The Arranged Bride by Maatii

01. To Meet Someone?

Sophia's POV

I slightly groaned when I felt the bright sunlight fall on me. I twisted and turned in my bed for a few
more minutes before I was finally up.

Bree , who was sitting just by the side of the bed, started barking and wagging her tail. I gently patted
her hair.

Today I had a day off and was planning on lazing around . Maybe call my idiot best friends over and
watch some movies with tubs of chocolate chip ice cream.

With happy thoughts swimming in my mind , I went to do my morning routine before going
downstairs for breakfast . It was my day off so I woke up late and Dad had already left for office.

"Good morning, Mom" I jogged off to my seat.

"Good morning sweetie" , my mom smiled and set down a plate of breakfast for me.

"I don't know if it's because I am too hungry or the pancakes are really so delicious but these taste
amazing , mom." I stuffed my mouth with the pancakes after dipping it in chocolate sauce.

Shaking her head she just laughed.

We were talking about random things when Mom's phone rang and it was Dad.

" Yes David " My mom picked up the phone.

" ........ " Mom's eyebrows creased and she was impatiently tapping the table top.

"Umm okay, I will just see"

Hanging up Mom went upstairs. She came down after a few minutes with a file in her hand.

" Sophie , your Dad has forgotten an important file and today he has a meeting with his boss . He
really needs it , can you take this file to him ? Mom looked at me with hopeful eyes. I huffed.

So much for planning a fun day.

" Sure " , saying that I got up and went to get ready.

I changed into an oversized sweater and a black skirt. Putting on a bit of nude lipstick and winged
liner , I left for his office with the file.

I got inside a cab .

"Where to, ma'am?" The driver looked at my face.

"Carter Enterprises, please." My Dad worked at Carter Enterprises. Nicholas Carter, the CEO of Carter
Enterprises was one of the top businesses in the world. It is said that the company reached heights
after he took over. I had seen him twice in some magazines but can't say I haven't seen his face
properly. He is too handsome to not take a proper glance. He is the perfect handsome billionaire but it
can't be said if he is a playboy or not. His personal affairs haven't been the headlines often.

It was a twenty minutes ride from my home . I had put on my headphones to listen to some music.

"Ma'am we are here " I took off my headphones and looked out to see at the huge building.

After paying him and thanking him , I walked towards the building. Entering through the lavish
entrance, I headed straight to the reception.

" Excuse me " the receptionist looked up with a greeting smile " How can I help you ?"

"I am here to meet Mr David Jones"

" Please take the elevator to the 21 st floor and on your left you will get to his office . "

"Thank you"
She smilingly nodded at me.

I walked into the elevator and pressed the button. The elevator stopped at the 8 th floor and a tall
good looking guy walked in . I could feel him staring at me a few times before I turned to look at him.
He smiled at me and introduced himself.

" Hi , I am Caleb " , he put his hand forward.

" Sophia Jones " , I shook his hand with a smile on my face.

"So.. to meet someone ?" He asked. He seemed like a nice guy and didn't give me the creeps.

" Yes , I came to give this file to my Dad , uhm Mr. Jones , he left it back at home." I explained.

He nodded and then there was silence . Finally the elevator stopped and I stepped out.

"It was nice meeting you " , he waved at me .

"Same here", I waved back and the door closed with a ding.

Just as I turned to my left , something small collided with my legs. I looked down to see a little boy
with brown hair and an extremely cute face. He looked up and stared at me. I bent down to his height
and observed his bright brown eyes.

"Hey little man , I am Sophia, what's your name ? " , I asked with a big comforting smile.

He looked at me for a few seconds debating on whether to reply or not. Finally deciding to reply , he
smiled at me .

" Ethan " He still looked doubtful of me but I wasn't upset. I like the fact that this little boy was smart
enough to not easily trust a stranger.

" That's a nice name and how old are you sweetheart?"

"I am 5," he said with a proud smile. His expression showed that he believed himself to be a big boy.

"Aww , so why were you running sweetheart, you know you could have gotten hurt." I gently spoke to
him. Honestly I could never resist the urge to spend time with children. I mean who can?
" I - Dad scolded me s-so , II was going to grandpa " . He looked down as if he was a bit guilty of
running off like that.

