THE CONTRACT BRIDE

CAN'T SLEEP

CHAPTER 8: CAN'T SLEEP

SOPHIE:

My parent's death was the genesis of my financial woes.

They had died suddenly in a car accident after a drunk driver hit their car from behind. My Dad had lost control of the steering wheel and the tire had skidded off the road and plunged into a ditch before exploding.

I shuddered in agony, relieving that memory again.

My Dad had too many enemies because he worked as a secret agent. He had stepped on a lot of toes. And a lot of people had wanted him dead.

Sigh.

I remember receiving that call from the police. I refused to believe my parents were dead until the day of the funeral when I saw them being laid in their graves.

It still gives me goosebumps whenever that image comes into my mind.

I blinked rapidly, forcing the tears back.

Just then, I heard a knock at the door. “Dinner is ready, Sophie.”

It was Amilia. I must have been here for a while.

With a deep breath, I pushed myself up and stepped out of the bath, wrapping a plush towel around myself.

I put on my pajamas and headed downstairs. When I entered the dining area, Amelia had already set the table with a simple but delicious-looking meal—grilled salmon, mashed potatoes, and a side of roasted vegetables.

“You didn’t have to go all out,” I murmured, touched.

“Oh it's nothing. You need a proper meal.” She pulled out a chair. “Sit.”

I obeyed and began eating immediately, My stomach growled the moment I took a bite.

God. It was heavenly.

I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until that moment.

Amelia watched me with a satisfied smile. “You like it?”

I nodded. “Very much.”

She hesitated before speaking. “He’s not coming home tonight, is he?”

I froze mid-bite.

“I don't know,” I admitted softly.

I didn’t even have his number.

Didn’t know where he was.

Didn’t know if he’d come home at all.

Amelia sighed. “Don’t worry, he'll come to realise what a treasure he has in you and even become clingy.”

I stared at her. “Why do you say that?”

Amelia hesitated for a moment. “Because I've known Richard since I was a young girl. He wouldn't choose a wife for his son unless he has seen something special in her.”

I sighed again.

“If you've known Richard since you were a girl, you must have known Damien for a long time too.”

“Of course, but I only started working for him last week. He's a difficult young man but he has a kind heart. What you need is patience and you will be able to relate well with him.”

I nodded as I smiled at her. “Thanks Amelia, for being so friendly. I feel like we've known each other for a long time.”

“Don't be so formal.” She smiled and took my hand. “I heard your parents passed away.”

I nodded without uttering a word.

“Consider me your substitute mother. I will always be here to support you.”

“Thanks Amelia.”

I.finished eating and dropped my cutlery. I yawned and stretched my hands and feet. “I need to rest now.”

“You go ahead,” she responded as she cleared the table. “Try and rest well. You look exhausted.”

“Of course, good night, Amelia.”

“Good night, child.”

I headed upstairs to my room and climbed up the bed immediately. I lay in the massive, empty bed, staring at the ceiling.

Sleep refused to come.

I tossed. Turned. Pulled the blanket up. Threw it off.

Nothing helped.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw my parents. I saw their car wreck. I saw their graves.

Then I sat up and picked up my phone. I scrolled through the phone until I found the picture of Damien and I signing the marriage licence today.

He looked like someone signing a business deal. No warmth in his eyes, no smile. Rather, his jaw seemed clenched.

I sighed yet again.

I felt frustrated and needed someone to talk to. So I dialed a number.

“Soph?” Becky’s sleepy voice answered.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Hey.”

Silence. Then, “You sound awful. Are you alright?”

I sighed deeply. This was probably the sixth or the seventh sigh this evening.

“I think I made a huge mistake.”

Beth was silent for a moment.

“Beth!” I called when I didn't hear her respond.

“I'm still here, Soph. Try and get some sleep. We really need to talk in the morning.”

“I can't sleep, Beth. I have tried but sleep is elusive.”

Beth paused for a moment. “It's midnight already. So I can't come over. But I'll send you a video now. Just watch it and you'll sleep off midway.”

Before I could respond, my phone blinked. Beth already sent the video through w******p.

So I clicked play.

The video consisted of nature sounds with calm visuals

I saw gentle rain, ocean waves, rustling leaves, and crackling fire.

It was accompanied by slow-moving visuals like forests, beaches, and snowfall.

I watched it several times and eventually slept off.

The sound of my phone buzzing startled me out of sleep. And the number wasn't even stored on my contact list.

I picked up the phone and swiped up. “Hello!”