The Arranged Bride

Chapter - 09

Nick's POV

" Finally my Nicky is getting married. I am so happy." Caleb fake wiped a tear .

" How many times did I tell you not to call me that ?"

He made a thinking expression.

"Probably a lot of times, but I don't think I care . " He ended with a grin.

I rolled my eyes at him.

Everyone was so happy. Mom and Dad were excited to get a 'daughter', Erica was happy to get a 'sister' . Ethan seemed happy too . And the happiest of them all was me .

Note the sarcasm.

Since morning I have been in my worst mood. I feel like I am getting caged but I'm sure as hell that I won't be changing my lifestyle for that gold digger.

The music started playing and everyone turned towards the door expectantly and then....

She entered.

It was so enchanting to look at her in the white dress. The veil was preventing me from having a clear view of her face. She looked up once at me and on seeing everyone's eyes at her, she quickly looked down. Holding her father's arm in a tight grip she made her way to the alter.

I took her hand in mine and she stood in front of me.

It was then that I was able to properly see her face . There was a neutral makeup on her face. I could see her beautiful grey eyes whenever she would look at me only to avert her gaze. Her lips seemed perfect to be kissed.

Really? What am I thinking?

That she is beautiful and perfect.

No she isn't. Just a bloody opportunist.

I stared at her without looking away , I could feel that she was uncomfortable under my stare as she was shifting uncomfortably.

We exchanged rings.

"Do you Mr. Nicholas Daniel Carter take Ms. Sophia Avery Jones as your legally wedded wife to have and to hold, from this day forward , for better, for worse, for richer , for poorer, in sickness and in health , to love and to cherish , till death do you apart?"

"I do ." I sighed and said with a straight face and she again looked down.

"Do you Ms. Sophia Avery Jones take Mr. Nicholas Daniel Carter as your legally wedded husband to have and to hold , from this day forward, for better, for worse , for riche, for poorer , in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?"

"I do " , she took a deep breath.

" By the power vested in me I now pronounce you as husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride."

I clenched my jaw and moved forward to lift her veil. She looked really nervous as I leaned forward. I lightly pecked her lips and stepped back .

People clapped and cheered loudly while I looked away frustrated of everything.

Everyone started congratulating us. I looked at Sophia to see her hugging Ryan tightly. They seemed pretty close and I was quite annoyed at her . How could she act so close to another man when she was already married to me?

" What do I smell here .... Jealousy?" Erika wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I rolled my eyes at her and walked away.

Finally we settled in our car to head to the reception hall. I did not initiate any conversation . She didn't either..

I looked out of the car window.

...... Married.

As soon as we reached our destination , I saw the paparazzi rushing here.

Chris and Leo stood in a protective trance in front of my car. I opened the door and went to Sophia's side to help her out. Taking her hand in mine , I walked towards the entrance. After getting at an appropriate position we stopped to pose for a few pictures and I answered some of their questions.

We walked in . She was extremely quiet and reserved. I didn't see her like this before but maybe she isn't comfortable around me.

She shouldn't be and I wasn't going to make it any easier.

We had our first dance as a couple. I kept staring at her now and then .

We then cut the cake before it was served.

With each passing second I was getting more and more irritated and finally it was time for us to leave.

Sophia hugged everyone with teary eyes.

All these things were totally boring me .

After a great deal of time she was done and we went inside the car.

" My house ." , I ordered Benjamin, my driver as we settled in.

Enough of this good guy facade. Now she was going to see the harsh reality. A rich wedding , expensive clothes , a rich husband , this is what she wanted. I will see to it.

Sophia's POV

" My house." , He told the driver in a rude tone which I didn't like.

We drove in a deafening silence. Soon the car parked in front of a white building. I thanked the driver and smiled at him. He looked too stunned to respond.

He called this a house !? This was a huge freaking mansion. I was staring at it when I heard him.

" If you're done staring, feel free to come inside." He walked past me into his house.

Rude much ?

I walked in and saw maids rushing towards him. They greeted him and he gave a curt nod.

Ethan was staying at Mama's house . So it was only him .

He walked upstairs and I followed him. Opening the door he walked inside what seemed to be his room , well ours now !

" Sir , we have got ma'am's luggage " , a maid said.

"Keep it and leave " he said

I thanked her while she bowed a little.

Everything in the room was of only two colours- black and grey. It looked very masculine . I was looking at the paintings on a wall when he spoke .

" You won't be sleeping on the bed ."

I didn't like his tone at all and I was not excited to sleep with him on the bed as of now.

I shrugged and walked towards the couch.

"Where do you think you are going? " , He asked.

" To the couch " , I said in a duh tone.

" Did I say that you could sleep there, you filthy woman ? "

I was too stunned to reply and before I could take in his words , he spoke again.

" You will be taking the floor ." , He said looking straight into my eyes .

" Fine then , arrange another room for me." , I said shrugging. By now I was back from my stunned self.

" Well , I dont think I had said that you can sleep anywhere else. " , He coldly said.

" Well , I don't think I had said that I will listen to you ." , I said using his tone.

He looked angry. Maybe he hadn't had anyone talk back to him.

" You wouldn't dare disobey me." He threatened in a low voice but I wasn't backing down.

"Look , I understand that you want to play the part of the arrogant billionaire jerk in a cliche novel where he makes his wife sleep on the floor but I love my sleep way to much to bear with these weird fetishes of yours ." I took a few seconds before continuing.

" Either let me take the couch here or arrange another room for me. " I crossed my arms across the chest and waited for him.

He looked shocked at my speech but covered it up with the same cold expression.

"What made you think that I will do that ? " He asked.

" You only said you don't want me to sleep on the couch and I sure as hell won't sleep on the floor. I can take the couch in the living room easily but there is a small problem. Your maids will know of how affectionately you treat your wife.

It's your decision to make. If you're okay with that - "

" Take this couch." , he cut me off .

" Didn't you realize it too fast , Einstein?" I mocked.

He glared at me and turned towards the bed.

Considering it to be the end of discussion ,I took my shorts and an oversized tee from the suitcase and walked into the washroom .

It was then I closed my eyes and let the tears flow down my cheeks.

I spoke back to him , I argued and stood my place , I even mocked him,but that doesn't mean I am not hurt. I have never been treated as such. On my marriage night my husband treats me like shit. That definitely hurts , a lot but I was not going to let him do that.

I wouldn't let him emotionally degrade me.

I wiped my tears , washed my face and promised to myself to be stronger than ever.

After changing I came back to the room.

Without sparing him even a glance, I laid down on the couch.

I guess this was my life now. Married to this jerk!

I was extremely exhausted , thus the couch wasn't too much of a bother to my sleep.

"Goodnight.." I whispered to myself.