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Chapter 65

Penulis: Marlize Beneke
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-29 14:37:14

Riccardo

The room was so quiet it felt heavy, but I had come to love this stillness ever since Ava came back home and into my life. The gentle sound of her breathing and the steady beat of her heart were the only things that kept me anchored. She was here, alive, and that was what truly mattered. I stayed close to her, even though I was completely worn out. She had faced so much, and the least I could do was ensure she felt safe.

Ava was still fragile, on the mend from everything she had endured. I was there to make her comfortable, whether it was fetching her a drink, wrapping her in a blanket, or just holding her hand. Steph and Bento were always around, checking in on her, hovering protectively as if they could sense the lingering tension. Slowly, Ava's eyes opened, adjusting to the soft light streaming in. She looked drained, but the pain in her eyes was beginning to lessen. Still, I knew she needed time to heal, not just physically but emotionally too.

“Hey,” I said softly, tuc
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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 66

    AvaIt felt like everything in that moment—the struggles we had faced and the bond that had only grown stronger because of it. We weathered the storm together, and nothing could come between us. "Ava?" A gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. It was Steph, standing by my bed, her eyes filled with concern and maybe a hint of regret or guilt? She hadn’t been there during the factory incident, but she was still part of the chaos that led to this. Yet, having her here was comforting. "How are you feeling?" The pain was there, dull but ever-present. My body felt like it had been through a tough battle, every muscle aching, reminding me of what I had endured. But it wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the nightmares, the dark memories of the men who took me, my father’s cold gaze, and the haunting recollections of the fight. Escaping them was tough. Every time I shut my eyes, they flooded back, as if I were still trapped. I managed a weak smile, trying to hide the exhaustion and lingeri

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 67

    AvaIt's been a few weeks since I got out of that bed, and now every morning feels like a little win. I'm moving a bit quicker, standing a bit taller, and somehow, despite everything that’s happened, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Not the shattered version I was a few weeks back, but someone who can reclaim some control. Right now, I'm perched on the edge of Riccard's bed, slipping on the slippers he insisted on getting for me. He's at the desk across the room, busy with work. He’s always working, but he’s also always there for me. Watching, guiding, helping. It can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but I can’t deny that I need it. "You good?" His voice is soft, but it’s always filled with concern, always picking up on the little changes in me—like today, when he noticed me walking across the room without flinching. "I’m good," I reply, standing up and heading toward him, trying to act casual, even though my body is still protesting. Riccardo gives me that unreadable look o

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 68

    AvaI'm sitting in the living room, still feeling a bit weak, but definitely stronger than before. I've recovered, yet I'm not the same person I used to be. None of us are. When the door opens, I see my mom first—her face shows concern, and she walks slowly and carefully. She's holding it together, but I can tell she's struggling inside. "My baby girl," she whispers, her voice trembling as she approaches me. She doesn't need to say more. Her arms wrap around me in a warm hug, and I lean into her, soaking in the comfort of her presence. It's been ages since I've let her hold me like this, but right now, it's the only thing keeping me from breaking down. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," she says, her voice thick with emotion. "I had no idea. I couldn't keep you safe." "You didn't know," I reply gently, pulling back to meet her gaze. "It wasn't your fault, Mama. No one is to blame but him. He was always a threat. And I—I had to look out for myself. We all did what we had to do." Richard wa

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 69

    RiccardoThe next day unfolded slowly, a calm before a storm. I could tell by Ava's behavior; she was deliberately trying to provoke me with a look, a word, or most annoyingly, her body when I least expected it. Her clinginess had intensified after her recovery, and while I was glad for her, I felt completely powerless to change anything. As I helped her with breakfast, her fingers danced on my arm, lingering longer than necessary. She met my eyes with an intense gaze, a captivating allure that was all-consuming."Riccardo," she whispered, her voice playful, leaning in so her lips brushed against my ear. "You're holding back," she murmured, sending my heart racing. She was so near, dangerously so, and I knew I had to resist. Not yet. Later, as we sat on the couch with her legs draped over mine, her body pressed against me, I struggled to breathe. Her eyes were locked onto mine, and I saw that challenge, that daring spark again."You're not even looking at me," she said, her voice low

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 70

    AvaThe gentle sunlight streaming into the room nudged me awake, but it wasn't the light that caught my attention. It was the warm weight of Riccardo's arm resting protectively over my waist. His breathing was calm and rhythmic, the soft rise and fall of his chest brushing against my shoulder. I paused for a moment, taking it all in. This man, who had once been so cold and harsh towards me, was now my refuge. It was tough to reconcile those two sides of him, but as I lay there in the peaceful morning, I knew which one I chose to believe in.Carefully, I slipped out from under his arm, ignoring the slight ache from my still-healing wounds. Riccardo stirred a bit, his brow furrowing as if he was reluctant to let me go even in his sleep. A small smile crept onto my face, memories of our night together rushing back. I sat up on the edge of the bed, running my fingers through my hair, when his voice broke the quiet. "Where do you think you're going?"I turned around to see him staring at m