"Oh , fine I will take you to him, where is he ? " I was offered because I didn't want this cute little kid
to again run into someone and get hurt.

" Right behind you " , a deep voice spoke from behind me.

I looked behind to see a man in his late 50s . I stood up and faced him.

"Uhm hi , he was running uh so I thought I should ..." I trailed off guessing he had heard the last part
of our conversation.

" Oh thank you sweetheart, not many people are this thoughtful these days. " He said with a bright
smile which was quite similar to that of Ethan.

" Welcome Mr... " I waited for him to fill in.

" Carter. Joseph Carter "

My eyes widened at that and I immediately recognized him. He was the boss of my father or should I
say ex-boss and I was instantly nervous. Well , he didn't have the cold closed demeanor of a billionaire
boss. What shocked me more was that the handsome billionaire had a kid.

"Umm I am extremely sorry sir, I should have known." I spoke embarrassed but he looked rather
amused at my nervousness.

"Not a big deal , and you are?" His voice was welcoming .

"Sophia Jones," I said.

"So, by any chance do you work here?" Well , it's normal he didn't know all of his employees
especially when the company is as big as this.

" No , I came to deliver a file to Mr. David Jones . He left it back at home." I explained the same thing
for the second time in the day.

Recognition passed through his eyes before he spoke again .

"Mr. Jones, head of public relations?" I guessed that he would have known my father .

"Yes, sir." I politely replied

He nodded to himself and then looked up to speak .

"Well it was ni-"

" ETHAN " , I heard a very deep masculine voice behind me.

Turning around my eyes welcomed the sight of an extremely handsome man. Nicholas Carter! He was
about 6'3" or 6'4" . He had broad shoulders and a muscular body, dressed in a properly fitting suit. He
had tan skin and gelled brown hair. But what made his face absolutely gorgeous was the pair of warm
brown eyes. Seeing him this close made me realize that the photos in the magazines haven't done
justice to his looks. He was even more enticing in person.

This was the longest that I have looked at a stranger.

I averted my gaze on realizing that I was staring a little too long, although not long enough for
drooling .

" Why did you run off ? I have asked you to not go anywhere alone , haven't I? " , He asked Ethan in a
stern voice while the kid hid behind his grandfather and looked up at his father .

"Ethan, answer me " , he raised his voice at which Ethan jumped a little and looked up at him . Tears
rolled down his eyes while he stubbornly shook his head in a no. The guy was supposed to be a bit
more soft on him. He was just a kid and scolding him like that won't be helpful. But I knew better than
to lecture my father's boss on how he should behave with his child.

When his father was about to yell again I bent down in front of him . Taking his tiny hands in mine I
pulled him closer. He looked at me through his tears .

" Sweetheart, you shouldn't have run away like that. Your Dad was worried , right ? What if you got
hurt? And you should reply when you're spoken to baby ." I spoke softly .

At this, he brought his tiny hands around my neck and hugged me. I was a little shocked at his sudden
gesture but then I hugged him back, offering the comfort he was seeking. His small body was shaking.

"I- I am s-sorry .... Dad he ..he shouted at m-me ..a-and I was.. I was angry .... I ..I am sorry." He
hiccupped.
" Sssh , it's okay , don't cry , you won't do it again right ? " , I asked while rubbing his back .

"Y-Yes , I won't " , he said looking at me while shaking his head.

"Good boy." , I wiped his tears and stood up. Both the Carters were staring at me with a strange look.
Not creepy at all ! I mentally shrugged it off .

"Uhm, I guess I will take your leave now." I told in general.

"It was nice meeting you", Mr. Carter (senior) said.

" Same here Mr. Carter " I walked off to Dad's cabin after offering Ethan a large smile.

02. Ice cream.

Nicholas's POV

" Christina , I was busy " , I sighed .

" Don't give me that shit , you were so busy that you couldn't call me for two days straight ? " She
yelled.

"Yes I was and I still am". I was the CEO for fuck's sake.

Dad had handed me down the business when I was 28 and know he has retired but he is quite
addicted to this place and thus has his own cabin. So he keeps coming atleast twice in a week and
attends the important meetings .

" It has been so long we spent time together . Nick , you have to take me out on a date , yes baby ? " ,
She demanded.
I sighed.

