick smiling mischievously at


    me.


    My face became red out of embarrassment at the fact that they caught me gaping at Nick.


    " I-I''ll go and get ready" I blurted and ran into the bathroom.


    I heard Nick chuckling behind me while Ethan giggled.


    Though embarrassed , I was smiling like an idiot. I was confused at the sudden change in Nick''s


    behaviour but I was desperately hoping that his usual jerk self doesn''t decide toe back anytime


    soon.


    " Family outing !" I sighed.

 Chapter - 16

    Chapter - 16


    Nick''s POV


    I was going down for breakfast but stopped as I heard Ethan and Sophia talking.


    " Honey , me and your Dad need time to adjust to each other . So we had decided to sleep separately."


    , I heard Sophia say .


    " Does that mean you don''t love Dad? Is he mean to you?" , Ethan asked.


    Now what is she going to say ? That not just mean , his father had been an absolute jerk to her? I


    wonder what will Ethan think of me considering he has gotten so close to her.


    " No baby , your Dad is not mean to me. It''s our joint decision. It''s just that we want to first know each


    other well . When we do , we will sleep in the same room . " She said and I was really relieved. I surely


    did misjudge her. While I had insulted her at every instant, she had saved my image in front of my son.


    I was really feeling guilty of how bad I had treated her.


    Ethan nodded and they both sat up.


    " Sweetheart, this sleeping thing stays between us three , ok ? I can make you understand this


    because you are a smart kid but others are not as smart as you. So it''s our tiny miny secret , okay ?"


    She convinced him and I was thankful because it wasn''t the best of ideas to let our parents know about


    how we sleep or else they would surelye to stay with us .


    " Yes Mom." He said.


    " Mom , grandma says that family outings are the best way to bond with each other .So why don''t we


    go out , just me , Dad and you ?" He asked . For a 5 year kid he was smart to find a way for his parents


    to bond.


    " Baby , I don''t think that''s a good idea . Dad maybe busy ." She said. Did she not want to go out with


    me ? Well I didn''t give her a reason to look forward to spend time with me.


    " I think that''s a very nice idea. And no, I am not busy."I said. She heard me but didn''t turn around .


    Maybe she was ufortable after that kiss.


    " Really Dad ? " , Ethan asked.


    " Why not ? " , I replied. I wanted to think differently of Sophia and for that I needed to spend time with


    her. I needed the outing .


    " But Dad , why were you listening to us ? We were talking and it''s bad habit to listen like that ." Ethan


    said and I didn''t see thising. This kid !


    " Uhh sorry ?" I said like a question.


    "Yes , should be." Ethan said while nodding seriously. I was amused yet dumbfounded at this. Is he


    really 5? Sophia burst outughing.


    " Oh my God ! Ethan are you really 5 or what ? " Sophia asked mirroring my thoughts.


    Ethan grinned and then joined her inughing. I was feeling really embarassed


    " If you''re doneughing can we decide where to go?" I asked in an embarassed tone.


    Herughter seized and she slowly turned around .


    " Are you sure it won''t be a bother..." She trailed off as she was lost in staring at me or more specifically


    my body. I stood there without moving, looking at her. This was the first time she was gaping at me for


    such a long time. The kiss must have had something to do with it.


    I cleared my throat . Coming out of her trance, she looked at us. I was smiling mischievously at her and


    Ethan was doing the same.


    She was blushing so hard on being caught staring and I found it cute.


    Cute? Calm down man .


    " I-I''ll go and get ready" she blurted and ran into the bathroom.


    I chuckled at her antics while Ethan giggled.


    "Ethane lets go for breakfast." I took him to the dining.


    "Where should we go Dad ?" , Ethan asked as we were halfway through our breakfast.


    " Movies ?" I suggested.


    " No , we went for movie yesterday. Shopping done . Then ?" He said.


    " How does amusement park sound ?" I heard Sophia. She came and as usual sat down beside Ethan.


    She was wearing a white top and a denim shorts which was greatly disying her long legs. I was


    staring at her when Ethan spoke.


    " Uh I have never been to one but I have heard that it''s a very fun ce." Ethan said.


    " Never ? Why but your father must have been there right ?" She asked looking at me.


    I looked away and she understood my answer. I was never really interested in these things.


    " Oh my God really ? I can''t believe that you guys have never been to an amusement park. But it''s


    okay , betterte than never. We will go today and have a lot of fun." She pped her hands , all


    excited and she looked so childish.


    " Amusement parks have rides right ? Will we go on them? " Ethan asked.


    " Of course we will." Sophia chirped.


    " Can''t we go to restuarant for lunch ?" I suggested.


    Sophia looked at me like I have lost my mind.


    " Really that is what you call outing? Rich restaurants filled with rich snobbish people where you pay a


    lot but still have to maintain your decorum, sit straight , eat like the food doesn''t affect your taste buds


    and smile sophisticatedly while making small talks over expensive wine ? Sorry but that is not where


    you can bond. I have been there only to get tired without even doing anything fun."


    She looked at me after her rant and I just stared at her with an amused expression .


    "What ?" She said.


    I chuckled and shook my head.


    " Fine then , amusement park it is." I surrendered.


    " Yess " , Ethan pped while Sophia grinned.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After our breakfast Amy came and took Ethan to help him dress up.


    " Uhh I will go and get ready." I said standing up .


    " Nick" , Sophia called .


    I turned to look at her.


    " Thank you foring with us. I know you''re doing it for your son but still thank you ."


    I nodded at her . I felt like she still had something say.


    " Anything else ?" I asked


    " Umm yeah , can youe wearing casuals to the amusement park today ? " , She said. Ofcourse


    she had not seen me in anything other than suits while I am out.


    " Don''t worry, I wasn''t going to wear suits to the amusement park." I said.


    She nodded and left.


    ......


    It had been two hours since we were there and I was pretty exhausted . The Ferris wheel had my head


    spinning.


    It seemed as if Sophia had suddenly be a kid . She was dragging us from one ride to another and


    Ethan was enjoying it. Seems like he has got a new friend!


    " Nick , one more ride please , just one more ." Sophia pleaded.


    " No , you had said this before thest ride as well." I said.


    " Please ." Both of them stood side by side and pleaded. I almost melted.


    "No." , Both of them pouted and looked so cute but I was done for the day and couldn''t give in.


    " Ok , now I am hungry ." Sophia said putting her hands on her hips


    " Okay where do you wanna eat ?" I asked her and her face lit up again.


    " Come with me." , She took Ethan''s hand in hers and started walking. She stopped in front of a hot


    dog stand.


    " Three hot dogs please " , Sophia ordered.


    " Oh we are so not eating from here. " I announced.


    " And why is that ?" Sophia asked


    " We don''t know if it''s even hygienic." I reasoned to which she just rolled her eyes.


    " But I want to and I''m sure , Ethan wants to eat it too, right Ethan ?"


    Although he didn''t know what were we going to eat , he just nodded to her grinning .


    "See ,e on , it''s not that bad . Try it once." She handed me one .


    I reluctantly took one bite. It was not bad but I wasn''t going to say it.


    " I know you like it. It''s okay , you don''t have to say it and wound your ego." Sophia said biting on her


    hotdog . I just smiled to myself.


    Ethan and Sophia sat thereughing with each other and I kept looking at them . I felt strangely happy


    and peaceful. Whatever this feeling was , I wanted it to stay.

 Chapter - 17

    Chapter - 17


    Sophia''s POV


    It has been about two weeks since the trip to the amusement park and things between Nick and I has


    been fairly nice since then .


    He doesn''t insult me like he used to do . No , we aren''t the closest to each other , but we are trying to


    be friends. Somedays we have our dinner or breakfast together while somedays, he is either early to


    office ores backte.


    I don''t know what caused the change in him but atleast it is better than fighting at every instant.


    I hadn''t told Ryan or Char because I was confused whether it was permanent or the jerk version of


    himself would return. So I just kept quiet.


    I sometimes can''t help but wonder, would he ever leave Christina . I guess he loves her and was angry


    when he was forced to marry me. Maybe that made him so harsh towards me.


    No I am not justifying his earlier behavior. I can''t. Whatever maybe the reason , he shouldn''t be taking it


    out on someone else who is not responsible. I never brought up the sudden change in his behavior


    because I was afraid that he might go back to being that jerk which I definitely didn''t want.


    Now if he loves Christina , then I wonder what am I going to do. I was surely attracted to him , since


    day 1 , no matter how much rude he was but that isn''t love and I can surely push away the attraction.


    Maybe after a few years , we can make our parents understand that it didn''t work out and mutually


    separate. The thought surely pained me a bit but I can''t be selfish and let Nick be with the one he


    loves.


    I was currently climbing up the stairs to Nick''s floor. He had asked me to meet him in his cabin before


    the lunch but I was too busy with my work. I even worked through the break and now it was two hours


    past the time and I hope that he won''t be angry. As I was infront of his cabin I heard him speak .


    " No Christina , we are done. To begin with , we never really had something. Please leave and don''t


    come again." I heard Nick say. He was breaking up with Christina? And what did he mean by " we


    never really had something" ? Weren''t these two a thing.


    " You can''t say that . Are you saying this because of that little whore of your wife?" How dare that bitch


    call me a whore? Why don''t people learn the meanings before using words?


    " Shut up. Don''t you dare ! You''re speaking about my wife . And she isn''t the cause of anything. I am


    just not interested in this anymore." The fact that he defended me made me really happy .


    " You can''t just break up with me like that." , She yelled.


    " Breakup ? Where did thate from? Did I ever tell you that we could be anything serious ? Did I ask


    you to be my girlfriend? You thought yourself to be my girlfriend . I pretty much made clear what you


    were getting yourself into . So just stop making a scene and leave." He said. Okay , so they were just


    friends with benefits minus friends. It hurt , but I was happy that he wasn''t continuing it.


    I left and went to the washroom. After a long ten minutes I came back and knocked on his door.


    " Come in." , I entered to see him massaging his forehead.


    " Should I bring you some coffee ?" I offered. Hearing me , he opened his eyes.


    " Oh just sit . I will have someone bring it." He said.


    " Miss Adley , please bring in my usual coffee and" he looked at me for my preference .


    " Juice " , I mouthed him .


    " And one fresh juice ." He ended the call .


    He looked at me and I remembered why I came.


    " You called me?" I said .


    " Yeah but I guess before lunch . Pretty fast , aren''t you?" He said sarcastically


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    " Yeah yeah I am sorry. I forgot. I was busy with work and even skipped my lunch." I gave out a tired


    sigh.


    " You skipped lunch? " He asked


    " Yeah , not a big dea-" I was cut off.


    " Miss Adley , please bring in some sandwich as well." He ended the phone.


    " I said it''s not a big deal." I said


    " I heard you ." He said as if I cracked a boring joke.


    Some five minutester, a youngdy entered and set down the tray on the table.


    " Sir , your sandwich and coffee." She said in a sickeningly sweet tone. Then she just ced the ss


    of juice in front of me a bit roughly and red at me.


    " Miss Adley , I would like you to behave properly to my wife or you can see yourself out of the office."


    Nick said in a cold tone and the girl audibly gulped.


    " Sorry Sir."


    "Now leave." She quickly left closing the door behind her.


    " I guess the girl''s got a crush on you." I said sipping on my juice.


    He shrugged pushing the te of sandwich towards me.


    " Maybe , but that was unprofessional."


    " Oh trust me , I am used to these mean res. I get them all the time nowadays." I said and took a


    sandwich.


    " Is it because of me ?" , He asked with a smug look. I realised that I just boosted his ego.


    " Yeah , whatever. Now tell me why did you call?" I asked.


    " Ahh that , you areing home with me in my car from today . So wait up for me." He said.


    " That didn''t sound like a question."


    " Because it wasn''t? " He said and I rolled my eyes at his arrogancy.


    " But it''s okay . You don''t have to. I can perfectly manage." I said


    " It isn''t up for discussion." He said and looked back at hisptop screen.


    I huffed and settled atpleting myte lunch and then walked out .


    I came back to my ce .


    " What took you so long huh? Having fun in the office , are we ? " Tyler wiggled his eyebrows at me


    suggestively.


    " In the office itself , with your sexy CEO husband. I wonder how hot it is ." Jenny said dreamily.


    " Really guys ? " I gave them strange looks.


    " Ohe on , you don''t have to give out the details . Just tell me was he good ?" She asked .


    I blushed hard at that. I couldn''t imagine what he would be like. But my friends got it all wrong .


    " That good huh ?" Tyler teased.


    " Just shut up, will you? We just talked over some sandwiches." I said.


    " Sure , we believe you." Jenny said and walked away . I just shook my head and got back to work.


    After some time, my phone started ringing. It was Caleb.


    Caleb and I had be really close over thest week. Last Saturday he hade to deliver an


    important file to Nick when Nick had to go to his office urgently. He left it there and was going back


    when he was stopped by the smell of cookies.


    "Is that cookie I smell ? He had asked.


    "Yes , would you like to try some ?" I had offered.


    " I would love to." , He had said.


    And that was the start. We bonded over cookies and ended up sharing our likes, dislikes and secrets.


    Next day he came home and we went on a movie marathon. We forced Nick to watch one with us as


    well. He was also extremely close to Ethan . Caleb is a very free-spirited and fun person unlike his best


    friend who was reserved and uptight.


    I felt the same vibes that I get from Ryan . Ryan was obviously closer and very much important to me


    but I am sure Caleb and I would be thick friends someday.


    I picked up the phone.


    "Hey Caleb !"


    " Hey Soph , I was thinking of meeting today at your home . What do you say ?" He asked .


    " Yeah that would be nice . Ethan is staying with Nick''s parents today and I am free. I think I will call


    Char as well. What do you think??" I smirked as I waited for him to answer.


    Yes , he had confessed to me that he likes Char and I was super happy about it. I mean he is a nice


    guy and my best friend is very single right now . I too had some duties as a best friend.


    " Umm y-yeah , yes , o-okay ." He hurriedly said . I chuckled at his response.


    " Okay then meet you today , at 7 . " I said.


    I dialled Char''s number and she picked up on the third ring.


    " What''s up bitch ?" I heard Char.


    " Nothing much I just wanted you and Ryan toe for dinner at our ce. "


    " What about your husband? Will he be fine or kick our asses out? " Ryan asked . I guess the phone


    was on speaker.


    "I think he won''t mind and I most definitely won''t let him kick your pretty asses . Those are only mine to


    kick." I said and we allughed at that.


    " Okay , soe at 7 . Caleb will being as well."


    " Soph , is anyone elseing or that''s all ?" Ryan asked and I could hear his unasked question.


    " Why ? Do you want someone else toe? " , I innocently asked.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " No no , I was just asking, you know?" He said.


    " Okay , so don''t bete ." I said


    " Bye babe ." Char said.


    " Bye." I put down the phone .


    I was trying to help not one but both of my best friends. I was proud of the friend and sister-inw, I had


    be.


    I mentally patted myself and got back to work.

 Chapter - 18

    Chapter - 18


    Sophia''s POV


    As I settled in Nick''s car with him , I spoke.


    " Nick " I called.


    " Yeah ?" He said looking at his phone.


    "Uhh .." , I hesitated. I was worried that he might again insult me saying that it is his house and I was


    no one to invite someone over. His changed behaviour had given me the courage but now I am


    seriously worried considering his great liking towards Ryan.


    " Come on , say it." Keeping aside his phone , he looked up at me.


    " Actually , I uhh I had just invited my friends , Caleb and Erica over to your house for dinner . Caleb


    called and he wanted to meet so I uhh just thought... but please don''t shout , if you want I will change


    the n. I can just ask them to meet at a restau-"


    He cut me off by cing a hand over my mouth. I looked at him.


    " Slow down woman!" He said


    He looked into my eyes and spoke.


    " Firstly, I don''t mind if you call your friends over , secondly it''s our house and third.." he came closer


    before continuing , "you look cute when you''re nervous."


    I could feel my face heating up at this. He was looking so deeply into my eyes , like he could see


    through me.


    He shifted his hand from my mouth to cup my cheek. Without breaking the eye contact we both leaned


    forward. I closed my eyes and after what seemed like ages , our lips met.


    His lips moved softly against mine. The kiss was slow and passionate. His one hand held me by my


    waist and he pulled me even closer while his other hand moved towards the nape of my neck. With one


    hand I was massaging his scalp and put the other hand on his shoulder to keep support.


    He licked my lower lip , asking for entrance which I dly granted. He was dominating the kiss and


    explored every corner of my mouth. We only broke the kiss when we were out of breath. I kept both of


    my hands on his shoulders while he used his thumb to brush my cheeks. He kissed the corner of my


    mouth before leaning back.


    The rest of the ride was silent . I kept looking out of the window and we were soon at our home.


    Before I knew I was in my room.


    Quickly changing into a crop top and shorts, I came down to the kitchen.


    There wasn''t much time left , so I had just ordered the dinner but I wanted to make the dessert . So I


    settled on making the carrot cake.


    All the while I thought of his words. Did he mean it when he said that it is ''our'' house? Is he epting


    me as his wife? Will I be able to ept him as my husband after how he had treated me? The kiss kept


    reying in my mind. What was in it .. care ? Does he care for me ? I automatically started blushing at


    the thought of the kiss. Oh God ! One kiss and my mind remains upied for the next few days.


    I finished icing the cake , topped it with lots of nuts and set it aside when I heard the door bell .


    A maid opened the door while I went to the living to see Caleb and Erica together.


    " Hey , I was waiting for you guys." I hugged both of them.


    " I smell something tasty." Caleb closed his eyes sniffing.


    " Although he always behaves like a hungry puppy but I got to admit , the smell is too good to ignore."


    Erica said to which Caleb pouted.


    Iughed at this. " Oh , I just baked some carrot cake for desert. I couldn''t prepare the whole dinner so


    .." I trailed off.


    " So where''s that idiot friend of mine ?" Caleb asked putting his hand on my shoulder.


    " Here , and hands off her shoulder." Nick somewhat ordered descending down the stairs.


    " Why me and Sophia are friends right ? " Caleb teased Nick while I look at Nick confused. Is he


    seriously jealous of his best friend ? Weird man!


    Nick came and hugged Erica and then pulled away Caleb from me.


    After a few minutes , Char and Ryan came in. Char came and pulled me in a tight hug.


    " I missed you so much ." She said.


    " I missed you too." . I pulled away only to pulled into a hug by Ryan.


    I pulled away to see Nick ring at Ryan. God !


    We sat down and started talking about anything and everything. Caleb shared a lot of embarrassing


    moments of Nick as a child and I literally couldn''tpare the present Nick to that one. Weughed


    our asses off at his expense.


    After sometime I saw Ryan and Erica talking. Ryan said something to which Erica blushed. Hmm.. I


    see some progress there.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other hand, Caleb and Char just kept stealing nces at each other.


    If these guys hit it off , we could go on a tripple date maybe. But , would Nick want to go on a date with


    me ? Why am I even thinking of all these?


    "SOPH !" , Char yelled .


    " Why are you shouting ?" I asked.


    " Because we were talking to you and you were lost somewhere. Are you okay ?"Caleb asked with


    concern . Ryan and Char looked at me like they were trying to read my face while Nick looked a bit


    concerned.


    " Yes , I am fine . I will go and ask someone to help me set the table." I smiled and got up.


    Just as I entered the kitchen I heard the doorbell . Who hase now? We''ll see.


    Suddenly I heard footsteps behind me.


    " Soph , we need to talk." Ryan said with a serious face while Char stood with a serious face which was


    very unlikely of her.


    "About what ?" , I asked.


    " You said , you''re fine but you''re lost in your thoughts. Tell me , did something happen? Did Nick do


    something? Just tell me and I''ll make him pay for hurting my best friend." Char whisper-yelled.


    I smiled at her concern.


    " Come down , it''s no-" I cut myself off when I heard some loud voices .


    The voice seemed familiar.


    We went out to see that Christina standing in front of Nick. Caleb stood with a worried expression and


    Erica''s face mirrored that while Char and Ryan were absolutely clueless.


    " Baby , you don''t have to hide it any more. I know you love me and I love you too." Christina said


    looking at Nick and then at me. I couldn''t understand what was happening. I heard Nick end things with


    her , today only and here tears are rolling down her face while she kept saying all these. I was afraid of


    Nick''s answer. Did he really love her ? Was all that because of a fight between them ? Then the kiss ,


    we shared ?


    "Christina just leave right now and I told you, I don''t love you! " He shouted and turned to look at me. I


    saw a hint of nervousness in his eyes but he tried keeping his calm expression.


    " Nick , please . I know you are angry on me but I promise I won''t ever ignore your calls . I am sorry


    baby , now please forgive me. " Christina said . Char was ring at Nick while he looked


    dumbfounded.


    " Calls ? What calls ? What the hell Christina? Stop making up stories!" , He shouted desperately.


    " Baby , why are you so worried ? Because of her ? " She pointed her fingers towards me. " She can''t


    do anything. Please, I can''t do this anymore, I want to be with you and settle down with you. You said


    you love me, then what''s stopping you ? " Christina said.


    " Nick , what the hell is this ? If you''re so in love with this girl then why did you marry Sophia ? " Char


    shouted while Ryan clenched his jaws.


    Erica looked away in disappointment but Caleb was staring at me , worried .


    I looked at Nick in his eyes while he stared back pleading me with his eyes to believe him .


    I stepped beside Nick , facing Christina . She looked at me with so much hatred in her eyes.


    " Why don''t you leave him ? Can''t you see he loves me." , She snarled.


    " I don''t . I -" I cut off Nick by putting up a hand in front of him. Nick clenched his jaws , he looked


    defeated at that point . I turned to look at Christina.


    " Christina , I seriously appreciate you , putting up this show for us . We really enjoyed it but now


    please see yourself out because we got a dinner toplete." I said in a calm voice. Christina''s jaw


    dropped and Nick looked at me shocked.


    " What ? " , She said shocked.


    " You heard me." I said.


    " Do you think you can order me to leave Nick''s house I am his girlfriend." She emphasized on ''Nick''s''


    " And I am his wife ! " I retorted.


    " So what does that make you ? Let me think... his mistress ? So very respectful , no ? I would advice


    you too collect whatever self respect you have left with you and leave right now before I call the


    security." I threatened in a firm tone .


    I heard Nick sigh in relief maybe because I believed him.


    " How dare you? You gold digging bitch !" She hurled .


    " Funny ,because you think you can hurl abuses at me standing in my house . And as far for calling me


    a gold digger,st time I checked, my name wasn''t Christina."


    She stomped her foot angrily . How matured ! I heard Caleb chuckle.


    "You-" I cut her off.


    " Out ." I said calmly .


    " Excuse me!"


    " Yes please , just excuse yourself out. RIGHT NOW." I shouted.


    After staring for a few more seconds and ring at everyone, she left.


    When I saw Nick , he looked relieved and happy.


    " Sophia , you''re such a queen ! " Erica gushed.


    "Yes , you just killed it. You make me proud." , Caleb looked at me like a proud father . I pped his


    arm yfully.


    " But Soph I need to know what was that, everything can''t be a lie right ?" Char said ring at Nick.


    " Char please , not now . I don''t want to waste our dinner over that worthless woman." , I didn''t want


    Nick to be embarassed. Yes , he had fault in this but when he is trying toe out of it , I should


    support him , right ?


    Initially everyone was a bit reserved over the recent drama but Caleb did a wonderful job in keeping up


    the conversation.


    Caleb and Ryan couldn''t stop praising my carrot cake. I packed the rest of it for them before they left.


    When I entered my room , I saw Nick sitting there on the bed. On seeing me , he stood up and took a


    careful step towards me.


    " Can we talk ?" He asked.


    " We can."


    I sat on the bed indicating him to sit beside me to which heplied.


    He took a deep breath before speaking.


    " Sophia , thank you for believing me. You saw me multiple times with her . On top of that, her story


    seemed too real to not believe. I don''t know how you still believed me but you did it and I am grateful to


    you for that." , Nick said looking at me and his eyes showed how much he meant each and every word.


    I sighed.


    " Nick , today while I wasing to your cabin , I heard you speaking to Christina. Actually I am not


    sorry for eavesdropping because honestly if I hadn''t listened to your conversation I would have


    believed her. " I wanted to tell him the truth. He nodded to more like himself.


    " I know . I know, that I never gave you a reason to believe me but I''ll try to win your trust." He looked


    determined.


    He will try to win my trust ? Is he looking forward to give our rtionship a chance? I wasn''t sure of


    what he meant. Nevertheless, I smiled at him. He smiled back but looked sad .


    I moved forward and lightly hugged him. He was a bit stiff at first but then pulled me closer in a tight


    hug. After a few minutes we broke the hug. Kissing my forehead , he stared at me.


    Forehead kisses are always special for me. Dad and Ryan always kiss me on my forehead but this felt


    different , can''t say why.


    " I''ll leave then ." He finally said but didn''t get up . He kept looking at me but when I didn''t say anything


    he sighed and stood up.


    My mind was conflicted but I made my decision . I held his hand and he turned to look at me.


    " Stay. " I said in a soft voice.


    He looked into my eyes to confirm and when he was convinced, he walked towards the other side of


    the bed.


    I went to the bathroom to change into my pyjamas and climbed onto the bed. I pulled up the cover on


    my body.


    I was a bit nervous to sleep with him on the same bed but then , he softly shifted towards me, pulling


    me towards him as well. I breathed in his cologne and that seemed to calm me. Before drifting off to


    sleep I felt him whispering a soft good night to me.


    .

 Chapter - 19

    Chapter - 19


    Nick''s POV


    Today when I woke up , the first thing I saw was Sophia''s face. She looked so peaceful while sleeping.


    We were facing each other . The sun rays falling on her brown hair and face, made her look so


    beautiful. I wanted to see her grey eyes that never fail to mesmerize me.


    Looking at her, brought back memories from yesterday.


    When Christina started with her story , I was really tensed that everyone would believe her and I was


    right. I could see in Charlotte and Ryan''s expression that they were fuming. Even Erica looked away in


    disappointment while Caleb looked worried for me. But looking at Sophia , I couldn''t read her


    expression.


    I had never treated her well. Besides , she had seen me with Christina twice. She didn''t know that me


    and Christina were never a thing and I regreted not protesting the day when Christina dered herself


    as my girlfriend in front of Sophia.


    But when Sophia didn''t believe a single word of her''s , to say I was shocked , was an understatement.


    But then , she told me that she had heard me ending things with Christina and I was d she did.


    I know she couldn''t believe me easily and it was natural considering how much of a jerk I have been to


    her. But I promised to win her trust. I don''t know why it matters to me but it does. I want her to trust me


    because in any rtionship, trust is important.


    Rtionship ? Was I going to give our rtionship a chance ? But I had lost my trust in love. Can I ever


    love her like she deserves ?


    She is polite andpassionate to all our maids , she speaks nicely to the bodyguards and drivers,


    she cares for Ethan and loves him like he is her own. She even saved me from embarrassment in front


    of my sister and her friends yesterday. She is so pure yet so strong. She is a beautiful woman inside


    out.


    I was still staring at her when she finally fluttered open her eyes and looked at me. I removed some


    strands of hair from her face without breaking the eye contact which caused her to blush. Cute.


    " Sophia ."


    "Hmm"


    " I don''t know how to say it , shit!" I took a deep breath before sitting up and continuing.


    " This marriage was fixed by our parents . I was literally forced in this marriage and I was not at all


    ready. I had lost my belief in love and more specifically women. When I heard that you have agreed to


    marry me without even properly knowing me , I thought you are one of those gold diggers who just


    want rich men as their husbands. But then I realised that you''re far from my imagination and you''re not


    concerned about money. I know I shouldn''t have judged you without knowing why you had married me.


    " I looked down after this. I wanted her to say something.


    She sat up and looked in front.


    " It''s true that I don''t care about marrying a billionaire. I had agreed to the marriage for my parents.


    They had never imposed their decisions on me. Even my consent in marriage was my sole decision but


    they wanted me to settle down and be happy in life. I couldn''t dishearten them when they were only


    imagining a happy married life for me." She said smiling at the thought of her parents.


    " And I fucked it up pretty bad for you. You were ready to give this a chance whereas I had been pretty


    much an asshole to you since day 1. I-I am sorry. " I turned my gaze towards her and she just nodded.


    " I don''t know if I have the right to say this . Uhh if you can forgive me and you''re ready to give me a


    second chance , will youe on a date with me? " I was really nervous. It had been more than 6


    years that I had asked someone on a date. I forgot the nervousness thates with it.


    She shed a pretty smile at me.


    " Yes , I will go on date with you." I released a breath that I didn''t know I was holding.


    " Thank you. So tomorrow be ready by 7 ." I said and she nodded.


    " Nick , why did you say that you don''t believe in love?" I knew I had to open up to her if I decide to be


    with her but not now . I didn''t want to speak of these at this moment.


    " I will tell you but not now ." , I said in a pleading tone yet a bit of finality was in it. Can''t be helped as I


    am not too polite a person.


    " Okay , now let''s get dressed else we are going to bete." She said and moved into the bathroom. I


    smiled to myself and went out to get ready.


    Sophia''s POV


    I was getting ready for the date with Nick. We were going for dinner , so I put on a champagne gold


    satin dress . I essorized it with a sleek golden ne , a pair of dazzling earrings and transparent


    heels. I looked at myself in the mirror and I looked nice.


    Yesterday when , I woke up beside Nick , I saw him intently staring at me. I blushed under his gaze.


    What I didn''t expect was his apology and when he asked me out on a date I was surprised.


    He looked guilty and from his confession I could understand that there was some strong reason behind


    his general distaste for women.


    I like him , so I couldn''t discard the thought of giving this another chance. Everyone deserves a second


    chance right ?


    My chain of thoughts was broken by Ethan as he rushed into the room.


    " You look soo beautiful Mom !" , Ethan gushed.


    " Aww , thank you sweetheart." I pulled his cheek to which he pouted. He didn''t like to be treated as a


    child but I can''t resist doing it.


    " Are you going on a date with Dad ?" , Ethan asked.


    " Yes , honey but we''ll be back soon." I assured him.


    " No no , don''te back soon , spend time with Dad ." He said with wide eyes. I chuckled at his


    expression.


    " I will."


    " Are you ready ? " , Nick came into the room while wearing his watch. He was wearing a ck shirt ,


    the first two buttons undone, paired with grey chequered pants. He looked so hot , I guess I will get a


    lot of mean res from women .


    When he looked up he stopped in his tracks. I saw him taking in every detail of my appearance. I felt


    blush creep up my cheeks.


    " Dad , close your mouth or flies will enter ." Ethan giggled and I chuckled at his words.


    Nick quickly closed his mouth and yfully red at Ethan.


    " Bye Mom, bye Dad ." Ethan waved and left the room.


    " Bye baby ." I said.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " I''m not a baby." Ethan yelled and weughed at this.


    " Shall we ? Nick said, offering his hand and I ced my hand in his.


    " We shall ." I smiled.

 Chapter - 20

    Chapter - 20


    Sophia''s POV


    Nick parked the Porsche in front of a very posh restaurant. I guessed that he would set up our date at


    such a extravagant restaurant . I tried dressing up ordingly, in order to not look out of ce.


