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Chapter 120. A Life Like a Dream
Last Updated:
2024-08-03 14:22:17
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The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 121. Wedding Anniversary
The small corner of the room was adorned with flickering candles, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged dishes on the dining table. The aroma of freshly cooked food lingered in the air, promising a delicious meal. Sofia, dressed in an elegant lilac dress that hugged her curves perfectly, waited anxiously for her husband to return. She had given the evening off to all the servants, and her in-laws had kindly agreed to look after the children, allowing her and Leonardo a rare evening alone. After all, it was their sixth anniversary.As the minutes ticked by, Sofia’s excitement began to wane. The once-vibrant candles had melted down to stubs, their flames flickering faintly. The food, once steaming hot, had gone cold—just like the anticipation in her heart. With a heavy sigh, she reached out to extinguish the remaining candles, resigning herself to a night of disappointment. Just as her fingers brushed the wick, the front door creaked open, and Leonardo’s familiar silhouette appear
Last Updated : 2025-02-20The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 122. Gift Of Love
Leonardo smirked as he noticed the anger on his wife’s face. Sofia averted her gaze, pretending to be asleep, but he wasn’t fooled. Closing the door softly, he walked over to her and leaned down, his lips brushing the edge of her ear.“You can’t deceive me, baby girl,” he whispered.Sofia’s eyes flew open at the sensation, but her annoyance flared stronger. She pushed him away without hesitation.“Why did you come back so early?” she snapped bitterly. “You should’ve spent more time with Ava!”Leonardo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Baby, she’s just my childhood friend. You don’t need to be jealous of her. You’re my wife.”“Wow! You realized that very soon,” Sofia shot back, sitting up with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Did you even remember it was our wedding anniversary? Or did she help you forget that too?” Her voice wavered as unshed tears pooled in her eyes, the sting of disappointment cutting deep.Leonardo sat beside her, his gaze softening as he reached out t
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“What brings you here this morning, Domenico?” Leonardo asked, frowning as he descended the stairs, still dressed in his night robe. He had woken up that morning to find his wife already gone from their room. Missing her warmth, he made his way downstairs, only to discover his entire family seated at the breakfast table—with Domenico casually enjoying breakfast with them. Ava was also present, her eyes lighting up the moment she spotted Leonardo.“Good morning, Leo,” she greeted him with a sensual smile that lingered a bit too long.“Morning, Ava,” Leonardo replied, his gaze sweeping over the table as he searched for his wife. “How did you sleep?” he asked mindlessly.“Oh, I slept well,” Ava answered, her smile turning softer. But Leonardo wasn’t paying attention. His eyes had found their prize—Sofia, standing near the table with a tray in her hands, gracefully serving breakfast. The morning light caught her features, making her look even more radiant in his eyes. For a moment, Leonard
Last Updated : 2025-02-21The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 124. New Venture
After breakfast, Sofia sent the kids off to school with the bodyguard and chauffeur. She stood by the doorway, watching until the car disappeared down the driveway. Turning back inside, she spotted Leonardo heading upstairs to get ready when Ava’s voice stopped him.“Leo,” she called, her tone soft and deliberate as she stepped forward, eyes batting with practiced sweetness. “Will you drop me off? I have a meeting nearby.”Leonardo paused, a smile tugging at his lips, and Sofia cursed silently. Why did he have to have such a charming smile?“Sure,” he replied casually.Sofia’s stomach twisted at Ava’s victorious smile. She trusted Leonardo—there was no doubt about that—but Ava was another story. The woman’s lingering looks and subtle touches hadn’t gone unnoticed. Despite telling herself there was nothing to worry about, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest.“I’ll wait by the car,” Ava added with a slow smile before walking away with a sway in her step.Sofia’s gaze lingered on Leona
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As Leonardo adjusted the cufflinks of his tailored suit, he glanced around, intending to find Sofia and kiss her goodbye before leaving. But before he could move, Ava appeared at the doorway, her figure wrapped in a sultry, form-fitting dress that clung to her curves.“Leo!” she called hurriedly, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached. “I’m running late. Come on, let’s go!” Without waiting for his response, she grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the driveway where the car waited for them.Leonardo frowned slightly, glancing toward the hallway where Sofia might be, but Ava's insistent pull broke his focus.As the car cruised toward the venue, Ava glanced at Leonardo with a coy smile. “Leo, I need a favor.”He arched an eyebrow, adjusting his watch. “What kind of favor?”“I’m meeting with investors today, and I need you there with me.” She tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with intent. “Your expertise in convincing investors is unmatched. Plus, having you by my side w
Last Updated : 2025-02-21The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 126. Conflict