"Uh okay I'll let you know"

"Bye baby, see you"

"bye"

Huffing , I put down my phone.

I have taken Christina on one or two dates in the past few months and now She thinks of herself as
my girlfriend although I have never really asked her. She was a blonde with blue eyes and a tall ,
slender figure. She is beautiful and everything but I am not into commitments.

I don't really trust women other than my mom and sister . My first girlfriend cheated on me . Then
again after a few years I was serious with Clara . Things were good but then one day she got pregnant
with Ethan. Thereafter she started behaving weirdly . She used to pickup meaningless fights , was
excessively demanding and started avoiding me even. Blaming it on her pregnancy hormones , I let
everything slide until one day I came home to a drunk Clara. I was furious at her for being this careless
when she was pregnant but then what she said, had my heart in a twist. She slurred that she was
disgusted at the thought of a baby and she did not at all accept the thought of being a mother. She
kept on speaking on how she wanted to live her life freely and how much of a hindrance that bastard
child of mine was in that path. I took her to bed and the very next day , I made her sign a contract
stating that she wasn't allowed to show any kind of casualty towards her health during her pregnancy.
After giving birth she was allowed to leave the child with me and get back her life along with one
million dollars.

Being the perfect example of gold digger she was, she accepted the offer without hesitation and here I
was being a single father to my 5 year old boy , Ethan , my ray of sunshine. He was one of the best
things that had ever happened to me. I could never imagine what my life would have been without
him.

So back to where we were. From then onwards I don't do commitments because all of them turn out
to be the same and I very well know that Christina is not too much of an exception but then, I don't
love her. Just me attraction...

Now I was so pissed . First I had so much on my plate and on top of that Christina and her stupid date .

Tired , I sat down when I saw Ethan enter my cabin with Amy, his nanny.

"Dad!" He widely smiled at me.

" Ethan came here " , I took him from Amy .

"Mr. Carter, shall I go for my lunch?" , Amy asked

"Yeah sure, I will have him."

Nodding , she walked off.

"Daddy" He sang, passing one wide grin, the one he uses when he is about to demand something.

" Yes darling " I gave him my complete attention.

" I want to go out for ice cream " I mentally rolled my eyes. How I saw this coming. His overly sweet
tone was indicative.

"Not now, Ethan."

"Please Dad" he gave me those puppy eyes but I had to be stern . Too much sugar was not good for
him .
"No"

"I WANT ICE CREAM" , he started throwing a tantrum.

"I said no " I raised my voice and he flinched before he jumped off my lap and ran out of the door.

Shit.

I ran after him but when I came out of my cabin I lost him. I couldn't see him and started off to the
most relevant place , Dad's office.

I was walking really fast. When it comes to Ethan, I really get worked up. But then I came to a halt
when I saw Ethan holding on to some woman's hand , her back faced to me and she was speaking to
Dad but I was just concentrated on Ethan.

"ETHAN", I shouted.

Three of them turned to look at me while I kept my stare at him.

"Why did you run off? I have asked you to not go anywhere, haven't I ? " I sternly asked him while he
kept looking at the floor and hid behind my Dad.

"Ethan , answer me " , I raised my voice at which he jumped and looked up at me , tears rolled down
his eyes but he being the stubborn kid shook his in a no.

I tried again but he refused to answer. I was getting pissed of , when I was going to again open my
mouth , the woman who earlier had held his hand , turned him around. Pulling him by his hands in
hers , she bent down in front of him.

Only then I noticed her face for the first time. She had brown wavy hair that fell down her shoulders
in beautiful waves . Her eyes were a deep and mesmerizing shade of grey. She had an almost
negligible bit of makeup on her face and her lips with the nude lipstick made her look so simple yet
elegant.

"Sweetheart, you shouldn't have run away like that and your Dad was worried about you. What if you
had got hurt ? And you should reply when you're spoken to baby " , She spoke in such a soft voice
with a faint smile yet seriousness that she even had my full attention.

Ethan stayed silent for a few seconds and then wrapped his arms around her neck , taking her in a hug.
She looked taken back but was quick to recover and brought her hands to hug him back. He cried on
her shoulders.

