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Chapter 12
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2025-03-17 19:22:55
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 13
AvaI’d rather not stay, but I couldn’t argue. I stood there, frozen, my body shaking as I watched him drag Adamo down the hallway. I quietly followed them to the basement, a place I had only heard rumors about, my heart racing.The basement door swung open, and Riccardo shoved Adamo inside, slamming it shut behind him. The sound echoed through the house. I lingered just outside the door, trying to catch my breath, my hands trembling.I had no clue what was going on, but a sick feeling of dread washed over me.Riccardo came back to me, his eyes burning with rage, and without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down the stairs after him. I stumbled to keep up, my body shaking as I went deeper into the cold, dimly lit space.Was he going to punish me? How would he do it? Would he kick me like my dad always did? Would he hit me in the face? I was terrified. Absolutely scared out of my mind. Riccardo swung the basement door wide open, revealing Adamo kneeling in the middle o
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 14
RiccardoThe basement was colder than normal, the air thick with the metallic scent of iron and a sense of dread. I lingered there long after Ava had stormed out, her defiance echoing in my mind like a curse. No one dared to follow her—not the guards who stood frozen against the walls or my siblings. They all waited for me to give the next order, but I stayed silent.What had she done to me?Why am I feeling this way? I shouldn’t. I should hate her. She and her family is the reason the woman I love is dead. I should be exacting my revenge on her and her family.I made my way upstairs and locked myself in the study, brushing off Bento's curious looks and Steph's worried glances. I poured myself a drink, watching the amber liquid swirl in the glass as if it held the answers I desperately needed.Her face wouldn’t leave my mind—the fire in her eyes mixed with fear, the sharpness of her words. She was scared, and I wasn’t sure how to process that.Actually, that’s not true. I knew exactly
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 15
AvaThe dining room felt like a fancy prison, with its elaborate furniture and sparkling chandeliers just reminding me of the life I was being pushed into. Every piece of pricey Hermes and every crystal glass felt like a weight on my chest. I had to resist the urge to squirm under the stares of my father and Riccardo's family as they sat at the long table, casually discussing wedding plans as if it were just another business deal. We had come back to America a few hours ago. I didn’t think it was about the wedding. I had prayed they would say it was all a mistake.But my hopes were shattered when I heard them talk about the wedding.Before long, I’d be stuck in a marriage I didn’t want, to a guy who had already shown he could never love me. I can’t figure out why he wants to marry me. Is this some twisted joke the universe is playing? If it is, it’s definitely not amusing.I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. The fury I’d been holding onto since that night in the basement whe
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 16
RiccardoThe wedding was creeping up on us, and with each day that passed, the pressure felt heavier. I caught a glimpse of Ava as she walked by, her face blank and her posture tense. She seemed so uneasy around me now, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her.The last few days had been filled with this thick, uncomfortable silence. I was pretty good at pretending it didn’t bother me, at acting like it didn’t matter that she couldn’t stand me. But inside, there was this nagging guilt I just couldn’t shake off.That night at her parents' place, something went down. Her dad called her into his office, and I saw the color drain from her face as she glanced at her brother, clearly scared. I noticed Richard shoot a fierce look at their dad, almost like he was giving a warning. When Ava returned, it was obvious something was off. She didn’t say a word to any of us, kept her head down, and hugged herself tightly. When her brother wrapped his arms around her, she flinched.Did her dad hurt her? Or
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 17
RiccardoLater that night, I found myself watching Ava from across the room again. She looked stunning without even trying, but the way she carried herself only fueled my anger. I hated that she continued to stand up to me, challenging me at every opportunity.I made my way toward her, each step heavy and purposeful. She noticed me approaching and tensed up, but she didn’t look away."You really think you can keep defying me?" I said, my voice low and threatening.She didn’t flinch at all. “Yes, I do,” she said, her voice unwavering, though I noticed a flicker in her eyes—maybe it was fear. But it wasn’t fear of me; it was fear of what I could turn her into.“You will submit, Ava,” I declared, my tone icy and unyielding. “Whether you want to or not.”Her eyes blazed with anger, that same fire I both despised and found hard to look away from. “I’ll never submit to you, Riccardo. Never. In case you didn’t notice, I’m not Madeline.”Something inside me snapped. Her words hit harder than
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 18
RiccardoThe package showed up right after noon while I was buried in work at my desk, trying to tackle the endless list of tasks piling up. At first, it looked like just another ordinary delivery—nothing out of the ordinary. But the moment I picked it up, a chill ran down my spine, and I sensed something was off.As I tore through the thick wrapping, the sound of the paper crinkling filled the air, and a gnawing feeling of dread settled in my stomach. When I finally revealed the contents, my heart dropped: a severed head rolled out onto my desk. I felt my stomach twist as I struggled to process the horrifying sight. Next to the head lay a thin, blood-stained note. I grabbed it, my eyes scanning the jagged, cruel handwriting."Can you save Ava before it’s too late?"The walls of the room felt like they were closing in on me, and I could feel the color drain from my face as my heart raced. These cowards had the audacity to send me this as if it were a joke.But it was far from a joke.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 19
