Chapter 5

Sofia is feeling very nervous because today Sofia will be picked up by Nicolas, who will take her to the penthouse of the Anderson family. Sofia has passed this street many times because the house is located in the middle of the city. But this is the first time she will go inside and meet Nicolas' parents.

Holding Sofia's cold hand, Nicolas asks, "Are you nervous?"

"Of course I am. I've walked by your house a thousand times, but this is the first time I'll be meeting your parents! I never thought this would happen to me!"

"Calm down, I'm with you. I did what I promised, I paid for your father's entire medical care, and now you're up for grabs."

Sofia nodded obediently, she really had no choice but to obey Nicolas' wishes. After all, Nicolas treated her so well that her heart fluttered. The red sports car drove up to the gate, which opened automatically and made Sofia's heart beat even faster.  

An elderly man greeted Nicolas and Sofia. They had just gotten out of the car. "Welcome, Mr. Nicolas, Miss Sofia, Madame Marie is waiting for you in the dining room." 

"Thank you, Wilson." Nicolas grasped Sofia's hand again, which still felt cold.

"Raise your head, Sofia. If you look down, they'll think you're a maid. Show your confidence. You are beautiful and worthy of Nicolas Anderson," Nicolas said confidently.

"Ah, okay. Just a moment." Sofia stopped and took a deep breath, then confidently stepped next to Nicolas.

Before coming to the house, Nicolas had had Sofia in the salon for a makeover in clothes by famous designers. Sofia's natural beauty shone through clearly, making Nicolas feel confident that he had not made a mistake in choosing a partner, because Sofia not only had a good personality but also a beautiful face.

"Good evening, everyone."

Despite the room's size, the fact that there are only two chairs in the room worries her.

"Nick! You're finally here, son. I thought you wouldn't want to come!" said Mari, happy with her son's arrival.

Last night, Nicolasa's parents had said they were having dinner with his future wife and asked Nicolas to be home on time. Nicolas agreed but didn't say he was bringing Sofia.

"Who is this girl? Why did you bring her?" asked Marie Anderson.

"Her name is Sofia, she's my girlfriend, Mom. And tonight I'll introduce her to you. Have a seat, Sofia!"

Nicolas pulled a chair beside him and asked Sofia to sit, Sofia complied, smiling at Marie. Although nervous, Nicolas had already told her what to say to Marie before she arrived.

"Good evening, Mrs. Marie, my name is Sofia and I really am Nick's girlfriend."

Marie looked Sofia's face up and down as if trying to decide whether or not this woman deserved to be with her son.

"Whatever, I don't care what your name is. Let's just start dinner. She's going to be a little late." Marie deliberately ignored Sofia who suddenly arrived.

Sofia forced herself to smile, she had guessed that Nicolas' parents would definitely not like her and she was right. Sofia was just introducing herself, but Marie was already disgusted.

"Who are you talkin' about, Mom?"

Marie didn't answer, instead, she was busy getting food for her husband. She deliberately ignored the pair of eyes that were staring at her.

"Dad?" Nicolas tried to ask Albert for an explanation.

"Eat up, Nick. You'll see." His father was of little assistance.

The four of them ate silently and slowly. Sofia felt uncomfortable in this atmosphere because it was the first time she had eaten in a tense state. Usually, she enjoyed a meal full of laughter with her father and her aunt, but she realized that maybe this was the way that rich people ate.

"I'm sorry I'm late." A woman said as the door opened.

A beautiful woman in a low-cut red dress entered confidently. Sofia admired the woman's beauty. After standing around her, she realized that the woman was a famous model.

"Amanda! As always, you are stunning," said Albert, who had been silent.

"Thank you, Albert. How're you doing?"

"Never better. Amanda, you're gorgeous. Sit down, I've been waiting for you."

Sofia felt increasingly uncomfortable, she thought Nicolas would engage her in conversation so she wouldn't feel ignored, but unfortunately, the scene in front of her made her sad. Nicholas seemed to look at her without blinking, even when she joked with her parents, which made Nicholas dream about something.

"Nick! I miss you!" The blue eyes stared straight at Nicolas.

Amanda had just finished talking to Marie and Albert. She came over to Nicolas and hugged him. Sofia also clearly saw the woman kiss Nicolas' lips briefly. Sofia was forced to turn her face away because she didn't want to see it happen in front of her.

"Nick?" Amanda waved her hand in front of Nicolas, finally snapping him out of his reverie.

"Amanda? When are you coming home? Didn't you say that you..."

"Of course, I came because I want to marry you, Nick. Our parents told me we're getting married soon, so I flew straight here, even though I just had a photo shoot out of state."

"Nick?"

Sofia stood up and touched Nicolas' arm. This did not go unnoticed by Amana. She just realized that the woman standing next to Nicolas was one of the interrupters of her target. Nicolas was aware of Sofia's existence, so he had to introduce her to him.

"Amanda, this is Sofia, my future wife."

"What do you mean, Nick, we are going to get married, how can you bring another woman with you and say that she is your future wife?" Amanda shouted angrily.

"Who the hell said we were to have a wedding? Have you forgotten what you did to me?"

"It was a long time ago, Nick! Why do you remember it? Can't you see that I've changed?"

"I don't need to answer you, you know. I came here to reject that damned arranged marriage and introduce you to Sofia.”