    Coming out of the car , he came to my side and opened the door for me. I took his hand and walked


    out. He ced a hand on the small of my back which caused me to shiver a bit but I didn''t pull away . I


    felt safe being close to him . The familiar cologne filled my nostrils.


    On entering the restaurant , the manager hurried to us . By the look on his face , he was tensed.


    He greeted and led us to a table that was beautifully decorated with flowers and scented candles.


    Nick pulled out a chair for me and settled down opposite me. A waitress arrived to take our order.


    Yeah , a typical one ! Extremely short skirt and her top giving away too much view of her cleavage.


    She stood in front of Nick , pushing her breasts forward .


    " Sir , your order ?" She batted her eyshes at Nick , giving a seductive look.


    " What would you like ? " Nick asked me.


    " Red wine will be fine." I said to which he nodded.


    " Get us your best red wine.Rest , we will order in a while." Nick ordered but I doubt that the girl heard


    anything because she was busy eyeing Nick like he was some piece of meat . I was getting so mad at


    her behaviour.


    " Anything else I can do for you ?" She asked in a sickening tone and that was it.


    " Oh , trust me , you can do a lot of things ." I said in a sickeningly sweet tone, putting my elbows at the


    table Both Nick and the flirt looked at me.


    " Firstly you can learn acknowledging each and every customer on your table whether you like the


    person or not. Secondly, brush up on your professionalism and concentrate on your job instead of


    flirting and batting eyshes at a man who is on a date with his wife." I said , my voice moderate.


    Some of the other waiters were looking at us.


    She visibly paled and her eyes widened.


    " S-sorry ma-ma''am." She shuttered and scurried away.


    I rolled my eyes and looked at Nick. He was looking at me amused.


    " You''re jealous ." He said it like a statement.


    " No , I am not. Just that she should learn how to behave." I inly lied.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Then what about letting her know that you''re my wife ?" He raised his eyebrow . "Just ept it that


    you''re jealous."


    " Fine , I was jealous ! " I looked away.


    " But I liked it. " I turned to look at him smirking.


    I rolled my eyes at him. Just then another waiter came with the wine. He served us and we ced our


    order.


    I ordered Chicken Alfredo while he had Chicken Lasagna .


    Through the dinner we had small conversations. We were already past the stage of favourite colours


    and favourite food. So we shared some fond memories . I realised that Caleb was one of the most


    important people in his life though they fight like school kids.


    I told him about how Char and Ryan became so close to me and he was visibly relieved at the fact that


    I considered Ryan as my brother but still he didn''t seem to be fond of him.


    He suddenly spoke.


    " See , I am not a man of sweet words. So I wille straight to the point." Nick spoke with so much of


    seriousness that I was scared. Was he going to break my heart and ask for a divorce? So all this


    romantic decoration is for giving out the news?


    " I like you." What !? "I have tried fighting the attraction , running away from it but I can''t do it anymore .


    So , yes , I like you Sophia , a lot." He said and looked at me, expecting some reaction and he had it.


    I looked at him like he was some stupid. Is this how he says it!?


    " Aren''t you going to say something? I understand if you don''t reciprocate my feelings but I wanted you


    to-"


    " Oh God Nick ! I like you too but if this is how you confess your feelings , I might have to reconsider


    my feelings. " I shook my head.


    " So you like me too ?" It was the first time I saw him grinning.


    " Really? That''s the only thing you picked up ? You had me worried that you are going to divorce me." I


    said and his expression changed at that.


    " Why would you think that ? " He said in a low voice.


    " Because you started like that."


    "See , I am not a man of sweet words. So I wille straight to the point." I mimicked him and


    maintained the same poker expression for a few seconds after which weughed out loud.


    " Well , yeah that was .." he scratched his neck , clearly embarassed .


    " So romantic ! " I put my hands together for a dramatic effect. He smiled sheepishly at that.


    The rest of the evening was spent like that. Honestly, I loved the date. Maybe , it was a conventional


    dinner date at an expensive restaurant which I wasn''t really fond of but still I enjoyed it because of


    Nick. He put in his efforts and that''s what made it special.


    When we we reached home , it was around 10. By this time , Ethan was asleep . Nick walked me to my


    room . I took the initiative and kissed him on his lips . Holding me firmly , he deepened the kiss. After


    we broke the kiss , he pecked my forehead . We were done for the night but he didn''t move . I didn''t


    want him to leave yet , I enjoyed hispany. We just stayed rooted to our ces , looking at each


    other.


    After a long time he spoke.


    " Sleep with me, please." I was surprised at this. I wasn''t yet ready for this.


    He must have seen my eyes widening at his words and he realised what it meant.


    " I mean , I don''t mean .. I am just speaking of sleeping , in my room , beside each other, on the same


    bed. I won''t do anything ."I blushed at his words while he seemed nervous. Nowadays I see this


    emotion on his face a lot.


    " Ok , let''s sleep together. I will just change ande to your room ." He nodded and left.


    My first date kept reying in my head. When Nick said that he likes me , I didn''t blush or anything


    because of his weird way but now remembering it, I was blushing so hard. I had a smile on my face


    while I changed my clothes.


    As I was outside his room , I was nervous. This was the first time I was going to sleep in his room with


    him on his bed. Was this going to be thest time as well? I certainly didn''t want that.


    Knocking on the door , I entered. He was sitting on the bed in his t-shirt and sweats. He smiled at me


    which I returned. I carefully climbed up the bed and sat beside him. Looking around the room I saw


    many details which I hadn''t noticed before. I didn''t get the time to. The day after , I left this room , I


    avoideding in except for when I needed some clothes from the wardrobe.


    " I know , your previous experience in this room has been pathetic but I promise to make up for it.... Will


    you move in ?" He asked.


    " Uhh , I don''t know." I said fiddling with my fingers. He looked hurt but still nodded in understanding.


    I wasn''t sure but then I thought even if he hadn''t been a jerk to me since day 1 , we would still have


    been somewhat strangers yet we would have been sleeping in the same room. Now that we had


    confessed our liking for each other , it can''t be that bad , right ? Making up my mind , I spoke.


    " I think I will move in here." He looked up at me with confused expression.


    " No it''s okay , you don''t have to do anything against your wish , take your time." He said in a soft


    voice.


    " No , it''s not against my wish. It''s just that I was a bit confused but now I am sure." I smiled at him and


    he returned a warm smile.


    He switched off the lights and slipped in beside me under the cover. He lightly pulled me towards him


    from the back. Although we have slept like this before but still my cheeks reddened at our position.


    " Goodnight Sophia."


    "Goodnight Nick."

 Chapter - 21

    Chapter - 21


    Sophia''s POV


    Bright sunrays falling on my face caused me to wake up. While I tried to stretch my body , I felt a heavy


    arm on my waist, Nick. I remembered how we sleptst which made me smile.


    I was unable to move because of the weight on my waist and my legs being tangled with his. I wiggled


    and finally was able to turn towards him.


    Even in his sleep he managed to look gorgeous. His mouth was a bit parted and his hair messy. He


    looked cute , unlike his usual intimidating look.


    I couldn''t control the urge to run my hands through his hair. All of a sudden I was pulled even closer to


    him by my waist. He was now looking at me and his lips were slightly raised at the corners.


    " Good morning , Sophia." , His morning voice was so hot , God!


    " Good morning ." I smiled and turned my head to look at the clock. It was already 8 and my eyes


    widened.


    " Nick we are going to bete . Get up ! " He still didn''t leave me.


    " Oh God,Nick ! I know you don''t have to be on time but I do ." Instead of moving he had an amused


    smile on his face.


    " Nick ? Are you even - " He cut me off.


    " It''s Sunday ." He spoke and then I remembered.


    I was too embarassed to speak.


    "Yeah .. right." , I said looking down at his chest.


    " So , now can I hold you ?" He asked . His words sent such a warm feeling to my heart. I quietly


    nodded.


    Some more minutes were spent in thefortable silence before someone knocked on the door.


    "Come in ." Nick said.


    The door opened and Ethan poked his head in searching for something. When his eyesnded on me,


    he grinned and let himself properly in.


    " I was looking for you ." He said to me.


    " Aww ,e here " , I called him.


    Moving away from Nick ,I made space for Ethan between us where he came and sat down.


    " Yesterday I went to sleep before you came home , so I went to see you in your room but you were not


    there. So I came here. " Ethan''s words made me feel so good. I loved it that every morning he likes to


    see me first.


    " So now the first thing you do these days is look for your Mom ? I don''t see youing to me every


    morning ." Nick faked hurt to which Ethan grinned. Then all of a sudden he remembered something.


    " Will you and Mom be sleeping together from now on ?" Ethan asked Nick.


    " Yes , sweetheart." Nick replied.


    " That means you two love each other now ?" Ethan asked, this time looking at me. I couldn''t say yes


    to him. I didn''t wanna lie as well.


    " Ethan , it''s Sunday , so what do you think we should do today ?" Nick diverted the topic and it worked.


    I smiled thankfully at him.


    " I don''t know. Mom can decide." Ethan looked at me with hopeful eyes.


    " Mumma''s boy ." Nick muttered and Ethan looked offended by it as he pouted. It''s quite usual that


    boys don''t like thispliment.


    " Oh , you are in and simple jealous because Ethan just thought of asking for suggestion from the


    smarter parent." I yfully raised my brows .


    " Yes Dad is jealous ." Ethan chirped and we high-fived giggling, to which Nick yfully rolled his eyes.


    " We could spend the day baking some cookies and having a movie marathon . Just us three at our


    home ." I suggested.


    Ethan looked pleased with my idea.


    " Yes , we will stay at home and have a lot of fun." He raised his hands to show how much fun we were


    going to have.


    " A lot of fun you say ?" I smiled mischievously at Nick and he understood what I was thinking as he


    returned the smile.


    Ethan looked confused just before we started tickling him . He fell back on the bedughing .


    " St-stop .. don''t." He said between hisughs but we continued our torture. The only sound in the


    room, was of ourughter. After he struggled a lot , we finally stopped.


    He was catching his breath and I bent down to kiss him on his nose. I looked at Nick to see him stare at


    us with adoration in his eyes. Even I felt contended with such a beautiful morning.


    Nick''s POV


    I had Sophia''s things moved into my room by our maids. I was d that she agreed to move in


    although I treated her so poorly but I promise to make up for everything.


    Currently she was baking cookies while Ethan tried helping her .


    She was encouraging his efforts by making it seem how great of a help he was to her.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    She really knew how to treat a child . Seeing this , brought back memories from today morning. I don''t


    remember thest time I was so rxed. I had no worries , no pressure , no bitterness . The sound of


    ourughter was filling the room . I was spending time with my family, my family! I felt soplete.


    I strolled into the kitchen.


    " Chocte cookies . " I stated, inhaling the delicious smell .


    " And blueberry muffins." Sophia said with a smile while she kept folding the ingredients for the muffins.


    I took one cookie from the tray and tasted it. I almost moaned at the taste.


    " This is so good. You''re really good at it." Iplimented.


    "Thanks ." She smiled, satisfied.


    ....


    We were currently sitting on the sofa and watching the second movie. Ethan was leaning on Sophia


    while I had my arms around her. I liked being so close to her , her rose fragrance hitting my nostrils.


    The blueberry muffins were keeping uspany and I must add they were equally delicious. I wonder


    if she even cooks this well.


    After we hadpleted another movie , they were searching for the third one . I wasn''t really enjoying


    the movie , but I wanted to be there and spend time with them.


    I heard the doorbell ring.


    " I guess it''s the delivery guy. I will get it." I said getting up and Sophia nodded. She had insisted on


    cooking but she had already done baking and I didn''t want to tire herself out in the kitchen. I could cook


    but sitting here definitely seemed a better option. So I had ordered pizza for us.


    As I approached the living room , Sophia''s head instantly snapped towards me. She widely grinned on


    seeing the box in my hand. I took it to the kitchen and after a few minutes the maids brought in the


    pizza, served in tes.


    She and Ethan instantly dug in like they didn''t have the muffins a while ago. But not more than a few


    bites and Sophia was full.


    ........


    I was watching them as Sophia and Ethan kept putting the spoon filled with ice-cream in their mouth


    keeping their eyes on the screen.


    I wonder how she could love calories so much yet manage to maintain her frame. It was already 10 and


    past Ethan''s bed time.


    I went up and switched off the tv.


    " Why would you do that ?" Sophia asked with creased eyebrows.


    " We have watched enough. It''ste and we should sleep." I said sternly.


    " Let usplete that one atleast." Sophia said.


    "Please Dad ." Ethan joined her.


    " No ." I announced.


    " Please ." They whined together with a sad pout on both of their faces. I found it cute but I couldn''t say


    that. I couldn''t believe that Sophia was behaving just like Ethan. Guess I got to deal with two whiny


    children.


    "No." I crossed my arms against my chest.


    Both of them huffed at the same time and got up.


    "Goodnight Mom ." He kissed Sophia''s cheek and she returned the gesture.


    " Goodnight Dad ."I wished back. He waved and waddled back to his room.


    We walked up to our room. It didn''t take her long to fall asleep as we cuddled under the cover. I smiled


    at the feeling of having her so close .


    I was starting to really love the idea of a family.

 Chapter - 22

    Chapter - 22


    Sophia''s POV


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " - and she was wasted ." Tyler said describing Skyler''s first drinking experience.


    " Oh , I can go hours without getting wasted." Jenny proudly said at which Max pped the back of her


    head yfully. I loved spending time with these four people. They don''t treat me like I''m their boss''s


    wife unlike the others who unnecessarily sweet talk to me. They treat me like friends and that''s what I


    wanted. We pull each other''s legs , make fun of each other.


    " Even I don''t have high alcohol tolerence . My first time wasn''t-" I was cut off when my phone started


    ringing. I mouthed them a sorry before picking up the call.


    " Hello."


    " Am I speaking to Mrs. Carter ?" A female voice asked. Mrs. Carter? Still seems a little weird.


    " Yes , who''s this ?"


    " I am Sarah Adley ,the Principal of Ethan''s school. I had tried reaching Mr. Carter but failed. I would


    request any one of you toe to the school now." She said.


    " Ms. Adley , is Ethan injured or anything? Is he fine?" I was tensed at the thought of some ident.


    " Don''t worry Mrs. Carter, Ethan is absolutely fine but he was involved in a fight with another child and


    we are calling parents of them both." I sighed in relief.


    " Okay , I''ming as soon as possible."


    I ended the call and started packing my things.


    " Guys , I got to go to Ethan''s school . I will see you guys tomorrow." I waved and started walking


    towards the elevator.


    I knew Nick had a meeting with the foreign clients. So , instead of disturbing him , I just left a message


    exining the situation.


    Hailing a cab , I reached Ethan''s school in about 20 minutes.


    I walked towards the principal''s office. Outside the office Ethan was sitting on a bench ring at


    another boy who was ring back.


    " Ethan ." I called. He looked my way and ran to me.


    " Mom , is Dad also here ?" Ethan asked looking behind me.


    " No but will you tell me what have you done ?" I asked. Before he could speak , ady came towards


    us.


    " Ms. Adley is on a round of the school. Pleasee in and have a seat while you wait for her." She


    said. I looked behind to see the other boy with a man , his father most probably.


    We follow her and settled down in the office. We were sitting in silence when suddenly Ethan spoke.


    " Look away , don''t stare at my Mom." Ethan said to the man with furrowed eyebrows. My eyes


    widened at his words. I had realised the man''s assional gaze on me but that wasn''t harmful.


    " Ethan." I called his name in a warning voice.


    " What ? Mom, he was staring at you ." Ethan pouted.


    I looked at the man to see him at a loss of words. Even I was embarassed.


    " Ethan, this is not the way, you speak to elders." I sternly said him to which he huffed and looked away.


    " I am sorry for his behaviour ." I looked apologetically at the man.


    " No , it''s fine. I am Arthur. " He put his hands forward for a shake .


    " Sophia , nice to meet you." I shook his hand .


    The principal arrived and took a seat opposite us .


    " I am sorry for calling you like this but I think the parents need to know , what their children do in


    school." Ms. Adley said to me and Arthur.


    " It''spletely fine Ms. Adley ." I replied.


    " Would like to tell your parents what happened?" Ms. Adley said to the boys.


    " Noah started it." Ethan eximed.


    " No , he pushed me first." Noah pointed at Ethan.


    " But he torn the page of my notebook." Ethan said.


    These two kept on bickering.


    " Ethan! " They both shut up and looked at me.


    " Even if he had torn the page from your notebook , you should have informed the teacher. But you


    should not have pushed him. " I wasn''t going to say anything to the other child when his parent was


    present there.


    " Noah , why did you tear his notebook ? Say sorry to him." , Arthur sternly ordered.


    " I am sorry." He said to Ethan. I signalled Ethan to apologise.


    " I am sorry for pushing you." He said .


    " Good, now if you two promise to not do it again , you can leave with your parents." Ms. Adley said.


    " We won''t do it again." They both said in unison and she nodded.


    "Thank you Ms. Adley." I said before leaving the office.


    " Sophia ." Arthur called my name as we were walking down the hall. I turned to look at him.


    " Uhh , if you don''t mind , can I get your number ? I would like to know you more." He scratched his


    neck. He was a tall and fairly handsome man but my man was more handsome. Before I could say


    something , Ethan spoke.


    " But my father won''t like it." He was ring at Arthur. This kid! He is so small but was marking territory


    for his Dad.


    " Oh I''m sorry, uhh I didn''t know you were married. " Arthur said in a apologetic tone.


    " No, it''s okay. I understand. And I''m again sorry for his behaviour." I said.


    .......


    Nick''s POV


    I was sitting in the living room, scrolling through my phone while I waited for Sophia and Ethan.


    I was in the middle of the meeting when I received Sophia''s message. It said that she was going to


    Ethan''s school at the principal''s call and not to worry as he was fine. She even wrote that I should


    continue with my meeting and she will meet me at home.


    " But-" I heard Ethan.


    " No buts." Sophia and Ethan came into the living room.


    " What''s the argument about ?" I asked as I got up.


    " Ask him. Do you know, how rudely he behaved with Arthur." Sophia eximed and my eyes narrowed


    at the name. Another guy ?


    " Who is Arthur?" I asked.


    " Noah''s father. Noah is the child with whom he fought." Sophia exined but that doesn''t rify why


    would Ethan behave rudely with him.


    " What did you do Ethan?" I asked but he kept looking at the ground.


    " When we were in the principal''s office, he all of a sudden snapped Arthur, saying no to look at his


    Mom." Sophiained.


    "Ethan ." I called .


    " Dad he was staring at Mom , so I told him to look away." He said with a pout. Was I angry? No. I think


    he did the right thing. When I proudly smiled at him , he continued.


    " He was even asking for Mom''s number and said that he wanted to know her ." I was pissed at the


    thought of Sophia on a date with another man. Know you more my ass!


    "And what did you say ?" I asked.


    He shrugged and said. " That my father won''t like it." To say I was happy at his words was an


    understatement. He would protect his mom from this stupid men when I am not around.


    "That''s my boy!" I proudly smiled at him and he grinned.


    " Nick , seriously?"Sophia was looking at me dumbfounded .


    "What ?"


    " You should tell him not to speak like that instead of being proud of what he did." She was ring at


    me .


    " Well someone needs to make those stupid men understand that you are off-limits when I am not there


    and he just did it . " I shrugged at her.


    She released a heavy sigh in disappointment and rolled her eyes at us. Putting Ethan down I ushered


    him to his room. I walked towards Sophia and keeping my arms around her waist , I pulled her towards


    me.


    "Nick , you should have -" I cut her off by putting a finger on her lips.


    " It''s okay. He was just being protective of you. I like it. " I said caressing her cheeks.


    " But-" I again cut her off but this time by kissing her on her lips. She sighed and gave in to the kiss.


    After we broke the kiss, I pulled her in an embrace while she kept her head on my chest.


    "Like father, like son." , she muttered under her breath and I chuckled at that.

 Chapter - 23

    Chapter - 23


    Sophia''s POV


    In the past few weeks , Nick and my rtionship has been on a steady track. I am not nervous


    anymore to sleep with Nick in the same room.


    Everything has been pretty on track. I sometimes prepare breakfast for us because Ethan has taken a


    liking to my cooking. Me and Nick go ande back from the office together. Although it''s Amy''s job , I


    still sometimes help Ethan in his studies to make sure he is doing well. We have our dinner together


    and go to bed cuddling with each other. Me and Nick have kissed a lot of times but have never gone


    beyond that. Maybe we need a bit more time and he has never made me ufortable with his


    advances. In simple words , everything is perfect right now but that scares me sometimes. I hope


    everything stays this way.


    I was sitting in front of the television, watching a random ro when I heard the doorbell ring. After a


    minute , Caleb came in.


    " Hey Soph !" , He sat down beside me and put a hand around my shoulder.


    " I missed you." I side-hugged him.


    " I need your advice on something." So straight to the point! I rolled my eyes at him.


    " Just when I thought that you were paying me a friendly visit."


    " Ofcourse I came to visit a friend. I came because I need an advice from my friend." He made a puppy


    face.


    " Okay but before that do you want some coffee?" , I offered getting up.


    " Yes , please."


    I went to the kitchen. Making coffee, I sent a mug for Nick by the maid. He was working in his study .


    Setting two mugs on the tray and some salted caramel muffins, I went to the living room.


    As I set the tray on the table , he kept aside his phone and closing his eyes , taking in the smell.


    " The smell itself is so mouthwatering. Nick is such a lucky bastard . He gets to eat all these everyday."


    He made a pout.


    " Aww , you''re wee to crash here anytime and get these." I pulled his cheek and he pped away


    my hand.


    " Now tell me what do you want to talk about?" I faced him , sipping on my coffee.


    " Uhh I don''t know how to.." He nervously scratched his neck and I waited for him to continue.


    " Okay. I want to ask Charlotte out ." He blurted.


    " And ?" I urged him to continue.


    " I don''t know how to do it. " He said.


    " Why ? You never asked someone out ?" I was genuinely confused .


    " Ofcourse I did but she .. I don''t know.. I get nervous whenever I am around her. I never got this


    conscious around any girl but with her it''s different. It''s as if I will say something silly and she will want


    nothing to do with me." To think that he was the CEO of such a bigpany and he was stressed over


    asking a girl out, really amused me. But it''s true that Char has got the aura around her which makes


    people nervous.


    " It''s no rocket science. Just be yourself around her . She really hates fake people. Don''t overstress.


    Initiate simple conversations and don''t use cheesy lines to ask her out. Be cool about it." I suggested.


    " You think this will do?" He seemed half-convinced .


    " Of course I know, she is my best friend and one thing more , don''t bring up Nick in your conversations


    too much. She isn''t really fond of him ." I added a slight warning. It''s true. I never got the chance to tell


    her about Nick''s changed behaviour. After that Christina incident at our house, she and Ryan avoided


    talking about Nick. Once , I tried telling them about his warm behaviour towards me. Char still didn''t


    believe him while Ryan just kept quiet.


    " Okay, but why ? " Caleb raised an eyebrow at me.


    " I had previously told them on how Nick treated me. I hadter tried exining that he has changed


    but they are not really sure of him." I said leaning back on the sofa.


    Caleb nodded in understanding. For the next 30 minutes we talked about different things .


    " What business have you got with my wife?" I heard Nick. We turned around. He didn''t have any


    weing smile seeing Caleb. Anyone else would have thought he didn''t appreciate his presence but I


    knew better.


    " Oh just spending time with my close friend." , Caleb emphasized on the word ''close'' .


    " When did you be so ''close'' to her?" I didn''t miss the jealousy in his tone.


    " You know girls like being close to me. You can me my personality for that and your wife isn''t an


    exception." He shrugged smirking to which Nick scoffed.


    " Can you two not act like I am not here ?" I said and walked to the kitchen.


    " So you are staying for lunch, right ?" I asked Caleb.


    " No." Nick was quick to answer.


    "I didn''t ask you."


    "As much as I would love to stay, I got to handle something very important. " Caleb sounded sorry.


    " It''s okay . Next time it is then." I smiled.


    " Sure. Bye Soph." He waved at me and then hugged Nick before leaving.


    " He had even given you a nickname. Wow." Nick said as we sat on the dining table. I yfully sniffed .


    " Do I smell some jealousy there ?"


    " I am not at all jealous of that idiot." He concentrated on his food.


    " Sure you aren''t. But that reminds me , why haven''t you got a nickname for me ? " I asked.


    " You want me to give you one ?" He smirked.


    " For once can stop being so cocky ? " I asked and he chuckled.


    "Sophia is a beautiful name and I don''t think Soph or Sophie does justice to it. I like Sophia better." He


    said with a faint smile and I smiled back.


    We peacefullypleted our lunch .


    At it''s close , Nick spoke .


    " Sophia , I have got to attend the engagement party of a business associate tomorrow and I want you


    toe with me." Nick informed.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " You didn''t ask me ." I said to which Nick rolled his eyes.


    " Will you be my date to tomorrow''s party?" He asked sarcastically.


    " Yes , I will ." I dramatically tried being graceful and we ended upughing.


    " Will Caleb be also there? " I asked as I recovered fromughing and he nodded.


    That''s where he wanted to bring Char. I hope she agrees or I will be bored to death with the snobby


    judgental people around.


    " Why did you ask?" Nick was looking at me.


    " Just like that." I casually said . I wasn''t sure if Caleb wanted Nick to know about his interest in Char .


    So I kept the job for him.


    " Okay then. Your dress will be there by today evening. " Nick said getting up .


    "Okay." I said and he walked up to his study to proceed with his work.


    "Mom ,e with me . I want to show you something." Ethan came running and held my hand


    enthusiastically. I ruffled his hair.


    " Sure, let''s go." I smiled at him as he dragged me to his room.

 Chapter - 24

    Chapter - 24


    Nick''s POV


    I was getting ready for the party . I had asked Sophia toe with me. Previously, I had missed a party


    because at that time I didn''t want to go anywhere with her but a lot of things have changed in this


    period. I am over my misconceptions about her and this time I am proud to be able to bring her to the


    party as my wife.


    From the very first day , each and every family member of mine has been fond of her. Even Caleb took


    a liking to her at the first sight but I was blind to her innocence. The urge to not trust any woman had


    overpowered me and I behaved so pathetically towards her.


    These days, being so close to her, has definitely affected me. I like sleeping in the same bed and


    cuddling with her and waking up together. I miss her when I am at work. I try not to work tillte night


    just to have a family dinner. Sometimes I think that what I feel for her is more than mere liking but I am


    scared to feel anything deeper .


    Taking a final nce at the mirror, I started walking towards my room. I didn''t want to bete. So I


    asked Sophia to get ready in our room while I volunteered to use another room.


    On reaching, I knocked at the door. I heard a faint sweet voice asking me toe in.


    Before entering, I didn''t know I was in for a suprise. My jaw dropped at how fucking gorgeous Sophia


    was looking so damn gorgeous in that blue satin dress. Her hair was left in loose curls which was


    making her look even more beautiful. She had a neutral makeup on her face. Just looking at her was


    making me loose control. I was so proud that this beautiful woman was mine but this also meant that I


    had to protect her from stupid horny men at the party. Ughhh , why did she have to look so alluring.


    I was broken out of the trance when Sophia cleared her throat. She must have noticed me staring at


    her . Her face was a deep shade of pink. I like it that she blushes so easily.


    I went and stood behind her facing the mirror. Putting my hands around her waist, I spoke.


    " You look beautiful Sophia . I don''t know how am I going to remain sane throughout the party when


    you''re with me , looking like a goddess. " I said bringing my mouth close to her right ear ,without


    breaking eye contact.


    She sucked in a deep breath to steady herself but was failing miserably. I felt her shiver when I kissed


    her neck. She had her eyes closed and I was happy to know that I had such an effect on her.


    "We should leave right now or.." I trailed , dragging my finger on her arm. "we won''t be able to leave the


    room at all." I huskily said and she shuttered a ''yes''.


    Offering hery hand , I led her out of the house.


    I helped her get inside the limousine and settled down beside her. Trust me when I say it was too hard


    to control myself when she was sitting looking all pretty and tempting.


    Unable to resist any more, I pulled her to myp . She was surprised by my sudden action and I heard


    her grasp when I kissed her. After recovering from the shock, she gave in and started kissing back. I


    kissed her slowly and passionately and broke it when I realised she needed to breathe. I ced my


    face in the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent. Putting her arms around my body, she hugged me .


    " You''re going to be the death of me." I whispered, inaudible to her ears.


    .......


    The paparazzi who were present outside the hall, clicked a lot of photos but Sophia wasn''t too


    ufortable with the shes. She rather looked confident although she wasn''t used to the attention


    from media. I absolutely love her skill to be confident in everything she does and have a grip on the


    situation.


    As we were a bit away from them I remembered something.


    " Sophia , don''t leave my side throughout the evening and if you do , make sure you''re with Caleb and


    no one else." I sternly said , holding her hands as we were entering the hall.


    " Okay but why ? I am not a child that I will get lost." She looked at me genuinely confused.


    " Child ? Not at all. If anything you look like a freaking gorgeousdy who will be demanding everyone''s


    attention as soon as she enters the hall ." I said . She looked stunned by my words and blushed so


    hard that I wanted to kiss her right away but resisted the urge. I had to make it clear that she


    understands what I mean.


    "I don''t want some hungry perverted man to try anything stupid with you. So do as I say." I said in no-


    shit-tone.


    " Okay." She assured .


    As soon as we made it inside the hall, all eyes turned towards us. I saw most of the men gawking and


    eyeing Sophia like she was some piece of meat .I knew she was going to attract lot of attention.


    Instinctively, my hand went around her waist ,pulling her closer to me. She looked at me to understand


    my action. I smiled at her and she returned the smile.


    "Mr. And Mrs. Carter , I am d that you could make it." Mr. Grey stood in front of us with a warm


    smile. The engagement party was of his son.He was the former CEO of the Grey Corp. and now his


    son has taken over .


    " Oh the pleasure is all ours, Mr. Grey." , I replied with a small smile.


    After he excused himself, I spoke with some important businessmen with Sophia beside me. Suddenly


    she smiled at someone and I followed her eyes to see Caleb standing with Charlotte ? Is there


    something I have missed out? Well I need to know as soon as possible.


    I saw Sophia looking at me, asking with her eyes if she could go to them and I nodded smiling. She


    smiled back and made her way to them.


    Although I was with a lot of people and in the middle of some conversation, I could only focus on her.


    From time to time, I stole nces of her. She was freely conversing with Caleb and Charlotte. After


    sometime Caleb left to join me. She wasughing with her best friend and she looked so pure and


    happy. Her smile was so contagious that it spread a smile even on my face.


    " You''re so whipped man." I heard Caleb chuckle. He was wearing that teasing smile on his face.


    " Shut up. Now tell me something. You have brought Sophia''s best friend to the party as your date ? Do


    I not know something that I should know? " I wiggled my eyebrows.


    " Uhh , nothing special, I just-" Caleb was cut off when I heard a loud high-pitched voice.