When Sofia returned home, she found her husband standing near the window, his broad shoulders tense and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His dark eyes flicked toward her, stormy with unspoken frustration, and the air around him seemed to crackle with restrained anger.“Are you happy now? Humiliating me like that in front of everyone?” Leonardo’s voice was low but sharp, each word laced with irritation as though he had been holding them back for too long.Sofia furrowed her brows, confusion clouding her features as she stepped further into the room. “What are you talking about? What did I do?” she asked, her voice rising slightly as frustration stirred within her. Shouldn’t she be the one who was angry after he had chosen to help his childhood friend instead of standing by her?“You asked for help from everyone—looking for investors—as if I can’t provide for you,” he accused, his intense gaze locking onto hers as if daring her to deny it. “Angel, I could give you the world if
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"But angel, listen to me." His tone softened upon seeing his wife so angry, though the authority in his voice remained. "You don’t need to ask for favors—from me or anyone else—when you already own an entire enterprise. What’s mine is yours. You can have whatever you want," he added lazily, as if the matter were the simplest thing in the world.How swiftly he switched moods never failed to baffle her. But one thing was certain—her mafia husband was unlike anyone else. As his wife, she knew what was his was hers. Still, it wasn’t truly hers, not in the way that mattered. She refused to rely on his wealth."Leonardo, I don’t need your money—or my family’s. I’ll work hard and build my own empire one day," she declared with fierce determination."Then let me be the investor in your project, dear."The familiar voice of Sofia’s father cut through the air, causing both Leonardo and Sofia to turn toward the doorway.Sofia’s brows knitted in confusion as she watched her father step into the ro
Last Updated : 2025-02-22The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 128. The Absent Husband
Just then, the sound of their children’s laughter echoed through the house.“Oh, my lovely grandchildren are home. I came here just to meet them,” Sofia’s father said with a wide grin. “Excuse me, now. I’m going to meet my little munchkins,” he added before hurrying off.Now, only Leonardo and Sofia were left, and the tension between them was palpable. As Sofia turned to leave, Leonardo grabbed her wrist.“Baby, we need to talk,” he said authoritatively.Sofia sighed. “Again?” she muttered, wondering if Leonardo felt insecure because her business expansion overlapped with Ava’s interests.“I have to check if the meal is ready. The kids will be hungry,” she reasoned, avoiding his gaze and waiting for him to release her hand.“Angel, don’t avoid the conversation,” he said, his voice laced with concern.“Don’t worry about my problem. You can focus on Ava’s business and your work, if that’s what you’re meant to discuss,” Sofia retorted fiercely.“Now what the hell does this have to do with
Last Updated : 2025-02-22
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The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 147. Morning Gesture
The evening had been filled with the lively chaos of children, their laughter echoing through the villa as they reunited with their cousins after so long. Bella had assured Sofia she would handle their bedtime, allowing Sofia to retire early. The promise of a quiet moment alone was tempting, but even in the solitude of her room, Sofia's mind refused to rest.Lying on the bed, she stared at the ceiling, the dim glow from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across the room. Her thoughts swirled, replaying the day’s events and the unspoken distance that lingered between her and Leonardo. The crack of the door opening broke the silence, and without turning, she knew it was him. His presence was something she could always sense—familiar, yet lately, it carried a weight that hadn't been there before."Angel," he called softly.Sofia shut her eyes tighter, feigning sleep. She couldn't face him—not tonight. There was too much unsaid, too much buried beneath the surface. If he wasn’t ready t
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 146. A Sister’s Advice
"She has come around over the years," Bella said with a soft smile, remembering those hard days. "Now she's been very nice to me," she assured him."Strange," Leonardo taunted, his tone skeptical."Shut up. My mother-in-law isn't a bad person, okay?" she protested."Whatever," Leonardo scoffed. "I'm just glad she's good to you.""Yeah, she's happy to have me as her daughter-in-law," Bella grinned proudly.Leonardo watched his cousin with a rare sense of contentment. Seeing Bella so happy, so at ease, brought him a measure of peace he hadn’t realized he needed. He had always worried about her—her future, her choices—but knowing she had found a loving husband in Matteo reassured him that she had chosen wisely.“She takes me everywhere, even to all those fancy kitty parties,” Bella said with enthusiasm, her eyes shining. “She introduces me to all her friends, as if she’s showing off a prized possession.”Leonardo chuckled, his lips curling into a smirk. “Oh, so she likes you because she
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 145. Private Talk
"Bella, let's go," Sofia said, holding her arm, but Bella didn’t budge, determined not to let go of this matter.Sofia sighed, looking at her fuming face. "Bella, forget him. Let's go. I have a lot to talk to you about. By the way, I have to complain. Why did you come after such a long time?" she asked with a hint of reproach in her voice.Bella's eyes shifted from her cousin to Sofia, and her expression softened."Aww, I'm sorry, Sofia. I'm so emotional. You missed me! Someone in the family actually missed me," she spoke dramatically. She was such a drama queen, but Sofia loved her sister-in-law."You are such a sweet angel. Leonardo named you correctly," Bella said, suddenly making a puppy face.Now Sofia wanted to roll her eyes at these two dramatic cousins. She couldn't decide whether Bella was on her side or her cousin’s. How quickly she changed."By the way, let's go and leave this stupid Leonardo Morelli alone to go to hell," Bella grimaced, casting a brief glance at her cousin
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 144. Dramatic Banter