" II am s-sorry .... Dad he ..he shouted at m-me ..a-and I was.. I was angry ...I ..I am sorry " He
mumbled out the words and I was feeling a bit sorry for raising my voice at him. I can't let my stress
come in the way. He is a child and is to be treated like one. I rubbed my temple in frustration.

"Sssh , don't cry , you won't do it again right?" She asked him while rubbing his back .

"Y-Yes, I won't." he pulled away to look at her .

" Good " , she wiped his tears and stood up to look at us . Her eyes rested on me for a brief second
before she looked at Dad.

I was quite shocked at what I saw for Ethan definitely wasn't the obedient kid to give in to someone
easily but with her it was so smooth. I am sure Dad had the same expression before she spoke again.

"Uhm I guess I will take your leave now" she said in general.

I looked at her to take in her whole appearance and honestly she was beautiful.

"It was nice meeting you Sophia." Dad said.

So her name was Sophia..

"Same here Mr. Carter " , she replied and left without even acknowledging me.

Well I didn't introduce myself..

"Dad I am sorry " , Ethan pulled at my hand with a cute pout.

"It's okay li'l man , just don't repeat this okay ? And Dad is sorry for shouting at you honey " , I cooed
at him.

He smiled.

"Shall we go then ?"I asked taking his hand . He nodded and we walked off while I kept thinking about
certain gray eyed beauty.

03. A Proposal?
Joseph's POV

I was going to my son , Nick's cabin when I saw Ethan smiling and speaking to a young woman who
had her back facing me.

Coming closer I heard the lady gently saying him how he would have got hurt for running like that .
Then she offered to take him to his grandfather. I was touched at the random woman's concern for a
kid whom she met right now.

She looked a bit embarrassed to not know me . When she told me she had come to meet Mr. Jones , I
recognized him. He was the marketing head and was quite efficient. I noticed that the girl looked
quite similar to David and guessed her to be his daughter but refrained from asking anything.

When Nick made an appearance I saw her checking him out which was nothing new to me. But she
was sophisticated in her ways and did not drool like the other ones I have seen.

I was indeed shocked when Ethan hugged her and she convinced him to realize his mistake and he
even apologized which was not a regular scene . Ethan was never too comfortable with strangers.
Nick's face mirrored the same expression.
From my peripheral vision I saw Nick taking in her appearance . He did not avert his eyes till she was
out of vision.

Currently I was sitting in my cabin looking through the file containing every details of Sophia for which
I had to make a call.

Sophia Jones, 27 years old, only daughter of David Jones and Amelia Jones. She had done MBA in
marketing and was currently the marketing manager in Knight's Enterprises.

"Impressive" I thought.

I was always worried about Nick. Having been hurt repeatedly, he had lost trust in women . But
unfortunately he was too naive to not see through their intentions. He says as I quote ' I don't do love
' . I am tired of his playboy ways and currently that Christina or whatever is always clinging onto him.
Her face purely shows what a bitch she is but still he keeps her around, I don't know why.

Ethan too needs the care and love of a mother like every child. I have been looking for a decent , kind
woman to marry my son off to.

"And looks like I found her " , I smiled to myself.

I called for David in my office. I was thinking of my plans when I heard a knock.

"Come in"

"Mr Carter, you called." David greeted.

"Mr Jones, please take a seat."

As he settled down I spoke further.

" I don't like to beat around the bush . So ... Yesterday I saw your daughter Sophia in my office. She
looked like a decent young lady and I wish to have her hand for my son's marriage."

He took a few seconds to absorb my words .

" I don't really know what to say ..uhm but I think it's her decision to make " , he said.

"I hope you would try to convince her." , I spoke in a serious tone.
He seemed to be debating on his next reply.

"I'll try, Mr Carter"

Nodding I dismissed him.

Let's wait now..

Sophia's POV

I was currently in my room scrolling through my I*******m feed when Bree jumped up the bed and
started licking my face.
" Breee , stop-stop it " , I squealed. I was quite ticklish.

He happily barked and wagged it's tail.

"Sophie come down, dinner's ready"

" Coming Mom " I sang as I made my way downstairs.

"Hey Dad " , I hugged my Dad as he was seated on the table

" Hey Princess " , I like it when he calls me princess. I feel like I was still my Dad's little girl.