    " Nick , is that you ?" I heard the woman speak. I clenched my eyes tightly preparing myself to look at


    that woman again.


    ra .....Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter - 25

    Chapter - 25


    Sophia''s POV


    I was talking to Char when I heard a loud voice.


    " Nick , is that you?" I turned to look at the owner of the voice. There stood a red haired woman in a


    ck plunging neckline dress. Her blue eyes and hourss figure made her look absolutely stunning.


    I saw Nick''s shoulders were tensed a bit . He slowly turned to face the woman but his face didn''t have


    any greeting or acknowledging smile.


    " ra." , It seemed like her name tasted bitter on his tongue. But the ignorant woman walked up to


    him and straight away hugged him . I looked at Caleb to see him extremely bothered . Last time I saw


    this expression was when Christina was at home but this time it looked more serious. I hope this isn''t


    something like that.


    "Who is she ? " Char asked looking curious.


    " I don''t know. Never heard of her." I replied keeping my eyes at them.


    " Of course you don''t. Must be another fling of that jerk-face." Char venomously said. Her words did


    strike my heart. I was desperately hoping that it wasn''t.


    Nick didn''t return the hug. Instead he roughly held her hands and shoved her away. He turned to look


    at me , his expression calm, but his eyes pleading to understand. I didn''t know what. So I did what I


    thought was right. I walked up to him .


    He put a hand around my waist and smiled at me. I returned a small smile.


    " Well well aren''t you his pretty wife, Sophia , right ? I am ra but you must be knowing me." She said


    with an arrogant smile.


    " Well , I have never heard of you before." I innocently said which instantly wiped off the smile from her


    face. I heard Caleb chuckle.


    " Then I must say you are ignorant." , She said.


    " Or should I say, you aren''t that important?" I retorted . A few people who were listening to us


    snickered. ra looked really angry but decided not to work on it.


    " What do you want?" I heard Nick who was coldly looking at her.


    " You know that." She said as if Nick was dumb to ask that.


    " No , I don''t." Nick maintained his cold attitude. ra rolled his eyes at him and spoke.


    " I want to be with my son." Nick gave out a humourless chuckle.


    " Son ? You amuse me." Nick shook his head.


    " I know I was wrong and I am sorry for that . We can start over ." What ? What the hell is going on ?


    " As far as I remember , Ethan was yourst concern . Why now ? Let me guess ... Ryder left you ."


    Nick mocked her.


    Son... Ethan.... ra is Ethan''s biological mother? I was praying that she wasn''t some random fling


    and God indeed answered my prayers!


    " Nick please , let''s not do it here. " Her tone wasn''t at all pleading.


    " Actually I got nothing to do with you. So , just leave us alone." Before ra could say anything more ,


    he pulled me with him out of the hall and I let him.


    .........


    Throughout the ride, he neither looked at me , nor spoke. I wanted answers but I was waiting for him to


    cool down. So I looked out of the car , waiting to reach home.


    The car soon stopped in front of the house but neither of us got out nor said anything. Nick kept looking


    in front with his jaw clenched while I looked at him. He seriously looked hot when he was so angry but it


    was not the time.


    All of a sudden he mmed his hand on the steering.


    "Nick!" I yelled and put my hand on his. He closed his eyes for a moment to control his anger and then


    looked at me.


    " Let''s go in and check on Ethan and then we can talk." I softly spoke. He was disturbed and I needed


    to be patient. He sighed and nodded.


    Entering Ethan''s room , we saw him soundly sleeping. I kissed his forehead and Nick followed suit. We


    walked out closing the door behind us.


    .....


    After changing into my pyjamas, I came out of the closet. Nick was sitting on the bed with his head in


    his hands.


    I climbed up the bed and sat beside him. When I put a hand on his shoulder, he looked up.


    " Sophia , I know you should know everything but I don''t want to talk about it . Please?" Nick looked at


    me.


    I sighed and spoke.


    " If you don''t want to talk about it , I won''t push you. I don''t know how bad it is , but I think sharing it will


    make you feel better. You know , whenever you want I am there to hear it out." I ended with a smile. He


    nodded.


    " You''re right . I should tell you." He decided and I smiled at him.


    " When I was in high school, I had a girlfriend , Katie. We dated for about two years. We were so much


    into each other but one day , I saw her making out with one of the guys in the school. The betrayal felt


    so hard. After a few years , ra came into my life." He paused with a bitter smile. From his


    expression I knew that what they had was deep.


    " She was a struggling model at that time. I was skeptical about another rtionship but then her way


    of talking, her smiles , everything about her seemed to captivate me." I would lie if I say that I didn''t feel


    my heart clench hearing the way he was describing it.


    " We eventually became extremely close and were a couple in love." Love.


    " We went on dates , spent our time cooking together. Even my parents knew about us. I was on the


    top of the world when I came to know that we were expecting. I was so excited to be a father but then


    things started to change. She became extremely moody and picked up fights on any and everything.


    Sometimes her words hurt me but I kept ming everything on the pregnancy hormones . She started


    going out more , partying , returningte. I used to be worried sick but she didn''t drink. But one day I


    waste at work and when I was back I saw her sitting on the floor , totally drunk. That day , I was so


    angry at her carelessness but then what she said , knocked the wind out of my lungs." He paused


    before continuing.


    " She told that she didn''t want the baby in the first ce and how much that bastard child of mine was a


    hindrance in her career. " By now his jaw was clenched. I remembered my Mom , my beautiful


    memories with her. I could never imagine a mother cursing her own innocent baby.


    " I didn''t know what to say but then under the effect of alcohol, she confessed that she was with me


    because my influence could shape her career and she was right. My image had indeed helped her


    be a model and then she was struck with Ethan. She was so concerned about the contracts she


    could have signed, if not pregnant , about the stretch marks that were going to destroy her model like


    body, but she was not even a bit concerned about our child. " I could imagine what he felt like on


    hearing such things from his partner about their child which was supposed to be their sign of love.


    " I helped her to the bed and drove back to office. I spent the night there thinking over everything. I sure


    knew that she loved it when I took her to costly shops , shower riches on her but I never imagined her


    as an opportunist ,maybe I never opened my eyes. Next day I went back home and made her sign a


    contract saying that after the child''s birth , I would have his sole custody. She would receive one million


    dors from me and would leave my house just after the child was born. I was so fucking stupid to even


    expect that she will put up a fight to get the child''s custody . She right away signed it. " Nick closed his


    eyes to control his emotions.


    " Nick-" I started speaking but he cut me off.


    " There''s more." He said. I didn''t know what to expect more.


    " I had appointed a guard who would keep an eye on her so that she doesn''t do something reckless.


    One day , he informed me that ra used to meet some guy thrice a week. I knew not to expect


    anything from her because we were already done but still I used my resources to dig up everything


    about that guy to make sure she wasn''t in bad hands. ..... Well that went real nice and I found that she


    was having an affair with Ryder , my childhood friend for almost one and a half year by then. Caleb,


    Ryder and I were the best of friends. Eventually he grew apart from us but still we were close. I felt so


    stupid that I let everyone fool me." He let out a bitter chuckle and this time I closed my eyes tofort


    myself. I couldn''t help the unsettling weight on my heart. Betrayal for the second time was too much to


    bear for anyone. That too from two extremely close people in your life.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " When I was stupidly in love with her , she was sucking off my best friend''s face . The pain was


    unbearable. I never spoke to her or looked at her but I was hurt. I was so fucking hurt!...... Since then I


    gave up on love and rtionships. I had difficulty in trusting people.Clubbing and meaningless one


    night stands became my life. " He had a sad smile on his face while he looked at hisp.


    " You know I love Ethan so much , I always look after his needs and spend time with him but I am afraid


    of being too close to him , afraid that the hollowness and bitterness inside me would affect him, that I


    would instill the trust issues in him . I couldn''t be the ideal father for him.......But you sure are the ideal


    mother for him." He smiled at me.


    I got up and stood in front of him . Taking my hand , he pulled me to hisp. I hugged him tightly and he


    hugged back.


    " Nick , you have had bad experiences in love and I can''t imagine the pain of having your heart broken


    twice and that too by some of your closest people. But if you give up on love then you''re letting these


    people win , letting the betrayal win . And secondly you''re an amazing father. Don''t ever doubt yourself.


    I see you as a father to whom his child means everything and I am sure Ethan would beat your ass


    once he knows what you think of yourself." He chuckled at that.


    I kissed his forehead for the first time and then his nose but before I could move back he caught my lips


    in a kiss. I instantly gave in . His one hand massaged my scalp while the other held me securedly in


    ce. He pushed his tongue inside my mouth and explored it. He was in control and I was fine with it.


    Our lips moulded perfectly like they were made for each other. When we were out of breath, we pulled


    away. Our eyes were closed and foreheads rested against each other. Then I suddenly blurted the


    question that was in my mind.


    " Do you still love her ?" Just as I asked it , I felt him moving away. Way to ruin the moment. Great job


    done Sophia !


    I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me.


    " I don''t." He honestly spoke.


    " Do you like her ?" I asked again.This time he looked amused but still answered.


    " No."


    " Good ." I again hugged him and felt the vibration as heughed at my actions but hey, I needed it for


    my mental satisfaction.


    " Sleep , shall we ?" He asked and I nodded my head.


    He switched off the lights.


    " Good night Nick."


    " Good night Sophia ." He pulled me towards him.

 Chapter - 26

    Chapter - 26


    Nick''s POV


    As I kept ying with Sophia''s hair , she slept peacefully with her lips parted. I had shared my story


    with Sophia yesterday and honestly I had felt better after talking to her. I want to trust her , I want to be


    with her and maybe someday fall in love with her. I don''t know if I am going to be left with a broken


    heart once again but still I want to take this risk.


    I was so focused on my thoughts that I didn''t realise when she woke up. I looked into her grey eyes


    which were staring back. Her beautiful grey eyes were the first thing that I had noticed when I saw er in


    the office for the first time and they have never failed to captivate me. A soft smile was ying on her


    face which automatically had my lips curved up in a smile.


    " Good morning." She said, stretching her hands and yawning.


    " Good morning ." I smiled .


    " Nick , I was thinking of going to the park today with Ethan. " Sophia excitedly said.


    " No." My response was quick.


    " No ?" She looked confused. It was Saturday and she had obviously nned to go out.


    " I got to be at the office today . So I can''te with you guys and I don''t want you to go alone." I


    exined.


    " Nick , I am not a baby . I can take care of myself and Ethan. Not that we are going for a battle."


    Sophia pleaded with her puppy eyes. I sighed in defeat.


    " Fine , but Leo will being with you." I spoke in a no-argument-tone and she nodded.


    "Okay , now let''s have breakfast. I will make it. " She spoke and I nodded.


    .......


    Sophia ced two tes of bacon, pancakes and eggs in front of me and Ethan and left to bring


    another te for her.


    " Mmm this is so tasty . Isn''t it Dad? " Ethan looked at me.


    " It is." I smiled.


    " You like it ?" Sophia asked smiling to which Ethan nodded his head eagerly.


    " I have even told my friends that my Mom is the best cook." Sophia gave a smallugh at his words.


    " You did ? Aww , thank you baby." Sophia cooed.


    " I am not a baby." , Ethan pouted and crossed his arms across his chest.


    " Yes , you are my baby." Sophia pulled his cheeks andughed while Ethan looked away huffing. I was


    enjoying my breakfast and watching their yful banter.


    " Do you want to go to the park today ?" Sophia asked. Ethan instantly snapped his head towards


    Sophia and smiled like he wasn''t angry at her a second before.


    " Yes ! And we can have some icecream as well ?" Ethan hopefully looked at her and she nodded .


    " Yess!" He pumped his fist in the air and we giggled at his antics.


    " Dad are youing with us ?" He asked his smile still intact.


    " No honey , I got to be at office for something important but I promise to make it up to you. We will go


    shopping tomorrow and buy the game you have been asking for. Okay ?" If possible his smile widened


    even more .


    " Thank you Dad. You''re the best." He beamed.


    " Oh so now he is the best ? " Sophia faked hurt which had Ethan thinking.


    " No , he is the best Dad and you are the best Mom." He came up with an appropriate answer.


    " Hmm , you''re such a smart kid." Sophia said and I agree to her. Ethan is really quite smart .


    " Wee son. I have to leave now." I said getting up from my seat and kissed him on the forehead. I


    did the same with Sophia before leaving.


    Sophia''s POV


    After Nick left , I sent Ethan to get ready. I changed into a simple sundress and went downstairs.


    " Shall we ?" I stretched my hand towards Ethan. He happily nodded and held my hand.


    " Good morning Mrs. Carter." Leo greeted as we came to the car.


    " Good morning Leo and call me Sophia and no, Nick won''t mind." I said before he could object. He


    smiled and nodded.


    .......


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I sat at the bench watching Ethan ying with other kids. He is a very outgoing boy and it took him very


    less time to bond with these kids.


    Leo stood beside me in a alert mode. I asked him to sit but he denied.


    Suddenly, I heard a very familiar voice call me. I turned to look at Brandon , my ex. As I had said, I had


    dated a few guys but none of those had worked out. But Brandon was never over the idea of ''us'' no


    matter how many times I had made it clear to him.


    " Hi, Brandon." I gave him a tight-lipped smile.


    " Sophia , I missed you." He smiled but I chose to ignore his statement.


    " Nice to meet you again." He frowned upon my words.


    " You know , you don''t need to be so formal with me. We are not strangers." I kept quiet not knowing


    what to say .


    " Sophia , can we talk ? " He asked.


    " I guess we are ?" I raised my eyebrow.


    " No I mean privately." He said and looked at Leo.


    " I don''t think we have anything private to discuss." I knew it was rude but I didn''t want to talk to him


    alone because I was afraid that he would again start on how perfect a couple we were and then I would


    have to be eventually rude to him else he won''t stop.


    " Sophia please , just five minutes." He pleaded.


    " Brand-"


    " Please , Sophia." I sighed and reluctantly agreed. I looked at Leo asking him to keep an eye on


    Ethan. He nodded understanding my unspoken words.


    I walked with him a bit far from where Leo was and waited for him to speak.


    " So , you are married." He said looking everywhere else.


    " Yes."


    " Are you happy ?" I knew what he was trying toe at.


    " Yes , I am." I stated .


    " Are you sure ? Are you as happy with him as you were with me?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at his


    question.


    " If we were so happy when we were together, then can you exin our breakup? " I crossed my arms


    against my chest.


    " Sophia , you could have given us another chance-" I cut him off.


    " Please Brandon. We have had this talk over and over again and my answer is still the same. And now


    I am happily married. So please just forget it." I was tired of this.


    " But Sophi-" Leo''s voice cut him off.


    " Ethan wait." I heard Leo shout. I snapped my head towards them and what I saw had my world


    crashing down.


    I couldn''t bring my legs to move. I was fixed to my spot and it was like everything was happening in a


    slow motion. Leo running after Ethan, Ethan stopping in the middle of the road to pick up the ball , a car


    rushing towards him, him getting hit by the car and copsing on the road.


    " ETHAN!"

 Chapter - 27

    Chapter - 27


    Sophia''s POV


    People were slowly gathering , murmuring while I looked on without even blinking. When Brandon


    slightly shook me, I finally came out of my trance. Without looking anywhere I ran to Ethan.


    " Ethan !" I sat down beside him and took his head on myp . Blood was trickling down his head.


    Never had I imagined of seeing such a sight.


    " Ethan, Baby get up please . Look at me , Ethan ?" I was desperately pleading while tears were freely


    rolling down my cheeks.


    " Leo, get him inside the car, fast." He took up Ethan and once I settled in, he put Ethan on myp and


    started driving.


    " Everything will be okay , you will be okay." I was assuring myself more than anyone. The ten minutes


    drive seemed to be the longest of my life.


    .......


    I was sitting outside the emergency unit while Leo stood opposite to me. Whenever a nurse came out


    of the room, we rushed to her but the only answer we have got is that ''nothing can be said right now''.


    Leo had already called Nick. So I called and told Papa and Caleb about the ident. I even called


    Char .


    I had always adored Ethan . I remember how ecstatic I was when he started calling me Mom. But now


    that he was there fighting for his life, I had realised how big a part of my life he has be. Only a few


    months since I have known him and now I could''t imagine being without him.


    Please be well baby.


    Nick''s POV


    I was in the middle of a meeting when my phone rang. Usually I don''t receive calls during my meetings


    but the caller ID showed Leo. Though I had called a minute before to ensure if Sophia and Ethan were


    fine but then Leo wouldn''t call to share some joke with me.


    " Sir " I heard Leo''s voice.


    " Yes?"


    " Sir, Ethan has met with an ident and we have admitted him to CRS hospital." I felt like all the wind


    was sucked out of my lungs. Ethan ... Hospital .... I snapped out of my shock and hung up the phone.


    " The meeting is over." Without sparing another nce , I hurried out of the room.


    I drove to the hospital like a mad man.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Ethan Carter." I enquired at the reception.


    " Second floor , emergency unit." The receptionist replied.


    Emergency unit? How serious is this ?


    "Thank you" I started running towards the elevator.


    As I was walking towards the emergency unit , I saw Sophia sitting there with her head in her hands.


    Char was sitting beside her rubbing her back while Ryan stood there looking at her. Coming closer , I


    saw her body shaking. She was crying, but I was not in the mental state to console her. I myself was so


    lost . I saw Leo. He was to protect them right ? I suddenly was feeling so angry but I couldn''t create a


    scene here.


    " How did it happen?" I was trying to control my anger .


    " Sir , he was ying in the park . I was standing there and then you called. While talking to you , I had


    shifted my eyes from him for a few seconds . When I put down the phone I saw him chasing a ball . I


    ran after him but the very next moment a car hits him. " I clenched my eyes shut as I could see the


    horrific image of the ident. I didn''t want to have this experience again.


    I knew , Leo wasn''t at fault but my mind wanted to me someone. I couldn''t help but feel it was his


    carelessness but then it wasn''t true.


    " Where was Sophia?" I asked.


    " Mrs. Carter was sitting there but then some guy named Brandon came up and was persistent to


    speak to her privately. " Privately ? Who is this guy? Wasn''t Sophia supposed to be with Ethan ? I had


    so many questions but I couldn''t bring myself to ask her. I didn''t want to talk right now . So I just waited


    for the doctor.


    Mom, Dad ,Erica and Caleb came shortly after. Caleb patted my back conveying support but didn''t


    speak because he knew that the wordsing out of my mouth, wouldn''t be good at this state.


    Dad was consoling a crying Mom while Erica stood looking down at her feet.


    I had tried speaking to the doctor but they asked to hope for the best. Hope for the best !? I was feeling


    so mad and frustrated with my helplessness. I was staring off into space when Sophia came up to me.


    " Nick." I didn''t respond. I didn''t want tosh out and I knew I would do it if she stood there .


    " Nick." She called again and put a hand on my shoulder . I rudely shoved away her hand. I could feel


    my anger rising at every movement of her.


    " Nick , atleast talk to me." That was it. My control broke .


    " Talk to you ? What do you want to talk about? Ethan is there in the emergency unit and you want to


    talk ?" I snapped at her while she looked taken aback.


    " Nick, don''t." I heard Caleb warning but I knew my control was long gone and my frustrations were


    being channeled towards Sophia.


    " Nick calm down." Sophia again tried but this only had me fuming.


    " Calm down? How the hell am I supposed to calm down ? My son is there fighting for his life. The


    doctors can''t assure me of his state and you''re asking me to bloody calm down? You wanted to talk


    right ? Let''s do it. How about you tell me why you chose to speak privately to another guy when you


    were supposed to be with Ethan ? You were the one who took him to park , you only said that you can


    look after him , then why were you not there." I knew I was overstepping but I couldn''t hold back my


    words. It''s like they were having a mind of their own.


    Sophia was looking at me shocked.


    " Nick , just stop it now." Dad tried to prevent me from screwimg my own life but I just did it with my next


    words.


    " I should have known better than to trust you with my son." As soon as the words left my mouth , I


    knew I was wrong . The hurt expression on her face was everything to increase my guilt manifold


    times. She opened and closed her mouth a few times but no words came out. She defeatedly nodded


    her head and went to stand at a distance.


    I was too consumed to properly think and apologize. I didn''t look at anyone''s face to see their


    disapproving nces.


    After a few hours , just as a doctor came out of the room, I rushed to him.


    " Doctor, how is he ?" Sophia came and stood beside me waiting for the doctor to speak.


    " Mr. Carter, your son is fine now . He has a broken hand , some torn ligaments but the serious part


    was the injury head injury which caused some serious bleeding but now he is out of danger. He will


    regain consciousness soon."


    " Can I see him?" I asked


    " He will be shifted soon and then you can see him but not more than two people can enter at a time."


    " Thank you doctor." Caleb spoke.


    ........


    I went in to see Ethan. Different pipes and machines were attached to his body and the sight alone was


    so terribly painful.


    I sat down beside him and looked at his face. Seeing him in this state was bringing back some dreadful


    memories.


    shback


    " Mr. Carter , we can''t say anything right now. The fall from the stairs has seriously injured his head and


    there has been a lot of bleeding. We are trying to do our best. Please be patient."


    I slumped down on the seat . I couldn''t think properly as if my brain was shutting down.


    " Nick , everything will be fine. Don''t loose hope." Mom sat down beside me.


    I hugged her and tears left my eyes. The situation was making me feel so vulnerable.


    I didn''t realise when my eyes were bing blurry. This was the first time after Ethan''s first ident


    when he fell down the stairs andnded on his head. I closed my eyes to blink away the memories.


    " You''re fine now." I knew I was assuring myself.

 Chapter - 28

    Chapter - 28


    Sophia''s POV


    Char was sitting beside me rubbing my back to soothe the pain but it was hurting so much.


    I don''t know for how long I was sitting outside the emergency room with my head on my hands when I


    heard Nick''s voice. I raised my head to see him speaking to Leo. He didn''t look at me and seemed so


    lost. I knew he was worried sick about Ethan.


    After a few more minutes Mama, Papa and Erica came. I told Mama and Papa about what I saw.


    Narrating the incident was so freaking painful that fresh tears started rolling down my cheeks. Caleb


    came and stood beside Nick but he didn''t speak.


    Even after an hour , Nick didn''t speak and I was starting to get worried. He wasn''t showing any emotion


    and that was scaring me. So I got up to talk to him.


    " Nick." I called but he didn''t respond and only clenched his jaw .


    " Nick." I called again and put a hand on his shoulder . He rudely shoved away my hand.


    " Nick , atleast talk to me." I tried again.


    " Talk to you ? What do you want to talk about? Ethan is there in the emergency unit and you want to


    talk ?" He snapped at me and I was really taken aback by his tone but I knew he was upset over the


    situation.


    " Nick, don''t." I heard Caleb warning Nick as if to not loose control.


    " Nick calm down." I was being patient to him but this seemed to make him even angrier.


    " Calm down? How the hell am I supposed to calm down ? My son is there fighting for his life. The


    doctors can''t assure me of his state and you''re asking me to bloody calm down? You wanted to talk


    right ? Let''s do it. How about you tell me why you chose to speak privately to another guy when you


    were supposed to be with Ethan ? You were the one who took him to park , you only said that you can


    look after him , then why were you not there?" Was he ming me? I left to speak to Brandon but I had


    made sure that Leo was there. I didn''t.....


    " Nick , just stop it now." Papa scolded Nick but it seemed more of a desperate plea.


    " I should have known better than to trust you with my son." It felt like my heart was pricked with


    something too sharp. I looked at Nick to make sure that he said those words. When I saw a bit of guilt


    in his face , I knew it wasn''t my imagination. He said it. I opened my mouth a few times only to


    close it because words refused toe out. I felt so defeated. Nodding my head I walked away and


    stood at a distance from everyone. I needed some time to myself.


    His words kept on ringing in my ears.


    I should have known better than to trust you with my son.


    His son .


    You were the one who took him to park , you only said that you can look after him , then why were you


    not there?


    It hurt but a small part of me was believing that I was the one responsible . It was already painful and


    this guilt was adding to the pain.


    I hated him for making me feel like this. I know he was hurting but trust me or not , I was hurt as well. I


    too considered Ethan as my son .


    I didn''t look at anyone because thest thing I wanted to see was sympathy in their eyes for me.


    Char came up and hugged me.


    " Don''t take that jerk seriously. " She whispered into my ears to which I just offered a faint smile.


    After a few hours , a doctor came out.


    " Doctor, how is he ?" Nick asked him. I too came up beside him.


    " Mr. Carter, your son is fine now . He has a broken hand , some torn ligaments but the serious part


    was the injury head injury which caused some serious bleeding but now he is out of danger. He will


    regain consciousness soon." I was so relieved at this. Ethan was fine. My baby was fine.


    " Can I see him?" Nick asked.


    " He will be shifted soon and then you can see him but not more than two people can enter at a time."


    " Thank you doctor." Caleb spoke .


    .........


    After Ethan was shifted to a cabin, Nick went in first. I wanted to go in as well but I didn''t have the


    courage to. After Nick med me for all this , I knew that seeing Ethan lying on the hospital bed with


    different tubes attached will make it worse for me.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    So I went and sat down. I felt someone sitting beside me but I didn''t look up.


    " Sophia" I looked at Mama, who was sitting beside me with sad eyes.


    " Go in , don''t you want to see Ethan?" She asked stroking my hair.


    " Mama , I do but -"


    " No buts. You consider Ethan as your son right ? Then nothing should stop you from seeing him after


    he went through such an ident. You are his mother and you should be there with him. Don''t believe


    what Nick said. It''s not your fault that Ethan is in this state today. " I felt like a child who was receiving


    lectures on self-confidence from her mother.


    I chuckled at the thought and nodded.


    " Yes , it''s not my fault." I smiled at her and her stern eyes became soft.


    I stood up and walked towards his room. When I was standing at the door, my hands were sweaty. I


    didn''t know if I was prepared for what I was going to see. Convincing myself, I opened the door and


    walked in.


    Nick turned to look at me but I didn''t nce at him. Taking slow steps , I went and stood beside Ethan''s


    bed. There he was lying with a bandage around his head. A number of tubes were attached to his small


    body. He looked so fragile that my heart clenched with agony . My poor baby!


    I softly stroke his cheek and looked at his face for a few more minutes before the doctor arrived. He


    checked Ethan before speaking.


    " Mr. Carter, Ethan''s health is stable now but he has to stay here for a week or more than that but that


    depends on how well he recovers. If you want, one of you can stay the nights with him."


    "Thank you doctor." Nick replied. After the doctor left, there was an ufortable silence between us.


    " Uhh I will leave." I didn''t wait for his answer. I closed the door behind me and went to where Char and


    Ryan were standing.


    I saw Caleb staring at Char but she wasn''t even looking his way and I knew why.


    " Ryan, can you take me to your house? I don''t wanna go home." I asked in small voice.


    " Soph, you don''t even need to ask. You''re always wee." Ryan said.


    " Yes and besides we haven''t properly talked for a while now. We need to catch-up." Char tried to lift


    my mood and I offered her a smile.


    " Can we stop by my- Nick''s ce? I need to pack some essentials and then we can go."


    " Sure . Do you want to leave now?" Ryan asked to which I nodded.


    " I will let Mama know and then we can go." I said. I went to Mama and Papa who were sitting there.


    " Mama , Papa , I will be leaving now. I don''t think I will be allowed to stay the nights with Ethan alone .


    So I will be spending the whole day here. I am going to Char''s house for now." I said.


    " Yes , go and spend some days there. You will feel better." Mama said and Papa sadly smiled.


    I hugged them and went out with Char and Ryan.


    ........


    As I got into my room , I packed some pyjamas and casual clothes to visit the hospital. I knew I would


    being back as soon as Ethan is discharged to take care of him. I didn''t want to stay here alone


    with Nick but I would never let our differences affect my child. So I was temporarily moving out.


    While I kept packing, the tears began to flow freely. Just some hours ago everything was so perfect.


    We were having our breakfast like one happy family. And now, my poor baby was lying on the hospital


    bed , injured and Nick and I were not even talking.


    Zipping the bag up, I made my way outside of the house to Ryan''s car.


    As the house faded from my view , I leaned back on the seat and closed my eyes.


    I needed this break! I really did.

 Chapter - 29

    Chapter - 29


    Nick''s POV


    " Uhh I will leave ." Without even waiting for my reply , Sophia started walking off .


    Stop her , she is leaving. Stop her dammit !


    My subconscious yelled but being the perfect idiot I am , I kept shut and watched her leaving. I know I


    have to talk to her , apologize to her and I will do it as soon as I return. But for now, I have to stay with


    Ethan. He needs me more right now.


    .........


    " Nick , go home. I will stay with Ethan." Mom said as she came and sat down beside me.


    " No Mom, I''ll stay." I argued. Honestly I didn''t want to leave Ethan.


    " Nick , you have been sitting here since morning. Your Dad is here with me and Ethan is fine now. Just


    go home and take some rest." Looking at her stern eyes , I knew I wasn''t going to win this. So I gave


    her a hug and left the hospital.


    Now that I was heading to home, I couldn''t help but get nervous. I had seen the look of pure hurt on her


    face when those words had left my mouth. I would do anything to get her to forgive me.


    Parking the car , I made my way inside the house. Everything was unusually quiet. Sophia wasn''t there


    in the living room . So , I swiftly went up to our bedroom.


    On opening the door I couldn''t see her there. I knocked on the bathroom door but got no reply. When I


    pushed it open , there was nobody inside. I checked our walk-in closet as well but she wasn''t there.


    Panick started rising inside me . I hurried down the stairs to check the room where she used to stay


    earlier and eventually checked each and every corner of the house but she wasn''t anywhere.


    It was prettyte and she wasn''t home yet. Where is she ? Is she okay ? Did anything happen to her?


    All kinds of negative thoughts came into my mind and I was getting tensed.


    Taking out my phone, I called Mom and she picked up on the second ring.


    " Nick."


    " Mom, Sophia is not here at home. Where is she?" My voice came out impatient.


    " She is staying over at Charlotte''s house for a few days." Mom answered in a calm tone. Charlotte''s


    house ? Why?


    "Why?" I voiced out my mind but somewhere I knew the answer.


    " Why do you think? She... She needs some time with her friends." Mom said.


    " Or some time away from me." I stated.


    " Maybe." Mom replied and honestly it hurt .


    " Bye Mom." I hung up.


    She is not staying here and it''s my fault. I had hurt her so much that she wants to stay away from me.


    But I need to talk to her. I dialled another number and waited for it to be picked up.


    " Sir ."


    " Send me Charlotte Smith''s address right now." I said in my cold professional tone.


    " Right away Sir."


    After a few minutes , a message popped in with her address. Taking my car keys , I jumped into my car


    and drove off.


    Sophia''s POV


    I was sitting on the sofa with Ryan and Char , while we watched movies. I was pretty upset over


    everything that happened today and my friends were practically doing everything to lift up my mood but


    I couldn''t take my mind off things.


    Just as the movie ended , I remembered something.


    " Char ,we need to talk." I spoke with firmness.


    " Okay ?" She looked confused.


    " What did you do now?" Ryan yfully asked.


    " Well , I don''t think I did anything." Char replied


    " Oh you did. Why are you avoiding Caleb ? " I asked . She took some time before speaking.