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 71

    RiccardoTonight was meant to be a straightforward gathering. A dinner where allies would come together, sharing friendly banter and discussing agreements to strengthen our influence. The leaders of Italy's most powerful mafia families would be present, their wives accompanying them, and I would take the lead in representing our family's interests. Yet, even in a room filled with power, it always felt like a game—one where loyalty and control were constantly being tested. I had to stay vigilant. This evening had been planned months in advance, a ritual to reinforce alliances and maintain the De Lucca family's supremacy. It was the type of night where everyone wore smiles, where no one spoke too openly, and where every word and action carried weight. I had steeled myself to maintain a composed demeanor, to assert my presence without revealing my true feelings. The suit was a perfect fit. Black, tailored, with sharp lines. My hands moved instinctively as I fastened the cuffs of my slee

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 72

    AvaThe grand chandelier above glistened, casting a soft glow over the long, polished table. The room was full of the usual opulence that came with these gatherings ―marble floors, gold-trimmed chairs, and fine china, all serving as a backdrop to the quiet hum of murmured conversations. Mafia families, powerful men and women dressed in their finest, sat around the table like royalty, speaking in low tones about deals, territories, and power plays that meant nothing to the average person. I was sitting between Steph and Vito, a combination that felt like the perfect cocktail for trouble. Steph, who always seemed to have something up her sleeve, was already eyeing the wine list as if it were her best friend. Vito, on the other hand, his usual charming smile plastered on his face, but his eyes lingering just a little too long for my liking.Riccardo sat across from me, the weight of his presence undeniable. He was next to Bento, his younger brother, who was in his usual jovial mood, talk

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 73

    AvaRiccardo's eyes darkened as he let go of my wrist, shoving his hands into his pockets. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought it might snap. "You think you can just do whatever you want, don't you?" he spat, his voice a mixture of frustration and anger. "Teasing me with Vito―flirting with him like that— in front of everyone."I felt a rush of heat that wasn't just from the wine. I tilted my head, my voice dripping with teasing sweetness. "What exactly did you expect? You didn't think I'd have a little fun?"His eyes narrowed, dark and furious, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his lips pressed together, like he was trying to hold back something. "You're fucking testing me, Ava." I stepped closer, a small laugh escaping me. I lowered my voice, knowing how it would affect him. "Don't think for a secondI didn't notice. Anna—she seemed pretty comfortable with you."His eyes flashed, and I could almost feel the heat radiating from him. "What the fuck are you talki

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30

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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 73

    AvaRiccardo's eyes darkened as he let go of my wrist, shoving his hands into his pockets. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought it might snap. "You think you can just do whatever you want, don't you?" he spat, his voice a mixture of frustration and anger. "Teasing me with Vito―flirting with him like that— in front of everyone."I felt a rush of heat that wasn't just from the wine. I tilted my head, my voice dripping with teasing sweetness. "What exactly did you expect? You didn't think I'd have a little fun?"His eyes narrowed, dark and furious, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his lips pressed together, like he was trying to hold back something. "You're fucking testing me, Ava." I stepped closer, a small laugh escaping me. I lowered my voice, knowing how it would affect him. "Don't think for a secondI didn't notice. Anna—she seemed pretty comfortable with you."His eyes flashed, and I could almost feel the heat radiating from him. "What the fuck are you talki

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 72

    AvaThe grand chandelier above glistened, casting a soft glow over the long, polished table. The room was full of the usual opulence that came with these gatherings ―marble floors, gold-trimmed chairs, and fine china, all serving as a backdrop to the quiet hum of murmured conversations. Mafia families, powerful men and women dressed in their finest, sat around the table like royalty, speaking in low tones about deals, territories, and power plays that meant nothing to the average person. I was sitting between Steph and Vito, a combination that felt like the perfect cocktail for trouble. Steph, who always seemed to have something up her sleeve, was already eyeing the wine list as if it were her best friend. Vito, on the other hand, his usual charming smile plastered on his face, but his eyes lingering just a little too long for my liking.Riccardo sat across from me, the weight of his presence undeniable. He was next to Bento, his younger brother, who was in his usual jovial mood, talk

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 71

    RiccardoTonight was meant to be a straightforward gathering. A dinner where allies would come together, sharing friendly banter and discussing agreements to strengthen our influence. The leaders of Italy's most powerful mafia families would be present, their wives accompanying them, and I would take the lead in representing our family's interests. Yet, even in a room filled with power, it always felt like a game—one where loyalty and control were constantly being tested. I had to stay vigilant. This evening had been planned months in advance, a ritual to reinforce alliances and maintain the De Lucca family's supremacy. It was the type of night where everyone wore smiles, where no one spoke too openly, and where every word and action carried weight. I had steeled myself to maintain a composed demeanor, to assert my presence without revealing my true feelings. The suit was a perfect fit. Black, tailored, with sharp lines. My hands moved instinctively as I fastened the cuffs of my slee