It was half way through dinner when Dad spoke .

"Sophie, I got you tell you something"

"yes daddy"

"Uhh today I was called to meet Mr Carter in his office. He asked for your hand in marriage to his son,
Nicholas Carter, our current boss " .

I was silent.

"What do you think?" , He asked with hopeful eyes .

I looked at mom and she looked ecstatic at the proposal.

" I don't know umm I haven't properly met him even."

"Sophie, I would want you to give it a thought."

" We are getting old , baby and we want to see you settled down and happy. " Mom looked at me
with genuine concern.
"BUT the decision is always yours. We won't pressurize you ." Dad said and mom nodded in
agreement.

"Thank you dad"

The rest of dinner was spent in a comfortable silence.

I went to my room. Slipping in, I was drowned in deep thought.

I was not sure of this sudden marriage thing. In no way was I resentful of marriage. Just that I had
never fallen in love . I have surely dated a few but love.. nah . So I have never seriously thought of
marriage.

My parents never forced me into anything and even today they have left it for me to decide. Mr.
Carter surely seemed like a nice man and Ethan ..that kid was too cute. I hope that Mr. Carter's son is
like him.

Nicholas Carter.. the name's hot enough and he looked good as well.

Just good!?
Ugh fine , he was hot , extremely handsome.

But that doesn't really make a point.

But then Mom and Dad are really hopeful. They had never asked for anything and maybe I could do
this.

Maybe I could give this a chance...

Next morning....

"Good morningggg" , I stretched

"Morning sweetie" mom greeted.

We sat down for our breakfast.

I sipped the juice and decided to say it.

"Dad, uhh I thought about it"

He looked on for me to continue.

"I am fine with the proposal".

Both of my parents' face broke into big smiles.

"Oh sweetheart you made me so happy " , mom said as she took me in a hug.

" Yes Princess , you really made us happy " , Dad patted my head.

I smiled at them. I was quite satisfied with my decision when I saw the happiness in their eyes .
We had our breakfast with occasional small talks and mostly how mom has dreamt my wedding to be.

"I will leave for the office then " Dad kissed mom's forehead.

"Sophie , come I will drop you on the way " , Dad said.

"Okay dad, bye mom"

"bye dear"

04. 'Us' Sounds Good?

Nick's POV
"Son , I have some great news for you", Dad barged into my cabin with a grinning face.

" Go on " , I said looking back into the files.

"You are getting married", he said.

I chuckled . " Nice one Dad " . I waited for him to say something but when he didn't I looked up.

His face had no hint of humor.

"You can't be serious !"

"Oh I am son , you are getting married to Mr. David's daughter, Sophia . They have accepted my
proposal."
"Dad you know that marriage is just not my thing."

"Well you can try. Besides she will be a nice mother to Ethan. Stop just thinking about yourself, think
of the little child."

"How can you say that! You saw her once and you think that she will be a good mother to Ethan. She
maybe something else under her facade for god's sake." I shouted in exploration.

"Don't raise your voice young man and I as a matter of fact have a better choice in women than you . I
very well know that she is not like the gold digger that you keep around these days ... Christina
right ?"

"Sure, she isn't"

I don't know how can Dad not see her intentions. We weren't properly introduced and she is ready for
the marriage . What else if not for money?

" You are marrying her , end of discussion. I have had enough of your playboy ways. It's time for you
to settle down. Tonight they are coming to dinner. I expect you to be there by 7 " with that he left.
I was so fucking pissed. First marriage and then this stupid dinner.

I drowned myself in work to get away from all these thoughts for the while but every now and then I
remembered her face .

Her brown hair , her gray mesmerizing eyes, soft kissable lips...

Urgh.. stop it , she is just a gold digger.

Sophia's POV

It was half past 5 and we had to the Carters' for dinner. So I got up to get ready.

I took a warm shower and blow dried my hair. I wore an one-shoulder blue jumpsuit, put my hair
down and put on minimal makeup . I completed my look with a pair of dazzling earrings and heels

I came down to the living room where mom and dad were already waiting.

"Oh you look gorgeous honey", mom complimented.

"You look beautiful as well", I smiled.

"Now Princess, let's get going." Dad said checking his watch.