    " Who said I am?" She nonchntly said.


    " You don''t have to hide it from me. If it''s something personal between you two then I won''t interfere but


    tell me , has it anything to do with Nick and me?" I asked but she didn''t reply and kept looking


    everywhere else.


    " Char , tell me. What is it ?" I urged her to speak. She gave out arge sigh before looking up at me.


    " I don''t know. Nick , he always finds one way or the other to insult you and he''s his best friend and I


    am yours . I am not probably making any sense right now but I am - I am not sure." She huffed.


    " You''re right , you''re not really making any sense. He is Nick''s best friend but that doesn''t mean you


    can judge him based on Nick''s behavior. He is a different man with a different way of expressing


    emotions and looking at life. The one thing I can say is that he is a nice man. He is funny , carefree and


    most definitely not rude. Don''t push him away because his best friend behaves... well , in a certain


    way." I make a face at the end and she chuckled at that. Coming forward, she gave me a tight hug.


    " You''re right, I was acting as a dumb bitch. " She said.


    " True." I added in a serious tone earning a p from her at the back of my head. I was going to return


    the favour when the door bell rang.


    "I''ll get it." Ryan got up to open the door.


    " What do you want here ?" I heard Ryan''s stern voice after a few seconds.


    " I want to talk to Sophia." Nick ? He''s here ? Not now!


    I walked up to the door and stood beside Ryan. Nick stared at me and I matched his gaze . Finally I


    decided to break the silence.


    " What are you doing here Nick ?" I asked.


    " Shouldn''t I ask you that ? Why are you here Sophia?" Really? He was asking me that.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    " I want to spend some time with my friends." I tried and acted casual.


    " Sophia ,e home with me ." Nick looked straight into my eyes.


    " She won''t." Char crossed her arms against her chest.


    " I''m speaking to my wife." Nick said in a warning tone .


    " Wife ! Right." , Char scoffed.


    " Sophia , we need to talk please." Nick looked at me.


    " Nick , I think you should -" I cut Ryan off.


    " Guys , you go in . I will be back." Ryan looked at me with concern and I nodded my head to assure


    him. He literally pulled Char in with him as she didn''t look convinced to leave me there. She had always


    been excessively concerned about me.


    " Sophia , pleasee home with me." I turned to look at Nick.


    " I will, once Ethanes back , I will move back in." I said.


    " Sophia , you very well know that I am asking you toe back now."


    " And I very well know that you don''t trust me. Then why do you need me toe with you? " I knew I


    sounded immature but I was hurt and didn''t want to give in so easily. He rubbed his temple .


    " Sophia I didn''t mean it."


    " But you said it." I shrugged my shoulders.


    " I wasn''t thinking." He reasoned.


    " Oh but you should think before speaking, you know?" He groaned.


    " There was a reason I was standing there alone . You''re the one who came to speak right? I was


    angry, I was tensed and I didn''t mean a word. Why don''t you understand dammit!" He was frustrated


    and so was I, if anything more than him.


    " Yes , I don''t understand and I don''t want to. It''s my fault that I was worried about you standing there


    like a dead person , it''s my fault that I approached you to get you to atleast speaking." I raised my


    voice.


    " No it wasn''t. I am sorry. I am really sorry. Please give me another chance-"


    " Another chance ? How many chances should I give you ? Tell me. First you don''t trust me as a wife ,


    then you don''t trust me as Ethan''s mother. You have been through a hard past and I haven''t, but that


    doesn''t mean I can take any shit you throw my way. And all of this is just because you don''t trust


    people easily for your whore of a girlfriend had cheated-" I cut myself off realising what I was saying but


    it was toote. His expression changed from one of frustration to hurt. He immediately masked his


    emotion and walking back to his car , he drove off.


    I stood there watching his car retreat. What the hell was I thinking? He had shared his story with me


    and I used that to hurt him. I was frustrated, beyond imagination but that didn''t give me the right to hurt


    him like that. I was feeling so low of myself.


    Closing the door behind me , I walked in.


    "Are you okay ?" Char jumped off the sofa and came towards me. I nodded .


    " I just want to sleep." I excused myself to Char''s room andy down reying what just happened in


    my head.


    With each passing second, the guilt inside me was increasing. It was really pathetic of me to bring up a


    topic , that sensitive to him. I told him to think before speaking and I did the exact opposite.Ethan was


    there at the hospital and here I was acting petty and hurting Nick to vent out my frustrations.


    I tossed and turned in my bed until I could finally sleep.

 Chapter - 30

    Chapter - 30


    Nick''s POV


    I drove back to my house at full speed.


    To say I was pissed at her was an understatement, but why? I deserved it.


    I had hurt her, insulted her so many times and she forgave me. Now that she gives it back to me, I can''t


    handle it . Why ? I deserved to be given a taste of the medicine that I had given her.


    I shouldn''t havee back like that. I should have pleaded until she gave in. But she must have been


    extremely hurt to say those words. Was she that mad at me? Now I really didn''t know if I should


    approach her or not.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Everything was so perfect between us. I had beautiful mornings with us having breakfast together and


    peaceful nights with her sleeping in my arms. Why did I have to ruin every fucking thing?


    Ughh ! I pulled my hair in frustration.


    ....


    Next morning...


    Getting ready, I rushed to the hospital. On entering, my eyes fell first on Ethan who was leaning on the


    inclined bed. He was smiling at my Mom. As soon as he saw me, his smile widened and the relief I felt


    was overwhelming.


    "Honey, how are you feeling?"I asked Ethan.


    "My head hurts a bit." He said pointing towards his head.


    " Should I call the doctor then ?" I asked , tensed.


    " No it''s fine, the doctor already checked. He said it''s normal. " Mom said to which I nodded.


    "Dad, where is Mom?" Ethan was looking at me. Considering yesterday''s incident, I didn''t even know if


    Sophia wanted to talk to me but she had said that she will being back for Ethan.


    " She will be here anytime." I replied


    " She didn''te with you?" Ethan looked confused .


    " Uhh .... Actually-" As if on cue , Sophia entered.


    " Mom !" Ethan squealed excitedly and this only increased my guilt of saying those words to her


    yesterday.


    " How''s my baby doing?" Sophia asked in a baby voice which had Ethan pouting.


    " I am not a baby, Mom!" He whined to which Sophia chuckled and then her face changed into a sad


    smile.


    " I was so scared for you." Saying this Sophia hugged Ethan, carefully to not hurt his injuries. " Why


    were you running like that? I had told you to stay in the park. But you started chasing the ball a-"


    Sophia''s voice cracked and she cut herself off. She was hurting as much as I was over Ethan''s


    ident and still I chose to say those rude things.


    " Mom I am sorry, and see I am fine now !" Ethan tried lifting up her mood. He really wasn''t a baby


    anymore.


    " You''re . You''re fine." Sophia said nodding to herself as if she was reassuring herself.


    " Mom, why don''t you go home ? We are here with Ethan now . Take Dad with you." I said to Mom. She


    nodded and got up to leave.


    " By Sophia , bye Ethan." She waved.


    "By Grandma." Ethan waved back while Sophia nodded in acknowledgement.


    " So Mom, you were scared?" Ethan was teasing Sophia. She looked surprised . I was surprised as


    well. This child was really growing up fast.


    " Yes I was verrry scared, but for my small baby!" Sophia teased back to which Ethan huffed and


    looked away while weughed at that.


    We spent the entire day there . It was afternoon and Ethan was sleeping while a nurse was there in the


    room. Since then, there was an ufortable silence between us.


    "Nick, can we talk ?" I was surprised that Sopia wanted to talk to me.


    "Sure ,how about we talk over some coffee?" I suggested. She skeptically looked at Ethan and then


    me.


    " Don''t worry the nurse will be here." I assured and she nodded at me.


    ........


    I drove her to the nearest Starbucks which was at a distance of five minutes from the hospital.


    I ordered an espresso frappino for me and a double chocte chip frappino for her along with


    some chocte banana cake.


    I sat opposite her , fiddling on how to start when she decided to speak.


    " Nick I am sorry ." Huh ? Sorry ? For what? When I didn''t speak, she started again.


    " I was so frustrated with everything and I just said that. I know it doesn''t justify my words and I was the


    one who asked you to think before speaking while I did the exact opposite. I am extremely sorry for


    that. You had shared your story with me and it was so pathetic of me to bring that up to hurt you. I am


    so ,so sorry. I never wanted to-" I cut her off with my hand on her mouth.


    " Sophia, breathe." She closed her eyes once before looking at me and nodding. I removed my hands


    and spoke.


    " You didn''t do anything wrong. I have hurt you a lot of times and I should have experienced how it


    feels. So it''spletely fine." I offered her a small smile.


    " No it''s not fine. It was wrong of me to hurt you like that." She argued.


    " It''s ok I forgive you. Will you please forgive me as well?" I looked hopefully at her.


    " Yes I do. I know why you had reacted like that." She knows ? How?


    " Mama had called and she told me about Ethan''s previous ident ." she rified her previous


    statement like the question was written on my face


    " It makes me feel more guilty that when you were emotionally disturbed, without being patient with you


    , I chose to hurt you." She looked down and I was really ufortable to see her so sad. She was


    cursing herself over and over again for a single thing.


    " I told you it''s fine. I am happy that you forgave me. " I took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.


    She smiled at me , a warm genuine smile which automatically had one copied on my face.


    ........


    Settling down in the car , I decided to ask the question which was in my mind.


    " Will youe back ?" I cautiously asked.


    " Yes." Yes !?


    " I mean , now . Will you stay in our house before Ethan is back ?" I tried to rephrase my question.


    " Yes , I will move in back with you, now, before Ethan is discharged." She replied. I looked at her face


    to figure out if she was serious or being in sarcastic. As if sensing my confusion , she smiled to


    assure me.


    " So you''re not joking?" I was asking for reassurance but never did I think I would receive it like that.


    She leaned forward and attached her lips to mine. It came as a shock to me because she had never


    initiated any kiss. Her lips were touching mine in a light and cautious manner like she was scared that I


    would push her away. Recovering from my shock , I kissed her back. Snaking my hand around her


    waist and cupping her face with another , I pulled her closer . We broke it after a few minutes and


    rested our foreheads against each other. It wasn''t a long passionate kiss , but a short sweet ,assuring


    kiss, promising that everything was fine between us.


    " Wow ! If this is how you remove my confusion, then I would prefer being confused forever." I said


    earning a p on my arm.


    " But next time you''re going to receive a p on the back of your head." She was trying hard to hide


    her blush but I didn''t miss the pink tinge on her face.


    "You look cute when you blush." I smirk at her. Her blush deepened at this.


    " Shut up and drive."


    " Yes Ma''am." I mock saluted her and started driving.

 Chapter - 31

    Chapter - 31


    Sophia''s POV


    " Sophia , I don''t think this is right."


    " Char, not again. " I whined. Since the time I told her that I was moving back, she was trying to


    convince me otherwise. She dislikes Nick a lot since the first time I told her what he had done and his


    recent outburst had fetched him a higher position in her bad book. Ryan too isn''t fond of him but


    doesn''t express it too much.


    " I am not sure about it." Char folded her arms across her chest . She was looking genuinely upset.


    " But I am. I told you why he behaved like that at the hospital. He wasn''t thinking. Besides , I hurt him


    as well . " I tried reasoning. Whenever I remember, what I had told him , I can''t help but feel guilty.


    " But what about the things he did before?"


    " Char , seriously ? That was in the past. I told you ,he had his reasons and he had apologized for that.


    " I had given her a brief about ra and Nick''s past.


    " I don''t know, he always finds a reason to hurt you. " She threw her hands up in the air in exasperation


    . I rarely see her serious side which didn''t sit well with me. I knew she was extremely concerned about


    me. I sighed and walked up to her.


    " His intentions are not bad. Don''t worry your small head too much." I joked , earning a p on my arm.


    I hugged her and we remained like that for a few minutes.


    " Soph , Nick is here." Ryan called out. From his tone , it was clear that he wasn''t ecstatic to meet Nick.


    " Yeah ,ing." I replied. I took the small bag with the essentials that I had brought along. I came out


    to see Nick standing in front of his car.


    " Take care and if he misbehaves , just give me a call. I will dly kick his ass." Char said while ring


    at Nick. I chuckled at how ufortable Nick looked.


    " Sure babe." I hugged Ryan and he kissed me on the cheek. As I went upto Nick, he looked tense. He


    opened the door for me and after I settled down, he got into the driver''s seat.


    " Are you fine ?" I asked as he started driving.


    " Now that you''re here with me, I am fine." He smiled giving me a cheesy smile.


    " Cheesy much ? Tell me , what''s the matter?" I waited for him to answer. When he understood that


    there was no way that he could avoid it , he released a deep sigh.


    " Fine , I-I didn''t like it ." He said .


    " What ? What did you not like?" I was confused. He looked at me for a brief second and then looked in


    front.


    " Ryan, he .. he kissed you." He said and pouted like a kid. Really, it was a peck . He looked too cute


    when he was jealous.I thought of ying with him a little.


    " Oh , but I like it , a lot." I said twirling my hair . But just as those words left my mouth , the car came to


    a sudden halt.


    " What !?" Nick eximed.


    " Nick , what the hell ? Drive . We are in the middle of the road." As if my yelling knocked some sense


    into him , he blinked a few times and resumed driving.


    " You like him kissing you?" He gritted through his teeth. He was gripping the steering tightly .


    " No." I quickly blurted. Any mischievous idea of teasing him had long left my mind. I didn''t want him to


    get us into some ident. But he still didn''t look convinced.


    " Nick , don''t act childish. It was just a peck on the cheek. " He still ignored it and didn''t say anything


    more throughout the drive.


    As he parked the car , I got out of the car.


    I started making my way towards the bedroom.


    Hardly did I enter our room when I was pushed to the wall on my back. Without warning, Nick''s lips


    mmed on mine and engaged them in a deep , passionate kiss. It felt like he was starved for days


    and finally got to taste it. I tried matching his fervour . His hand roamed on my body and went up in my


    shirt , drawing patterns on my back.


    After what seemed like hours , we broke the kiss. Both of us were panting hard . Nick cupped my cheek


    and looked into my eyes.


    " I missed you." He breathed out. His eyes reflected how genuine his words were. I missed him as well.


    Only one day I was away from him and I was so restless. I liked being back with him in our room. I


    didn''t know if it was bad that I was that addicted to him in such a sort span.


    I pecked his nose and spoke .


    " I missed you too."


    .........


    " Ethan, just onest time." I brought up the spoon filled with soup to his mouth . After a lot of whining, I


    was able to feed him the whole bowl of chicken soup.


    " Good boy." I kissed his cheek.


    I went out to wash my hands .


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Amy , please go and be with Ethan. See if he needs anything and please don''t let him move too


    much." I told his nanny.


    " Sure."


    It had been a week since I had moved back. Ethan was recovering at a good rate. So the doctor had


    allowed us to take him back home a few days before the estimated date.


    I had to go to my job the previous days and I had applied for leave which was granted. Nick was


    staying at home to take care of Ethan although I was there. He said that he wanted to help me with


    Ethan.


    It was today that I heard him speaking on the phone that he won''t be able toe. From what I could


    make out of the conversation was that he was supposed to meet an important client today. He was


    being paranoid. So I had to literally force him out of the house but that didn''t stop him. He was literally


    calling every ten minutes to ask about Ethan.


    As I just picked up my phone , it started ringing again.


    " Oh God Nick! Ethan is fine. " I spoke annoyed.


    " Sorry baby, I was just worried." Baby !? When did he start calling me baby ? But I can''t say I didn''t like


    it. I was feeling like a giddy teenager.


    " I understand but just try and rx. " I acted as if I hadn''t heard the nickname, he just gave me.


    We spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up. I sighed and sat down on the sofa.


    Ethan was back home. Nick and I were good . Everything was back on track. I just hope that it stays


    this way. I hope.

 Chapter - 32

    Chapter - 32


    Sophia''s POV


    " Okay, it''s fixed then. ." Char said.


    " Yeah , be ready by 5. Bye , Char." Just as I put my phone down, Caleb came in.


    " Where to ?" He put a hand around my shoulder.


    " Movie." I got up from the sofa to make two cups of coffee. He always prefers the coffee I make , every


    time hees.


    " Is it today?" He trailed behind me.


    " Yup." He was silent for some seconds before asking his next question.


    " And Char''sing?" I smiled to myself. How I saw thising!


    " Yup." I said popping the ¡®p¡¯.


    He was again quiet for a very long time before speaking again.


    " Mind if I crash ?" He scratched the back of his neck. I suggestively wiggled my eyebrows to which he


    blushed.


    " Is little Caleb blushing?" I teased while handing him the coffee mug.


    " Shut up." He looked embarassed.


    " Aww , you look so cute ." I made a baby face at him .


    " Cute ? You''re calling me cute ?" He was sounding offended. I nodded at him and he huffed.


    " Forget it. I''m not going anywhere with you." He crossed his arms against his chest, causing me to


    chuckle at his behavior.


    " You know what , Ethan acts more mature than you. Anyway , feel free to crash our movie date. I am


    sure Char will like it." I winked at him .


    " 5 it is then. " I nodded .


    ..........


    " Water , please." I asked the bartender.


    " Water !? You don''t drink ?" Caleb looked genuinely curious.


    " I do , sometimes. " I responded to which he nodded in understanding.


    " Let''s dance ." Char grabbed our hands and pulled us to the dance floor.


    We pushed past sweaty bodies and made our way to the centre. After sometime, I saw Char and Caleb


    dancing together. They looked so lost into each other . I excused myself from there and made my way


    back to the seat.


    " A Vodka Martini , please."


    " Right away." The bartender smiled at me.


    As I sipped on my drink, I saw Caleb and Char dancing together. The whole day , they were flirting and


    smiling. They were focused more on each other than on the movie. Though Char shows a bit of


    disinterest but I know that this was fake. She was just as interested as Caleb was. So after the movie


    we went for dinner at a restaurant and finally ended up in the club on Char''s request.


    " Let me pay this lovelydy a drink." I saw a tall, well built man sitting beside me with a creepy smile


    on his face. Aparatively shorter man was sitting on my other side mirroring the same creepy


    expression.


    " No, thanks." I tried being polite.


    " I insist." The shorter man ced a hand on my thigh.


    " And I refuse. " I pushed his hand away from my thigh and got up to search for Char.


    I had merely taken two steps when all of a sudden, my arm was gripped by a strong hand. A strong


    hand was covering my mouth and I was pulled to a room . The shorter man closed the door behind him


    and took menacing steps towards me while the taller one was holding me back.


    " Leave me right now. Let me go!" I yelled, ring at them hard while my heart thumped against my


    chest.


    " We tried being polite but you prefer the hard way." The tall man was kissing my neck while I tried


    getting away. The urge to vomit was getting stronger by each passing second.


    " Let me go you bastard ." I thrashed around in his hold. The shorter one pped me across the face


    and Inded on the floor. My cheeks were stinging from the burning sensation and tears gathering in


    my eyes.


    " Shut up bitch. Don''t act hard to get." Both of themughed maniacally at this. To say I was scared


    was an understatement.


    They backed me up against a wall and started kissing every portion of my body. I was feeling so


    disgusted but couldn''t move a bit . They had me in a tight grip and all I could do was squirm.


    As one of them was tugging at my shirt , I started squirming a lot . The tall one backhanded me. I could


    feel a metallic taste from my lips.


    " Stop resisting ! Else we will make it more difficult for you." He spat and ripped away the shirt from my


    body. Hands were groping my breasts. I clenched my eyes shut at the shame I was facing. Tears rolled


    down my cheeks. I was hoping for someone to rescue me but that seemed impossible.


    I was waiting for this to be over and suddenly the hands were not there on my body anymore. I opened


    my eyes to see them being beaten by Caleb and ..... Nick !?


    ..................


    Nick''s POV


    I was in my office when I received Caleb''s message.


    "Just for your information. We are heading to the Star Club ."


    Club !? Sophia told me about movie and restaurant. I wanted toe with her but I had some work. I


    was rxed at the thought that Caleb was with him. But club... Ughh! I couldn''t imagine her alone in


    the club amongst those horny men. Fine , she wasn''t alone but I still wasn''tfortable with the idea .


    So I decided to go there.


    I parked the car in the parking lot of the club and got in. Taking a nce around , I couldn''t find them,


    so I called Caleb.


    " Hello " He picked up at the second ring.


    " Caleb , man where are you ?" I looked around to find him.


    " Oh , I can see you. I''ming there ." Saying this he hung up. I saw him and Charlotte making their


    way towards me. I looked behind them to search for Sophia but she wasn''t there.


    " Hey man!" Caleb patted my back.


    " Where''s Sophia?" He looked at the bar and his smile faded from his face.


    " She was at the bar. She told that she was tired and couldn''t dance anymore, so she excused herself


    to get a drink." Caleb exined and the fear started creeping into my heart.


    I ran to the bar and she wasn''t there. In an instant I was panicking from the scenarios going on in my


    head. I shook head in attempt to shake away those thoughts.


    " Maybe , she''s in the washroom." Caleb suggested.


    " Or not. This is Sophia''s bag." Charlotte showed us a silver bag . Her eyes were filled with dread and


    concern.


    We instantly took off and started checking every room. When I pushed open the door to a room in a


    secluded corner, what I saw had my blood boiling.


    Two men had backed Sophia up against a wall. Her shirt was ripped open while the men were touching


    her body. Tears were streaming down her face.


    I pulled one of them up holding his shirt while Caleb did the same with the other one. I started throwing


    punches repeatedly. Even after breaking his nose, I was seeing red. To vent out the anger , I stood up


    and delivered kicks to his side.


    " How. Bloody. Dare. You?" I yelled each word with one kick to his side.


    " Nick leave him." I heard Caleb but I couldn''t bring myself to stop beating the man. I was feeling this


    intense urge to kill him.


    " You will hardly breathe when I am done with you." I gritted at the man.


    " Nick." I heard a quivering voice and my leg stopped midway. I turned to look at Sophia who was


    staring at me. She had her legs pulled up closed to her body. Charlotte was sitting beside her rubbing


    her back. It was as if all my anger had melted into concern. I immediately ran to her and crouched


    down infront of her. I cupped her cheek and looked at her face. Her cheeks were bruised and her lips


    were bursted . At this sight , my desire to kill those men was bing more strong.


    " Nick." She breathed out while hugging me like her life depended on it. She was sobbing in my chest


    and trembling.


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    " Sshh baby , it''s okay. I am here now. Ssh, everything is fine now ." I stroked her hair in an attempt to


    calm her down.


    " Sophia we need to get out of here. Let''s go home." I spoke in a soft voice to get no answer from her.


    Taking my zer off, I put it around her and buttoned it up. I looked back at Caleb who nodded his


    head , assuring that he would take care of those men.


    I carried her out of the club in bridal style . She pushed her face in my chest. to avoid looking at


    anyone. Coming outside, I ced her in the passenger seat and put her seatbelt on. I quickly settled in


    the driver''s seat and drove off to our house. On the way back home, she was continuously sobbing


    while looking down at herp.


    Seeing her like that was paining me a lot. I wanted to take away the horrible encounter, the feeling of


    those men''s touches , the agony of her but I couldn''t. I was feeling so helpless. This could have been


    avoided if I would have been there. If I would have taken some time out to apany her. It''s all my


    fault dammit. I cursed under my breath and drove faster to reach home.

 Chapter - 33

    Chapter - 33


    Nick''s POV


    I parked the car in front of our house. Looking at Sophia, I found her staring off into the space. Getting


    out of the car I came to her side. I opened the door for her and that''s when she noticed that we were


    home.


    She looked at me nkly before ced her shaky legs out of the car . I instinctively ced a hand


    around her waist to steady her.


    " Do you want me to carry you?" I wanted to carry her inside but I didn''t know if she would be triggered


    by sudden touch. I questioned her because I didn''t want to upset her by doing something against her


    wish . She gently shook her head .


    " I''ll walk ." Saying this she started taking small steps. I matched her pace , supporting her all the way


    to our room.


    Without saying anything, she went inside the bathroom . After a minute I heard the shower start.


    I stood there watching the closed bathroom door . There was an unknown uneasy feeling in my heart. It


    was like something heavy was ced on my chest but I couldn''t trace it.


    I went to take a shower in another room. After some twenty minutes when I returned, she was sitting on


    the bed looking at nothing in particr. She looked so scared. If anything, the uneasiness inside me


    increased on seeing her like this. I closed my eyes , took a deep breath and sat down on the bed


    beside her. There was dead silence in the room. As I ced a hand on her knee , she visibly flinched. I


    was hurt by her action but I knew that she was a bit traumatized. I withdrew my hand and carefully


    observed her.


    I took out the antiseptic lotion from the adjacent drawer. As I was applying it on her bruises , water


    drops trickled down her cheeks to my fingers. I looked at Sophia to see her eyes clenched shut while


    tears rolled down.


    " Are the bruises hurting ?" I worriedly asked. She shook her head in negative. She opened her eyes


    but didn''t look at me.


    " Sophia." I called softly but she didn''t respond. Her eyes were trained on herp.


    " Look at me , please." I pleaded even more gently . She hesitantly looked up at me.


    " What''s it ?" I gently held her hand and squeezed it gently.


    " I - I feel d-dirty." She stuttered and looked down. I frowned, not understanding what she said but then


    the realisation hit me hard. She was feeling dirty because of that ugly encounter. It was like something


    sharp was stabbed into my chest. I was the one who was supposed to protect her but I couldn''t. It was


    all my fault. The guilt added to the weight in my heart.


    I ced my fingers under her chin and lifted her face . She looked so vulnerable and scared. Her eyes


    showed the despair and insecurity of her heart. Tears that were clouding those beautiful grey eyes ,


    that I havee to love so much were now flowing down. Using my thumb , I wiped those tears and


    stared at her face before taking her in a gentle kiss.


    I slowly and softly moved my lips against her in an attempt tofort her, to mentally support her , to


    make her feel better. The vulnerability in her gaze was paining me. I wanted to kiss away that painful


    expression.


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    She softly kissed back while gently gripping my hair. She leaned into me , epting thefort I was


    trying to offering. I didn''t deepen the kiss because I wanted to be as gentle with her as possible.


    Pulling back , I brushed my thumb on her cheek. Her eyes were closed and her one hand was still in


    my hair while the other rested on my hand, on her cheek.


    "Make love to me." Sophia blurted. My eyes widened at her statement. I pulled away and carefully


    looked at her . I wasn''t sure if I heard correctly.


    " What ?" I dumbly stared at her. She took a deep breath, as if to calm herself, to prepare herself to


    speak.


    " Take away those touches, make me forget the feeling of their hands on my body. Make me yours."


    She stared into my eyes , showing how serious she was. I sighed.


    " Sophia, I can''t make love to you." As soon as the words settled in her mind , her expression changed


    to one of hurt.


    " W-why ? Are you- are you disgusted with me?" She was once again on the verge of tears. I was


    shocked at what she said. She thought that I refused to make love to her because I was disgusted with


    her. How could she even think of something like that? I dragged myself closer to her.


    " No baby, not at all. I can never be disgusted with you. But I can''t make love to you now when you are


    so vulnerable and upset. I want our first time to be special , I want it to be beautiful. " I calmly exined


    while rubbing circles at the back of her hands. She seemed to understand and looked down.


    " But I can definitely make you forget those touches." I leaned forward to kiss her eyes , then her nose


    and the corner of her mouth . I proceeded to kiss her jaws and then dragged my lips to her neck. I felt


    her shiver everytime I kissed. nting a soft kiss there, I moved further down. I kissed every portion of


    her body to provide thefort, she was looking for. Finally I went up and captured her mouth in


    another long, passionate kiss , conveying my feelings, asking for forgiveness for not being able to


    protect her . I gently pulled her on to myp and encircled my hands around her waist. She matched


    my fervour and kissed back passionately. After what felt like hours , I pulled back and rested my


    forehead against her''s.


    " One more thing , I don''t need to make you mine. You already are mine. " I spoke , my breath


    caressing her lips. I felt her gently nodding .


    " Come , let''s sleep." I suggested and she agreed. Just as I switched off the lights , I felt Sophia


    grabbing my hand tightly. I squeezed it back to give some kind of assurance. I covered ourselves with


    the duvet and pulled her closer to me, her side against my chest . Gently kissing her shoulder, I ced


    my head there .


    She was tightly holding my hand, that was around her waist. I stroke her hair to make her rx.


    " Sleep. I am there." This seemed to work , as she visibly rxed against my body. When her breathing


    became even, I knew that she was asleep. I scooted even closer to her.


    I realised that this closeness wasn''t only helping her but me as well. Holding her so close was assuring


    me that , she was with me , she was safe and fine.

 Chapter - 34

    Chapter - 34


    Sophia''s POV


    I slightly groaned as the sun rays hit my eyes. I changed side and shut my eyes to get some more


    sleep . I reached out my arm to hug Nick only for my hand to fall on an empty bed. Opening just one


    eye I saw that he wasn''t there, his side of the bed cold. As if just on cue the door creaked open.


    " Wakeup baby , I have brought you breakfast." I heard Nick''s melodious voice. Though I''ll never admit


    but I love it when he calls me baby. It makes me feel giddy.


    " Not now , it''s too early." I heard him chuckle at that. Why ? What''s so funny? Waking up is always a


    difficult job for me.


    " It''s ten already, sleepy-head." I immediately sprang up on the bed and looked at the clock to verify the


    time.


    " Shit . We''rete !" I looked at him with wide eyes . I hated beingte to my job. Nick on the other hand


    smirked at me, making me guess that some arrogantment was about to slip out of his mouth.


    " You know I am the boss so ..." He trailed off to which I rolled my eyes.


    " Shut up. Why didn''t you wake me up?" I furrowed my eyebrows.


    " I thought you needed some rest ." Just as he said those words , yesterday''s events came crashing


    down in my mind. Everything yed in my mind. I shivered at the thought of what could have


    happened if he had been a littlete.


    He obviously had noticed the change in my expression and the sudden difort. I heard him sigh


    after which he came close and pulled me to hisp. I put my hands around him, my head in the crook


    of his neck and hugged him. I was feeling so safe in his arms and no matter how childish it sounds, I


    didn''t want to leave. We sat like that for a few minutes before he spoke.


    " Now about beingte , we are not going to office today." I kept hugging him. He was doing this for me


    and I felt guilty knowing that he had a lot of work at office. The work pressure at the moment was huge.


    " Don''t you think you are being absent frequently these days. On top of that , we both are absent


    together. What will everyone think?" I mumbled into his neck.


    " That their boss needs some time with his wife , alone...." He trailed of in a seductive voice. I pped


    his back and heughed.


    I pulled away to see his face. Theughter had ceased to azy smile . I dragged a finger along his


    face as if feeling and memorising every detail . Even with his messy hair , he managed to look so


    handsome. We both were staring into each other''s eyes. He started leaning in and when I realised that


    he was going to kiss me, I sprinted off hisp. He furrowed his eyebrows, asking for an exnation.


    " Morning breath." I climbed down the bed to do my morning routine. Stinky kiss isn''t something I was


    up for. I heard him whine behind. He can sometimes be such a baby! I shook my head at that.


