The Arranged Bride

Chapter - 24

Nick's POV

I was getting ready for the party . I had asked Sophia to come with me. Previously, I had missed a party because at that time I didn't want to go anywhere with her but a lot of things have changed in this period. I am over my misconceptions about her and this time I am proud to be able to bring her to the party as my wife.

From the very first day , each and every family member of mine has been fond of her. Even Caleb took a liking to her at the first sight but I was blind to her innocence. The urge to not trust any woman had overpowered me and I behaved so pathetically towards her.

These days, being so close to her, has definitely affected me. I like sleeping in the same bed and cuddling with her and waking up together. I miss her when I am at work. I try not to work till late night just to have a family dinner. Sometimes I think that what I feel for her is more than mere liking but I am scared to feel anything deeper .

Taking a final glance at the mirror, I started walking towards my room. I didn't want to be late. So I asked Sophia to get ready in our room while I volunteered to use another room.

On reaching, I knocked at the door. I heard a faint sweet voice asking me to come in.

Before entering, I didn't know I was in for a suprise. My jaw dropped at how fucking gorgeous Sophia was looking so damn gorgeous in that blue satin dress. Her hair was left in loose curls which was making her look even more beautiful. She had a neutral makeup on her face. Just looking at her was making me loose control. I was so proud that this beautiful woman was mine but this also meant that I had to protect her from stupid horny men at the party. Ughhh , why did she have to look so alluring.

I was broken out of the trance when Sophia cleared her throat. She must have noticed me staring at her . Her face was a deep shade of pink. I like it that she blushes so easily.

I went and stood behind her facing the mirror. Putting my hands around her waist, I spoke.

" You look beautiful Sophia . I don't know how am I going to remain sane throughout the party when you're with me , looking like a goddess. " I said bringing my mouth close to her right ear ,without breaking eye contact.

She sucked in a deep breath to steady herself but was failing miserably. I felt her shiver when I kissed her neck. She had her eyes closed and I was happy to know that I had such an effect on her.

"We should leave right now or.." I trailed , dragging my finger on her arm. "we won't be able to leave the room at all." I huskily said and she shuttered a 'yes'.

Offering hery hand , I led her out of the house.

I helped her get inside the limousine and settled down beside her. Trust me when I say it was too hard to control myself when she was sitting looking all pretty and tempting.

Unable to resist any more, I pulled her to my lap . She was surprised by my sudden action and I heard her grasp when I kissed her. After recovering from the shock, she gave in and started kissing back. I kissed her slowly and passionately and broke it when I realised she needed to breathe. I placed my face in the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent. Putting her arms around my body, she hugged me .

" You're going to be the death of me." I whispered, inaudible to her ears.

.......

The paparazzi who were present outside the hall, clicked a lot of photos but Sophia wasn't too uncomfortable with the flashes. She rather looked confident although she wasn't used to the attention from media. I absolutely love her skill to be confident in everything she does and have a grip on the situation.

As we were a bit away from them I remembered something.

" Sophia , don't leave my side throughout the evening and if you do , make sure you're with Caleb and no one else." I sternly said , holding her hands as we were entering the hall.

" Okay but why ? I am not a child that I will get lost." She looked at me genuinely confused.

" Child ? Not at all. If anything you look like a freaking gorgeous lady who will be demanding everyone's attention as soon as she enters the hall ." I said . She looked stunned by my words and blushed so hard that I wanted to kiss her right away but resisted the urge. I had to make it clear that she understands what I mean.

"I don't want some hungry perverted man to try anything stupid with you. So do as I say." I said in no- shit-tone.

" Okay." She assured .

As soon as we made it inside the hall, all eyes turned towards us. I saw most of the men gawking and eyeing Sophia like she was some piece of meat .I knew she was going to attract lot of attention. Instinctively, my hand went around her waist ,pulling her closer to me. She looked at me to understand my action. I smiled at her and she returned the smile.

"Mr. And Mrs. Carter , I am glad that you could make it." Mr. Grey stood in front of us with a warm smile. The engagement party was of his son.He was the former CEO of the Grey Corp. and now his son has taken over .

" Oh the pleasure is all ours, Mr. Grey." , I replied with a small smile.

After he excused himself, I spoke with some important businessmen with Sophia beside me. Suddenly she smiled at someone and I followed her eyes to see Caleb standing with Charlotte ? Is there

something I have missed out? Well I need to know as soon as possible.

I saw Sophia looking at me, asking with her eyes if she could go to them and I nodded smiling. She smiled back and made her way to them.

Although I was with a lot of people and in the middle of some conversation, I could only focus on her. From time to time, I stole glances of her. She was freely conversing with Caleb and Charlotte. After sometime Caleb left to join me. She was laughing with her best friend and she looked so pure and happy. Her smile was so contagious that it spread a smile even on my face.

" You're so whipped man." I heard Caleb chuckle. He was wearing that teasing smile on his face.

" Shut up. Now tell me something. You have brought Sophia's best friend to the party as your date ? Do I not know something that I should know? " I wiggled my eyebrows.

" Uhh , nothing special, I just-" Caleb was cut off when I heard a loud high-pitched voice.

" Nick , is that you ?" I heard the woman speak. I clenched my eyes tightly preparing myself to look at that woman again.

Clara .....