We got into our car and drove to the Carter Mansion.

When we arrived there I was surprised at how huge it was.

A maid opened the door and let us in. I looked around. The interior was even more magnificent and
every corner screamed wealth. I was always uncomfortable with too much riches . I felt out of place
and was reconsidering my decision when a familiar warm voice greeted us.
"David, good evening", Mr. Carter greeted us cheerfully.

"Good evening Mr. Carter" Dad greeted back.

"Oh leave the formalities, call me Joseph"

Dad smiled back.

Just then a tall woman in her mid fifties walked in with a bright smile. She was beautiful and had the
perfect figure . She came and greeted mom.

" I am Juliana , Joseph's wife. Nice to meet you, Amelia right ? " She asked.

"Yes, that will be me", mom warmly smiled.

"And you're Sophia , you really are a beauty. I have been waiting to meet you since Joseph told me
about you ."
"Thank you Mrs. Carter, I was looking forward to this meeting as well." , I replied.

"Now come in." She showed us the way into the living space.

We were making small talks when the doorbell rang and in a few minutes , the ever-so-handsome
Nicholas Carter came in . He was wearing a black shirt that showed off his muscles in the perfect way.
His first two buttons were undone and he looked strikingly gorgeous.

I averted my eyes before he saw me checking him out.

Nick's POV

"Son , meet Mr. David , his wife Amelia and their beautiful daughter Sophia " , my mom introduced
them.
I shook hands with them and gave a small smile to Sophia. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her face
looked quite natural and she looked like a genuine person but I knew better than this.

I had already decided that I would behave like a gentleman and marry her. She wants to marry my
wealth. I will show the gold digger what she will get from this marriage.

"Sophia" , Ethan squealed and sprinted from Amy's hold towards Sophia.

Sophia smiled and placed him on her lap.

"Hey, sweetheart", she flashed a big smile.

"Are you Grandma's friend ? Will you come again ? " Ethan looked at Sophia with hopeful eyes.

"No baby she is going to marry your Dad." Mom answered for her.

His face changed from a blank to an excited one . He looked up at Sophia.

"That means you are going to stay with us ! It will be so much fun ." He pumped his fist in the air.

Sophia giggled at his antics. Her giggle sounded so pure and sweet.

Focus! pure!? my ass!

"Yes, it will be fun." she smiled.

The dinner went with the parents talking of a lot of things and us stealing occasional glances of each
other.

Us... Sounds good

Shut up! There's no us.

By the end of the dinner our wedding was fixed at the end of the next week.

Mom gave me the ring to give Sophia.

" I am so happy right now , I would love to have you as my daughter-in-law " Mom hugged Sophia
with a look of .... adoration?

"Thank you Mrs Carter"

"Oh you make me sound so old , call me Mom " Mom demanded

Why the hell ? Dad , Ethan and Mom as well ? She was a tough one. I never saw her so warm with
Clara but there she was smiling and complimenting Sophia.

"Sure Mrs. - I mean Mom " she gave in .

"Okay we will take your leave now", Mr. Jones spokes.

"It was lovely meeting you Juliana" , Amelia smiled a mom.

"Oh the pleasure was all mine ."

"Bye Ethan " , Sophia bent down and kissed him on his cheek.

"Bye Sophia", Ethan hugged her when she returned.

She stood up and looked at me for a second and turned to leave.

I looked at my hand more specifically the ring.

engaged.

05. Just Like You...

Sophia's POV
"What's my baby doin -- OH MY GOD " , I heard the high pitched shriek of my best friend Charlotte.

" YOU ARE FUCKING ENGAGED " I cringed at how loud she sounded.

"Jesus! Stop yelling Char."

"Don't . Just don't. You pathetic excuse of a best friend, you got fucking engaged and didn't tell me!?"
She semi-yelled .

"ENGAGED ?" Ryan walked into my room.

Char pulled my hand up for him to see.

" WHAT THE HELL SOPH ? ", Ryan yelled with wide eyes.
Charlotte and I have been best friends since our primary school days. We were inseparable. She is a
brunette , with green eyes and an extremely outgoing nature. Her parents died in a car crash . So she
has only Ryan , her brother as her family and of course me!

