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Chapter 147. Morning Gesture
Last Updated:
2025-03-03 02:12:00
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The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 1. Prologue
Sofia's heart pounded in her chest as the rain pelted against the windows, matching the rhythm of her mother's sobs. She could hear her mother's footsteps pacing back and forth in the living room, waiting for her husband to come home. Then, suddenly, the sound of a car pulling up to the house cut through the storm."Mama, he's here!" Sofia whispered, barely audible over the sound of the rain. She watched as her mother rushed to the door, wiping away her tears and plastering on a fake smile."Welcome home, dear," her mother said, her voice shaking. Sofia's father strode into the house, a beautiful woman in his arms. Sofia recoiled at the sight of her father's mistress, but her mother put on a brave face."Who is this?" her mother asked, trying to keep her tone light. "Is everything alright?""Everything is fine," her father sneered, pushing her away. "Can't a man have a little fun?"Sofia's mother's face fell. "Please don't hurt me," she begged. "I just wanted to make sure you were
Last Updated : 2024-07-23The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 2. Living In Hell
*Seven Years Later*“Sofia, come to my room quickly.” Sofia heard her stepmother, Emma, calling her. She felt a pang of hunger in her stomach, but she knew she had to obey her stepmother's command. Sofia covered her plate and placed it on the slab before leaving. She couldn't risk facing the consequences of disobeying her stepmother.After her mother's death, her life became a living hell. Her stepmother didn't provide her with enough food to eat or proper clothes to wear. Sofia wasn't allowed to enjoy any luxuries in her father's mansion; she was treated as nothing more than a housemaid. Emma, her stepmother, justified her actions by claiming she was disciplining Sofia, fearing that without her mother, Sofia might turn out to be whore due to her mother's poor family background.Sofia was confined to the house and forbidden from attending any social gatherings or her friends' birthday parties. She wasn't even allowed to have any friends. Today after gathering all the leftover food from
Last Updated : 2024-07-23The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 3. Substitute Bride
“I won't marry that girl!” Leonardo shouted angrily, throwing the contract papers off the table. Alessandro, looking out of the window, listened to his son’s outburst. The study, lavishly decorated with antique furniture and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, was thick with tension."Leonardo. Try to understand. This wedding is very important for this merger," his father declared nonchalantly."No, Father, it is not fucking possible. I won't marry a slut like her," Leonardo refused sternly. "By the way," he narrowed his grey eyes sceptically. "I was supposed to marry Ricci's other daughter. So, why did they change the bride at the last moment?" he scowled."We don't know why they changed the bride. However, this marriage will only last for three years and not a real one, so it doesn't matter who the bride is," his father explained patiently, but Leonardo was not in a good mood to understand those things."Are you serious, Dad? You want me to marry a whore for a business deal ?! You can't f
Last Updated : 2024-07-23The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 4. My Life Is Screwed
Leonardo entered his friend's condo feeling frustrated and upset. His friend Domenico Russo greeted him with a warm smile, "Hey, Leonardo!" But Leonardo didn't respond. Domenico sensed something was wrong and asked, "What's wrong?" Leonardo huffed."Father issue!" Domenico snorted.Leonardo scowled.Domenico inquired once more, "Tell me what happened this time."Leonardo, visibly frustrated, responded with clenched teeth, "He has replaced the bride and now expects me to wed that slut, Sofia Ricci, who is deemed worthless by the Riccis.""Why did they change the girl at the last moment? Weren't you supposed to marry Kat Ricci?" asked Domenico, clearly worried.Leonardo sighed deeply and massaged his forehead before pinching the bridge of his nose. "I have no idea," he said, his voice thick with frustration. "My father threatened me, and I have to marry Sofia Ricci. My life is a mess."Domenico sat next to him and gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "I'm sorry to hear that, my fri
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"What's wrong, darling? You look troubled." Emma asked Carlo. Her eyes showed a scowl which she hid quickly as she actually knew what her husband's problem was."I was thinking about the contract and Sofia’s wedding. I hope it proves to be a good decision for her. But I have doubts because She is not willing to marry Alessandro Morelli’s son," he said, and his eyes were gloomy as he was pitying his daughter. She went near him and rubbed his shoulder."Honey, you are thinking too much. We are doing it for her good future. Otherwise, who would marry her with her reputation of sleeping around?” She said, showing her concern for Sofia but cursing her in her heart. She was afraid Carlo would change his decision. She would have buried Sofia with her mother if it were in her hand. Her hatred was so immense she spread the rumor in society that Sofia was a whore, just as her mother was. But the truth was Sofia's mother was not a whore but an innocent woman, becoming prey to Emma's jealousy.
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The wedding rituals finally ended and Sofia and Leonardo now stood as husband and wife. The media were all over the place, capturing every moment and detail of the ceremony. The Riccis and the Morellis really outdid themselves and made it a grand event that everyone would remember for years to come. After the wedding, they all made their way to the ballroom. Leonardo was seated next to Sofia, engrossed in his phone. Sofia was too nervous to glance over at him, but she noticed him furrowing his brow out of the corner of her eye.Sofia furrowed her brow as she watched Leonardo answer his phone. She couldn't hear anything from where she sat, but Leonardo's expression had quickly soured. Without a word to her, he got up from their table and began walking away, still speaking into the phone. Sofia was left sitting alone in the ballroom, wondering what could have possibly upset him so much.As the announcement for the newly-wedded couple's first ballroom dance was made, everyone noticed th
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Leonardo woke up abruptly in the middle of the night, a sense of unease washing over him. Something felt different, out of place. His gaze landed on the crimson stain on the bed sheet, and suddenly, the events leading up to his slumber flooded his mind. He had made passionate love to his wife, Sofia, and now he realized with a sinking feeling that she had been a virgin.A wave of regret and self-reproach crashed over Leonardo. He cursed himself for his impatience. He didn't know she was a virgin. But the truth was he couldn't stop himself as if he was a hungry wolf.However, a few things were bothering him, and the first one was that, despite the rumors, Sofia was not at all ugly. In fact, Leonardo found her to be quite beautiful. He couldn't help but be drawn to her charm, which meant the rumor that she was good at seducing men was true. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, he felt a strong pull toward her, and he found it very hard to resist. When he held her trembling hand, h
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Whilst Sofia was in her deep slumber, she felt as though she was floating weightlessly on a bed of the softest clouds. She was embraced by a warm and comforting layer that surrounded her in a cocoon of tranquillity. Sofia held onto the snug cover tightly, unwilling to let go of the dream. However, her peaceful rest was interrupted by someone shaking her and calling out her name. Sofia gradually opened her eyes, still feeling the remnants of her comforting dream.As her eyelids gradually lifted, she struggled to adjust to the blinding brightness that flooded her vision. She squinted, and blinking repeatedly she attempted to clear her vision until her eyes finally adjusted to the intense light. It was then that she noticed a young woman standing directly in front of her, regarding her with an expression of complete disinterest.Sofia quickly got up from her bed and sat there for a moment, mentally slapping herself for sleeping so late. She knew she was supposed to wake up early and make
Last Updated : 2024-07-24
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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
