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.

..........

familiar feel of heaviness in my heart,

face looked exhausted

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

to go through you so much. I was supposed to protect you and I-I

I love you so much Sophia. I love -." By the end of it I was choking on my tears. It was hurting so bad.

...........

Sophia's POV

bad but my whole body felt numb. I didn't want to wake up because

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

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

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

He spoke in disbelief. When I offered him a faint smile, his face broke into a large

if he was going to hug me but then most probably realised that he couldn't. So

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

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

How are you feeling?" He looked at me with so much of concern that it tugged

my ribs pain a lot." I

happy face of Ethan popped up in

that I had left him

He will

baby so much."

And what about me?" He

missed you so much. I always thoughts about you. I knew you'll come to save me." While I smiled at him, his face morphosed into one of

I am sorry." Looking down , he said in a small voice , full

Nick, it's not

tried convincing but he stubbornly shook his head. And no , I am not a dumb little