The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 6

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 seemed 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 diapers . Our moms are best friends so it's only justified.

He had inherited Parker enterprises from his Dad and is the CEO. He is one of the few people who knows me inside out. I had told him about this forced marriage and he told me to wait before judging Sophia but I knew better.

I saw Mom pull Sophia to introduce her to some guests. She still didn't notice me. She smiled at everyone and after a while excused herself to a brunette in a red dress and a man ?

Who is he ? Friend maybe ..

Why do you care ?

I don't!

She shrugged at something that the girl said . Her eyes roamed through the place and landed on me. She took in every detail and when she looked up her eyes met with mine.

On realizing that I saw her checking me out, she looked away. She seemed a bit nervous but when that guy said something in her ears, she started laughing. It was like she forgot her nervousness and looked carefree. I didn't like the guy holding her by the shoulder but why ?

Cause you are jealous...

Bull shit .

I made my way towards her.

She looked my way and faintly smiled.

"We need to talk " , I know that was rude but she doesn't deserve better.

But I had to make it look nice . So I started again with a softer tone.

"Actually we need to discuss something ." I was looking at her but I could feel the guy and the girl staring at me with observing eyes.

" Sure , uhh Nicholas this is Charlotte ,my best friend and her brother , Ryan . Ryan , Char this is Nicholas Carter." She introduced.

"Oh who doesn't know him ? The most eligible bachelor and the handsome billionaire Nicholas Carter ." Charlotte flashed a bright smile.

"Oh I'm flattered . " I really was.

"Nice to meet you ." , Ryan offered his hand for a shake and stared straight into my eyes .

"Same here " , I matched his stare clasping his hands in a firm grip .

" Excuse us guys " Sophia said realizing the tension between us and we let go .

"Sure , babe " , Charlotte winked at her.

"So , you wanted to say something.", She was looking at me.

"Yeah , I guess we need to decide on the story we going to narrate to people regarding this 'how-we-met' thing." , I told her with a straight face.

"So have you thought of something?"

"Uhh bumped into each other at a cafe and hit it off ?" I asked.

"What about , met at your office while I went to deliver the file , got acquainted and you know .. a bit less cliché ." , She suggested.

"Fine by me. " I shrugged.

"Sophia !" I Heard Ethan squealing while he came running to us with Amy behind him.

"Oh someone looks handsome." , Sophia said picking him up and brushing her nose with his while he giggled.

"I missed you " , he sighed in content.

"I missed you too baby ." , She replied.

"Ladies and gentlemen " , I turned around to see Dad on the stage , " we are here to celebrate the engagement of my dear son Nicholas and would-be daughter-in-law Sophia. Thank you for coming to share this milestone event. I would like to welcome them to the dance floor. Please raise your glasses and join me in a toast for the newly engaged couple."

I stood up and offered Sophia my hand . She gently placed her hand in mine and I guided her to the dance floor.

We started swaying our bodies to the music. She was carrying herself gracefully and her hands fitted perfectly in mine. At that moment I was unable to strongly feel the hatred towards her. I felt peaceful .

Cut the crap , you know right all the women are the same.

Maybe she's different.

No , she isn't. She is just another gold digger.

Our eyes met every now and then and she would be the one to break the contact.

Finally the song ended and we stopped.

Everyone clapped while Ethan ran up to Sophia and hugged her legs.

"You dance so well. You too look so good" , he told her enthusiastically.

"Aww lil man , thank you so much" , she kissed him on the nose and he giggled at that.

I smiled at him and ruffled his hair while he huffed at my action.

"Dad ! Not my hair " .

I chuckled at his expression raising my hand in surrender.

I walked off to meet different people .

After sometime I saw Sophia talking to Caleb and they were laughing at something. I could feel that he had already taken a liking to her.

Not him as well.

The rest of the night passed quicker than expected and soon I found myself in my bed replaying the events in my head. Every time I closed my eyes I could see her face.

What the hell is wrong with me ?

I closed my eyes and forced myself to drift off to sleep.