Ryan has a tall lean frame with the same green eyes and dark brown hair. He is quite a good looking
guy and is never short of girls- attention if that's a word . After the accident, he used to come along to
hang out with us to distract himself and he was basically a year older than us. So our vibes really
matched . We three are really very close and practically share everything.

" Will you two just shut up and let me speak ? " I threw my hand in the air.

" Oh you don't get to shout , it's us who have been deprived of our rights." Char crossed her hands
across her chest.

Ignoring her words I started narrating everything to them and for the whole time I had their undivided
attention.

" NICHOLAS CARTER !? THE NICHOLAS CARTER ?" she yelled again.

"Woman, if you don't stop yelling I will kick your ass out of this room right now." I warned her.
"This is unbelievable . Girls die to hang out with that piece of sculpture and you're going to marry him .
I can already tell the babies are going to be gorgeous" , she was now whispering.

I blushed at her words but composed myself.

"Char, you know right, no babies." , I said as a matter of fact but the thought always hurts me.

"Oh I am sorry Soph ."Ryan pulled me in a hug .

"Soph it's fine , don't be sad . We have your wedding to plan . Come on cheer up " , I looked up at
Ryan and smiled.

"Yeah , I have to buy a dress for tomorrow's engagement party." I said.

"And wedding dresses?" Char asked.

"Ah that , Mrs. Carter wants me to go with her and buy. Nicholas's sister will be joining too." , I said.
"Okay then, let's go shopping!!" , She sprinted out of the bed . I laughed at her excitement while Ryan
only shook his head.

...................

We have been walking for 3 hours . Char was dragging us from this shop to that shop and she hasn't
found 'the one' for me yet. I was standing with Ryan in a corner when she came running to us.

"Try this one " , she handed me a blush colored gown which I must say looked really elegant.

"I knew it, THIS IS 'THE ONE' ", she clasped her hands in excitement once I came out of the trial room.

"I love it as well " I said while my eyes over my reflection once again. We paid for it and headed out .

"Let's get some food. I am starving." Ryan whined.

"Me too" , I huffed.

The waiter served our burgers , fries and cokes.I was munching on my burger when Rylan spoke.

"Now tell me, how do you like him?" Ryan looked at me.

" Uhh Mr. Carter is a nice and cheerful man and Juliana is a very warm and welcoming lady. And Ethan
is a very sweet kid. So.. I like them ."

"Soph , I guess I asked about him , the one you're supposed to marry, Nicholas Carter."

"He .. actually umm he is nice.. I guess" I gave a nervous smile.

"You guess?", He sounded pissed.

"Okay fine we haven't talked " , he scrunched up his eyebrows " but he seemed like a nice man."

"Nice!? I think he is sexy!" , Char added and I was thankful that she was trying to lighten the
atmosphere but..
"Seriously Soph ? You haven't spoken to him and you're marrying him ? What's wrong? Are you being
forced or something?" Ryan asked in a no-shit-tone .

"No nothing like that , I was given the liberty to decide. It's just that ...Dad and Mom were extremely
happy when I agreed to the proposal and the Carters seemed to be nice people. Besides I don't love
anyone nor am I'm dating anybody so...." I trailed off.

"Oh okay, I just hope you are happy with this." Ryan smiled gently which I returned.

He always acts like the overprotective brother I never had.

"Now enough of the serious talks, we need to buy jewelery and other stuff. Shove the food down your
throats or I'll gladly do it." , Char warned.

"Ugh I'm tired" ,I whined

"Can't be helped" , she winked.

After two more torturous hours we were finally done. They stayed for dinner at my house and then
left , promising to be there the next day by four.
I changed into my night suit and rolled into bed. Bree came up and I cuddled with her till I fell asleep.

.........................

A nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach. Pushing it aside I rolled off my bed . The rest of the
day passed in a blur . It was 3 :30 when..

"Hey babe , your very own makeup artist here " Char barged in putting her hands up in the air .

" So matured " , I leaned back on my bed.

"But you look gorgeous Char". She was dressed in a red shimmery backless gown and her hair in a
messy pony tail.

"Well thank you. So get your matured ass to the shower right now and come out in ten." , She pulled
me down the bed and shooed me to the bathroom.

