The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 8

Sophia's POV

This is it. Today is the day I am 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 you running like a headless chicken" , Char chuckled.

" Glad that I can entertain you ." , I said sarcastically.

" Soph come here ." Ryan pulled me into a tight hug. " Everything is going to be fine and if not , you have us. We will be a call away."

I rested my head on his chest.

"I know I can always count on you guys. I love you guys so much " .

"Aww , we love you too" Char joined in the hug and I sighed. After a minute we pulled away.

"Now , enough of this melodrama. We have a wedding to attend and save your tears for now. We need to get your lazy ass ready for the wedding." Char clapped her hands with an overly excited grin.

" Yeah , right ." I went to the shower. I used my time and by the time I was back , Ryan was not in the room.

" Oh Cinderella, sit down . I need to work my magic on you , you know ...to make you look pretty.'' She teased.

" Whatever" , I rolled my eyes at her and took the seat.

She did a neutral smokey makeup look and put my hair up in a beautiful updo.

I put on my wedding gown and looked at my reflection. I looked matured , different....... beautiful.

"Thank you Char . You are amazing. " , I exclaimed

"Oh I know , you can't ever thank me enough. Now make some space for the maid of honour to get ready." She made a shooing motion. I laughed and stepped aside. She took her time to get ready.

She was the maid of honour . I had asked Erica and two of my colleagues, Mia and Daphne to be my bridesmaids.

Their dresses were one shoulder, sparkly rose gold coloured.

Just then , Erica , Mia and Daphne entered my room.

"You're looking beautiful Soph ." Daphne said.

" More than ever ." Mia added.

" Aww , thanks . You all are looking gorgeous." , I smiled .

"Come , Sophia, let's put the veil on you." Erica said, taking the veil.

Char helped her in properly pinning the veil.

We were soon at the church. Ryan helped me to get down without tripping.

" Today, you don't look like the small Soph , you know , you look like a matured version of my Soph." Ryan said with a proud smile. I was feeling emotional and settled at just smiling.

I was soon ready standing with the bouquet waiting for Dad.

Dad came and looked at me with love and adoration in his eyes.

" My wonder girl is becoming a wonder woman today. I am proud of how lovely a young lady you have grown to be. But remember whenever my princess needs me , I am there." Dad said and placed a gentle hand on my head.

My eyes teared up his words and I just nodded.

"Oh honey , don't make the little girl cry ." , Mom said who was trying to blink away her tears.

" Yes , David I worked a lot on her makeup. We don't want to spoil it now , do we ?" , Char said but not in her usual playful voice.

These people becoming emotional was making me more nervous.

I took Dad's arm and when the music played, Dad started walking me down the aisle.

I looked up to see Nicholas in a black tuxedo with a flower brooch, looking absolutely handsome. It was hard to believe that this extremely hot man standing at the other end was going to be my husband. Then I noticed everyone looking at me which worsened my situation. I gripped Dad's arm tightly.

Princess , everything is going to be fine, relax ." Dad whispered in my ear.

I then saw Ethan who was smiling brightly at me and I smiled back , not sure if he could see my smile through the veil.

Dad then stopped and I noticed that we were there. He put my hand in Nicholas's , kissed my cheek and nodded at him. He stiffly nodded back.

I stood in front of him and then I properly noticed his face. His hair has gelled as usual. His brown eyes were intensely staring at me. Feeling overwhelmed I looked down.

Char gave me the ring while Caleb , who was Nicholas's best man , passed him the wedding ring. We exchanged the rings.

"Do you Mr. Nicholas Daniel Carter take Ms. Sophia Avery Jones as your legally wedded wife to have and to hold, from this day forward , for better, for worse, for richer , for poorer, in sickness and in health , to love and to cherish , till death do you apart?"

"I do ." He sighed and said with a straight face

"Do you Ms. Sophia Avery Jones take Mr. Nicholas Daniel Carter as your legally wedded husband to have and to hold , from this day forward, for better, for worse , for riche, for poorer , in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?"

"I do " , I took a deep breath.

" By the power vested in me I now pronounce you as husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride."

My nervousness reached its peak on hearing this. Nicholas came forward and lifted the veil before leaning forward. My heart was beating so loud that I am sure even he could hear it.

He lightly pecked my lips and withdrew. I guess he was just as uncomfortable as I was . The crowd cheered and clapped.

We walked towards our parents. Mr. and Mrs. Carter or Mama and Papa came towards me and hugged me . I settled on calling them Mama and Papa to avoid confusion.

"I'm so happy that from today onwards I have another daughter." Mama said.

" I know she is the perfect partner for our Nick." , Papa said and Mama nodded .

Mom and Dad stood at a distance, big smiles etched on their faces.

I walked upto them and hugged them.

"Soph!" , Char hugged me and then Ryan.

I detached myself to look at Nick who looked a bit irritated.

It was time that we got into the car to drive to the reception hall.

During the short ride both of us were silent. I looked at my finger.

...........Married !