His Wife (A Contract Marriage Story) by Heer Mangtani

Chapter 131 [MIA] I had no idea how many days had passed since I was saved, or how many days it had been since I left the hospital and Alex broughtto his house.

The guards that I hated now gavea comforting feeling when I saw them stationed everywhere, but the relief was soon replaced by anxiety when I remembered that my kidnapping could have been an insider job. At least that's what I heard Alex and Damien talk about when they thought I was asleep at the hospital.

"You look better today," Sofia caresses my hair when she visitsthis morning after I wake up, just like she had every day since I was saved.

Sleep still lingered in my eyes despite a cold shower, side effects of the strong painkillers I was prescribed. "Thank you," I pass her a meek smile even though I didn't feel like it. “I'm sorry you have to be here because of me." "I like being here," She reassures me. "This is the most tI have spent with my son in so long. Besides, it's good I got to know his wife." Sofia watchesintently, as if keen to see my reaction when she calledhis wife. I give none, or at least try not to.

"How long has it been since I got out of the hospital?" "Tenth day today." "Oh." This means that Sofia and Gabriel had been here for over two weeks. Because of me. In a world that was dangerous as much as their son tried to keep everyone safe. I try not letting the guilt consme.

I still wasn't ready to talk to Alex. I was so, so angry at him. I wanted to kill him and cry in his arms at the stime.

"When are you returning?" I ask in a small voice.

"Sick ofalready?" She teases.

"No." My eyes widen slightly. "No. 1- I just..." Her eyebrows furrow affectionately. “What is it, Mia?" "I- If it's not too much imposition," my eyes lower to the bed, the sky blue satin sheets suddenly seeming attraction. "I- I was wondering if I can cwith you." "To our home?" She asks carefully/ 1/4 16:29 Thu, 18 Jul G M Chapter 131 53% I nod slowly, reluctantly. “I- I can't stay here." My voice breaks a little, tears rimming my eyes. I hated how weak I felt. "I feel scared all the time. Just for stime." I quickly add, “I promise I won't be a burden. You don't have to giveany of your teither, you can live your life. I- I just- I'll just stay quietly, I won't be in your way at all." "Hey. Stop crying." Sofia holds both my hands in hers, and for the first tin the past two weeks, I don't flinch away from her touch. "You're not a burden. Not toand Gabriel, not to Alex, to nobody, okay?" I hesitantly nod.

"You're married to my son, Mia. You're my daughter now. Of course you can cwith me, and you can stay for as long as you need. I'll call my housekeeper and ask her to prep the guest room. Scratch that, I'll ask her to set up Alex's room. Is that okay?" I nod with gratitude-filled eyes. "Thank you so much." "You don't have to thankat all.” She reassures me. “It's your has much as Alex's. Which reminds me, convincing him to take you...” The hope that lit up in my heart died out a little.

"Absolutely not!" Alex's strong voice reverberates in my room which seems smaller than I remember.

I try breathing his presence in, and the gentle reminder that I was the one screaming at him to get out every the tried to talk toresurfaces.

Even though Sofia was in the room too, Alex's eyes stay fixed on me. A little narrowed too. “You talk tofor the first tin ten days, and it's a request to leave?" Guilt coats my voice. "I'm not leaving," I retort, "Just- I need to get away for a little while." "Who will protect you there?" "Who protectedhere?" The question escapesbefore I can stop myself.

I freeze.

Alex just stares at me, his poker face dropping for a second to flash the hurt before it neutralises again. "Alex..." I mumble and then shut up. What do I even say? "You know, I'm just going to step out to grab scoffee." Sofia kindly interrupts, and then leaves before I could stop her.

2/4 Thad been using Sofia as a shield to avoid Res, and he knew thuat His eyebrows raise and he sits on the bed reluctantly, as if he was doubtful would start screaming at him to get off and out of the room.

I don't. 1 just stare at the sheets, refusing eye contact.

"Do you really believe I can't protect you, Mia?" He asks in a small voice.

1 look up with sreluctance. "I-I think you can protect me," I word carefully. “But I also know that what happened... happened. 1- I'm not over it." "I know."

"I want to get away for stime, where I know I'm safe," I quietly add. "Joking with Ronan pranking You, spending twith your mom and Aurora... for those two days, it's the closest I cto being a part of a family in so long." "Very well." He nods.

My eyes snap to him. "You're not going to fightover it?" "Mia, baby..." his voice trails, helplessness gnawing its way out. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring happiness back t your life, okay? Whatever it takes." "Including divorcing me?" His gaze softens. "Do you want a divorce?"

I don't know what stopsfrom lunging at the opportunity. Maybe it was the fact that I was geeing him I properly after nearly ten days, hearing his voice, sitting close to him. Even though he wasn't touching me, every part of m burned for him.

But the more logical part ofalso knew if I let that happen, it would take us days to fall back into the old patte I wasn't sure I was ready for that to happen yet, or ever.

If this marriage was to work, if there was a little chance, he needed to treatlike an equal. Not somebody he blackmail.

"Can I go with Sofia?" That's all I say in return to his question.

He nods. "We can." "You'll ctoo?" I couldn't hide the surprise in my voice.

16:30 Thu, 18 Jul GN "I'll follow you wherever you go, Mia. To the f**g end of the Earth if youwant to, I'll be your shadow."

Tears rim my eyes at his words, how I kept falling for him when that men me.9 so man put his weight abovemaking its way to me. I keep feeling the urge to extend my hand and hold out to him, but I don't. I just let him sit next to me, and hope that would be enough for now.