    When I returned , I saw him leaning on the head board with one hand behind his head , while he was


    scrolling through his phone. As he saw me , he sat up smiling. After I climbed up the bed he ced a


    tray of food on myp. It had some croissants , scrambled eggs , bacons and some fruits. My mouth


    was instantly watering at the sight of these.


    " You made these ?" I nearly squealed.


    He chuckled and nodded.


    I quickly dug in . If I say they looked delicious then I must say their taste was heavenly. It tasted almost


    professional.


    " Mmm , I didn''t know you could cook this good! " I eximed to which he passed a grin. While treating


    myself with those delicacies I thought of messing with him.


    " So you have been fakeplimenting my cooking when all the time you''reughing behind my back."


    I came up with a fake serious and hurt look which seemingly worked. I could understand how could he


    fall for something like this.


    " No , you didn''t cook good .. I mean I don''t cook bad ... I mean ..... I didn''t fakepliment you . I - "


    When I couldn''t keep in any more, I bursted outughing , cutting him off in the process. Seeing him so


    confused and rumbling was thest of my expectations. I saw him looking at me with a pissed


    expression but I couldn''t bring myself to stop. Suddenly, a glint of mischief was there in his eyes.


    Before I could realise anything, I startedughing louder. He had put the food aside and was tickling me


    without mercy.


    " Stop - stop it." I requested through myughter but it fell into deaf ears. Suddenly I felt a smaller set of


    fingers joining in the assault. I heard Ethan''s giggle. Iughed so hard that tears slipped from my eyes.


    Finally when they stopped , I was breathing in pants.


    " I hate you guys." I said.


    " No you don''t." They said in unison, sounding too confident for my liking.


    " Oh I do." I huffed. They both looked at each other before raising their hands in a tickling gesture.


    Them just wiggling their fingers in air had meughing. I attempted covering my body with my hands.


    " Don''t." I warned.


    " So you hate us?" Nick asked smirking.


    " Uhh -" I hesitated but when they lowered their hands, I gave up.


    " No, I don''t." I blurted. Their face had an expression of victory. They high-fived and moved away .


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Both of themid down on either side of mine. We were lying on our back , staring at the ceiling,


    without speaking, just enjoying each other''spany. Suddenly I felt Ethan hugging my waist. I looked


    at him but he was hiding his face from me.


    " What happened baby ?" I thought he will protest at the name I used . He looked up at me and smiled,


    completely overlooking that I called him baby.


    " I had always dreamt of mornings like this. All of my friends have their Mom and Dad and I used to be


    so sad that my mom isn''t with me. But then you came. Now I have my own happy family. " He grinned


    showing all his teeth. I was at a loss of words after what he said. He expressed it so easily in simple


    words but I didn''t know what to say. So I just kissed his forehead and smiled at him. I felt Nick


    interlinking our fingers . I looked at him to see him staring at me with a strange look in his eyes... I don''t


    know maybe adoration or something more. Squeezing his hand gently , I smiled at him. What I felt was


    pure bliss.


    Ethan propped himself up on his elbows and looked at me to say something but stopped. His excited


    expression morphed into one of pure concern. He brought his hand to gently touch my cheek.


    " What happened?" I froze realising that he was referring to the bruise. I gulped , unable toe up


    with a lie but Nick covered up pretty fast.


    " She wasn''t looking and hit against the door." Ethan looked convinced and very gently brushed my


    cheek as if he was wiping away the pain. I remembered when yesterday Nick was doing something


    simr. I smiled at the thought of how lucky I was to have these boys in my life.


    My boys!


    .....


    As we were getting down, the door bell rang. Nick and I came down to the living room to see ra


    sitting on one the sofa with her legs crossed, as if she owned the ce. She was looking beautiful in


    the olive coloured dress .


    I looked at Nick whose jaw was clenched. He looked pretty angry to see her. After learning what she


    had done , I could surely hate thisdy with every cell in my being.


    " What are you doing here ?" Nick gritted through his teeth which confirmed my thoughts.


    " Nick , now that is not how you wee your son''s mother. " She crossed her arms and smirked at


    him. Although that was intended towards Nick , I felt hurt realising that I wasn''t Ethan''s mother but I


    quickly pushed away those thoughts. I couldn''t be so stupid to let the words of this pathetic excuse of a


    woman affect me.


    Nick chuckled darkly , one that can send shivers down someone''s spine.


    " Mother you say ? To make things clear, Ethan is now five years old. So where was this mother all


    these years?" His jaw was ticking.


    " Nick , let''s not go there. We all make mistakes. I made a mistake. I shouldn''t have left him and you


    back then but now I am back for you guys." She said like it was so simple and Nick was dumb to


    complicate it.


    " Leave my house." Nick was looking mad with rage, like he could set everything on fire.


    " Think about Ethan , he needs his mother . " She looked concerned but I knew looks can be really


    deceiving and in her case , it really was.


    " Really ra ? Do you even hear yourself? Legally you don''t have any im on him and this


    emotional pleading isn''t taking you anywhere-" I cut him off.


    " You''re right ra, Ethan needs his mother with him. " I calmly spoke, look straight into her eyes.


    " Sophia-" I silenced Nick by raising my hand.


    " And he has his mother with him." Ipleted pointing to myself. There was no way in hell that I was


    going to have thisdy im Ethan as her son.


    " I ain''t talking to you bitch." She snarled at me.


    " Watch how you speak to my wife. "


    Nick''s voice boomed. Clenching his eyes shut, he took a deep calming breath.


    " Listen ra , just leave. We don''t need you in our lives. So just leave." He was almost yelling by the


    end of it. It was clear that he couldn''t stand her presence, and I was asking him if he still loved her. I put


    a hand on his clenching fist in an attempt to calm him down.


    " Our son may say otherwise. " She turned to look somewhere behind us and I prayed that my thoughts


    wouldn''t prove to be correct.


    " Ethan ,e here baby , you''re mumma is here." She cooed . I froze at my point. Looking at Nick , I


    found him mirroring my expression.


    Ethan was there, all along, listening to us!


    Shit!

 Chapter - 35

    Chapter - 35


    " Our son may say otherwise. " She turned to look somewhere behind us.


    " Ethan ,e here baby , you''re mumma is here." She cooed . I froze at my point. Looking at Nick , I


    found him mirroring my expression.


    Ethan was there, all along, listening to us!


    Shit!


    ........................


    I turned back to see Ethan standing at the foot of the staircase. He was intently looking at ra with


    furrowed eyebrows. He averted his gaze from her to look at Nick , then me and went back to look at


    her. There was pin drop silence as if everyone was contemting Ethan''s answer. Honestly I was


    scared that he may choose his biological mother over me.


    I knew I sounded insecured but I couldn''t help it. I hade to love him so much that I couldn''t think of


    him calling someone else Mom. I sure am possessive but that doesn''t hurt right?


    " Ethan, see I havee , your mumma hase. Come and give me a hug." ra spoke in a


    sickeningly sweet voice. I felt like smacking away that smile from her face and dispose her off in the


    trash. It was like hearing those words broke the trance Ethan was in. His lips curved downward and his


    face contorted in what seemed like anger.


    " No!" He yelled and furiously shook his head. Tears slipped out of his eyes. I so badly wanted to hold


    him close to me and calm him down. I was happy that he didn''t want to be with this gold digger. But


    before everything I wanted this woman out of my house.


    " Baby , please. You don''t want toe to your Mumma? Are you angry on your Mumma ? I am so-"


    Ethan cut her off.


    " No, no you''re not my Mumma, no." He yelled and ran off back to his room.


    " Ethan, sweethea-" Her sugarcoated words were cut short.


    " Out of my house. Right now." Nick folded his arms across his chest and red at ra. He was


    gritting his teeth so hard that it felt like it would break from the force. His knuckles were white from how


    hard he was clenching them. I could see that he was trying so hard to control his anger. He looked


    dangerous and I would never want to know what would happen if he looses control.


    " Nick , you can''t separate your son from his mother." ra shouted at Nick. The nerve of that woman!


    " Don''t you dare talk to him like that and as far as I know , you left your rights as a ''mother'' in exchange


    for a million dors right ? So what now ? You want more ? Well , you ain''t getting any. Moreover you


    heard Ethan. He wants nothing to do with you and the only mother he will ever have is me. So you and


    your new found motherly concern can go and suck a lemon. " I seriously wanted nothing more than to


    literally kick her ass out of the house. She still didn''t make any move to leave. She was opening her


    mouth to speak again before Nick cut her off.


    " Why don''t you understand dammit? Just leave and never show your filthy face to me. " Nick yelled


    causing her as well as me to flinch.


    She angrily breathed out and red at me before marching out of the house. We instantly took off to


    see Ethan.


    When we reached his room, the door was wide open. Entering, I saw Ethan lying on his bed , his head


    stuffed in the pillow. I came closer and saw his body lightly shaking. Knowing that he was crying, broke


    my heart.


    " Ethan, sweetheart-" I was cut off by Ethan.


    " No , I won''t go with her." Ethan said his voice hoarse from crying. His words shocked both of us. His


    thought we were here to send him to ra!?


    " You aren''t going anywhere Ethan. She is gone. Look at us. It''s me and your Mom." Nick spoke in a


    soft voice but it didn''t convince Ethan. He still wasn''t looking at us.


    I sat down and gently caressed his head. After a few minutes, he sat up and turned around. His tear


    stricken face was enough to clench my heart.


    " Dad , please don''t rece Mom with thatdy. I only want her as my Mom." He spoke amidst sobbing.


    His words instantly warmed my heart. He saw only me as his mother and it was great to think that I


    could make this ce in his heart but to see his mental condition tight now was distressing me.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    " No sweetheart, never will I rece Sophia with anyone. She is and will always be your mother." Nick


    spoke with a lot of assurance in his voice .


    "Promise?" Ethan stared at him with pouty lips.


    " Promise." Nick reassured but that didn''t stop Ethan from sobbing. His face was red because of all this


    crying.


    I pulled him to myp and cradled him close to my body. After a good amount of time, his sobbing


    reduced to hups.


    " Sshh honey, enough of crying. Everything is fine." I rubbed his back.


    We were quite for sometime before Ethan decided to speak.


    " Dad , she told that she left us. Why ?"


    Ethan''s question left Nick dumb. How could he tell a child how much of a money thirsty woman ra


    is, how he didn''t ever matter to her! I really wished he hadn''t been there to listen to everything.


    " Uhh.." Nick trailed off not knowing what to say. He really looked helpless.


    " She didn''t love me, isn''t it ? She didn''t want to be with me? I was a bad child." He said thest part in


    a low voice as if asking himself. It was paining to even look at his sad dejected face. I hugged him


    tightly to my body. I hated that woman for making Ethan feel so unloved.


    " No baby , you aren''t bad , at all. You''re one of the sweetest child one could ask for. " I said.


    " Then why did she leave ?" His lips were quivering.


    " Because she couldn''t realise how precious you are. " Before I could say anything, Nick answered. I


    looked at his face . He had a pained expression that I could understand was from seeing Ethan so sad.


    He looked desperate to wipe away all sad thoughts from his mind.


    " Sophia is here , she loves you. You shouldn''t care for someone who doesn''t deserve being with you."


    Hepleted with a smile.


    Ethan was silent for some time. I looked at Nick and we were both confused of what he was thinking.


    " Will you leave me as well someday?" I turned to see Ethan staring at me with his brown eyes filled


    with water.


    It was upsetting to see my poor baby so insecured.


    I opened my mouth to speak but be cut me off.


    " I promise to be good. Please , stay with me." His desperate plea was piercing my heart. Because of


    that stupid woman , my baby was being so insecured and upset.


    Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes. I cupped his face with my hands and using my thumbs, wiped


    away his tears before speaking.


    " Honey, I will never leave you. I love you way too much to stay away from you. You''re one of the most


    important people in my life . How can I stay without my little baby?" I calmly spoke trying to be as


    convincing as possible .


    " I am not a little baby!" He lightly whined while rubbing his face. I smiled at him .


    " Okay so is my big baby up for some icecream?" I asked. He nodded before looking up as if realising


    something.


    " I am not a baby!" He furrowed his eyebrows and pouted.


    " Aww , you are. My baby." I pulled his cheek. He huffed at that and looked away. We chuckled at his


    antics. He was slowly getting back to being the normal Ethan.


    I hugged him close to me and closed my eyes.


    I didn''t realise when a tear rolled down my cheeks until Nick softly wiped it away from my cheek. I


    smiled at him . He came, kissed Ethan''s head , my forehead and took us in an embrace. I felt happy


    and contented.


    We stayed like that until Ethan spoke.


    " I can''t breathe."


    Weughed and pulled away.

 Chapter - 36

    Chapter - 36


    Nick''s POV


    It''s been a few weeks since ra had paid us the visit. After that day Ethan was a bit skeptical. He


    never wanted Sophia to be out of his sight, thinking that she might just leave . Her assuring words


    could only provide momentary relief. He was evening up to our room at the middle of the night to


    sleep with us.


    It took me and Sophia a lot of effort to make him believe that she was staying in his life. Can''t say that


    we werepletely sessful.


    It has been a few days that he is noting to sleep with us at midnight but is still not at ease fully.


    Sometimes it''s frustrating to see how restless he gets when Sophia isn''t at home for a few hours. All


    this was just because of that bloody gold-digger!


    This thing kept Sophia under stress. She was always thinking about him. In thest meeting she was


    too lost to even realize when she was called.


    It was Saturday morning and I was working on myptop in the living room when Sophia came in .


    Handing me a mug of coffee, she sat down beside me. We took few sips in silence . She sat looking in


    front, in deep thought about something . I sighed and put down the cup . I shifted closer to her and


    circled my hand around her shoulders. She leaned in towards me and rested her head on my shoulder.


    " What are thinking about?" I asked , somewhat knowing the answer.


    " Ethan." She breathed out. How I saw thising. I sighed. She was taking this a bit too seriously.


    " Don''t stress yourself over it. Ethan is a child. He just needs a bit of time to get over his insecurities. " I


    squeezed her hands to assure her.


    " No , I was just thinking of going for a family dinner or something . Maybe some nice time together will


    ease his insecure mind ... I don''t know I just hate to see him not being his own self." She was more of


    mumbling thest part to herself. She looked confused on what to do to bring everything back to


    normal. I could understand the amount of underlying concern in her words. I kissed her forehead.


    " You''re right , we should go." I agreed. I was ready for anything that would bring her mental


    satisfaction. If going on a dinner would do Ethan good , then why not ?


    She looked up to smile at me and then went back to rest her head on my shoulder.


    She looked again lost in her thoughts. I slowly brought up my hand to rest on her thigh and then started


    dragging them up. She immediately overcame her lost self . I could hear her sharp intake of breath. I


    smirked on knowing the effect I had on her.


    I trailed kisses along her jawline and moved my lips down to kiss her neck. Her eyes were closed and


    she let out a soft moan which heightened my excitement. I pulled her up on myp in a way that she


    was straddling me. She put her arms around my neck and caressed my hair with one hand.


    Pushing aside the strap of her dress , I paced soft kisses on her corbone. I could often feel her shiver


    at my touches. My hand travelled up to caress her waist. We were so lost into each other before we


    were rudely interrupted.


    " Holy shit! God bless my virgin eyes." I groaned and pulled apart at Caleb''s annoying voice. Sophia ,


    sprinted off myp and fixed her dress.


    " Uhm do you want some coffee?" She asked Caleb , her face was red out of embarrassment.


    " Eww no. I would prefer not having any kind of germs. " Caleb made a disgusted face to which Sophia


    rolled her eyes .


    " As you please ." She shrugged and sat down beside me . I put my hands around her waist and pulled


    her closer.


    " Don''t you think you should get a room for what you were doing?" I could feel that Caleb wanted to


    embarrass the hell out of Sophia. I was immune to this but didn''t know of how she would react.


    " Don''t you think you should call before visiting your friend who is newly married?" Instead of being shy


    or embarrassed, she retorted using the same tone. Caleb was shocked at her words and blinked a few


    times. I chuckled at his expression. He dramatically put a hand on his chest feigning hurt.


    " Why should I ? I cane in anytime I feel like. Right Nick?" I rolled my eyes at his dramatic


    expression.


    " Fair enough, then you must know that this may not be thest of times when you walk in on some


    steamy scene ." She sassed. I raised a brow at her words which she seemed to not mind.


    " Gross!" Caleb frowned and weughed at him.


    He stayed up for lunch. When Ethan saw him, he was stuck to him for the whole while. He had always


    liked Caleb a lot. The lunch was spent with Sophia and Caleb bickering over everything.


    By the time he left , Ethan was tired and was off to take a nap. As soon as Sophia entered our room I


    pulled her to sit beside me. Having her effectively trapped between my hands , I looked at her.


    " So steamy scenes you say?" I brushed a curl from her face to tuck it behind her ears. She blushed


    under my gaze . This small action of her''s was enough to have me want her even more.


    " T-that I said just to re-reply him." She was shuttering which I found to be quite cute.


    " Hmm" My face was so dangerously close to her''s that my breath was fanning at the corner of her lips.


    " Stop teasing and just kiss me already." I chuckled at her words butplied anyway.


    .......


    Sophia''s POV


    " Do you like it sweetheart? " I asked Ethan as he was devouring his chocte desert.


    He bobbed his head up and down as a response. He chose to enjoy his desert rather than wasting time


    giving verbal answers. Nick lightlyughed and I shook my head.


    When Ethan learnt that we were going out for dinner , he was bubbling with excitement. As it was a


    family dinner , Nick decided to drive us to the restaurant himself. Contrary to what I expected, Nick had


    brought us to a warm and cosy restaurant , which was nice for some family time.


    After he had paid for our food , we got up to leave. As we were heading out of the restaurant, I felt the


    need to use the washroom.


    " Nick , I need to use the washroom." I said to him.


    " We''lle with you." He was about to lead me in before I stopped him.


    " No , you should take Ethan to the car . He seems tired. " We both looked at Ethan who was holding


    Nick''s hand and rubbing his eye with another hand. Nick looked back at me once again.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " Are you sure?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at his question. He didn''t need to be so overly concerned.


    " Of course I am. I won''t get lost." I chuckled but he didn''t. He slowly nodded and starting walking off.


    After finishing my work in the washroom, I was thinking of how happy Ethan was today . He really


    seemed so carefree and rxed after such a long time. The evening turned out to be so beautiful.


    But I said that too early.


    Suddenly, I felt a hand covering my mouth and another hand around my waist. I immediately started


    thrashing in the man''s hold. For a fraction of a second the hand on my mouth was removed only to be


    reced by cloth . I tried hard not to inhale guessing what could have been in it but finally gave up . I


    could feel the consciousness seeping out of me as I was hoping that Nick would find me


    soon.

 Chapter - 37

    Chapter - 37


    Nick''s POV


    I was getting tensed by then. It had been fifteen minutes since she had been to the washroom and I


    was waiting there. I turned to look inside the car. Ethan was sleeping in the backseat. I called her


    number but it was switched off.


    When it was around twenty minutes I was done waiting. I opened the car door and picked Ethan up.


    Putting his head on my shoulder, he kept sleeping. Locking the car , I walked towards the restaurant.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She wasn''t at the entrance, nor in front of the reception. I eventually was in front of the washroom.


    There was a waitress standing at a corner.


    " Can you please check if there is ady in green dress inside the washroom? It had been a pretty long


    time since she walked in." My voice came out impatient.


    " Sure Sir." She went in but came out a littleter .


    " No Sir , no one''s there." I was expecting or let''s say hoping for a positive answer. Never in my life had


    I been so disappointed with anything.


    I swiftly walked over to the reception. As soon as the receptionist saw me approaching, she stood up.


    " How may I-"


    " Did you see my wife walking out of here in a green dress?" I didn''t have the time for formalities. My


    patience was running thin. She looked a bit baffled at the sudden question and then after pondering


    over it a while, spoke up.


    " Yes , I saw ady, a brte in green dress leave from here." I felt my anxiety rise at her words. She


    said a brte in green dress. Obviously it''s her. She left !? Then where was she ? Why didn''t she


    " I want to see the CCTV footage of the entrance, now." Knowing of what I could do with a snap of my


    fingers , they dared not refuse.


    " Sure Sir , this way please." I followed her to a room. I stood in front of the screen and the footage of


    around the time we left , was yed.


    I saw Sophia entering the restaurant . After a few minutes I saw her stepping out. I was scared of what


    I was going to see. She took a few steps before a hand was ced on her mouth and another around


    her waist. I couldn''t make out anything of the man''s appearance as he waspletely dressed in ck


    and had a mask covering his face.


    Sophia was thrashing in his hold and I saw him drag her out of sight. That was it. There was nothing


    else.


    Sophia got kidnapped. It had been ten minutes that she was taken away. But where ? And by whom? I


    didn''t know a single thing about her current location. I didn''t know the number of the car in which she


    was taken away. Her phone was switched off so I couldn''t track her even.


    I clenched my eyes shut in pain.


    All of it was my fault. I shouldn''t have left her alone. How could I be so fucking careless? The familiar


    feeling of guilt hit me with full force.


    " Dammit ." I banged my fist on the table. This startled the workers who looked frightened of my


    outburst but I couldn''t care less. The sound woke Ethan up. He rubbed his eyes before taking in his


    surroundings.


    " Where are we ?" I closed my eyes and took deep breaths to calm myself but nothing seemed to work.


    I could only feel my panic rising with every second.


    " We''ll be home soon." I managed to calmly speak. He nodded before trying to get into afortable


    position in my hold once again. But suddenly as if remembering something , he jerked up and looked


    around.


    " Where is Mom?" I didn''t know how to reply . Putting on a rxed facade on my face, I spoke.


    " Mom , yeah, she met an old friend of hers and is going to stay with her for a few days . Why don''t I


    drop you off at Grandpa''s house? You can stay there until Mom returns?" I came up with a lie.


    Considering how paranoid he was these days about staying away from Sophia, I didn''t want him to


    know what had happened.


    " Old friend ? But Aunt Char and Uncle Ryan are her only friends." Obviously, he knew it. He has to


    know everything! I was getting so frustrated with the situation in hand but I had toe up with


    something assuring.


    " Yeah this is a childhood friend of hers. She didn''t tell you about her because they hadn''t met in ages.


    Even I came to know about her today itself." I ended with a nervous chuckle. At this point I didn''t know


    if I made sense or not but I wanted nothing more than to start my search for Sophia , which needed


    convincing Ethan to stay with Dad and Mom. So I was hoping that myme excuse of a story would


    work.


    He didn''t look very happy . Instead a gloomy expression covered his face. I knew what was going on in


    his mind.


    " Don''t worry , your Mom won''t leave you. She is going toe back." I was assuring him but I realized


    that somewhere I was trying to find a bit offort in my own words. I wanted to believe that she is


    going toe back to me , to us, unharmed .


    Ethan replied with a soft nod and a faint ''okay''.


    .........


    I dropped Ethan at Dad''s ce. From my face they knew that something was wrong but I signaled


    them not to ask anything in front of Ethan and they agreed. Mom took away Ethan with her leaving Dad


    with me.


    " What''s the matter , son ?" His eyebrows were furrowed and he looked at my face , as if trying to make


    out what was wrong with me.


    " Dad .. Sophia - Sophia got kidnapped." As soon as the words left my mouth his expression changed


    from that of concern to shock.


    " WHAT?" He yelled. His voice wasced with concern.


    " How did this happen?" I rubbed my forehead out of frustration. I was too restless to exin him


    everything but I needed to.


    So I gave him every detail. By the end of my narration, his face held an expression of pure horror. I


    knew that he loved Sophia like his own daughter and he was terrified to think of the consequences.


    " Well , we can''t sit here and be worried. We have to do something. " He sounded more impatient than I


    have ever heard him .


    " I was going to report it at the police station. I have a copy of the footage with me. " I had remembered


    to get the footage before it was tampered with. Although it didn''t give away shit that could help in the


    investigation, it was still important to make the cops believe that she was kidnapped and I wouldn''t


    have to wait for twenty four fucking hours before they would start looking for her.


    " I''lle with you. " I nodded at him and led my way back to my car. Settling back I started driving


    again. Dad called Mom, after getting into the passenger''s seat, letting her know of the current situation


    but I was lost in my mind . This time various thoughts were consuming me.


    What if the man who took Sophia was some serial killer ? What if he was involved in human trafficking


    ? What if he was a rapist ? Will she be alive by the time I reach her?


    I furiously shook my head to push away those thoughts. Even these thoughts were hurting so much


    and making me so weak. I couldn''t help but me myself. I was supposed to protect her but I couldn''t.


    I couldn''t do a job as simple as protecting my wife dammit!


    But I will not let anything happen to her.


    Hold on ,Sophia . I will find you, baby . I will .

 Chapter - 38

    Chapter - 38


    Sophia''s POV


    My head was hurting so bad but I couldn''t bring up my hand to hold my head. My hands and feet felt


    numb. With a lot of struggle I opened my eyes to meet with a dark wall in front of me. I was racking my


    brain to find out how Inded here but couldn''t remember a thing . I felt extremely drowsy and darkness


    consumed me again before I knew it.


    Next time when I opened my eyes , I was in the same ce but this time I remembered everything.


    Walking out of the restaurant and getting kidnapped.


    Ethan! My poor baby. Was he missing me ? He gets scared when I am not there for a few hours and I


    don''t know for how long I have been here. He must be thinking that I have left him. I hope Nick can


    handle him.


    Nick !? Was he fine? He should be right ? Did they take only me?


    I was lying on the floor in the middle of a dark room. My hands and feet were tied which exins the


    numbness. My back was badly aching for being in that position for God knows how long. I sat up with a


    lot of efforts.


    I guess they had injected me with some sort of sedatives. I couldn''t keep my eyes open. My eyelids felt


    heavy .


    I tried looking here and there to find an escape but the room had no window. I couldn''t move my hands


    a bit because of how tight the ropes were gripping my wrists. Honestly, I was scared. I didn''t know what


    I was going to deal with. Was he going to sell my organs ? Was he going to rape me ? I shuddered at


    the thought. Will Nick find me? The throbbing in my head was worsening.


    Just then the door creaked open, causing my eyes to hurt from the sudden brightness. I could guess a


    female figure standing at the door. I squinted my eyes to get a better look. Suddenly a light in the room


    was switched on. Unable to adjust to the sudden illumination, I closed my eyes and blinked several


    times before looking at the presence and whom I saw had me shocked.


    " Christina." A faint inaudible whisper left my lips . But the wicked smirk which appeared on her face


    was enough evidence that she had heard it.


    " Shocked , are we ?" Her high pitched voice filled the room.


    She walked towards me in a slow pace, swaying her hips from side to side.


    She crouched down in front of me and brought up a finger, touching my face.


    " Now now Princess , what did you think ? " She spoke while dragging the finger along my face with a


    sadistic smile on her face and all of a sudden fisted my hair in her hand in a painful grip. I couldn¡¯t help


    but groan in pain.


    " You will walk away with Nick and I will let you ?" She pped me hard across my face. I felt a metallic


    taste in my mouth.


    She startedughing maniacally and walked a bit away.


    " We were dating and I know he loved me ." She dreamily stared in front of her. My mouth itched to tell


    her how he never felt anything for her but I knew better than to irk her now.


    " But you !" I winced at her shrill voice. " You came between us and destroyed everything." She kicked


    my stomach hard . I curled up my body as much as possible ,in an attempt to reduce a bit of pain.


    Tears escaped my eyes but I didn''t make a sound. I was sensible enough to not go bat shit crazy and


    scream profanities at her and get more bruised.


    " You just walked in someday and he dumped me like that. All because of you." She again kicked my


    stomach . I cried out in pain.


    " Don''t worry. You''re going to pay for everything. I will take my revenge... But for now I got you food.


    See , I am not a bad host."


    A man on cue entered the room with a te . He ced it on the floor and came behind me to open my


    hands and then legs. I slowly brought up my hands and massaged my wrists to reduce the numbness .


    The te was pushed in front of me.


    " Eat." I looked away , staring at the nk wall. I knew not to defy her when I was practically at her


    mercy but I was not in a state to swallow dry bread.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She once again crouched down in front of me and spoke.


    " Honestly , I don''t care if you die out of starvation. But you know , I got to hand you over alive. " I


    snapped my head towards her faster than I could imagine.


    Hand over !? She was going to sell me ? To whom ?


    I looked at her with questioning gaze bit she ignored me.


    She gripped my jaws hard and hissed at me.


    " So better eat before I make you."


    I was made to swallow the piece of bread and I was given a ss of water. But luckily they didn''t tie me


    up before leaving.


    If they knew that I couldn''t escape then why the hell did they tie me up previously? To add effect to the


    whole kidnapping thing?


    I honestly hated Nick for ever hooking with such a psychopath. Crawling back to the wall, I pulled my


    knees to my chest and leaned my head back , supporting on the wall. I didn''t know how long it has


    been since I have met my family and now she was most probably going to sell me. But wasn''t that


    going to be a news, if she does? I can''t be sold off to be a stripper somewhere because many people


    knew me due to my marriage with Nick.


    God knows what my fate has in store for me. I wasn''t sure if I was going to ever meet Nick and Ethan


    again. Do my parents know about me getting kidnapped? Were they worried about me. I can''t lie that I


    didn''t want anyone to worry about me. I wanted someone to find me and get me out of this sadistic


    bitch''s clutch.


    All these thoughts were truly messing with my head. I was feeling so many emotions at the same time.


    I was angry , sad and mostly scared. In spite of my desperate attempts at staying awake , I was drifting


    off into darkness again. Myst thoughts were about Nick. I knew and hoped that he would try to find


    me.


    Help me Nick.

 Chapter - 39

    Chapter - 39


    Nick''s POV


    " Four days , four days since she got kidnapped , since Ist saw her, Dad. Nobody is able to trace her


    . I-I don''t know what to do anymore." I put my head in my hands. I didn''t remember when I hadst felt


    so helpless . My patience was running thin , I was randomlyshing out at anyone and everyone. Sleep


    , had as if left me. I was now desperately praying for a clue to reach her.


    The police didn''t find anything suspicious about ra. Her mobile was tracked and it showed nothing


    unnatural.


    " I know my constion isn''t going to do shit but I strongly believe that we will find her. Don''t loose


    hope." Putting a hand on my shoulder , he gently squeezed it.


    " When ? When will I find her? I don''t even know in what conditions is Sophia living. Where is she Dad


    ? " I spoke without looking at him. I knew I was being pessimistic but I couldn''t help the fear that was


    bubbling inside me.


    " M-Mom le-left ?" I heard a wobbly voice. My head immediately shot up to look at Ethan''s face. His


    face looked broken and tears slipped off his eyes. I rushed to the stair case where he was standing and


    crouched down in front of him.


    " I''m sorry, he sneaked out." I saw Mom guiltily looking at us.


    " She left, d-didn''t she?" Ethan asked looking at me. I was confused of what I should say to him. Taking


    that as a confirmation he went on speaking.


    " She promised to not leave me. " He was now whispering while tears flowed down his cheeks freely.


