The Arranged Bride

Chapter - 26

Nick's POV

As I kept playing with Sophia's hair , she slept peacefully with her lips parted. I had shared my story with Sophia yesterday and honestly I had felt better after talking to her. I want to trust her , I want to be with her and maybe someday fall in love with her. I don't know if I am going to be left with a broken heart once again but still I want to take this risk.

I was so focused on my thoughts that I didn't realise when she woke up. I looked into her grey eyes which were staring back. Her beautiful grey eyes were the first thing that I had noticed when I saw er in the office for the first time and they have never failed to captivate me. A soft smile was playing on her face which automatically had my lips curved up in a smile.

" Good morning." She said, stretching her hands and yawning.

" Good morning ." I smiled .

" Nick , I was thinking of going to the park today with Ethan. " Sophia excitedly said.

" No." My response was quick.

" No ?" She looked confused. It was Saturday and she had obviously planned to go out.

" I got to be at the office today . So I can't come with you guys and I don't want you to go alone." I explained.

" Nick , I am not a baby . I can take care of myself and Ethan. Not that we are going for a battle." Sophia pleaded with her puppy eyes. I sighed in defeat.

" Fine , but Leo will be coming with you." I spoke in a no-argument-tone and she nodded.

"Okay , now let's have breakfast. I will make it. " She spoke and I nodded.

.......

Sophia placed two plates of bacon, pancakes and eggs in front of me and Ethan and left to bring another plate for her.

" Mmm this is so tasty . Isn't it Dad? " Ethan looked at me.

" It is." I smiled.

" You like it ?" Sophia asked smiling to which Ethan nodded his head eagerly.

" I have even told my friends that my Mom is the best cook." Sophia gave a small laugh at his words.

" You did ? Aww , thank you baby." Sophia cooed.

" I am not a baby." , Ethan pouted and crossed his arms across his chest.

" Yes , you are my baby." Sophia pulled his cheeks and laughed while Ethan looked away huffing. I was enjoying my breakfast and watching their playful banter.

" Do you want to go to the park today ?" Sophia asked. Ethan instantly snapped his head towards Sophia and smiled like he wasn't angry at her a second before.

" Yes ! And we can have some icecream as well ?" Ethan hopefully looked at her and she nodded .

" Yess!" He pumped his fist in the air and we giggled at his antics.

" Dad are you coming with us ?" He asked his smile still intact.

" No honey , I got to be at office for something important but I promise to make it up to you. We will go shopping tomorrow and buy the game you have been asking for. Okay ?" If possible his smile widened even more .

" Thank you Dad. You're the best." He beamed.

" Oh so now he is the best ? " Sophia faked hurt which had Ethan thinking.

" No , he is the best Dad and you are the best Mom." He came up with an appropriate answer.

" Hmm , you're such a smart kid." Sophia said and I agree to her. Ethan is really quite smart .

" Welcome son. I have to leave now." I said getting up from my seat and kissed him on the forehead. I did the same with Sophia before leaving.

Sophia's POV

After Nick left , I sent Ethan to get ready. I changed into a simple sundress and went downstairs.

" Shall we ?" I stretched my hand towards Ethan. He happily nodded and held my hand.

" Good morning Mrs. Carter." Leo greeted as we came to the car.

" Good morning Leo and call me Sophia and no, Nick won't mind." I said before he could object. He smiled and nodded.

.......

I sat at the bench watching Ethan playing with other kids. He is a very outgoing boy and it took him very less time to bond with these kids.

Leo stood beside me in a alert mode. I asked him to sit but he denied.

Suddenly, I heard a very familiar voice call me. I turned to look at Brandon , my ex. As I had said, I had dated a few guys but none of those had worked out. But Brandon was never over the idea of 'us' no matter how many times I had made it clear to him. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

" Hi, Brandon." I gave him a tight-lipped smile.

" Sophia , I missed you." He smiled but I chose to ignore his statement.

" Nice to meet you again." He frowned upon my words.

" You know , you don't need to be so formal with me. We are not strangers." I kept quiet not knowing what to say .

" Sophia , can we talk ? " He asked.

" I guess we are ?" I raised my eyebrow.

" No I mean privately." He said and looked at Leo.

" I don't think we have anything private to discuss." I knew it was rude but I didn't want to talk to him alone because I was afraid that he would again start on how perfect a couple we were and then I would have to be eventually rude to him else he won't stop.

" Sophia please , just five minutes." He pleaded.

" Brand-"

" Please , Sophia." I sighed and reluctantly agreed. I looked at Leo asking him to keep an eye on Ethan. He nodded understanding my unspoken words.

I walked with him a bit far from where Leo was and waited for him to speak.

" So , you are married." He said looking everywhere else.

" Yes."

" Are you happy ?" I knew what he was trying to come at.

" Yes , I am." I stated .

" Are you sure ? Are you as happy with him as you were with me?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at his question.

" If we were so happy when we were together, then can you explain our breakup? " I crossed my arms against my chest.

" Sophia , you could have given us another chance-" I cut him off.

" Please Brandon. We have had this talk over and over again and my answer is still the same. And now I am happily married. So please just forget it." I was tired of this.

" But Sophi-" Leo's voice cut him off.

" Ethan wait." I heard Leo shout. I snapped my head towards them and what I saw had my world crashing down.

I couldn't bring my legs to move. I was fixed to my spot and it was like everything was happening in a slow motion. Leo running after Ethan, Ethan stopping in the middle of the road to pick up the ball , a car rushing towards him, him getting hit by the car and collapsing on the road.

" ETHAN!"