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Chapter 148. Her Rival
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2025-03-09 02:04:13
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The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 149. The Cunning Assistant
Sofia refused to let anything sour her mood before such an important meeting, so she chose to ignore Ava as they crossed paths in the hallway. But Ava’s voice, sweet and laced with amusement, sliced through the otherwise serene atmosphere."Sofia, wait!" Ava called, her words trailing after her like a deliberate taunt.Sofia exhaled sharply, sensing Arthur’s puzzled glance beside her as they continued walking."Just a minute, Arthur," she murmured, halting in her steps. She turned to face Ava, who sauntered toward her with a slow, deliberate sway of her hips, a victorious smirk curling at the corners of her lips."What a pleasant surprise, Sofia," Ava teased, her honey-coated tone dripping with mockery. Her eyes gleamed with an unmistakable challenge. "Is it just a coincidence that I seem to be running into you more often these days?"Sofia met her gaze head-on, unruffled. "That was actually my question," she replied smoothly, standing tall with quiet confidence. A faint smirk tugged
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 150. Wrong Profession
Ava’s lips pressed into a thin line before she snapped, her composed facade crumbling. "Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?"Arthur, unbothered, merely tilted his head with a knowing smile. "Oh, my apologies, Miss Johnson. I forgot to introduce myself properly." He extended a hand with smooth politeness. "Arthur Walton, Mrs. Morelli’s assistant."Ava’s nostrils flared, her eyes darting between Arthur’s outstretched hand and his self-assured expression. With a defiant huff, she crossed her arms over her chest, making no effort to accept the gesture. The blatant rudeness only made Arthur’s soft smile more triumphant."Well," Arthur said, unfazed, "if you’ll excuse us, we have a meeting to attend." He turned to Sofia, his voice dipping into a more respectful tone. "Ma’am, we should hurry."Sofia gave a small nod, allowing him to take the lead. But as they moved past Ava, she couldn’t resist glancing over her shoulder one last time. The sight of Ava’s flushed face—anger pra
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 151. Working Woman
Sofia was pleasantly surprised and deeply gratified. As Arthur had said, they truly proved to be an excellent team. Together, they had handled the negotiation seamlessly, leaving the client with no choice but to finalize the agreement."I told you, Sofia. I already knew this deal was ours—after all, our boss is truly exceptional," Arthur said smugly, though his voice carried genuine admiration.His words were undeniably flattering, bringing a smile to Sofia’s lips. Recognition for one's achievements was always gratifying, and his praise only fueled her determination to prove herself worthy of the trust placed in her."Thank you, Arthur. We both made it happen. Your support was invaluable," she responded politely, appreciating his unwavering assistance.Arthur chuckled, his bright smile widening. "You're welcome, ma’am," he said with playful formality. "So, do I deserve a lavish meal at my favorite luxury restaurant?" he asked, his eyes filled with hopeful expectation.Sofia let out a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 152. Taming The Beast
Domenico sat in the sleek, dimly lit office of the law firm, his fingers drumming impatiently against the mahogany table as the lawyer flipped through the stack of documents. The air was thick with the scent of leather-bound books and freshly brewed coffee, but neither did anything to ease his frustration.“The papers aren’t complete,” the lawyer finally announced, adjusting his glasses. “We can’t proceed with legal action against the associate unless all required signatures are in place. Leonardo’s signature is missing.”Domenico exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. Of all the people to overlook such a crucial detail, Leonardo wasn’t one of them. Without wasting another second, he pulled out his phone and dialed his brother’s number.The line barely rang before Leonardo’s voice came through, sharp and unwelcoming.“What happened, Domenico?” he snapped. His tone was clipped, carrying the weight of irritation. “If it’s not urgent, call me later.”Domenico heard the telltale click of Le
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 153. Helpless Mafia King
Leonardo sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by scattered sheets of colored paper, glue sticks, ribbons, and a generous sprinkling of glitter. The chaos of arts and crafts supplies sprawled around him was nothing compared to the expectant gazes of his children, piercing through his confidence like tiny, determined daggers.Vincenzo and Lucia stared at him with wide, hopeful eyes, their patience waning with each passing second. The room, usually a place of childhood wonder, felt stifling under their silent judgment. Their previous masterpieces adorned the walls—finger-painted landscapes, cotton-ball animals, and glittery shapes that looked more like abstract art than anything recognizable. And yet, here he was, a grown man, utterly incapable of coming up with a simple kindergarten project.For the first time in his life, Leonardo felt a deep, unfamiliar sense of inadequacy. Negotiating multi-million-dollar deals? Easy. Handling underground mafia affairs? Routine. But sitting here,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 154. Husband's Ex
The day had flown by in a blur of meetings and negotiations, and now, as Sofia finally stepped into the grand entrance of her home, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. But despite her fatigue, her mind was consumed with only one thought—her children. She had missed them terribly and hoped they had managed to complete their school project without too much trouble.Earlier in the day, Vincenzo had called her, his small voice laced with concern as he revealed that Leonardo was struggling with their assignment. “Mommy, I think we might get scolded at school for the first time… because of Daddy.” The worry in his tone had tugged at her heart, and for a moment, she had been tempted to call Leonardo and offer some guidance. But she had held back. She knew her husband well enough to understand that he wouldn’t appreciate her interference—especially when she had left him in charge of both their children. Let him figure it out on his own. Even egoistic husbands need space to handle their ow
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 155. Her Sensual Invitation