    " Ethan-"


    " I didn''t do anything bad , I tried being a good kid , then why did she leave? Why do everyone leave


    me? Nobody lo-loves me." His sad dejected voice was piercing my heart. I pulled his small body


    towards mine and embraced him tightly.


    " Of course you''re are a good kid and Sophia loves you. She loves you a lot." I tried assuring him.


    " No you''re lying. She doesn''t love me. She left." He was shouting all of a sudden. If it was any other


    time that he had raised his voice like this , I would have been stern with him but I could understand his


    inner turmoil. He was frustrated with everyone leaving him behind. He thought that I was lying to him


    and nobody could ever love him . I gently cupped his face and wiped away the tears. Taking a deep


    breath, I spoke.


    " She didn''t leave. Some bad people took her with them." I wished I didn''t have to tell him this but I had


    no other option. If I hadn''t told him, he would have believed that she had left him . This would have


    done nothing more than breaking his self-confidence and drifting him and Sophia apart.


    " What do you mean? Bad people? She didn''t leave me?" I shook my head in response to his question.


    His eyes widened at that and fear reced the sadness in them.


    " Bad people took Mom , what will happen now? Where is she?" Fresh set of tears made way out of his


    eyes , this time out of fear.


    " I don''t know where she is. " Saying my son that I don''t know where his Mom is , made me feel like an


    absolute failure.


    " Dad , you will find her right ? You- you will bring h-her to me ?" I hugged him once again. Even I


    wanted to cry , to vent out my frustrations but I knew better than that. I couldn''t, at least not in front of


    him.


    " I will. "


    ............


    Sophia''s POV


    I didn''t realise for how long I had been here but it had been three days since I had first met my captor.


    The past two days have been absolute hell. The only thing I constantly feel is pain. Every part of my


    body hurts.


    I have realised that Christina needs serious psychological help. She visits and looks for reasons to beat


    me up. Last day, when she saw that the bread was untouched , she started pping and punching me.


    The day before that , I had zoned out and didn''t hear what she was saying. I was broken from my


    trance when she started delivering kicks to my stomach.These two were instances when I had actually


    done something . From what I had observed from the bathroom mirror is that I had a busted lip , ck


    swollen eyes and bruised cheeks. There are dark purple bruises on my stomach from those kicks. The


    dry pieces of bread couldn''t provide me enough energy to bear those beatings. I wondered in what


    state Dad and Mom were after knowing that I was missing. I so wanted to be in my Dad''s arm when he


    would gently pat my head and I would feel better. I knew I was getting weaker as days passed but I


    wanted to live and be strong because I believed that Nick woulde for me .I desperately hoped that


    I would get to hug Mom and Dad, that I would once again be with my son and Nick, at our home, bake


    cookies together, have movie nights, cuddle to sleep... just be with them.


    .........


    Nick''s POV


    I just came out of the shower when I saw my phone ringing. The screen showed the name of my


    private investigator.


    " Found anything?" I was too impatient to exchange pleasantries.


    " Sir , I have found something unusual about your ex- girlfriend Christina. "


    " Go on."


    " Sir , she has been seen leaving the house very early in the morning anding back extremelyte.


    We had tried tracking her phone but it seems she leaves her phone back at home. " He paused giving


    me time to process the information.


    " Following her , we have found a small house in the outskirts of the city. But there were many guards


    at the house . "


    " We''ll be leaving in an hour. I''ll call you back."


    " Ok, Sir."


    How stupid was I ? I suspected ra but I didn''t even think of Christina.


    Christina! If she had dare taken her I will kill her with my bare hands.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Sophia, hang on. We areing.

 Chapter - 40

    Chapter - 40


    Sophia''s POV


    I felt cold water being sshed on me.


    I groaned and tried opening my eyes but couldn''t. Thest few days were were like a horrible


    nightmare. Sometimes, Christina even used to have one of the guys beat me until I was knocked out. I


    was always either in pain or was drowsy.


    Suddenly a hard kick was delivered to my stomach but still, I couldn''t move. Every part of body was


    aching. I peeled open my eyes to look at Christina looking down at me. She crouched down in front of


    me and fisted my hair in her hands. Pulling it harshly , she made me face her.


    " Aww , look how pretty you look. " She cooed at me mockingly and within a second her face turned


    angry with pure hatred in her eyes.


    " You know I would have loved to do a bit more damage to your pretty face which snatched Nick away


    from me. But you know, nobody would like their whore look uglier than you already are." By the end of


    the statement she was maniacally grinning. I was scared to the core by her words. Whore!? What was


    she going to do with me?


    " A man will being to get you today." She enthusiastically said like someone was taking me to a


    candy store.


    " You know you could-" a bang cut her off followed by some more. I was desperately hoping that Nick


    was here to save me. She swiftly turned back for a moment before pulling me up by my arms to stand


    up. As I was trying to process what was happening, someone burst in through the door.


    " Nick." My voice came out as a whisper . I was exhausted beyond imagination but the sight of him


    standing in front of me, made me extremely happy. At one point , I thought that I would have never


    seen him again . At that moment I realised how much I missed him , how much I longed to be with him,


    how much I love him.


    " Sophia." His voice was pained like his expression. He was looking at my face , at my bruises. I was


    actually worried that he might not like me anymore because of how pathetic I look now.


    Suddenly I was pulled by my arm towards Christina and I felt a cold metal pressing against my neck.


    Maybe I could have gotten myself out of her hold but I was too weak out of the beatings to use my self


    defence techniques. At this point I was just grateful that my mind was working properly.


    Nick''s eyes darted from my face to Christina''s and they were immediately filled with rage. His jaw was


    clenched tight and so were his fists. The room was filled with cops.


    " Christina, leave her." Nick spoke in a calm , threatening manner but I could see the vulnerability in his


    eyes, like he was trying hard to keep it all together.


    " No, never. I was going to sell her away but now I will just kill her. " Her grip on my arms tightened


    even more.


    " Christina-"


    " I will kill her and then - then we can be together, Nick. I know you love me so much but - but this bitch


    ruined everything." She sounded crazy, she had lost her thinking abilities and was blinded by her


    obsession for Nick.


    " Ms. Miller , I would advice you to put down the knife. The house is fully surrounded by our men. You


    can''t escape. It''s better that you surrender." One of the cops spoke to which she vigorously shook her


    head.


    I didn''t know what happened but the very next moment there was loud bang and Christina wasn''t


    holding me anymore. Some cops rushed to hold her.


    I was too weak to stand on my feet without support. I wobbled and was going tond on the floor when


    I was pulled into a strong chest. The familiar scent of Nick ,engulfed me.


    " Sophia , baby , I am sorry for being sote. I am so fucking sorry." His voice was cracking slightly. The


    pain and guilt was evident in his voice.


    He hugged me tight to him as if he was scared of loosing me . Although I was more than happy to be in


    his arms but I couldn''t control the hiss that left my mouth because of the pain in my ribs when he pulled


    me close.


    He moved a bit away to look at me with guilt in his eyes .


    " You will be okay, Sophia. Hold on." I was scared that I may not make it and I wanted to confess that I


    love him but no words left my mouth, my throat dry and hurting.


    I offered him a weak smile.


    Picking me up bridal style , he started walking out of the room.


    My eyelids were feeling heavy that I was struggling hard to keep them open.


    " Stay awake baby. Don''t close your eyes. " I tried keeping my eyes open but after a while I couldn''t


    help . I was slipping into unconsciousness.


    Thest thing I was thinking that I was with Nick. I was safe.


    .........


    Nick''s POV


    I had never been more nervous than I was as we had reached the location. It was a small house. There


    were some guards which were tackled by the cops , some were shot in their hands and knees. Finally


    when we entered the room at the farthest end, the worst sight of my life weed me.


    Sophia was standing there being held by Christina.


    Never in my life had I expected to see Sophia in such a state. She had swollen, dark eyes. Blood had


    dried around her nose and lips. Her face had dark bruises all over, her clothes were torn and whatever


    bits of skin it showed were bruised as well.


    " Nick." A soft whisper left her mouth which was almost inaudible and as weak as she looked.


    " Sophia." I knew my voice gave away the pain that I felt. I could not have exined how painfully my


    heart constricted at the sight of her.


    Within a snap of fingers , Christina pulled Sophia in front of her and held a knife to her neck. I looked


    into her eyes with rage and threatening manner but inside I was scared shit less. I was clenching my


    fist and jaws to hide my vulnerability rather than scaring her.


    " Christina, leave her." I spoke in a calm , threatening manner but my heart was hammering hard


    against my chest.


    " No, never. I was going to sell her away but now I will just kill her. " Her grip on Sophia''s arms


    tightened even more. Sell her !? She was going to sell her?


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Christina-"


    " I will kill her and then - then we can be together, Nick. I know you love me so much but - but this bitch


    ruined everything." She didn''t sound normal. Her obsession for me was unhealthy. She could do


    anything right now and I was so worried for Sophia at that moment.


    " Ms. Miller , I would advice you to put down the knife. The house is fully surrounded by our men. You


    can''t escape. It''s better that you surrender." One of the cops spoke to which she vigorously shook her


    head.


    The very next moment, Christina was shot on the arm which was holding the knife. She stumbled back


    and the cops advanced to deal with her.


    Sophia looked confused of what had happened. She looked at them and then her legs wobbled. Before


    she could fall , I held her in my arms and pulled her to my chest.


    " Sophia , baby , I am sorry for being sote. I am so fucking sorry." My voice cracked at the end and I


    could have done nothing to hide it. I was feeling weak myself on seeing her like this.


    I pulled her closer to me and took her in a tight embrace but the very next moment she hissed. I pulled


    away to look at her face and saw her face contorted in pain. A wave of guilt washed over me.


    "You will be okay, Sophia. Hold on."


    She offered me a small smile. I picked her up and carried her bridal style out of the ce.


    As I was walking, I saw her eyes closing .


    " Stay awake baby. Don''t close your eyes. " She tried opening her eyes only to close it again and


    cking outpletely.


    ..........


    I was waiting outside the emergency unit for an hour now. I had called Dad and updated him. Hence,


    my whole family was here and so were Sophia''s parents. Ryan was leaning against a wall with worry


    and concern strectched over his face while Charlotte was ring at the floor.


    The doctors still haven''t given away anything. The only thing they told us was that her condition was


    serious.


    I was standing alone immersed in my worries. Whenever my mind goes back to the incidents at the


    house, the knife held at her neck, I could feel my heartbeat increasing. One thing I realised standing


    here was that I could never imagine my life without her. Now that she was fighting for her life and I was


    standing here helplessly, I realised how important she is for me. Even the thought of losing her brought


    an unexinable amount of agony in my heart. When all these days she was with me , I couldn''t


    realise my feelings. But now I did.


    I realized that I love her.

 Chapter - 41

    Chapter - 41


    Nick''s POV


    There was a dead silence , no one bothered to speak . Everyone was anticipating of what the doctors


    would say. After what seemed like hours, the doctor came out. I was trying to read his expression but


    his neutral face gave away nothing.


    " Doctor , how is she ?" I asked.


    " The abuse she faced was serious. She is thoroughly bruised and a few ribs were broken. She is out


    of danger now but she is extremely weak due tock of food in her system. Also , there was a huge


    amount of sedatives in her body . She will need few hours before she is conscious again." No one


    uttered a word simply because we simply didn''t know what to say.


    " Was there - was there any sign of - any sexual abuse?" Ryan asked the question that I was dreading


    so much. No matter what , I couldn''t bring myself to ask it .


    " No. Fortunately, there were no signs of molestation." I breathed out in relief . I don''t know what I


    would have done if the answer was what I dreaded. I would have possibly never forgiven myself .


    " Can I see her ?" I asked him.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " You can see her once we shift her to the ward but one person at a time." I nodded and he left us there


    in our thoughts.


    " That bitch . I want to fucking kill her with my bare hands." My Mom yelled. She was never the one to


    curse but her bloodshot eyes were enough proof of her unfettered rage, directed towards Christina. My


    Dad had the simr expressions whereas Sophia''s father held a pained expression. Sophia''s mom


    stared off into space while tears rolled down her cheeks .Charlotte was crying in Ryan''s chest who was


    trying to keep his emotions at bay.


    " Nick , where is she ? How is she ?" Caleb asked as he was panting like he ran all the way up to the


    hospital.


    " Out of danger, badly bruised and broken ribs." I gritted out the words. Thinking that I was speaking of


    Sophia''s condition, seemed so unreal. He clenched his eyes shut in aguish.


    " Any - any kind of ..?" He sounded so hesitant as if he couldn''t bare to hear the answer.


    " No." As I let that single word out , I could taste the relief on my lips.


    He sighed as if relieved but then a gloomy expression covered his face.


    ..........


    After Sophia was shifted , I went in to see her. Just on entering , the familiar feel of heaviness in my


    heart, reappeared. I started walking towards the bed and the sight of fragile and bruised Sophia broke


    my heart.


    Her face looked exhausted and sad.


    I settled down beside her and took her small hand in mine. Bringing her hand close to my lips I kissed


    the back of it and that''s when my emotions betrayed me. Tears roll down my cheeks not expressing


    even a bit of the agony that I was feeling inside.


    " It''s it''s my fault. It''s all my fucking fault that you had to go through you so much. I was supposed to


    protect you and I-I couldn''t." I paused as my voice cracked.


    " I am so so sorry baby. I don''t know what I would have done if something happened to you. I love you


    so much Sophia. I love -." By the end of it I was choking on my tears. It was hurting so bad. I wanted


    someone to take away the heartache.


    ...........


    Sophia''s POV


    I could hear a faint beeping sound. My head was hurting real bad but my whole body felt numb. I didn''t


    want to wake up because I knew that once , I am conscious, I will be beaten to unconsciousness.


    But soon the beeping was clearer and louder. I opened my eyes only to close it again. After adjusting to


    the bright light I properly looked at my surroundings. I wasn''t in the cold, dark room anymore. I felt a


    hand holding mine in it. I looked to my left to see Nick resting his head on the bed while sitting beside it.


    That''s when everything came crashing down. Nick came , he saved me.


    I looked at our intertwined hands. Although he was sleeping, his grip on my hand was firm , like he was


    scared to lose me again. I looked at his face. His hair was disheveled, there were dark bags under his


    eyes as if he hadn''t slept in days. Even in his sleep his expression wasn''t one of peace.


    I brought up my other hand to run it through his hair but even at the slight movement, there was a


    sharp ache in my ribs. I couldn''t stop the whimper that left my mouth and Nick bolted awake at that. He


    looked straight up at me and for a second it seemed like he couldn''t believe that he was looking into my


    eyes.


    " Sophia ." He spoke in disbelief. When I offered him a faint smile, his face broke into arge , genuine


    smile.


    He got up as if he was going to hug me but then most probably realised that he couldn''t. So he settled


    at sitting down back beside me and sping my hand in his.


    " Sophia , baby you''re fine - you''re up - shit. I don''t know what I am saying. I am so happy." He kissed


    the back of my hand repeatedly. Never before had I seen him behave like this. He was always


    composed and matured.


    I tried calling his name but I could only cough. He immediately rushed to fill a cup of water and brought


    it to my lips. I took a few sips before he put it away.


    " How are you feeling?" He looked at me with so much of concern that it tugged at my heart.


    " My head is aching and my ribs pain a lot." I honestly told what I was feeling.


    " Now tell me ,where is Ethan?" Immediate a happy face of Ethan popped up in my mind .


    " He is fine, with Amy at home." He filled me in on how he thought that I had left him and how much he


    had missed me and cried for me.


    " He wille tomorrow."


    " Aww, I missed my baby so much." I dreamily sighed.


    " And what about me?" He faked hurt.


    " Oh I missed you so much. I always thoughts about you. I knew you''lle to save me." While I


    smiled at him, his face morphosed into one of utter grief and guilt.


    " I am sorry." Looking down , he said in a small voice , full of regret.


    " Nick, it''s not your fault. "


    I tried convincing but he stubbornly shook his head. And no , I am not a dumb little bitch who is clueless


    of why is he apologizing.


    " It is Sophia. It is my fault. I am supposed to protect you . It was for me that you had to face so much .


    You didn''t deserve all this. I am s-sorry." Hearing his voice crack , broke my heart. His face held so


    much of guilt and sadness .


    " Nick, I am saying it for the final time. It''s not your fault. You are not to be med that your ex-


    girlfriend is a psychotic bitch." I joked trying to lift his mood which clearly didn''t work. If anything , the


    remorse on his face increased.


    " Yes, it''s obviously my fault. I shouldn''t have encouraged her after I was married to you." I agree that it


    was low of him to continue his affair after our marriage but then he acts on impulse. He did make up for


    those things.


    " Yeah, it wasn''t the right thing to do but we havee past that right? Moreover , this couldn''t have


    been stopped even if you had cut off all rtions with Christina immediately after our marriage. Did you


    look at her expression? Her obsession for you is so huge that she is unable to chose wisely. She still


    would have held me responsible for your separation with her. " I softly exined.


    " But still, I shouldn''t have left you there alone." He looked like a beaten puppy and I was desperate to


    snatch away his pain. He was beating himself over it.


    " None of us saw iting, Nick. You can''t control everything but you can be happy that I am here safe


    and fine with you, you know." I grinned to which he raised an eyebrow.


    " Safe ? Yes. But fine ? .." He trailed off . I dropped my smile and looked at him with a pissed


    expression.


    " Nick, you''ll stop ming yourself for it right now and be happy that your wife is here with you , or I


    swear to God I''ll beat your ass up till you are lying here on an adjacent bed." I tried giving one of his


    famous intimidating res but my attempt clearly failed as he chuckled and then nodded.


    " Say with me, ''It''s not my fault''" I demanded.


    " Sophia-"


    " Nick." I deadpanned to which he rolled his eyes .


    " Fine, it''s not my fault. Happy?" I grinned and nodded.


    " Very. Nowe and kiss me." He raised his brows staring at me questioningly. I myself wouldn''t have


    believed that I was the one saying this but I had missed him too much to be the shy girl right now.


    " Wow ! You''re the same Sophia right ?" He looked amused.


    " I am waiting." I looked at him bored.


    He chuckled at that came up to kiss me. He gently cupped my cheeks, careful to not hurt the bruises


    and softly kissed me. Thefort I felt, when his lips softly moved against mine , made me feel safe.


    I was safe , I was home.

 Chapter - 42

    Chapter - 42


    Sophia''s POV


    " Good morning, Sophia." Nick pecked my forehead, waking me up. As I opened my eyes I was


    weed with the sight of a smiling Nick.


    " Good morning." I yawned and looked at him.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " You''re here so early?" He chuckled at my words causing me to frown.


    " I was here only and it''s around ten , not so early I guess." I smiled sheepishly at him on realising that I


    had been sleeping for about twelve hours straight.


    The medicines were making me drowsy andst night I was out just as I closed my eyes.


    " Nick , you should go home and take rest. You look so tired." He was here for two continuous days and


    his face showed signs of pure exhaustion.


    " Not happening. I will not go home and moreover I am not tired . I slept here." He pointed to the sofa in


    the room. Seriously? Just by looking at it, one can tell it is ufortable.


    " Oh you aren''t tired ? But the eyebags suggest otherwise." I narrowed my eyes at him to which he


    sighed.


    " Trust me Sophia when I say that yesterday I got the best sleep in days. Thest few days when you


    weren''t there, I didn''t get an wink of sleep. Being here , close to you, keeps me sane." He gently


    caressed my cheeks. I instantly melted at his action and words.


    " Fine , atleast go and shower. You stink." I scrunched up my nose showing how bad he smelled though


    it wasn''t true.


    " Oh is it ? Butst night you didn''t say that when you asked me to kiss you." His fingers werezily


    caressing my lips. He was so close that his breath was hitting my face. I can never get used to being so


    close to him . I shivered at our close proximity and he had observed that as his lips curved up into a


    smirk. Before I could get hypnotised by his presence, I pushed him back lightly with one hand.


    " Yes , it is. Now go and shower." I said and quickly looked away. He chuckled at my actions.


    " Ok , I will go, but only when one of our family members is here." He ran his hand through his hair


    when I took my time to look at him. Even in his t-shirt and messed up hair , he was the most handsome


    man in my eyes.


    " I am fine Nick. Besides the nurses are here to take care of me. " I argued only to loose.


    " Leave it Sophia , I am not leaving." He crossed his arms against his chest which made his muscles


    buldge out. He looked seriously hot for someone who was clearly sleep-deprived for days. How I


    wanted to snuggle close to his body and kiss him!


    Oh God ! Either I missed him a bit too much or it was the effect of the medicines but I couldn''t just help


    my thoughts about him.


    " What makes you grin ?" I was broken out of my thoughts by Nick who was staring at me with a


    confused look.


    " Nothing much, I was just thinking of a certain hot man." I dreamily said in an attempt to tease him.


    He stuffed his hands in his pockets and raised a brow at me.


    " Man ?" He said in a cold tone.


    " Yep , a hot one." His jaw slightly clenched while he kept his gaze on me. If I would have honestly


    done something wrong, I would have been seriously scared of his looks but the situation was different. I


    knew he was trying to control himself .


    " Who is it ?" He asked in a low voice.


    " Oh, he happens to be my husband. Nichs Carter, you know the CEO of Carter Enterprises?" He


    quickly recovered from his shock and looked at me amused.


    " I see! He must be seriously hot to have his wife daydream about him on the hospital bed." He yed


    along. My smirk dropped at that.


    " Oh please , you''re not that hot. You''re.....okay ." I shrugged to which he chuckled.


    " Only if you weren''t on the hospital bed, you wouldn''t have got away so easily after you pull such a


    stunt on your hot husband, you know." I grinned at him causing him to smile and shake his head. Just


    then the door opened.


    " Sophia ." I turned my head to look at Mom. She had tears in her eyes. She quickly rushed to my side


    and pulled me in a careful hug.


    " My baby, you''re fine." My eyes were moist as I cherished the warm hug. My mom''s hugs are the


    warmest one could ask for.


    " M-Mom." I whispered. I felt her patting my head very gently like a bit of pressure would break me.


    After a few minutes she pulled back . She wiped away her tears and offered me a big smile.


    I looked back and saw Dad standing at the end of the bed. His face held so much of sadness. He was


    always a strong man who always hid his worries for us . Today , the broken expression on his face was


    enough to break my heart.


    I motioned him toe towards me. He took careful steps and sat beside me. He took my hand in his


    while looking down.


    " Princess." He whispered in a strained voice as drops of water slipped out of his eyes . That one word


    was all that was needed to break my control.


    " Dad ...... I l-love you. I love you all s-so m-much" Tears freely rolled down my cheeks. I didn''t know


    where from did this sudden thought pop up but honestly I was scared , scared that again this might


    happen and that time I may not be able to survive to say how much I love all of them. Call it childish ,


    but it was what I was honestly feeling.


    " We know princess . We know . We love you a lot as well." Dad kissed my forehead softly and


    retreated. When I was wiping away the tears , the door opened once more and this time Nick''s parents


    came in. Both of them were smiling at me but there was a certain despair in their eyes which they were


    trying to mask.


    I smiled at them but then my eyes moved to a much lower position. Everyone''s eyes followed my line of


    sight and rested on the small figure of Ethan who was holding Mama''s hand. He was staring at me


    intently with his lips slightly parted in what seemed like disbelief. As it registered in his mind that I was


    honestly sitting there in front of him, tears welled up in his eyes threatening to fall.


    " Mom." He softly called which teared me up as well. It felt like I was seeing him after years . I brought


    up one hand , motioning him toe here. Dad got up from beside me and lifted him up to ce him


    beside me.


    I carefully brought my hand around his small body . He brought up his trembling hand and ced it on


    my cheek , gently touching the bruise as the tears slipped off his eyes. I closed my eyes relishing the


    warmth of his small hand. Having him so close to me made me realize that I had missed him so much


    more than what I had thought .


    " Mom , I-I missed y-you . I missed y-you." His lips trembled which filled my heart with despair to no


    extent. My poor Ethan was in so much pain.


    " Oh baby. I missed you too. I did." I tried hugging him. Although my ribs pained from that awkward


    bending but I was desperate to reduce the pain of my son.


    " Those bad people, t-they hurt you so ba-bad . " He looked at me through his tears.


    " Oh sweetheart, they did hurt me but it''s not that bad. Moreover I am here right? Now that you''re here


    with me, I will be fine. Now wipe your tears . Will you do that for me ?" He nodded and wiped away his


    tears .


    " That''s like my strong li''l man." I smiled at him and he grinned. His happy face was the best thing I had


    seen in days. I was feeling content.

 Chapter - 43

    Chapter - 43


    Nick''s POV


    On feeling a lot of movement beside me , I blinked open my eyes. It has been three days since Sophia


    was discharged from the hospital. Since then I have be a light sleeper. I was trying to be alert in


    case she needed something in the middle of the night.


    I looked at Sophia to see her squirming , her eyebrows furrowed . Leaning on my elbow , I roamed my


    eyes over her body to find the cause of difort. Her face was scrunched up in what seemed like


    pain.


    " Sophia , does anything hurt?" I asked only to get no response. Her squirming increased every


    passing second which was making me anxious. I couldn''t wait for the pain to be unbearable and


    as I was about to get up to call the doctor , I heard her mumble something.


    " No - please no.." My eyebrows creased in confusion. Was she asking to not call the doctor? But I


    didn''t say it aloud . Then how-


    My thoughts were cut off when she spoke again.


    " No... it hurts. Stop... please stop." Hurts !? What hurts - My eyes widened in realization. She was


    having a nightmare. Shit!


    I quickly moved closer to her and patted her cheeks to wake her up.


    " Sophia , baby ." I called .


    " Sophia , wake up." She pped away my hands and continued thrashing.


    " Please don''t." Her forehead was covered with sweat beads. I was honestly feeling helpless. I had


    never dealt with nightmares and seeing Sophia, the one I love, in such a condition was tearing my


    heart apart.


    " Sophia , you''re dreaming. Wake up." I held her shoulders in ce to restrict her movements. I


    desperately wanted to wake her up , to relieve her from the pain.


    " No-"


    " Sophia, wake up. Look at me. Wake up." I raised my voice and shook her . She opened her eyes .


    Grasping, she sat up and immediately winced , what I suppose, was because of the pain in the ribs.


    She frantically looked around the room.


    " Sophia ." I softly called cing my hand on her shoulder. Her head immediately snapped towards me


    and the very next moment she was hugging me like her life depended on it.


    To prevent more damage to her ribs from that bending, I carefully pulled her to myp . Bringing my


    hand around her waist I brought her trembling body close to mine.


    " Shh baby , you''re fine. Don''t cry. " I rubbed her back in circr motions to calm her down.


    " N-ick....h-he was..... h-hitting..." She was choking on her sobs , keeping her face pressed in my chest.


    " No baby , no one is going to hurt you again. I am here with you. Stop crying, you''re safe." . Her heart-


    wrenching sobs were too unbearable for me but they seemed to never cease.


    She was having nightmares of being abused. Listening to her howls, I wondered how agonizing her


    days were , in that hell hole.


    Christina . My jaws clenched at the thought of that woman. All because of that bloody woman. Because


    of that psychopath, my wife was passing through this trauma.


    Even though Sophia had said a thousand times that none of this was my fault, I couldn''t help but feel


    guilty somewhere. That vanishing guilt was now resurfacing. I tried pushing it away but the sinking


    feeling in my heart was back.


    I kept whisperingforting words in her ears while stroking her hair with another hand. After what


    seemed like an hour , her sobs died down but she kept holding onto me. I didn''t move , considering this


    was the least I could do for her. Once her breaths evened , I gently ced her on the bed and kissed


    her forehead. Keeping a hand lighly around her waist, Iy down beside her.


    " Sleep tight baby." I whispered before closing my eyes.


    ............


    Sophia''s POV


    When I woke up , Nick wasn''t beside me on his side. I strectched a bit and sat up carefully, not to hurt


    my ribs more than they do.


    As I got up ,st night''s memory came shing back.


    I had a nightmare. I saw that I was in that dark room sprawled out on the floor. Blood was running down


    my nose while Christina kept kicking and hitting me. She wasughing maniacally at my excruciating


    sobs. Still not satisfied with her work , she had her men beat me up who kept me punching and kicking


    mercilessly. The more I begged , the more severe the beating was.


    I was broken out of my thoughts when I felt a pair of warm hands cupping my cheeks. Looking up, my


    grey eyes met with Nick''s warm brown ones. I realised that I was crying when his thumbs wiped away


    the tears.


    " What happened? Why are you crying?" He looked at me with concern in his face. He was searching


    for signs of pain in my face.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    " I don''t know. I don''t know why I am crying but....but everytime I remember my days there , I feel


    scared. What if- if she does something like this again? I''m behaving like a baby. I can''t even control my


    emotions. This feeling..it''s so...I feel so weak." I clenched my eyes shut . I hated feeling so... so weak ,


    so vulnerable. Nick sped my hands in his .


    " Open your eyes." I kept them close to avoid showing any more of my impuissant self to him. Although


    he had seen me in my most defenceless state , there was this hesitation in the back of my mind.


    " Sophia , look at me." Taking a deep breath, I looked at him. His piercing gaze was fixed intently on me


    yet nothing was diforting about it.


    " You''re not weak and you''re definitely not behaving like a baby . That was indeed a dreaded


    experience you had there and all this has been overwhelming which is not helping your emotions. It''s


    okay to cry, to let out but that doesn''t make you weak. So don''t you dare call yourself weak. You''re one


    strong woman, Sophia." The amount of sincerity in his voice had my heart melted into a puddle. The


    love I had for this man was increasing every day.


    I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his . Almost immediately, he kissed back but it wasn''t a deep ,


    passionate kiss. It was a soft, gentle kiss through which I was holding up my vulnerable self to him and


    he was promisingfort , assurance and support, promising to protect the vulnerable me. Pulling


    apart , he tucked my hair behind my ears and stared deep into my eyes.


    " We will get through this. Together." He was whispering but there was a strong determination in his


    voice to which I found myself nodding.


    " Together."

 Chapter - 44

    Chapter - 44


    Sophia''s POV


    It has been three weeks since I had myst nightmare and Nick was the one to pull me through it .


    From waking me up whenever I had a nightmare, holding me close to him and whispering assuring


    words in my ears to talking about my nightmares, he did them all. I couldn''t help but fall deeper for the


    caring and loving side he has shown to me.


    I love him, I love him with my everything but confessing it seems to be the toughest job on Earth. I am


    scared of his rejection. What if his feelings are not mutual ? What if he doesn''t feel the same about


    me? Yes , he likes me and cares for me but love...


    " Sophia , are you alright ?" I came out of my thoughts to look at Tyler and all my friends looking at me.


    Yeah, I had joined office since two weeks now. Nick didn''t want me to join so early but I was sick of


    sitting at home. Besides, taking undue advantage of being the boss''s wife isn''t something I appreciate


    much.


    " Yeah , I am absolutely fine." He nodded at my reply.


    " See you then." Skyler waved as we made our ways to the car. As I came to the parking lot, Nick''s


    Porsche wasn''t there. Instead Benjamin was there in another car.


    " Where is Nick ?" I asked Benjamin after getting in.


