The Arranged Bride

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 to lack 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.

" 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 similar 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.

..........

in my heart, reappeared. I started walking

looked

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

through you so much. I was supposed to protect you

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

...........

Sophia's POV

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

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

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

in my ribs. I couldn't stop the whimper that left my mouth and Nick bolted

him a faint

to hug me but then most probably realised that he couldn't. So he settled at sitting down back beside me and clasping my hand

am so happy." He kissed the

his name but I could only cough. He immediately rushed to fill a cup of water and brought it to my lips.

with so

and my ribs pain a lot." I honestly told what I

Now tell me ,where is Ethan?" Immediate a happy face of Ethan popped up in

on how he thought that I had left him and how much he

will come

Aww, I missed my baby so

about me?"

you. I knew you'll come to save me." While I smiled at him,

said in a small

not your fault.

no , I am not a dumb little