AvaThe room was filled with a warm, golden glow as the first light of dawn streamed through the tall windows. The air was infused with the sweet scents of vanilla and roses, blending with the soft aroma of satin as the final touches for the day were made. It created a gentle, peaceful vibe—so different from the turmoil brewing within me.I stood in front of the grand mirror, surrounded by the soft buzz of activity, with maids and seamstresses rushing around to make last-minute tweaks. They flitted about like shadows, their hands deft and light, ensuring every detail of my gown was flawless. Yet, no amount of beauty in the room could calm the frantic beating of my heart or the cold knot of anxiety that had settled deep inside me.The dress—my wedding dress—was everything a woman dreams of for her special day. The top featured a delicate corset made of intricate lace and satin, hugging my body in ways I never thought possible. It cinched my waist to an almost impossible slimness, while
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 20
RiccardoI stood in front of the mirror, gripping the collar of my white dress shirt while I adjusted my cufflinks. Each motion felt intentional and precise. My silk tie was perfectly knotted, as usual, and my dark suit hugged my body just right, tailored to perfection. My broad shoulders filled it out well, the sharp black fabric slicing through the air like a predator on the prowl. The suit was flawless, the white shirt underneath crisp, and the black jacket smooth and polished.My hair was slicked back with just the right amount of gel, dark strands falling into place as they always did, never out of order. The roughness of my jawline was softened by a clean shave I had just done minutes ago. But something felt off. Not today.I wasn’t anxious in the way a man should be on his wedding day. No, I felt something different—distant. Detached. I could sense the weight of the day pressing down on me, but it wasn’t the ceremony that troubled me. It was the reality of the life I was about
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 53
Ava It was Steph's birthday, and the house buzzed with excitement. I groggily got out of bed, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night. My thoughts were still tangled up with Riccardo, but today was all about celebrating Steph and her special day. As I made my way downstairs, I found Steph already at the kitchen table, surrounded by vibrant balloons and a pile of gifts. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she unwrapped each present, letting out loud gasps and over-the-top expressions of delight. "Another designer handbag?" She laughed, tossing her red hair back as she revealed the gift. "Is everyone trying to turn me into a shopaholic or what?" "You're already halfway there," I joked, taking a sip of my coffee while leaning against the counter. Steph shot me a playful grin. When she opened the last gift, she squealed in excitement upon discovering a small box from me. "Oh my god, you didn't!" she exclaimed, pulling out a revolver. "Happy birthday, Steph," I smiled. Step
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 52
Ava That thought hit me hard. "Yeah, well... I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. He’s just so... intense. I’m not sure I can handle it." Steph reclined in her chair, her fingers rhythmically drumming against her cup. "You have to admit, there’s definitely something going on between you two. It’s not just pure hatred or rivalry. There’s something more profound, something neither of you can quite articulate." I let out a sigh, staring into my coffee. "Maybe. But honestly, it’s easier to just hate him than to sort out what I’m really feeling." "That’s fair," Steph replied with a casual shrug, taking a sip of her drink. "But you’re not fooling anyone, especially not me." I couldn’t help but chuckle at her confidence. "Is that really what you think?" "Absolutely," she said with a grin. "You’re so transparent when it comes to him, Ava. Anyone could see how you felt about him a few years back. I bet even he picked up on it; it’s kind of adorable, in a twisted way." Was I really that
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 51
Ava The morning sun peeked through the curtains as I gradually opened my eyes, the gentle hum of the house being the only sound I could hear. I stretched, feeling the lingering tension from last night between Riccardo and me, even though we hadn’t said a word since. I was at a loss for how to feel. My mind was a jumble, and my heart wasn’t faring any better. I got out of bed, threw on some comfy clothes, and headed down the grand staircase. The house felt oddly quiet this morning, as if everyone was keeping their distance. As I turned the corner into the kitchen, the aroma of coffee greeted me, along with the light chatter of Bento and Steph. Lucifer bounded around my feet, barking happily as I bent down to give him a scratch, his warm fur providing a bit of comfort. "Good morning," I said softly, running my fingers through his fur as I stood back up. "Morning," Bento replied, his tone playful. He looked up from the counter with a cheeky grin. "You doing okay today?" I shot him a
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 50