    " Sir drove back home early. He told me to take you home." My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Why


    did he not inform me that he went home early?


    " Okay." He drove us back to the house. I went in to see Nick and Ethan cuddling on the sofa while they


    watched some movie. I mentally awed at the sight. They literally looked so cute together.


    " So , why are you back early?" Both of them turned to look at me.


    " I wasn''t feeling well."


    " Dad , was missing me " Nick and Ethan said at the same time and looked at each other. Not strange


    at all.


    " Ofcourse, I missed you that was one and the more important reason. " He offered me a convincing


    smile.


    " What do you mean by you don''t feel well? What happened?" I asked him concerned.


    " Just a little headache." Ok now I was sure he was hiding something. Nick getting back early just


    because of a ''little headache'' seems so convincing!


    But I didn''t say anything. Mumbling a small okay I went to our room to change.


    We spent the evening ying games with Ethan, watching movie and cuddling. Nick had ordered pizza


    for us. After dinner we kissed Ethan goodnight and went to our room.


    Unlike every night , Nick wasn''t holding me close to him. I could feel that he hadn''t slept. After


    sometime, he sneaked out of the room. He carefully went out without making any noise. I acted to be


    asleep but I was really curious of what he was keeping from me. Before I could mentally ponder more, I


    was cut off.


    " HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Birthday! Shit. I forgot my own birthday. I turned to look at Nick holding a cake


    and Ethan a bouquet of red roses. I sat up and smiled widely at them.


    " Oh my God! Thank you so much." I gushed and they had the identical grins on their face. Ethan


    crawled up to me on the bed . I ced him on myp and kissed the top of his head.


    Nick set the cake down in front of me and lit up the candles.


    " Make a wish and blow the candles." He smiled at me. I smiled back before closing my eyes to pray. I


    prayed for a long and happy life with my two boys and blew the candles off while they pped.


    I cut the cake after which , Ethan gave me a handmade card. After thanking him , I opened it. There


    was arge heart drawing with a '' Happy Birthday'' . It was so cute and the fact that he had made it for


    me was the best thing I could ever ask for. I hugged him tight to me and kissed his cheeks.


    " Thank you baby. Thank you so much. This is the best gift that I ever got." His eyes lit up at my words


    and he proudly grinned at me.


    After Ethan left for his room, I turned towards Nick.


    " So , where is my gift?" He walked away and came back a momentter with a box in his hand. I


    raised a brow in question as he gave it to me but he just gestured me to open it.


    " This is..... beautiful!" I whispered as I looked at the diamond ne sitting graciously inside the box.


    " Nick this is too much. Why did you get such a costly gift?" I knew he had abundant money but still it


    doesn''t feel right.


    " Come on , I am a billionaire. Ofcourse my wife gets such gifts." He smirked at me , knowing that this


    arrogant side of him irks me to no extent. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the ne. I closed it


    and kept it aside.


    " Are you not going to take it ?" Nick looked at me with sad eyes. I climbed up on hisp , circling my


    hands around his neck. His hands went around my waist to keep me in ce.


    " Ofcourse I am taking it and I love it. It''s beautiful. It''s just that-" Nick cut me off.


    " Don''t think of the price. I want to shower you with every good thing in the world." His eyes reflected


    the sincerity behind his words.


    " Thank you, thank you so much." I pecked his nose . This time when I climbed down , he didn''t say


    anything. Normally, he doesn''t let me get down.


    When I looked at him , he looked a bit... ufortable? He was raking his hand through his hair , a


    habit of him whenever he is nervous.


    " Nick -"


    " I want to tell you something. " He nervously blurted out.


    " Oh okay." I was a bit confused.


    He took a deep breath calming himself down.


    " Sophia , I haven''t treated you right from the very first. I have behaved like an asshole towards you. I


    know we are past it but still I wanted to apologise for all the wrong things I have done.


    It took me some time , but I hade to see the amazing and beautiful woman you are.


    Sophia, I love you." I was frozen at that. He loves me ?


    "I love you so much that I am scared of it. The way I feel for you is something I haven''t experienced


    before. I know I had made mistakes and will probably make more in the future but If you let me, I would


    love to spend my life making up to you for all my mistakes. So ... Uhh.... will you go on a honeymoon


    with me?" He nervously scratched his head.


    He brought his hand forward giving a box of choctes. They were customized with letters in them


    saying '' I love u Sophia'' , the love in symbol . When my mind processed that this was really happening,


    Nick really loves me , I smiled at him with glossy eyes.


    " I love you too Nick. I love you a lot. You''re the only one for whom I have felt this deep , intense


    feeling. I will spend my life with you . And yes, I will go on a honeymoon with you." We both chuckled at


    the end .


    He leaned forward and met his lips with mine. I immediately kissed him back . He pulled me back to his


    lap and soon the kiss escted to a deep passionate one , showing our love for each other . He pulled


    back and looked into my eyes with a longing look . He buried his face in my hair .


    " I love you."


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    " I love you too."

 Chapter - 45

    Chapter - 45


    Nick''s POV


    I was up and as usual , Sophia was still sleeping in my arms, looking as innocent as ever. I slowly


    stroked her hair while staring at her face.


    Last night I was nervous as hell. I came home early with the cake and the ne to surprise her but


    as the time wasing close , I was freaking out. When Ethan left the room , I could feel my heart


    beating at an inhuman speed but I had to say it. I couldn''t afford to not confess my feelings to her.


    I was skeptical about her reaction but when she said that she loves me as well, I was ecstatic. If


    anyone would have told me some months back that I would be so much in love with anyone, I would


    haveughed but now this is where I was.


    I tried removing her hand but it only tightened around my neck. Giving up, I snuggled closer to her and


    next time when I opened my eyes, she wasn''t there on the bed.


    When I came downstairs, I saw her in the kitchen. She was wearing headphones and shaking her butts


    off to whatever song was ying while cooking something. I leaned on the wall outside and enjoyed


    the show she was putting on.


    Finally, I went in to stand right behind her . Wrapping my hands around her waist I pulled her to myself.


    A gasp left her mouth and she clutched my hand around her waist tightly.


    " That was quite a show you put up. I could always wake up to such beautiful mornings." I pressed my


    nose to her cheeks which were now bright red out of embarassment.


    " Sneaky little thing." She mumbled to herself.


    I turned her by her waist to face me.


    " Did you just call me little ?" I raised a brow. Her face was stretched into a mischievous grin and she


    nodded big.


    Oh you didn''t!


    " Then let me show , how little I am." I smirked at her . She looked confused for a second before


    realisation dawned upon her, causing her face to turn back to red. She pushed me away and turned her


    back to me.


    " Nick , don''t disturb me. Let me make breakfast." Putting away her headphones, she resumed


    cooking. I bend forward on the counter and looked at her face.


    " It''s your birthday. You aren''t supposed to cook. " She nodded her head while cutting the strawberries.


    " But , you did so muchst night. I wanted to do something today. " Shepleted with a smile.


    "But-"


    " No buts , get out of the kitchen right now." She said in a no-argument-tone.


    I raised my hands up in surrender and went out.


    Sophia''s POV


    Nick had confessed his feelingsst night. Whatever he did was very sweet and I wanted to do


    something sweet for him as well. So I decided to make a nice breakfast for him.


    I ted the red velvet waffles with some sliced strawberries, put some blueberries and strawberries in


    a heart shaped bowl and some macarons . I ced two sses of orange juice on the tray . After I was


    satisfied with my work, I walked out.


    Nick was sitting at the table as I ced the tray in front of him.


    " Wow ! Someone''s definitely in a romantic mood." He wiggled his eyebrows to which I just shrugged


    and sat in front of him.


    I waited for him to take the first bite.


    " This is so good." I smiled at hispliment, happy that my efforts weren''t wasted. I dug into my


    breakfast as well.


    " Tonight we are going for dinner , be ready by 7, okay ?" , He said looking at his phone.


    " Okay but what about the honeymoon?" I blurted out what was on my mind. He kept his phone aside


    and smirked at me and I knew I was in for a teasing.


    "Eager , are we ?" I bit my lip out of embarrassment. Ughh ! My stupid stupid mouth!


    I heard his deepughter , a sound I havee to love so much. Infact I love everything about him


    now. So whipped I was!


    He came up , sat beside me and pulled me to hisp.


    " Patience baby , patience. I understand its hard to resist yourself when your husband is this hot." I


    pped his arm and pressed my head to his chest. I felt the vibrations of hisughter, at my expense.


    " If you don''t stopughing right now, I won''t go on honeymoon with you. " He grinned at me like he


    didn''t believe me even a bit. Even I didn''t believe it myself.


    " Okay , first we are celebrating your birthday and then we will think about our honeymoon." He smiled


    at me. I leaned forward to peck his lips but he held me in ce and deepened the kiss. We were lost in


    each other that we didn''t notice when Ethan hade.


    " E ! gross." We instantly pulled away to look at Ethan, standing with a disgusted expression on


    his face. I wonder how many times was I embarassed in a single morning. On the other hand Nick


    looked pretty cool. I ran fingers through my hair to fix up my appearance.


    " Come here, I have made waffles for breakfast." I smiled at Ethan. His face immediately changed into


    arge grin at the name of waffles. His love for food!


    ...............


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Nick''s POV


    I walked out of the walk-in closet, fixing my watch. As I looked up , I was greeted with the sight of my


    gorgeous Sophia standing there.


    She was looking ravishing in the rose gold body con dress . Never in my dreams had I thought that she


    could look this stunning in this dress when I had picked it up for her. Her hair was styled in loose curls


    and her red lips looked simply irresistible. She smirked at me as I checked her out with opened mouth.


    She slowly stalked towards me and brought up her hands to circle it around my neck. Pushing herself


    up on her toes , she brought her lips close to mine, but not enough to touch.


    " Like what you see?" She whispered in a low seductive voice. My throat was dry and my brain refused


    to process anything. I just nodded in reply. She kissed the corner of my mouth and distanced herself.


    As I came out of my reverie, I realised what happened. She smirked at me before walking out of the


    room.


    ''My little seductress wife .'' I shook my head and followed suite.


    ...........


    Sophia''s POV


    I don''t know where from that confidence came in me but when I saw Nick gawking at me , it was as if


    my legs had a mind of their own.


    The car parked in front of a fancy restaurant. Helping me out of the car, Nick led me and Ethan inside


    the restaurant. The manager guided us to a private part of the restaurant. Ofcourse Nick would have


    booked it ! Before entering , little did I know that I was in for a surprise.


    " HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIA!" Both our families along with Ryan ,Char and Caleb were there, smiling


    widely at me. The whole area was decorated with rose gold and silver balloons and flowers.


    " Oh my God!" Squealing, I turned towards Nick who was smiling at me and hugged him. He brought


    his hands to wrap it around me.


    " Thank you, thank you so much. " I gushed.


    " Anything for you." He was being so sweet. I smiled widely and kissed him on the cheek.


    " I want a kiss too." I pulled away to see Ethan looking at us with a pout. Everyoneughed at his


    expression. I picked him up and ced him on my hip .


    " Ofcourse li''l man." I kissed his cheek to which he gave me grin.


    " Happy Birthday Princess." I put Ethan down to hug Dad. He wrapped his hands around my shoulders


    and pulled me close.


    " Thank you Dad." I inhaled his familiar scent which has been my favourite since childhood. It provides


    me with a sense of security.


    Mom, Mama and Papa wished me as well before my best friends took me in a bone crushing hug. I


    saw Nick stiffen as Ryan approached me but I warned him with my eyes, to behave.


    A waiter came in with a chocte cake and ced it on the table . My twenty-eighth birthday was spent


    over a delicious sumptuous meal and a lot of quality time with the best people in my life.

 Chapter - 46

    Chapter - 46


    Sophia''s POV


    Currently I was at the hotel room, changing into my night dress. We were currently at Bora Bora for our


    honeymoon.


    Nick had nned our honeymoon a few days post my birthday. I didn''t even know where we were


    going to before we arrived here. Surprise, as he said it was. I had literally tried seducing him into giving


    in but all in vain. But finally when I learnt that we were at Bora Bora , I was ecstatic and it was definitely


    worth the suspense.


    Ethan was skeptical about leaving me out of sight and needed a lot of convincing and assurance from


    Nick before he agreed to stay with Mama and Papa.


    Presently, Nick was taking a shower after we came back from dinner.


    I had packed in some lingerie to prepare myself for the honeymoon. But right now I was feeling jittery. I


    was sure that I want to give myself to him, I was ready to consummate our marriage. But the


    nervousness was killing me. It was the insecurity about myself that was making me windy. I wasn''t


    experienced and didn''t exactly have the best body. My thoughts were about what Nick would think of


    my appearance.


    As if on cue, Nick came out with only his trousers on. My eyes roamed down the reflection of his toned


    muscr body that was on disy. He saw me checking him out and started stalking towards me . I bit


    my lips causing him to smirk lightly.


    He closed whatever distance was there between us wrapped me in his arms. As my back hit his chest,


    a fresh cologne filled my nostrils. He put his chin on my shoulder looking into my eyes through the


    mirror.


    " Enjoying the view ?" He whispered huskily. I bit my lower lip harder.


    " Very." My answer came out instantaneously. From his expression, I knew he wasn''t expecting such a


    bold answer.


    Straightening up, he spinned me by my waist to face him.


    He stared into my eyes for a few moments before crashing his lips with mine. With that I felt the familiar


    feel of electricity pass through me and my senses went haywire. His soft lips moulded perfectly with


    mine tasting and sucking them. My hand reached to grab his hair and I kissed him back with the same


    passion.


    His hands circled around my waist and pulled me even closer if it was even possible. He squeezed my


    ass causing me to gasp. Taking that opportunity, he deepened the kiss. Thrusting his tongue inside, he


    explored each and every corner of my mouth.


    Our mouths fought for dominance but ultimately he was the one on the controlling end. After what


    seemed like hours , we pulled apart when we were out of breath. Only after a brief second, his lips


    were back on mine.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    This time , as we broke the kiss I was panting but his lips never left my skin. He trailed kisses along my


    jawline and travelled down my neck. He bit down at the base of my neck and ran his tongue over the


    area to soothe it.


    I couldn''t help the moan that escaped my lips which seemingly encouraged him. His lips travelled up to


    nibble on my ears.


    " If we don''t stop right now , I won''t be able to control myself." He whispered in a strained voice like it


    was hard for him to say those words. I smiled at the fact that he didn''t want to force me into anything.


    At that moment nothing felt more right than saying those words.


    " Then don''t control yourself." I whispered back biting my lips. He pulled away a bit and looked into my


    eyes for confirmation. I wondered if he could see through my brittle self.


    " You know we don''t have to do it just because we are on honeymoon. I can wait till you''refortable


    and willing to-" I pecked his lips to shut him up. I was so proud of the man he was. He was putting my


    comfort and will before his needs.


    " I am sure and I am not doing anything against my wish . I want this..." He waited for me to continue.


    He knew me to well to know that I had something on my mind and I was confirmed that he wasn''t


    letting it go.


    " I ... just that...I don''t have a model like body and..and moreover this is my first time....." I whispered


    lowly. He was quite for some moments before two fingers came under my chin and lifted my head to


    face him.


    " Listen to me and listen well. You should never be insecured about yourself. You are the most beautiful


    woman that my eyes will ever look at. Secondly, there is nothing more precious to me than being your


    first. I feel honoured to be your first and I promise to be your only one. So , never doubt anything about


    yourself because I love every inch of you." He spoke with so much of determination and sincerity that


    all the doubts in my brain just flew out of the window.


    " I love you too. I love you so damn much." I whispered.


    Bringing my hands up , I ran my fingers down his chest maintaining eye contact. His eyes turned a


    shade darker with desire. The very next moment he had me pinned, to the adjacent wall with my hands


    above my head and harshly suck my neck. I pressed myself more to his body causing our chests to


    touch.


    He hoisted my legs up to circle around his waist. Keeping our lips attached, he carried me to the bed


    and carefully put me down. He continued with his sweet torture all the way down making me writhe in


    want .


    It was my first time , so it definitely pained a bit but he treated me as gently as is possible. The way he


    brought my body to heights of pleasure, overpowered every damn pain. We were lost in our touches ,


    in our raw and pure desire for each other. The room was filled with the sound of our heavy breathes


    and lust-filled moans .


    The night wasn''t limited to physical intimacy. We connected through our raw and pure emotions. We


    were closer than ever before.


    He kissed , bit and left marks all over my body , iming me as his. But what can I say? I was indeed


    his, in body and in soul.


    Only his.

 Chapter - 47

    Chapter - 47


    Nick''s POV


    I groaned as the sunlight fell on my face. I could feel a weight on my left arm. Blinking open my eyes , I


    turned to my left to wee the most beautiful sight of my life, my woman sleeping in my arms. I would


    absolutely love to wake up to such a sight every morning throughout my life.


    Sophia''s face looked peaceful and pure without a hint of worry and I wish to keep it that way only. All


    worries would be reserved for me and she would always be smiling and be at peace. The calmness on


    her face had a strange soothing effect on me and I couldn''t afford to lose it for anything. It was as if her


    peaceful face had the power to keep my mind at ease.


    She snuggled closer to me in her sleep and pressed her face to my chest. . I wrapped my arms around


    her and stroked her hair gently. The sweet smell of her was enveloping me .I could feel the familiar


    feeling of protectiveness towards her. I wished to keep her safe from every worry and every evil in the


    world. I needed her to be with me always, to keep me sane.


    Last night has been the most blissful night for me. The feel of her soft body against mine and the way


    her body was responding to my touches, was something indescribable. I could never get tired of


    hearing her sweet moans when i would make love to her , when we would be chasing our highs.


    I was brought back from my thoughts when she stirred in her sleep and after a few minutes, fluttered


    open her eyes. I mentally chuckled at how cutely she yawned. I sound so whipped right ? Well no


    denying, I am.


    Once her eyes met with mine , she sent a smile my way , one that could brighten up someone''s entire


    day.


    My eyes focused on her mouth , her pink luscious lips and I could feel the desire to feel those soft lips


    against mine , rising in me.


    I leaned in to kiss her but before I could touch them, she put a hand on her mouth.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at her in confusion.


    " Morning breath." She blurted out. I rolled my eyes at her excuse .


    " I don''t mind." I shrugged. I honestly didn''t.


    " Well , I do ." She replied back within a second.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Ouch ! That hurt." I feigned hurt and it was her turn to roll eyes at me . Eventually I managed to steal


    a kiss from her. She pouted at first but then a smile graced her beautiful face.


    " I will be ordering breakfast and in the mean time you can go and freshen up. " I suggested getting up


    from my position.


    " Nick , not now. " She whined, grabbing my hand. It was honestly exceedingly difficult to ignore the


    puppy dog eyes that she was giving me.


    " Sophia, the idea of staying in here all day , cuddled up with you, sounds truely tempting, but I don''t


    want to spend our honeymoon in bed only." She seemed to consider my words before she spoke.


    " Okay , but where are we going ?" She looked at me expectantly.


    " How does snorkeling sound ?" I saw her eyes widening in surprise followed by excitement covering


    her features.


    " Really!?" She squealed and sat up in delight, resulting in the bedsheet to fall down on herp . My


    eyes automatically made their way to her assets . Hey ! You can''t me me especially when my wife is


    this hot.


    " Nick !" She squeaked , pulling up the bedsheet to cover her breasts and her face was flushed. I was


    amused at how red her cheeks were at that moment. How could she possibly be so shy even after the


    events of the previous night?


    " Really Sophia ? Anything, I haven''t seen before?" I teased her. If possible her cheeks reddened even


    more. It was a really adorable sight though. How I wanted to pull her cheeks!


    " Shut up and give me your shirt." She demanded in a rushed squeaky tone, failing to bring out the


    authority in her voice as she had expected to.


    " No can do." I smirked at her. Honestly it was fun to irritate her and work her up.


    " Nick!"


    " No."


    " Please!"


    " Uh huh" She looked frustrated at my reply but then as if the wheels turned in her head and something


    mischevious glinted in her eyes.


    " Give me the shirt right now or no sex for the rest of the honeymoon." My smirk immediately dropped


    and my eyes widened at her statement. She had a smug look adorning her face. I quickly jumped off


    the bed and brought my shirt that was discardedst night . She was grinning at me when I handed


    over the shirt to her.


    " Well, that was easy." She chuckled at me. I red at her but that only widened her grin.


    ..........


    Sophia''s POV


    " Nick, that was so beautiful." I gushed. Nick had booked a privategoon cruise for us for snorkeling


    and let me say it , that was one of the most beautiful experience of my life. Since then, I just couldn''t


    stop babbling about how colourful, the corals were. It truely was a beautiful sight , to look at the


    vibrantly coloured fishes, so closely. I kept on grinning like a kid on Christmas who had just got his gifts


    . This honeymoon was being better than what I could ever expect.


    " Yes, it was." Nick smiled at me which I returned , only mine was a bit merrier. His face held an odd


    look of satisfaction .


    Lunch was arranged for us in the cruise which I must add , tasted heavenly. It was a gourmet five


    course meal .


    I was seated on Nick''sp when he asionally brushed his nose along my jawline and nted small


    kisses here and there. We luxuriated in the beauty of the sunset while sipping on the champagne that


    was served to us.


    I was on my honeymoon with the love of my life. We were so close , holding each other like we were


    the only people there . Everything seemed so surreal , so beautiful. Everything seemed so perfect.

 Chapter - 48

    Chapter - 48


    Sophia''s POV


    " Five more minutes." I replied while putting on the earrings. I and Nick were going to attend a g and


    Ethan would be staying with Amy. It had been three weeks to our honeymoon but regardless of the


    number of times we have had sex , I haven''t recovered from my shyness. On the other hand Nick was


    bing more and more blunt with each passing day. No matter what, I could never cope up with his


    uncensored vocabry.


    But honestly, we have be transparent to each other over the past few weeks. It''s as if


    communication is even easier between us now .


    " Mom , you look so beautiful !" Ethan gushed . Nick had chosen the dress for me to wear to the g


    tonight and I must admit that the dress is swoon worthy. It was a champagne gold one shoulder dress


    with a thigh slit. I paired it up with nude heels and a pair of hoop earrings. Putting my hair up in a


    messy updo , Ipleted it with a nude makeup.


    " Thank you baby." Ethan immediately scrunched his nose up in annoyance causing me to chuckle.


    " Done yet or I should..." Nick trailed off once his eyes fell on me. He was shamelessly checking me out


    but I wasn''t anything better. He looked tempting as his perfect muscles bulged through his ck


    Armani suit , hair neatly gelled and beard perfectly trimmed. I could bet that I was looking at him like a


    hawk.


    " Why are you staring at each other like there is double cheeseburger in front of you? " Ethan''s voice


    broke our trance. I blinked multiple times, not knowing what to do . This li''l guy can really embarrass


    you if he wants to.


    While my face flushed with embarrassment, Nick just chuckled.


    " You look stunning." Heplimented looking into my eyes.


    " And you look handsome." He was . In fact he looked much more than just handsome.


    " Shall we?" He offered his hand to me. I put my hand in his and gave a nod.


    .............


    Nick''s POV


    We came out of the car and made our way to the venue. Paparazzis were covering the front of the


    entrance . Just on seeing us , they started throwing questions at us about our honeymoon . Sophia


    answered some of them until one.


    " So should we expect a tiny Carter within some months ?" Sophia didn''t blush at that. Instead I felt her


    stiffen beside me.


    " Ahh let''s see." Giving a vague reply, I made a move to enter. Leo and Chris walked us inside.


    " Are you okay ?" I asked Sophia.


    " Yeah." She gave me a smile to which I nodded.


    We greeted a lot of people , business associates mostly . I kept Sophia by my side all night to keep her


    away from the horny men until she walked off to get a drink while I was in the middle of an important


    conversation.


    When I looked again to check on her , a guy was standing with her while she was all smiles. I was


    purely irritated with the scene. Who does he think he is ? Approaching a married woman. I felt a


    restlessness inside me.


    I wasn''t able to concentrate on the conversation going on here. I kept ncing at Sophia every now


    and then until I had enough.


    While I made my way towards them , I heard Sophiaughing. Jealousy coursed through me as I


    looked at another man making herugh like that.


    I stood beside her and putting a hand around her waist, pulled her to me.


    The guy''s curious gaze meet my heated stare .


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    " Nick , meet Austin . We were friends in the high school. Austin , he is Nick , my husband." Sophia


    introduced us . Each time she introduced me as her husband, it made me feel strangely good.


    " Oh Sophia,e on, tell him we weren''t just friends. We were in fact high school sweethearts." He


    adoringly smiled at Sophia.


    If possible, my hold on Sophia tightened. I clenched my jaws and stared straight into his eyes clearly


    warning him to back off.


    " Austin!" She said with wide eyes but was still smiling. If I wasn''t mad already, this really did the job.


    Why was she smiling at her ex?


    " We had such good memories, especially the lunch breaks." He sighed dreamily like he was having a


    nice walk down the memoryne.


    " Just shut up , will you ?" Sophia by now wasughing and Austin was grinning as well. I swear I felt


    like breaking his jaws.


    " Well I have never been really interested in history. If you would excuse us , we need to leave." I didn''t


    wait for his answer as I started walking off subtly pulling Sophia along.


    " I will see youter Soph." He called from behind. He had a nickname for her ? Ofcourse he had , if


    they were high school sweethearts.


    " See you , my ass." I murmured .


    Sophia chuckled at that.


    " Yeah sure Austin." She replied. This just added to me seemingly growing anger.


    ...........


    Sophia''s POV


    Nick didn''t even speak to me throughout the ride. He kept looking out of the window. As soon as we


    reached , he went out of the car and walked straight inside the house.


    After changing into my clothes as I came into our room , Nick wasn''t there. After a whole of five


    minutes, I found him in his study. He didn''t even look up at me. He was in his t-shirt and sweats and


    looked quite handsome but again when did he not look good!


    I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the frame of the door, observing him. He angrily


    went through a lot of papers , venting out his frustration on theptop keys. After a few minutes, I


    walked in . Standing behind him , I swivelled his chair around to face me. Before he could get up , I sat


    on hisp straddling him.


    He huffed like an angry kid and turned his face away.


    " Nick." I called but his eyes seemed to find the nk wall more interesting than my face.


    " Why are you angry ?" He looked at me like I had stolen his favourite candy.


    " Why do you care ? Go back to your highschool sweetheart , Austin or what ever his name is." He


    again looked away. I bit my lips to stop theughter from escaping.


    " I would have stayed a bit longer and talked to him. You are the one who dragged me out. " He


    snapped his head towards me , hurt clear on his face. I would lie if I say that I didn''t feel bad for him but


    still I continued.


    " You like him?" He asked as if dreading the answer.


    " Of course I do and we haven''t met in such a long while.I think we should meet up someday at a


    coffee-" He cut me off.


    " Sophia ... I love you." He looked at me , uncertaintycing his words . His eyes held a certain


    vulnerability , a fear that he was going to be walked over. It was like a plea to understand his feelings. I


    honestly felt like a monster.


    I held his face with both my hands and put my lips on his. He didn''t waste time in kissing me back.


    cing his hand around my waist , he pulled me closer and hungrily kissed me, sucking and nibbling


    on my lower lip. He traced my lips with his tongue asking for entrance which I dly granted. His desire


    for me was so evident in his kiss. We parted as we felt the need to breathe. I joined our foreheads ,


    hearing each other pant.


    " I love you too Nick. You don''t have to be insecured, you know? I could never possibly walk out on you


    with my heart intact." I whispered against his lips. He nuzzled his nose in the crook of my neck.


    " Why were you smiling at your ex like that? I guess he is your ex for a reason." He pulled back to look


    at me.


    " Austin.." Nick''s hand automatically gripped my waist tighter at the mention of his name. " isn''t my ex."


    Nick looked at me in confusion.


    " He is gay. He has a boyfriend." Nick''s eye''s widened like they were going to pop out any moment.


    " Then why ..." He trailed off.


    " To rile you up . During our school, he always used to pull pranks at everyone and he is still the same."


    I exined running my hand through his hair.


    " And you decided to y along ?" He asked with a straight face .


    " Well it''s pretty nice to see you jealous ,you know ?" I shrugged.


    " Ah is it? Now don''t you think that you, my dear wife deserve a punishment for teasing your poor


    husband?" He had a yful smirk on his face.


    " Do I now ?"I innocently asked to which he nodded before he picked me up and slung me over his


    shoulder, making his way to our bedroom.

 Chapter - 49

    Chapter - 49


    Nick''s POV


    " How was your school, baby?" Sophia asked after kissing Ethan''s forehead who was seated on


    Sophia''sp in the passenger seat. He cringed at the name "baby" but didn''t bother protesting ,knowing


    that it never took him anywhere. We took an early off to pick Ethan up from his school.


    " Boring ." I chuckled at the face he pulled off.


    " And I hope you didn''t fight with anyone?" It came out of Sophia''s mouth as a question.


    " Uh huh. " Ethan shook his head looking out of the window. We were having some small talks when all


    of a sudden, Ethan decided to speak.


    " Can I ask something?" Ethan asked in general. He asks for permission only if he is really serious


    about something. Else he just puts forward his demand.


    " Ofcourse." I waited for him to speak.


    " I want a brother. " He blurted out. I looked at him shocked because honestly I wasn''t expecting him to


    ask for a sibling all of a sudden. I looked up at Sophia to see her gone stiff.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " Can I get a brother? Axel''s Mom and Dad have brought a brother for him. I want one too." Ethan


    asked when he didn''t get any response. I blinked a few times before speaking.


    " Why brother? What''s wrong with a sister? " I asked Ethan while Sophia remained quiet.


    " Nothing is wrong. Though I prefer a brother." Sophia was unnaturally quiet while she bit down on her


    lower lips. It seemed like she wanted this conversation to be over.


    " We can think about it , right Sophia ?"I said keeping my stare at her. Ethan looked up at her


    expectantly.


    " Uhm yeah. Ethan, what about some ice-cream right now? " I furrowed my eyebrows at how Sophia


    changed the topic.


    " Yes , let''s go." He cheered.


    The previous day , when she went stiff at the reporter''s question , I let it pass thinking that she was


    nervous but her response today, was unusual. I mentally noted to speak to her about this before I drove


    to the nearest ice cream parlor.


    ..........


    I followed Sophia to our bedroom thinking of the little conversation in our car. I wasn''t sure of my


    assumptions but I had to find out.


    I entered just behind Sophia. Closing the door , I spun her around and caged her in my arms against


    the wall.


    " Nick what are you-" She cut herself off as I trailed kisses along her jawline. Her breath hitched at my


    touch. I loved how responsive she always was to me.


    " Do you think we should give Ethan what he wants ?" I whispered against her lips . She immediately


    tensed up confirming my thoughts. I pulled away to look at her face . She was avoiding my eyes ,


    clearly nervous.


    " What''s the matter , Sophia ? I asked tucking a loose hair behind her ear.


    " What do you mean ?" She tried ying it off but I could see it in her eyes that she had some


    concerns.


    " Sophia , I can understand when you are hiding something. I have seen you stiffen whenever the topic


    of baby arises. " She closed her eyes before taking a long breath . It looked like she was having an


    internal battle.


