The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 41

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.

..........

After Sophia was shifted , I went in to see her. Just on entering , the familiar feel of heaviness in my heart, reappeared. I started walking towards the bed and the sight of fragile and bruised Sophia broke my heart.

Her face looked exhausted and sad.

I settled down beside her and took her small hand in mine. Bringing her hand close to my lips I kissed the back 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 was feeling inside.

" It's it's 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 paused as my voice cracked.

" I am so so sorry baby. I don't know what I would have done if something happened to you. I love you so much Sophia. I love -." By the end of it I was choking on my tears. It was hurting so bad. I wanted someone to take away the heartache.

...........

Sophia's POV

I could hear a faint beeping sound. My head was hurting real bad but my whole body felt numb. I didn't want to wake up because I knew that once , I am conscious, I will be beaten to unconsciousness.

But soon the beeping was clearer and louder. I opened my eyes only to close it again. After adjusting to the bright light I properly looked at my surroundings. I wasn't in the cold, dark room anymore. I felt a hand holding mine in it. I looked to my left to see Nick resting his head on the bed while sitting beside it. That's when everything came crashing down. Nick came , he saved me.

I looked at our intertwined 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 hair was disheveled, there were dark bags under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in days. Even in his sleep his expression wasn't one of peace.

I brought up my other hand to run it through his hair but even at the slight movement, there was a sharp ache in my ribs. I couldn't 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.

" Sophia ." He spoke in disbelief. When I offered him a faint smile, his face broke into a large , genuine smile.

He got up as if he was going to hug me but then most probably realised that he couldn't. So he settled at sitting down back beside me and clasping my hand in his.

" Sophia , baby you're 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 him behave like this. He was always composed and matured.