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 70

    AvaThe gentle sunlight streaming into the room nudged me awake, but it wasn't the light that caught my attention. It was the warm weight of Riccardo's arm resting protectively over my waist. His breathing was calm and rhythmic, the soft rise and fall of his chest brushing against my shoulder. I paused for a moment, taking it all in. This man, who had once been so cold and harsh towards me, was now my refuge. It was tough to reconcile those two sides of him, but as I lay there in the peaceful morning, I knew which one I chose to believe in.Carefully, I slipped out from under his arm, ignoring the slight ache from my still-healing wounds. Riccardo stirred a bit, his brow furrowing as if he was reluctant to let me go even in his sleep. A small smile crept onto my face, memories of our night together rushing back. I sat up on the edge of the bed, running my fingers through my hair, when his voice broke the quiet. "Where do you think you're going?"I turned around to see him staring at m

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 69

    RiccardoThe next day unfolded slowly, a calm before a storm. I could tell by Ava's behavior; she was deliberately trying to provoke me with a look, a word, or most annoyingly, her body when I least expected it. Her clinginess had intensified after her recovery, and while I was glad for her, I felt completely powerless to change anything. As I helped her with breakfast, her fingers danced on my arm, lingering longer than necessary. She met my eyes with an intense gaze, a captivating allure that was all-consuming."Riccardo," she whispered, her voice playful, leaning in so her lips brushed against my ear. "You're holding back," she murmured, sending my heart racing. She was so near, dangerously so, and I knew I had to resist. Not yet. Later, as we sat on the couch with her legs draped over mine, her body pressed against me, I struggled to breathe. Her eyes were locked onto mine, and I saw that challenge, that daring spark again."You're not even looking at me," she said, her voice low

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 68

    AvaI'm sitting in the living room, still feeling a bit weak, but definitely stronger than before. I've recovered, yet I'm not the same person I used to be. None of us are. When the door opens, I see my mom first—her face shows concern, and she walks slowly and carefully. She's holding it together, but I can tell she's struggling inside. "My baby girl," she whispers, her voice trembling as she approaches me. She doesn't need to say more. Her arms wrap around me in a warm hug, and I lean into her, soaking in the comfort of her presence. It's been ages since I've let her hold me like this, but right now, it's the only thing keeping me from breaking down. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," she says, her voice thick with emotion. "I had no idea. I couldn't keep you safe." "You didn't know," I reply gently, pulling back to meet her gaze. "It wasn't your fault, Mama. No one is to blame but him. He was always a threat. And I—I had to look out for myself. We all did what we had to do." Richard wa

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 67

    AvaIt's been a few weeks since I got out of that bed, and now every morning feels like a little win. I'm moving a bit quicker, standing a bit taller, and somehow, despite everything that’s happened, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Not the shattered version I was a few weeks back, but someone who can reclaim some control. Right now, I'm perched on the edge of Riccard's bed, slipping on the slippers he insisted on getting for me. He's at the desk across the room, busy with work. He’s always working, but he’s also always there for me. Watching, guiding, helping. It can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but I can’t deny that I need it. "You good?" His voice is soft, but it’s always filled with concern, always picking up on the little changes in me—like today, when he noticed me walking across the room without flinching. "I’m good," I reply, standing up and heading toward him, trying to act casual, even though my body is still protesting. Riccardo gives me that unreadable look o

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 66

    AvaIt felt like everything in that moment—the struggles we had faced and the bond that had only grown stronger because of it. We weathered the storm together, and nothing could come between us. "Ava?" A gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. It was Steph, standing by my bed, her eyes filled with concern and maybe a hint of regret or guilt? She hadn’t been there during the factory incident, but she was still part of the chaos that led to this. Yet, having her here was comforting. "How are you feeling?" The pain was there, dull but ever-present. My body felt like it had been through a tough battle, every muscle aching, reminding me of what I had endured. But it wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the nightmares, the dark memories of the men who took me, my father’s cold gaze, and the haunting recollections of the fight. Escaping them was tough. Every time I shut my eyes, they flooded back, as if I were still trapped. I managed a weak smile, trying to hide the exhaustion and lingeri

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 65

    RiccardoThe room was so quiet it felt heavy, but I had come to love this stillness ever since Ava came back home and into my life. The gentle sound of her breathing and the steady beat of her heart were the only things that kept me anchored. She was here, alive, and that was what truly mattered. I stayed close to her, even though I was completely worn out. She had faced so much, and the least I could do was ensure she felt safe. Ava was still fragile, on the mend from everything she had endured. I was there to make her comfortable, whether it was fetching her a drink, wrapping her in a blanket, or just holding her hand. Steph and Bento were always around, checking in on her, hovering protectively as if they could sense the lingering tension. Slowly, Ava's eyes opened, adjusting to the soft light streaming in. She looked drained, but the pain in her eyes was beginning to lessen. Still, I knew she needed time to heal, not just physically but emotionally too. “Hey,” I said softly, tuc

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