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.

, while he was scrolling through his phone. As he saw me , he sat up smiling. After I climbed up the bed he placed a tray of food on my lap. It had some croissants , scrambled eggs , bacons and some fruits. My mouth

You made these ?"

He chuckled and nodded.

delicious then I must say their taste was

could cook this good! " I exclaimed to which he passed

all the time you're laughing behind my back." I came up with a

bad ... I mean ..... I didn't fake compliment you . I - " When I couldn't keep in any more, I bursted out laughing , cutting him off in the process. Seeing him so confused and rumbling was the last of my expectations. I

I requested through my laughter but it fell into deaf ears. Suddenly I felt a smaller set of fingers joining in the assault. I heard Ethan's giggle. I laughed so

you guys."

No you don't." They said in unison,

at each other before raising their hands in a tickling gesture. Them just wiggling their fingers

" Don't." I warned.

you hate us?" Nick asked

but when they lowered their

I don't." I blurted. Their face had an expression of victory. They high-fived

on either side of mine. We were lying on our back , staring at the ceiling, without speaking, just enjoying each

protest at the name I used . He looked up at

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

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

was referring to the bruise. I gulped , unable

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. I smiled at the thought of how lucky I was

My boys!

.....

bell rang. Nick and I came down to the living room to see Clara sitting on one the sofa with her legs crossed, as if she owned the place. She was looking beautiful in the olive coloured

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

are you doing here ?" Nick gritted

hurt realising that I wasn't Ethan's mother but I quickly pushed away those thoughts. I couldn't be so stupid