The Arranged Bride

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're late !" I looked at him with wide eyes . I hated being late to my job. Nick on the other hand smirked at me, making me guess that some arrogant comment 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 played in my mind. I shivered at the thought of what could have happened if he had been a little late.

He obviously had noticed the change in my expression and the sudden discomfort. I heard him sigh after which he came close and pulled me to his lap. 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 being late , 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 slapped his back and he laughed.

I pulled away to see his face. The laughter had ceased to a lazy 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 his lap. He furrowed his eyebrows, asking for an explanation.

" 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.

me , he sat up smiling. After I climbed up the

You made these

He chuckled and nodded.

quickly dug in . If I say they looked delicious then I must say their taste

exclaimed to which he passed a grin. While treating myself

all the time you're laughing behind my back." I came up with a fake serious and hurt look which

the last of my expectations. I saw him looking at me with a

felt a smaller set of fingers joining in the assault. I heard Ethan's giggle. I laughed so

hate you guys." I

don't." They said in unison,

each other before raising their hands in a tickling gesture. Them just wiggling their fingers in air had me laughing. I

" Don't." I warned.

So you hate us?" Nick

Uhh -" I hesitated but when they lowered their

don't." I blurted. Their face had an expression of

We were lying on our back , staring at the ceiling, without speaking, just enjoying each other's company. Suddenly I felt Ethan hugging my waist.

he will protest at the name I used

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

elbows and looked at me to say something but stopped. His excited expression morphed into one of pure concern. He

he was referring to the bruise. I gulped

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 similar.

My boys!

.....

the living room to see Clara sitting on one the sofa

Nick whose jaw was clenched. He looked pretty angry to see her. After learning what she had

doing here ?" Nick gritted through

that was intended towards Nick , I felt hurt realising that I wasn't Ethan's mother but I quickly pushed away those