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.

..........

entering , the familiar feel of heaviness in my heart, reappeared. I started walking towards the bed and the sight of fragile and bruised Sophia

looked exhausted

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

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

know what I would have done if something happened to you. I love you so much Sophia. I love

...........

Sophia's POV

whole body felt numb. I didn't want to wake up because I knew that once , I am conscious, I

dark room anymore. I felt a hand holding mine in it. I looked to my left

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

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.

offered him a faint smile, his face broke into a

realised that he couldn't. So he settled

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

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

me with

My head is aching and my ribs pain a lot." I

,where is Ethan?" Immediate a happy face of

on how he thought that I had

He will come

missed my baby so much." I dreamily

about me?"

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 utter grief

he said in a small voice ,

not your fault.

head. And no , I am not a dumb little