LOGINShare
Chapter 51
Last Updated:
2025-04-15 15:25:30
Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2025-04-16Substitute 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 1
Ava Tonight is a big deal for my dad. I’ve already been warned to behave myself after I ordered a yellow dress for the occasion, but when he saw it, he completely lost it. “You can’t do anything right, can you? You know Maddy hates yellow, and yet you went and ordered one!” He snatched the dress and tossed it to the floor. Then he told the maids to get rid of it. “Why can’t you think about others? You did this just to annoy me!” He shoved me down and walked away. I wanted to say I actually liked yellow, but I knew better than to argue. I glanced at the clock and realized I had only ten minutes before I had to meet my parents downstairs. If I was even a minute late, my dad would make me pay for it. I remembered that night two years ago, right after my sister passed away. I was ten seconds late, and my dad made me eat outside, forcing me to eat my food off the ground like a dog. I shook my head to push that memory away. Then I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. The w
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 2
Ava The ballroom glows with a warm golden light, crystal chandeliers casting dazzling reflections on the sleek marble floor. Mafia families mingle with forced politeness, their smiles as empty as the greetings they exchange. Guards lurk in the shadows, always alert—a constant reminder of the tension that hangs in the air like a heavy perfume. I step into the gala with my family, the fabric of my black gown trailing behind me. The dress hugs my figure just right, and I can feel the weight of countless eyes on me. I’ve gotten used to it—being scrutinized, evaluated, judged. My dad always said that’s just part of our legacy. Still, I hold my head high and keep my face neutral, hiding the unease bubbling just below the surface. “Don’t you dare embarrass me. You know what will happen. I wish your sister was here. She knew how to play the game and win people over.” It stings, but I’ve learned to take my father’s harsh words in stride. As I scan the room, I nod politely at a few familiar
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 3
Riccardo The tie around my neck sat just right against the crisp white collar of my shirt, but I fiddled with it anyway. Everything had to be perfect tonight. No slip-ups. No distractions. I knew what I had to do. I looked up and met my own gaze in the mirror. Sharp suit, polished shoes, not a hair out of place. In our world, presentation was key. If you looked powerful, people would believe you were. The only person missing was her. She was the one that always made sure I looked perfect for these events. "Are you going to take forever, or are you actually planning to leave this room?" Bento’s voice cut through the quiet. I glanced over at my brother. He was lounging against the doorframe, his suit jacket draped casually over his shoulder, his tie already loosened. He was the complete opposite of me in every way. I straightened up and said, “I’m ready,” while fiddling with my cufflinks. Bento raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You don’t look ready. You look like you’re about to
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 4
Ava The clock on the wall ticked away in the heavy silence, each second stretching out like forever. I sat rigidly on the cream couch in my dad's study, the lingering smell of his cigars hanging in the air. Mama was next to me, her hands neatly resting in her lap, her face giving nothing away. Richard leaned against the wall, arms crossed, but the tension in his jaw showed he was not happy about being called here. "What's the big deal?" Richard asked, his tone sharp, slicing through the quiet. Papa, sitting behind his grand oak desk, didn’t flinch at his tone. His dark eyes moved between us, heavy with authority. "Let’s get to the point," he said, his voice steady but firm. "We need to strengthen our alliances, and the best way to do that is through marriage." My stomach dropped. Marriage. That one word sucked the air right out of the room. I looked at Mama, hoping for some reaction—some hint that this was just a bad joke. She sat still, her eyes glued to the floor. Of course,
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 5
Riccardo The room was filled with the rich aroma of leather and paper, and the heavy contract in front of me felt almost like a weight on my chest. I traced my fingers along the thick edges of the document, its pages crisp and every word meticulously selected. The ink was still wet, but I could already sense the gravity of the choice that had been made. Seated at my grand mahogany desk, a piece of furniture that had been in the De Lucca family for generations, I reflected on my upbringing. This was where I learned about responsibility, influence, and the intricacies of life. This desk had been the backdrop for my journey, and now, staring at the marriage contract, I felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together. My thoughts were broken by the soft click of the door. Bento walked in, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a more serious tone, though the mischievous spark in his eyes was still there. "Are you really going through with this?" he asked, leani
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 6
Ava The atmosphere in our family dining room was heavy with unease. My hands felt sweaty as I fiddled with my napkin, trying to fold it neatly even though I was trembling. My dad called earlier about the contract signing happening tonight. I wished it was just a bad dream, but it was all too real. When he barged in this afternoon, furious and shouting about how Riccardo had gone back on their original agreement, I briefly thought maybe the deal was off. He stormed straight to his office, and I could hear him yelling at someone on the phone. I knew he was furious, and I had learned long ago not to push his buttons. One of the maids handed me a sage green dress, and I recognized it as the same one Maddy wore a few years back when she confessed her love for Riccardo to Dad. I shut my eyes, letting a tear slip down my cheek. When will I get to be Ava again? I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I shook my head, trying to push those memories away. Looking around the dining
Last Updated : 2025-03-13
Latest chapter
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
