The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 49

Nick's POV

" How was your school, baby?" Sophia asked after kissing Ethan's forehead who was seated on Sophia's lap in the passenger seat. He cringed at the name "baby" but didn't bother protesting ,knowing that it never took him anywhere. We took an early off to pick Ethan up from his school.

" Boring ." I chuckled at the face he pulled off.

" And I hope you didn't fight with anyone?" It came out of Sophia's mouth as a question.

" Uh huh. " Ethan shook his head looking out of the window. We were having some small talks when all of a sudden, Ethan decided to speak.

" Can I ask something?" Ethan asked in general. He asks for permission only if he is really serious about something. Else he just puts forward his demand.

" Ofcourse." I waited for him to speak.

" I want a brother. " He blurted out. I looked at him shocked because honestly I wasn't expecting him to ask for a sibling all of a sudden. I looked up at Sophia to see her gone stiff.

" Can I get a brother? Axel's Mom and Dad have brought a brother for him. I want one too." Ethan asked when he didn't get any response. I blinked a few times before speaking.

" Why brother? What's wrong with a sister? " I asked Ethan while Sophia remained quiet.

" Nothing is wrong. Though I prefer a brother." Sophia was unnaturally quiet while she bit down on her lower lips. It seemed like she wanted this conversation to be over.

" We can think about it , right Sophia ?"I said keeping my stare at her. Ethan looked up at her expectantly.

" Uhm yeah. Ethan, what about some ice-cream right now? " I furrowed my eyebrows at how Sophia changed the topic.

" Yes , let's go." He cheered.

The previous day , when she went stiff at the reporter's question , I let it pass thinking that she was nervous but her response today, was unusual. I mentally noted to speak to her about this before I drove to the nearest ice cream parlor.

..........

I followed Sophia to our bedroom thinking of the little conversation in our car. I wasn't sure of my assumptions but I had to find out.

I entered just behind Sophia. Closing the door , I spun her around and caged her in my arms against the wall.

" Nick what are you-" She cut herself off as I trailed kisses along her jawline. Her breath hitched at my touch. I loved how responsive she always was to me.

" Do you think we should give Ethan what he wants ?" I whispered against her lips . She immediately tensed up confirming my thoughts. I pulled away to look at her face . She was avoiding my eyes , clearly nervous.

" What's the matter , Sophia ? I asked tucking a loose hair behind her ear.

" What do you mean ?" She tried playing it off but I could see it in her eyes that she had some concerns.

" Sophia , I can understand when you are hiding something. I have seen you stiffen whenever the topic of baby arises. " She closed her eyes before taking a long breath . It looked like she was having an internal battle.

" I need to tell you something." I was the one who was forcing her to speak but now that she was about to , I wasn't sure anymore if I wanted to hear what she had to say. I couldn't help the anxiety that was building up in me. The last time I had the talk about a baby was with Clara and it was anything but pleasant but I did trust Sophia more than to expect something so cruel from her. I nodded at her before moving away.