    " I need to tell you something." I was the one who was forcing her to speak but now that she was about


    to , I wasn''t sure anymore if I wanted to hear what she had to say. I couldn''t help the anxiety that was


    building up in me. Thest time I had the talk about a baby was with ra and it was anything but


    pleasant but I did trust Sophia more than to expect something so cruel from her. I nodded at her before


    moving away.


    She walked a bit away creating some distance between us.


    " Nick , about what Ethan said earlier, I...." She breathed out , to calm herself but it did nothing to help


    the panic rising in me.


    " I can''t give him a sibling." I could feel my breath getting heavier. The thought that she didn''t want to


    carry my child , the thought of rejection was too much to bear for me. Ignoring the stiring in my heart , I


    decided to ask one more question.


    " Can you conceive or not ?" I was holding my breath hostage, anticipating her answer . I was sending


    desperate prayers to prove my thoughts wrong.


    " Yes , I can but..." She trailed off and closed her eyes. I felt like my world hade crashing down.


    She can but she doesn''t want to. It was like my brain had stopped working. Without wasting a second I


    turned to open the door and started walking out.


    " Nick! .. Nick wait !" I heard Sophia call behind me but I couldn''t bear to listen to those words from the


    woman I love with my everything. I wouldn''t have been able to hear those damn words for the second


    time in my life.


    "Nick ... wait !" She came running out of the house but I slipped into my car and sped off.


    So many things were going on in my mind that I couldn''t think properly. I drove to nowhere in particr


    until I came across a park.


    I sat down on a bench, numb. I desperately wanted to not think of what had happened to avoid the pain


    but it was inevitable. The pain was sipping into my heart , clenching it in unimaginable ways. I roughly


    wiped away the tears that slipped out of my eyes but it was as if the dam was broken.


    I was frustrated with the situation I was in. I didn''t want to believe that Sophia didn''t want to carry my


    child. But she made it clear. I could no longerprehend what to feel though deep down I very well


    knew that no matter what, I could never live without Sophia, even if she didn''t want my child. She came


    crashing into my life and now it revolves around her .


    It was hurting like a bitch but somewhere things weren''t clicking. She never seemed to care much


    about her figure. She loves kids because she had been more than a mother to Ethan and it was clearly


    impossible for me to think that she faked her love for me. Then why ?


    I reyed her words in my mind again and again.


    " I need to tell you something."


    " Nick , about what Ethan said earlier, I...."


    " I can''t give him a sibling."


    " Can you conceive or not ?"


    " Yes , I can but..."


    " I can''t give him a sibling."


    " Can you conceive or not ?"


    " Yes , I can but..."


    " Yes , I can but..."


    But ! Did she have something else to say ? She would only say what I was thinking right ? I had asked


    her if she ''can''t'' or she won''t and she clearly said that she ''can'' which means she won''t. I tried


    reasoning with myself and justifying my assumptions but somewhere I felt like I had to listen what was


    there after that ''but''. What if she had a reason why she had taken the decision? Maybe her intention


    wasn''t to hurt me because she is definitely much much different from ra.


    I ran back to the car and ignited the car back to life. I had to listen to what she was about to say. There


    was this faint hope rising in me again.


    Maybe it isn''t just what I had thought. Maybe.

 Chapter - 50

    Chapter - 50


    Sophia''s POV


    When Nick left the room I couldn''tprehend why. I saw him settling in the car and driving off. I was


    always scared of having this talk with him, scared of being left alone. When Ethan had brought the


    topic up in the car, I could feel Nick''s stare on me. I knew he had noticed me tense up.


    When he spoke about the baby , my immediate reaction had given away my uneasiness with the topic.


    I had to tell him about it . So I took a deep breath and decided to speak.


    I told him that I couldn''t give Ethan what he wanted. There was a brief moment of silence between us


    before Nick asked if I can conceive or not. His tone seemed so distant and cold but there was a trace of


    vulnerability in it. I told him that I could but before I could borate, he walked away.


    At that moment I could feel my heart breaking. Did he discard me because I won''t be able to carry a


    child. No , what am I even thinking? I know he woulde back once he cools down. But I didn''t know


    that he was so keen for a ch- Wait. .........Shit! He got it wrong.


    He asked me if I can conceive or not and I said I can. Now he thinks that I don''t want to.


    Oh God! That pig-headed, stupid , impatient man!


    Nick''s POV


    By the time I had reached home , it was pretty clear in my head that she would have never said


    something like that. It was fucking stupid of me to act on impulse.


    I parked the car and rushed in. The house seemed calm. I ran up the stairs into our room, but swinging


    open , I found it empty. The sense of Deja vu hit me hard.


    What had I done! Maybe she wanted to tell that she needs some time or something and I didn''t even


    listen to what she had to say.


    I hope I didn''t fuck it up so bad for her to leave the house. I searched each and every room before I


    came across one of our maids.


    " Did you see Sophia?" My voice came out just as impatient.


    " I saw Mrs. Carter going to the backyard a few minutes back." I didn''t wait a second before sprinting off


    in that direction. My eyesnded on her back facing me when I breathed out in relief.


    I slowly walked up to her and I knew that she could feel my presence. I carefully sat down beside her .


    " Sophia ." She kept staring in front of her.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    " I am sorry. " I mumbled to which she sighed .


    " I was fifteen at that time when one day in school I felt this immense pain in my lower abdomen. My


    parents were called and I was taken to the hospital. They ran some tests on me finally it was learnt that


    I had some gynecological issues." I clenched my eyes shut , realising how wrong I was.


    "The doctor said that if I ever conceive , the pregnancy won''t be a smooth one and my life will be at a


    much greater risk than the baby''s." Sophia still wasn''t looking at me. She was staring off into distance


    and her face held a painful smile. The guilt coursed through me for assuming things beforehand.


    " Sophia-" She cut me off.


    " You know , with time I learnt to grow with it but still I feel that void in me. Like every other woman I too


    wanted to hold my baby for the first time, teach him to walk , hear him or her speak for the first time


    but..." She trailed off. Her eyes were glossy by now.


    I shifted closer to her and took her hand in mine in an attempt tofort her where I was the one to


    contribute to her pain. I was grateful that she didn''t snatch her hand away.


    " It took me a lot of courage to speak to you on this but you didn''t even let meplete. You just left


    assuming that I didn''t want to carry your child." I looked at her shocked.


    "How ?" She hang her head down with a sad smile , tear drops escaping her eyes.


    " I can understand what you think but what bothers is that you could think that. Do you not know me? "


    This was the first time that she looked up at me , hurt evident in her eyes.


    I opened my mouth a few times but nothing came out. I was guilty, so guilty that I had nothing to say.


    " It''s a sore topic for me and you just added on to the bitterness and pain. When you left , at first , I felt


    so helpless. I felt like you will discard me from your life because I can''t give you a child." I vigorously


    shook my head in disagreement. "Believe me when I say that I had never felt so weak in my life." She


    was silently crying. I felt my heart break into million pieces at the sight. She looked so vulnerable and


    knowing that I was the reason behind it, was intensifying the ache .


    " Sophia , I- it was - I know it was so so stupid of me to walk away like that , but- I felt like I was going


    to hear those same things , those same words which I had heard from ra. I was scared of being


    rejected again.


    But I could have never thought of leaving you , even if what I thought was true. You are too important in


    my life to be thrown away. Heck I , for sure know that I would crawl back to you even if you throw away


    my everything in mes. " She kept on staring at me. I was growing nervous with every second. I


    wanted her to atleast say something.


    " Sophia , say something, scold me, shout at me, hit me if you want but just say something please . I


    am sorry , just- please." The desperation was so clear in my words.


    She came up and positioned herself on myp . I was confused of what she wanted to do.


    Nevertheless, I put my hands around her waist , securing her on myp.


    I was ready for any kind of punishment she wanted to give but what she did confounded me. She held


    my face with both her hands and pecked my nose. I looked at her surprised while she faintly smiled at


    me.


    " What are you... I don''t deserve this." I blurted out. She sighed and nodded.


    " Yes you don''t. You''re an idiot, a pea-brained pig. " She paused for a second before continuing. "But


    then you''re hurt. You''re hurt from your past experiences and I want you to let go of them, to move on. I


    am your present and I am not ra. By letting your past in , you''re hurting not only me but yourself too.


    Just know that I love you way to much to ever intentionally hurt you. " Saying this she kissed my


    forehead and wrapping her arms around me, put her head in the crook of my neck.


    " I don''t even know how the fuck did I end up with you as my wife but I couldn''t have been happier. I


    love you so fucking much.You are one of the two most beautiful things that ever happened in my life. I


    am so sorry for hurting you, I am so damn sorry." I pulled her closer to me.


    We stayed like that in each other''s embrace for some minutes and for a few


    more

 Chapter - 51

    Chapter - 51


    Sophia''s POV


    "Nick, we don''t have much time. It''s just around the corner. We need to decide on the theme fast." I


    handed him the coffee mug and settled down beside him with the tab in my hand.


    " We also need to choose the cake vour. And the guest list remains to be finalized yet. We got so


    much to do." I huffed out . Nick put the mug down and moved closer to me. He took the tab away from


    my hand and kept it aside.


    " Nick-"


    " Rx, I had already finalised the guest list and as for cake , it has to be chocte voured, Ethan''s


    favourite." I sighed and leaned on his chest only to sit up the next moment.


    " Did you book the venue?" He rolled his eyes and pulled me back to rx against him.


    " I did."


    " And-" Nick cut me off.


    " All settled. Now shut up and kiss me." I nodded in understanding.


    " Okay th-" I cut myself off realising what he had said. I raised a brow at him.


    " What ? I do deserve a kiss for all the work I have done." He shrugged at me. I shook my head at him


    and turned away but the very next moment he turned my head to face him and stole a kiss.


    " Thief!" I mumbled once he released me.


    " Oh no! Don''t say that. I just imed what I deserve." He shed a grin at me, a perfect handsome


    grin.


    " You know, I want to surprise Ethan with something. " I said putting my head on his chest.


    " Well, we are throwing him a surprise party." Nick responded.


    " Yes, we are. But, he would be already expecting something like this because every year, he has his


    birthday party. He is a smart enough to not guess it. What will remain a surprise for him is the theme of


    the party but I want to do something that he wouldn''t have even guessed. " I said thinking of every


    possible surprises. After I realized that Nick didn''t respond I looked at him. He was staring at my face


    with a handsome smile etched on his face.


    " Will you say something or not ?" He just smiled and shook his head. I furrowed my eyebrows in


    confusion but didn''t press further.


    " Uhh... We can think of something that he might be wanting since long. " He suggested.


    " Yeah wha-" I cut myself off feeling a pang of guilt.


    " Sophia?" He sounded confused.


    I shook my head to tell him everything was fine but when was he the one to give up easily? He grabbed


    my chin and forced me to face him. He could at once trace the guilt in my eyes .


    " Sophia , don''t even go there!" He looked sternly into my eyes. I could feel my eyes moisten. I


    completely turned around and stuffed my head in his chest. He breathed out before putting his arms


    around me and stroking my hair.


    " It''s not your fault, you know that right ?" I nodded against his chest.


    " I do know that it''s not my fault. But... But everytime I think about it , I can''t help but feel guilty . Ethan


    expects something from us which I can''t give him. I feel like I am disappointing him."


    " Baby, Ethan''s expectation is innocent. He doesn''t even know about anything let alone the


    complications. If he was matured enough to understand, I am sure he wouldn''t trade your life for


    anything in the world, let alone be disappointed in you. So you don''t need to feel guilty, yeah ?"


    " Yeah" I mumbled. I hugged him tighter, liking the warmth of his body.


    It was some good five minutes before he spoke again.


    " I have thought of a surprise." I pulled away to look at him. His face broke into a smile.


    " What is it ?" I asked to which his smile widened.


    ............


    "He will like it right ?" I asked Nick.


    " Ofcourse. Besidesst year we had the superhero theme. Cowboy theme would be nice this time."


    Nick reassured.


    I was ying with the bit of food left on my te before I remembered something. I had to tell him now.


    Infact, I didn''t want to tell him but Erica was too scared to talk to her brother about Ryan and she asked


    me to tell him. ording to her , I would be able to calmly exin him everything. Bullshit! Honestly, I


    was afraid of his reaction too. I was sure he go all overprotective big brother hearing it . Besides Ryan


    isn''t among his favourites, so it''s not hard guessing his reaction.


    " What ?" I was broken out of my thoughts at Nick''s voice.


    " What ?"


    " What are you thinking? Don''t tell me you''re thinking about someone else when your very handsome


    husband is sitting in front of you . " He joked.


    " Well , I was." I shrugged. His facial expression changed in an instant. I would never get tired of


    teasing him.


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    " A man?" He asked further.


    " Yeah." Well , it wasn''t a lie actually.


    He just nodded and returned to eating, with a lot cold expression this time.


    " Who ?" He wasn''t looking at me , stabbing the vegetables with his fork roughly.


    I chuckled at his antics. He raised a brow at me , probably confused.


    " Jealous pig." I mumbled.


    " What did you say ?" He furrowed his eyebrows.


    " I didn''t say anything." I shrugged.


    " But I have something to tell you."


    " Okay?" He urged to continue.


    " It''s about Erica." I bit my lip in nervousness.


    " What about her ?" He looked at me with all seriousness. I put the fork down .


    " Well, I have a good news. Erica... She has a boyfriend." I sped my hands showing excitement but it


    apparently didn''t work because his expression changed into a more serious one.


    " And what''s good about it?" Nick''s voice sounded so stern. I raised a brow at his question.


    " What do you mean? Mama has asked her to bring her boyfriend for a family dinner." He took a deep


    breath before looking back at me.


    " Well, I need to run a background check on him first. I won''t trust any random idiot to fool around with


    my sister." I rolled my eyes at him.


    " Erica is not a baby , she can decide for herself."


    " Of course she can but still I am doing it. I need to know who is it." This was the part I was dreading.


    " Uhh... You know him." He looked at me confused.


    " I do?" I just nodded .


    " Ryan. Erica is dating Ryan." I blurted , waiting for the blow that was yet toe but surprisingly it


    didn''te.


    I looked up at him to see him in deep thought before he faintly nodded.


    " Aren''t you going to go all batshit crazy? " He rolled his eyes at my question.


    " No, I mean he is fine . But still I need to have a talk with him." By now my mouth was hanging open.


    " Did you say that Ryan is fine ?" I was genuinely shocked. This was not a fraction of what I had


    expected.


    " Yes , why ?"


    " You seriously asking me that?" I crossed my hands against my chest.


    " I mean ,yeah, I knew that Ryan is a nice guy. Just that... I didn''t like how close he is to you. All my


    assumptions as it seems now." He mumbled thest part under his breath.


    " No shit Sherlock." I mocked him causing him to re at me before we both resumed


    eating.

 Chapter - 52

    Chapter - 52


    Sophia''s POV


    " Hey baby , did you have fun at Grandma''s ce?" I picked Ethan up and ced him on my hip. We


    had sent Ethan to Mama''s house for a week because we needed time to prepare the surprise.


    Everyone knows about it already including Char and Ryan but they were supposed to stay shut. Papa


    dropped Ethan back ,the evening before his birthday.


    " I did but where is the surprise?" He looked around to trace any clue of what we had prepared. I


    nervously nced at Nick who reassuringly blinked at me.


    " It''s there. We will take you there." Taking a final nce at Nick , we started walking upstairs. We came


    in front of another room. Pushing open the door, we entered.


    " This room looks so girly." Ethan scrunched up his nose in disgust to which Nick let out a small


    chuckle. He was babbling about how bad the room looked until he saw the surprise and went


    absolutely mute. I gestured the maid to leave the room who closed the door behind her. Ethan was


    absolutely quiet for a whole minute before he found his voice.


    " Is -is this..." He looked back at me with unshed tears in his eyes. There was hope in his eyes , hope


    that what he thought was true.


    " Yes li''l guy, she is your sister, Evelyn ." Nick said and I nodded. I put him down . He stood still for a


    moment before he took small steps and stood directly in front of the crib. I was nervous, extremely


    nervous which Nick must have noticed as he took my hand and gave it a firm squeeze.


    " Don''t worry, he would definitely be delighted to have a sister." Nick knew that I was a bit skeptical of


    how Ethan would ept Evelyn because he initially had asked for a brother.


    I nodded at Nick, keeping my eyes fixed on Ethan.


    Ethan was holding the railings of the crib and staring at Evelyn''s face who waspletely wrapped in a


    baby pink towel. He put in a shaky finger through the railings and ever so lightly touched her cheek.


    " My baby sister." His voice was extremely low. The tears left his eyes as he adoringly stared at his


    sister. I felt the water drops rolling down my cheeks as well. Nick put his hand around my shoulder and


    pulled me into a side hug.


    ............................


    shback


    " I have thought of a surprise." I pulled away to look at him. His face broke into a smile.


    " What is it ?" I asked to which his smile widened.


    ..........


    "Nick, are you sure about this adoption?" I asked him the question that was bugging me. He sighed and


    looked at me.


    " Of course I am baby, what are you thinking about? You said that you wanted a child right ? "


    " I do. But..."


    " But what Sophia ? Tell me. " I kept in fiddling with my fingers. He put his hand on mine and stopped


    the movements.


    " Sophia, what is it ?"


    " Nick , I am scared. What if I can''t be a good mother ?"


    " But you''re a good mother. I am sure Ethan agrees."


    " Yes but I haven''t taken care of such a small baby ever.Will I be able to do it perfectly? What if I can''t


    understand when she is hungry, when she isining of stomach ache, whe-" I was cut off by Nick


    who put a hand on my mouth.


    " Rx baby." I took a deep breath and nodded.


    He exhaled deeply before turning me around to face him. He took my hands in his before looking


    straight into my eyes.


    " No , you won''t. You won''t be able to do it perfectly. But we will be in it together. We will make mistakes


    and learn from them. Our small imperfections will make us perfect parents. Okay ?" I kept staring at


    him.


    " I was thinking you could have be a great motivational speaker." I really wondered how easily he


    could make things appear so simple and uplicated.


    "Okay , so are you?" He questioned me


    " What ?"


    " Motivated?"


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    " Well, yeah. " I nodded my head at him causing him to smile.


    " Good. Now throw away these thoughts from your mind . A lot is left to be done before we can bring


    our little princess home." I nodded . Nick had been overly enthusiastic since we had decided to adopt


    Evelyn. I could already tell that she was going to be daddy''s spoilt little princess. I smiled at the thought


    before I remembered something.


    " Ethan will okay with the sudden change , right?" I questioned. I was extremely nervous about all this.


    " He will. He will love to have a sibling. Now stop with all the questions and help me in setting


    everything up or I will tell Ethan that I was the only one who prepared his surprise."


    Iughed a little and joined him in setting up the nursery.


    .........................


    Ethan turned towards us.


    " Can I hold her?" He looked at us with hope.


    " Ofcourse baby , go and sit down first." He hurriedly climbed up and sat on the arm chair. I gently


    picked up Evelyn from the crib and ced her on Ethan''sp. He instinctively had his little arms around


    her in a soft yet protective manner. The way he was looking at the sleeping baby was like he had


    already fallen in love with the little girl . It was such a precious moment that I couldn''t help but take my


    phone out and click a picture of my two babies.


    " I have a little sister now. I love this surprise so much." Ethan lightly hugged her while tears rolled


    down his cheeks.


    " Aww , don''t cry." I patted his hair lightly. After a minute he looked up at us.


    " I promise , I will always protect my baby sister from all- all b-bad people. " His stuttered a bit. His face


    held the determination to live up to his words and I knew that he would be a great brother. I


    somewhere knew that both Nick and Ethan were going to be overprotective of my little girl.


    " I know you will baby. Evelyn has the best brother in the world." He widely smiled at my words.


    " Really?" He beamed.


    " Really." Nick assured and kissed the top of his head.

 Chapter - 53

    Chapter - 53


    Nick''s POV


    " Only a little left and I will be done." I said the same line for the third time.


    " Nick , you have said the same thing three times in the past few hours." Just what I was waiting for!


    Sophia crossed her arms against her chest and stood in front of me. I massaged my temple with my


    hands.


    " I know baby, I know. But the pressure is a lot these days. Just another hour baby." I kept looking at


    theptop screen. She was silent for a few seconds.


    " I do not interest you any more , isn''t it ?" I nodded absent-mindedly before her words registered in my


    mind . Furrowing my eyebrows at her absurd question, I looked up at her. She was actually standing


    there with a hurt expression.


    " Why this sudden irrelevant question Sophia? " I was wondering if she was on her period. She


    normally doesn''t get emotional so easily.


    " Irrelevant!" She muttered under her breath and shook her head.


    As she turned to leave the room, I quickly held her wrist and pulled her back on myp.


    She looked away refusing to meet my eyes.


    " Baby , what is it with you?" She slowly looked turned towards me before her face broke into arge


    grin. I looked at her dumbfounded before realisation dawned upon me.


    " Sophia, really?" I looked at her with an unbelievable expression. She shrugged her shoulder, her grin


    intact.


    " You should have considered acting as your profession. I am sure you would have aced any role." I


    shook my head.


    " You were not sparing me a nce and I had to take your attention. " She brought her hands up to my


    hair and spoke nonchntly, as if she just didn''t give an award-winning performance.


    " And this is what youe up with? I thought you are on your period." I kept looking at her face.


    " Well someone had to remind you that your wife needs more of your attention than your work does."


    She kept ying with my hair. I chuckled and kissed her cheek.


    " How about I make dinner for my lovely wife andpensate for all the attention she was deprived


    of?" I asked tucking a loose stand of hair behind her ear.


    " Umm , yeah that can do." She nodded putting her face in the crook of my neck.


    I chuckled once more before hugging her tighter.


    ...................


    " Nick,e here." I heard Sophia''s voice. She was in the living room, with Ethan and Evelyn while I


    was in the kitchen preparing dinner for all of us.


    " Coming." I responded, covering the vegetables.


    " Nick! Come fast!" Her voice came out loud and impatient. I rushed towards the living room. Sophia


    and Ethan were kneeling on the floor with their back towards me.


    " What happen-" My words were stuck in my mouth as soon as I saw it. My little princess was standing


    on her feet. Sophia was holding her hand while she tried bncing herself.


    After a lot of practice, Sophia left her hand and ran towards us.


    " Come here sweetheart. Come to Mommy." She cooed at Evie . Evie stood still for a few moments


    staring at our faces before taking a wobbly step.


    " Yes princess, like that. Come here." I cheered for her to which she grinned. We have noticed it a lot


    number of times that she likes it when I call her princess.


    She tried bncing her hand in air while she took small steps.


    " Come Evie. You can do it." Ethan pped for his little sister. She tried taking another step but her legs


    wobbled and she sat down on her butt.


    We were all quiet before she gave out arge giggle and started crawling towards Ethan. Once she


    reached him, Ethan scooped her up and embraced her tightly. Evelyn''s bond with her brother was


    stronger than that was with us and I had absolutely no regrets. They are always joined at the hips. She


    even used to throw tantrums when Ethan uses to leave for school but now she is somewhat used to it.


    " You did well Evie!" Ethan praised and kissed her cheek, causing her to giggle. She couldn''t speak yet


    but understood most of the words spoken to her.


    I had thisrge smile etched on my face as I saw my kids hugging each other. Sophia looked at me


    with glossy eyes and a wide smile.


    " She took her first step!" She whispered as if she still didn''t believe it. I brought my hands around her


    shoulder and pulled her closer to me.


    " She did." I kissed her hair.


    " I still can''t believe it. I never thought that I would experience this but I did. I just saw my baby take her


    first step. Our little Evie." She said it like she was assuring herself. We looked at Ethan and Evelyn


    yfully pushing each other.


    " And I still can''t believe that I have such a beautiful family. A beautiful wife and two lovely kids.I never


    thought that I would ever have aplete family. " I let out a deep satisfied breath. She nodded before


    looking at me strangely.


    " You smell of garlic. " She scrunched up her nose a bit which was honestly cute.


    " Yeah, because I was preparing dinner to make up to my wife for ignoring her because of work. " She


    chuckled at my words before turning fully towards me . She brought her hands up to circle them around


    my neck.


    " Nick , you''re the most amazing man I could have ever asked for in my life. You''re the most loving


    husband and caring father. You , my dear husband do deserve a happyplete family and all the love


    in the world." She got up on her tippy toes and kissed my nose and that''s when we heard Evie whine.


    We pulled away to look at her staring at us with sad eyes and her arms strectched out to be picked up.


    She was one attention seeking devil.


    " Yes Princess, what is it?" I picked her up . Before I could properly settle her, she held my face with


    both her hands and took my nose in her mouth. Of course she had to do it especially after Sophia


    kissed my nose.


    I lightly pressed her cheeks with my hand causing her to release my nose.


    " No baby. Don''t do it. Germs will get into your stomach and you will get sick." I softly exined and


    she looked at me with utmost attention before again putting her mouth around my nose.


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    I heard Ethan and Sophia giggle at this.

 Chapter 54: Epilogue

    Chapter 54: Epilogue


    Sophia''s POV


    " But Mom-"


    " No buts. You will handover your phone to me. " Nickzily walked out of his study when I was busy


    ring at Ethan. Evelyn stood by my side angry at her brother.


    " What happened? Why made both of my girls so upset?" Nick came up and kissed my forehead .


    " Your son happened. Evie called me saying how he fought with a guy. " I was really exasperated at


    this. He was seventeen for God''s sake and still gets into fights


    " And what''s the reason for the fight?" Nick looked at Ethan for exnation.


    " I didn''t fight , Dad. I just scared him away." He said in an offended voice. I saw Nick checking the


    smile that was threatening to fall on his face while I wanted nothing more than to beat his ass up.


    Suddenly Evie decided to speak up.


    " Dad, do you know what Ethan did? He scared Peter away . He threatened him to stay away from me


    and now he would never talk to me. " She ended with a sad voice. I really felt sorry for my little girl.


    Whenever she would talk to any guy, Ethan would go into his big brother mode and scare the poor guy


    away.


    " Who is Peter?" Nick raised a brow at Ethan.


    " A stupid horny boy ,Dad. Two days back, I saw him all over Evie. They met at the park or whatever. I


    had warned him to stay away from her yet today I saw him kiss her. So I just made sure he remembers


    well not to repeat it ever." He casually shrugged like he wasn''t talking about breaking someone''s nose.


    " Oh God Ethan! Don''t exaggerate. It was a peck on the cheek." Evelyn defended.


    " Nick , say something." Nick looked up at me and then back at Ethan before a smirk made its way onto


    his face. Ethan at once understood that his work was appreciated by his Dad because he too smirked


    in return. Nick walked towards him and patted his back. I looked at him like he had grown two heads.


    " Just don''t do any damage." As soon as the words left his mouth , Evie''s head snapped towards her


    Dad.


    " Sure Dad." Ethan smiled at Nick.


    " Dad , you can''t say that. He always scares away all the boys who ever talk to me." Evie cried out.


    " I don''t see a problem in that. " Nick nonchntly shrugged.


    " Nick! You can''t be serious." I said annoyed at him for encouraging Ethan instead of scolding him.


    " But I am." He said almost immediately.


    " That means you and your son are going to beat up and chase away any guy who looks at Evie?" I put


    my hands on my waist in a defensive manner.


    " Well if necessary...." Nick and Ethan looked at each other and back at me before shrugging. I was so


    so pissed at them and their stupid shrugs. I swear if they could, they would lock my girl up in a room


    and never let here across any guy.


    " Don''t shrug! Just don''t. You- You - I will go mad talking to you. Evie ,e let''s go up. " I stomped my


    way up the stairs , Evie following suite.


    ........................


    Nick''s POV


    We were having a barbeque night in our garden. Both our families and friends were going to be there.


    Sophia was still a bit angry with me for supporting Ethan today in the morning . So I was helping


    Sophia set everything up for the night , in an attempt to cool her down. We were at the end of the


    arrangements when the doorbell rang.


    " I will bring the sses outside. You go and get the door." I nodded at Sophia and went to open the


    door.


    " Uncle Nick !" Ava , Erica and Ryan''s six year old daughter hugged my legs as soon as I opened the


    door. I picked her up and ced her on my hip.


    " How''s my munchkin doing ?" I flicked her nose to which she giggled. Ryan and Erica got married


    when Evelyn was about a year old. They have a nine year old son, Liam and Ava.


    " Where is Evie? " Alex asked .


    " Upstairs." He let me hardly finish before he rushed upstairs. A few months after we had adopted Evie,


    Char was pregnant with Alex . They got married before they had Alex who is now ten years old.


    " Come on in." I moved aside gesturing everyone to enter.


    " I thought you would never ask." Caleb hugged me and I returned it.


    " Hey man!" Ryan and I did a bro hug. Our rtionship had improved a lot and I realised that the


    difference created between was mostly by me and my foreverpanion, jealousy.


    Char and Erica after a quick greeting rushed to Sophia with Ava and his brother.


    ........................


    We watched as Mom and Sophia''s Mom yed with Ava while Dad and her fatherughed their hearts


    out at something. Although over these years Sophia''s father has be a bitfortable with Dad ,


    still his words are a bit measured in front of him . However , anybody would confuse our moms to be


    bestfriends considering their closeness.


    We were sitting around joking while the kids yed around. Ethan although elder than all of the kids


    was very patient and he kept Liampany. At one moment it waspletely silent and we were


    enjoying the peaceful atmosphere when Evie''sughter had our attention. I saw herughing at


    something Alex told her. Amongst all the children, these two were the closest, considering their nearly


    same age.


    " See I told you, they look good together. We should definitely have them married once they grow up. "


    Caleb said in an excited voice.


    " Absolutely not." I said without missing a beat. He keeps on shipping Alex and Evie but I don''t find it


    funny at all .


    " Why not ? I always dreamt of having my child married to Sophia''s and we would really be


    family." Char seconded Caleb .


    " I don''t find a problem either." Sophia shrugged smirking at me before grinning at Char.


    " Then it''s fixed. " I rolled my eyes at Caleb before looking into distance.


    ........................


    I crept behind Sophia into the kitchen when she came to take the icecreams out. I hugged her from


    behind, startling her in the process.


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    " Oh God Nick! Stop sneaking like this. " She kept a hand on her chest calming herself down.


    I hummed into her hair . So many years into our marriage and I still couldn''t get over the sweet smell of


    her. She was like the drug that kept me sane. I was truely and utterly whipped.


    " You know one of the first things that I loved about you was your amazing smell " She turned around in


    my hold to face me.


    " It was your first day here after marriage. When you walked in the dining room,the fragrance hit my


    nostrils and it was so damn intoxicating."


    " We really dide a long way isn''t it ? From being mere strangers to enemies , bing friends


    and finally falling in love with each other." She sighed dreamily.


    " Yeah it feels just yesterday that I got married to a jerk like you that I have grown to love so much."


    She teased to which I chuckled.


    " Who thought I would ever get married let alone have an arranged bride and fall so fucking deeply in


    love with her?" We looked into each other''s eyes before we attached our lips in a kiss. A sweet , gentle


    kiss.


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