I stripped and got into the bath tub. I scrubbed my body and shampooed my hair. I came out in my
bathrobe.

"Sit and let me start with your makeup and you're not allowed to look at the mirror till I finish off."
She bossed me. I shrugged in surrender.

She started off with her work and she was very good in it. So I was kind of sure that it would come out
nice.

Finally she was done but did not allow me to sneak a look. I slipped into my dress and she started off
with the hair. It took her a good three hours .

At last when I look into the mirror I couldn't believe it to be me. She had done a warm nude makeup
look . My hair was done in a loose updo with strands falling on the sides of my face. I looked
beautiful .

"This is amazing, Char!" , I.

"Thank me later babe." She made a dismissing gesture with her hand.

"I love you."

"I love you too girl. Come let's go down." We went to the living room where Ryan was sitting with my
parents.

" Attention everyone. Have a look at your gorgeous would-be-bride." Char dramatically presented me.
All of them took a minute to react.

"God , baby you look like a princess " , Dad said and mom just looked on proudly.

"Soph you will blow off everyone's mind." Ryan complimented .

"You look hot as well", I said.

...............................

We arrived at the venue and it was beautiful. The decoration had a touch of elegance and
sophistication.

As soon as we walked in Mr. and Mrs. Carter came our way. Both of them looked graceful and... Rich.
"You look beautiful Sophia" she scanned me from top to bottom .

"Thank you Mom."

"Come, I need to introduce you to a lot of people." She led me in and introduced me to a lot of guests.

I then excused myself to where my best friends were.

"Where's your to-be-husband ?" Char raised a brow at me.

I just shrugged.I was looking around when I spotted him .

His hair was perfectly gelled. He was wearing a blue three piece suit, fitting him just right showing off
his muscular lean body. He looked extremely hot and I bet girls will be drooling over him.

Just like you..

I should look away before he catches me staring but I can't.

Then I looked up and my eyes met with his warm brown ones. He caught me staring.

Shit!

06. I Missed You.

Nick's POV

I was pissed , super pissed with this stupid engagement party.

I was conversing with some important business men when I saw mom and dad rush towards the gate
to receive someone I guess..
I saw Mr. and Mrs. Jones enter and greet my parents.

And then I saw her...

I felt like I was knocked out of breath.

She was in a blush pink dress making her look almost angelic. Her hair was done in a messy yet
gorgeous updo. Her eyes, lips, everything seems just perfect. She looked so fucking beautiful.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" , Caleb raised his eyebrow suggestively. I tore away my gaze and rolled my eyes
at him.

"I have seen way better."

"Oh then why were you checking her out for so long ?"

"Bull shit. I wasn't checking her out .", I tried playing off.
" Sure you weren't " , he smirked .

Caleb has been my best friend since we were in our

07. Language, Young Lady!

Sophia's POV

When I saw Nicholas walking towards me , I became a bit nervous but I covered it up and smiled at
him.

I don't know why he sounded rude when he said that he wanted to talk .

I could tell he really was flattered at Char's compliment.

There was some kind of tension between him and Ryan . Sensing it, I excused myself and Nicholas .

He wanted to decide on what we were going to sell people about how we met and all. We finally
came up with one.

Just then I heard Ethan . He seemed happy to see me and said that he missed me. Well no shit , I was
happy to see him as well. He was such a cute and happy kid. He looked quite handsome in that small
suit. I could totally bet

08. I Do.

Sophia's POV

That was it. It was the day I was getting married.

My mind was totally messed up.

I was feeling a hurricane of emotions.

I was feeling sad at the thought of leaving my parents, nervous at the thought of starting a new life
with my husband, and excited at the thought of getting married but the feeling of nervousness was
overwhelming.

On top of that, the thought of paparazzi was making me mad. The news of our engagement was the
headlines on the day after the party.

The day we went to shop for bridesmaids' dresses , the paparazzi were outside the shop and there
were a lot of them. Erica had to call her bodyguards who escorted us to the car. And today they were
going to be even more in number.

I was pacing forth and back while my two best friends were seated comfortably on my bed watching
me.

"Soph, stop it. Don't be so nervous although it's fun watching y

09. Rude Much?

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 sure as hell knew that
I wouldn't be changing my lifestyle for that gold digger.