Ava There's a light, almost playful vibe between us, and honestly, I'm not used to this kind of attention—at least not like this. "Nice to meet you, Ava." I’m about to reply when I hear a deep, unmistakable voice from behind me. "Get the hell away from my wife." The words slice through our light chat like a knife. My stomach drops, and I turn around, surprised. Riccardo is there, glaring at Vito with an intensity that makes my heart race. His jaw is tight, fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes blaze with a raw, dangerous anger. Vito, sensing the threat, quickly steps back, hands raised in a mock gesture of surrender. "My bad, Don De Lucca. I didn’t mean to intrude. Just admiring the view." He throws me one last look, a playful smile still on his face, before he walks away. Riccardo keeps his gaze locked on Vito until he’s out of sight, his eyes still simmering with rage. Then, his focus shifts to me, and I can feel the weight of his stare—heavy and possessive. The atmosphere
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 49
Ava Riccardo brushed off the question, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned against the counter next to me. He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "You’re loving this, aren’t you?" he said, his voice low and playful. "Enjoying what?" I shot back, but the warmth creeping into my cheeks gave me away. "The way every guy in this room is checking you out," he replied, his lips nearly touching my ear, his breath sending goosebumps racing down my neck. "The way their eyes linger on what’s mine." I rolled my eyes, even as I found myself leaning closer to him. "I’m not anyone’s property." His hand found my jaw, tilting my face so I had no choice but to look into his eyes. "Don’t kid yourself, Ava. You’re mine, and deep down, you know it." Before I could say anything, he lowered his head, his lips grazing the curve of my neck. The warmth of his mouth sent a jolt through me, and I hated how easily he unraveled my res
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 48
Ava A few days have passed since I had sex with Riccardo in his office. That night I couldn't sleep. I kept replaying what happened in my mind. I still couldn't believe I slept with him and not to mention I gave him a blowjob while Jessy was sitting there. Speaking of Jessy, I swear he knows I was under the table that day. Every time he sees me he grins and winks at me but I act as if nothing had happened. Coming back to today. I was in my room getting ready since we were invited to a ball. Riccardo didn't seem happy about going, making me wonder if all the mafia bosses were going to be there. The bedroom buzzed with excitement as Steph dug through jewelry boxes, her silver dress sparkling with every move. Tonight was the masquerade ball, but my mind was stuck on what had happened between Riccardo and me a few nights ago. "I knew this would look amazing on you," she said, gesturing to the black satin dress I had just put on. I smoothed the fabric over my hips, admiring my reflec
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapterr 47
Ava I opened my mouth to say something, but the words just wouldn’t come out. I wanted to express how much I wished to erase that kiss from my mind, yet my body had other ideas. Instead, I shot him a glare, trying to maintain my defenses. "Quit pushing me around," I said, though my voice felt weak against the tension building between us. He chuckled, but it wasn’t a lighthearted laugh. It was dark and tinged with bitterness. "Is that really what you think this is? Just me pushing you around?" He stepped closer, and I could feel the heat radiating from him. My breath caught, and for a second, I thought I might break down. But I held it together. "We’re not doing this. Not again." He reached out, his fingers grazing my jaw and tilting my head up to meet his eyes. "You’re lying," he murmured. "You’re lying to yourself, to me, and to everyone else in this house." I grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand away from my face. "You think you can just touch me whenever you feel like it?" H
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 46
Ava I tried to brush it off. The kiss. The way he kissed me. The sensation of his lips, the way he held me as if I were his lifeline, like he was desperate and I was the only thing that could fill that void. I’ve fantasized about his lips for ages, and now that I’ve experienced them, I can’t get enough. But I’d never confess that. Not to myself. Not to him. Dinner the next day was meant to be just another evening. But with Riccardo, nothing was ever just ordinary. I found myself sitting next to him at the long dining table, pretending to pay attention to the chat between Steph and Bento. They were going on about some mundane family business topic that didn’t interest me at all—but I couldn’t focus. My thoughts kept circling back to that kiss. The intensity of it. The way his lips had taken mine, as if he’d been waiting for that moment, like he couldn’t hold back any longer. It was meaningless. So why did it feel like everything had shifted? I squirmed in my chair, trying to i
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 45
Riccardo The house was still, except for the occasional creak of the aging walls. After the chaos of the last few days, the quiet was a relief, but sleep still eluded me. The sharp pain in my ribs from the bullet wound was nothing compared to the frustration swirling in my mind. I wandered into the kitchen, shirtless and clutching a glass of whiskey. The cool air brushed against my skin as I leaned against the counter, watching the amber liquid swirl. I should have been concentrating on the Sterlings, the mole we had to deal with, anything but her. But Ava kept invading my thoughts. I took another sip, my jaw tightening in irritation. She drove me crazy—her stubbornness, her defiance, her reckless tendency to put herself in harm's way. And then there was that kiss. Just thinking about her lips on mine sent a rush of emotions I couldn’t quite identify. The sound of soft footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Ava standing in the kitchen doorway. She wore a silk nigh