Sofia glanced at Leonardo, whose frustration was etched across his chiseled face. His stormy eyes locked onto her, a silent warning flickering beneath the surface."Bella, it's a matter between husband and wife. You shouldn't interfere," Leonardo interrupted just as Sofia opened her mouth to speak. His voice was low and firm, carrying the authority he wielded effortlessly. "We'll sort it out on our own."Bella's sharp gaze snapped toward him, unyielding."Leonardo, if you think I'll leave Sofia alone, then you're mistaken." Her voice was steady, but there was steel beneath the calm. "Sofia, you don't need to worry, and you don't have to leave this house. If anyone should leave, it's Leonardo."Bella squared her shoulders, stepping protectively in front of Sofia — a fierce pillar of unwavering support.Leonardo's scowl deepened, his jaw clenching. "Your habit of sticking your nose where it doesn't belong hasn't changed." His voice was sharp, cutting through the tension. "In case you've
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 143. Support Arrived
Leonardo's hand shot out, gripping her wrist with restrained force. His stormy grey eyes locked onto hers. "Stop it, angel. That's not funny.""I'm not joking," she snapped, yanking her hand away."I made it very clear to you baby girl from the very beginning... divorce is not an option in our marriage." His voice was low, dangerously calm, but the warning in his eyes sent chills down her spine."I won't live with you anymore, Leonardo." Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, but she held her ground. "Our relationship is suffocating. You should be happy — once I leave, you'll be free to play the devoted lover with your friend." Her voice dripped with mockery.Leonardo's eyes narrowed into icy slits. "She is only a friend for god's sake."A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Girlfriend, friend, soulmate — call her whatever you want. I saw the way you held her... the way she cried in your arms. Don't insult my intelligence by pretending there's nothing between you.""You think too much,
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 142. Reckless Decision
“Fuck!” Leonardo cursed, pushing Ava away. But she clung to his hand.“Leonardo, she’s angry. I think she misunderstood. Let me come with you and explain—”“No,” Leonardo cut her off coldly, shaking her hand away. “I can manage.”Without another word, he bolted out of the room, his heart racing as he hurried after his wife. But by the time he reached the parking lot, Sofia had already climbed into her car and sped off.“Damn it!” he growled, snatching the keys from his driver. He jumped into his own car and followed her, weaving through traffic at a reckless pace.To his relief, she drove straight home. The familiar gates of their villa loomed ahead, but the storm brewing inside the house was far worse than anything he’d faced on the road.Inside, Sofia’s entire being trembled with rage. She didn't know how she had made it home without crashing. Her mind replayed the gut-wrenching image of her husband holding Ava in his arms — comforting her, protecting her — as if she was the most pr
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 141. Misunderstanding
Leonardo was leaving after his meeting with the CEO of SuperTech Innovations, eager to reunite with his wife, when his phone buzzed with a text notification. He pulled it out from the inner pocket of his suit jacket.‘Meet me at the conference room in the left northern wing.’It was a text from Ava.His eyes scanned the hall, finding her standing at a distant corner. Their gazes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned toward the conference room without waiting for a response. Leonardo furrowed in confusion, slipping the phone back into his pocket before following her quietly.As he entered the conference room, Ava stood in the middle of the room with her back facing him. The faint scent of her expensive perfume lingered in the air."What's wrong, Ava?" Leonardo's voice was low with concern. Ava turned abruptly, revealing red-rimmed eyes and streaked mascara. Tears rolled down her cheeks.Leonardo frowned, stepping closer and pulling out his handkerchief and offering it to her.
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 140. Queen Among Wolves
All heads turned as Leonardo strode in, his usual dominating aura filling the room. He walked toward Sofia, wrapping an arm around her waist before pressing a deep kiss to her lips. Sofia's eyes widened at the unexpected public display of affection, aware they were at an official conference, not in the privacy of their room."I'm sorry, babe. I was stuck in traffic."Liar. But why had he decided to show up at the last moment?Leonardo turned to face the room, his piercing gaze sweeping over the attendees, particularly those who had expressed displeasure with the bid.“Who wants to go against my wife and get blacklisted from doing business worldwide?” His voice was calm, yet the underlying threat was unmistakable.The room fell into a pin-drop silence. Gazes lowered, and no one dared to challenge the intimidating presence of Leonardo Morelli.Sofia suppressed a giggle, watching her mafia husband command the room with ease. He was dangerous and intimidating, but he always knew how to get
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 139. New Challenges
Of course, ma’am," Arthur said, regaining his composure. "I'll summarize the key points on the way."Without wasting another second, Sofia grabbed the necessary files, and together, they headed toward the waiting car, both bracing for the high-stakes meeting ahead.Arthur opened the door for Sofia before taking a seat beside her and instructing the driver on the address where they had to go. The engine roared to life, and they sped off toward the company where the bid for the future project would take place. The cityscape blurred past them, a mix of towering buildings and bustling streets.“Alright, fill me in on the specifics,” Sofia said, glancing at Arthur.He took a deep breath and began to outline the key points of their proposal and the strategies they would use to impress potential clients. He did his best to provide all the necessary details. Yet, despite their brief discussion, Sofia still felt it might not be enough to secure the deal.As Sofia entered the conference room at