"But, Nick! You promised we'd get married when we grew up. You can't just do this!" Amanda shouted.

Marie and Albert couldn't do anything about it because it was all unplanned. They had not thought that Nicolas would come with Sofia. 

"Until I see you sleeping with an older man. I can forgive everything except cheating."

Amanda could not answer Nicolas, because it was true. She had indeed done that to ease her way into becoming a supermodel. But that was years ago. Amanda had no idea that Nicolas was still hurting. Amanda felt that the reason Nicolas was like this must be because of the woman next to him.

"This is all because of you, bitch! You ruined my relationship with him. You better leave him alone or I will do something!"

"Don't you dare blame her. If you touch her with even one finger. Then you will be facing me!" Nicolas stood in front of Sofia to protect her.

"Come on, Sofia. Dinner is over, grab your coat and let's get out of here right now."

"Okay. Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Anderson, and it was nice meeting you." Sofia said goodbye to Nicolas' parents and she just smiled at Amanda who looked at her hatefully.

Nicolas didn't take Sofia home right away. They stopped at a park not far from the mansion. 

"This is for you!" Sofia handed Nicolas a bottle of cold drink.

"Thank you." Nicolas accepted it happily. 

"Sorry! You saw something unpleasant earlier. I didn't expect Amanda to come to the house."

Sofia looked at Nicolas with a sad face. She sensed that Nicolas just wanted to be listened to, not advised.

"Amanda and I grew up together. Our parents were also good friends like us, so we were both often left behind by our parents to work. Amanda is a little selfish, but she's a good girl. Until I accidentally saw her go into a hotel with an old man. At first, I thought her parents had returned, but it turned out that Amanda was alone with the man until late. I continued to follow them until I finally saw them kissing passionately in the elevator until they finally entered the hotel room and locked it. Without even asking, I knew what they were doing."

"I am sorry to hear that. But are you sure you'll still marry me? Aren't you supposed to be happy that the match your parents prepared for you is your first lover, Nick? There's still time to call it off.'' Sofia reacted to what Nicolas said. She felt bad between two people who really loved.

"And make me spend more money on you? I can't, Sofia. We both signed the contract, it is clearly written that if someone backs out, will pay double the compensation money. Let me handle the wedding."

Sofia could not stop this marriage, Nicolas had kept his promise by paying for his father's surgery and now it was Sofia's turn.

****

Nicolas felt very nervous now, even though he was used to standing in front of people, but it was different on this special day. Nicolas is waiting for the woman who will become his wife.

"Here comes the bride. 

The voice made Nicolas turn his head towards the door, his heart beating even faster. His eyes stared at the door, which was already wide open, waiting for the bride to enter the room. In the end, Sofia appeared in her white wedding gown, her face veiled so that Nicolas could not see her face. Nicolas smiled as he stood in front of Sofia. In a few minutes, she would officially become his wife. 

"Sofia Anselm. I wasn't sure this day would ever come, but you did. I wasn't sure love could survive everything we put it through, but you did. You were always strong and always sure. And now I know I want you by my side for the rest of my life. I'm sure of that." Nicolas said their vows. 

"I promise to never forget that this is a love of a lifetime. And to always know in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges may keep us apart, we will always find our way back to each other, Nicolas Anderson."

"Now the groom may kiss the bride." 

Without hesitation, Nicolas gently kissed Sofia's lips, causing Sofia to shed a tear. She is so happy now that she has fallen in love with this man right in front of her, even though Nicolas thinks it is all fake and planned. Now that they are officially married, Jonathan and Jessica come to congratulate them.

"Take care of my daughter, Nick. Today I give Sofia to you..”

"Of course, Jonathan. I will always take care of her." Nicolas promised Jonathan.

"Sofia, will you come home frequently? I'll miss you!" Jessica said to her niece and they started to cry.

"Of course, Auntie. I'll miss you too." Sofia gave her aunt one last hug because she would soon be living with Nicholas.

None of Nicolas' family came to see him because he hadn't told them about it. Nicolas was sure that if his parents found out, it would ruin the event, especially Amanda, who did not agree with this marriage.

After the wedding, Nicolas took her to his apartment. He would rather live here than in the big house, a luxurious apartment twice the size of Sofia's old house. Sofia takes out her suitcase and looks around the apartment, opening the curtains to lighten the room.

"Wow, what a view! It'll be even nicer at night." Sofia went to the glass wall, which was already wide open. Nicolas smiled at Sofia, who was so excited about such a small thing. To him, Sofia is like a little rabbit, lively and curious about new things. Nicolas sat quietly watching his new wife who was far from his ideal woman.

Usually, he likes women with experience, intelligence, sexy, and rich. Sofia was the opposite of all that. According to Nicolas, Sofia's only attraction is her natural beauty.

"This apartment is amazing! I love it so much, Nick!"

"It's good you like it because you'll spend a lot of time here. Now I have to go to the office!"

"What? Seriously, Nick! You're still working after we just got married? Haven't you got any honeymoon plans?"

"Nope! What for? Our wedding was just a fake. So it's not necessary."

Sofia was disappointed. She thought Nicolas would treat her like a real wife, but she was wrong. For Nicolas, this marriage is nothing more than status.

"I married you because I didn't want my parents controlling my life,

so realize your position. I'll be nice to you, but don't expect me to fall in love with you. Just think of us as friends who are living here together."