After tucking the children into bed, Leonardo made his way to the master bedroom, the exhaustion of the day settling into his bones. It had been a long, draining day—one that had opened his eyes to just how incredible Sofia was.She had raised their two kids alone for years, handling every tantrum, every school project, every scraped knee, and every bedtime story. He had struggled to manage one day, and the realization hit him hard. He felt an overwhelming urge to tell her how amazing she was, how grateful he was for everything she had done without a single complaint.And now, more than ever, he was determined to step up. To share the weight of parenting, to give her the time and freedom to focus on herself and her business. He wanted to be there—not just as a provider but as a father present in his children’s lives.With a foolish grin on his face, Leonardo pushed open the bedroom door, eager to collapse into bed after the day's chaos.But the sight that greeted him left him speechle
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 156. Seduce Me
For a long moment, Sofia just stared at him, her brows furrowing, her lips pursing in deep thought. Then, ever so slowly, a sly smile stretched across her face.Oh, this wasn’t over.Leonardo draped his arm over his eyes, shielding himself from the soft glow of the bedside lamp, willing himself to succumb to sleep despite the lingering discomfort in his muscles. He let out a slow breath, exhaustion tugging at his limbs, but his momentary peace was short-lived.A faint huff broke the silence, followed by the subtle shift of the mattress as Sofia moved closer. Before he could react, her delicate fingers wrapped around his arm, prying it away from his face with surprising determination."Leonardo!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with impatience.His eyes fluttered open, meeting Sofia’s flushed face, her brows drawn together in an adorably annoyed expression. His heart clenched, betraying him once again—falling for her, over and over, as if it were the first time.“Yes, angel?” he murmure
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-23
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The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 173. The Guilt
The soft rustling of the curtains filled the quiet bedroom as the moonlight streamed in through the open windows, casting silver streaks across the floor. The night air was cool and still, carrying with it a sense of calm that the couple hadn’t felt in days. Dinner had been quiet, filled with concerned glances from Leonardo’s parents and affectionate giggles from their children, Vincenzo and Lucia. But now, in the sanctuary of their room, it was just the two of them—no distractions, no interruptions.Sofia sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her fingers over the blanket absentmindedly. Leonardo stood by the door for a moment, watching her. She looked fragile in the dim light, her hand resting protectively over her belly, her long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks.He finally walked toward her, kneeling in front of her like a man seeking redemption.“I owe you an apology,” he said softly. “Not just for last night, but for all the times I let my anger win. For making you feel like y
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 172. Just One Thing Matters
When Leonardo finally arrived home in his disheveled state, guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders, he found Sofia waiting for him near the front door. Her phone trembled in her tight grip, and the moment she saw him, she shot to her feet, rushing toward him.She threw herself into his arms, her body shaking as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Where were you the whole night, Leonardo?” she cried, her voice breaking. “Who does this to his pregnant wife after a small fight, huh?”Her sobs echoed in the hallway as she pressed her face against his chest. Leonardo’s heart shattered at the sound of her pain. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as though he could shield her from everything—including himself.“I’m sorry, amore mio,” he whispered, lowering his head and pressing his lips to her hair. “It won’t ever happen again. I swear.”Sofia pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his stormy grey eyes with her tear-filled blue ones. Her voice was soft, but the words st
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 171. A Mistake
Leonardo stared at Ava, his heart sinking with helplessness. He still couldn't believe what had happened. The reality of his marriage, his love for Sofia, stood like an immovable wall between them. No—he loved Sofia, more than words could ever express, and the mere thought of betraying her, even if he didn’t remember every detail of the night, made him feel like a criminal.God, what have I done?He turned his gaze away, guilt consuming every corner of his mind. Ava was sitting on the edge of the bed, the sheet pulled around her like a fragile veil, watching him with eyes full of something that looked like hope. But staying here any longer would only be a bigger mistake. Whatever happened last night—it shouldn’t have.“I have to go,” Leonardo muttered, already stepping toward the door.His hand had just touched the knob when a trembling voice froze him in place. “Leo…” Ava whispered, her voice broken. “I’m very alone.”He stood still, his back to her. The image of Sofia’s face flashe
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 170. No Escape
Ava reached out, her fingers tracing lightly along Leonardo’s chest as she whispered soft, seductive words into his ear. But even in his dazed state, his reaction was immediate and fierce—he jerked away, his eyes clouded and nearly closed, yet his actions were furious as he shoved her hand aside with surprising strength.“Ouch,” she muttered, stunned more by the rejection than the force. His body was firm, solid like carved marble, and every part of her ached with longing. She had dreamed of this moment for years, and now that he was here—in her home, in her bed—she couldn't accept defeat.But it was clear: he wasn’t yielding.Frustrated, Ava stepped back and signaled her driver, who had been waiting just outside the door. Without exchanging a word, he entered the room and silently helped her undress Leonardo—his limbs heavy, his consciousness fading. She administered another dose of the sedative, watching his breathing slow as the drug took effect.Only then did she dismiss the drive
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 169. Last Chance
Sofia didn’t want to call her—not now, not ever. It went against every ounce of pride she still had. The very idea of reaching out to her to ask about her own husband made her stomach twist with humiliation. But her instincts as a wife were louder than her ego. Something deep within her, something raw and unexplainable, told her she had to find Leonardo—and that she would do whatever it took.With a shaky breath, she tapped the name on her phone screen. The dial tone rang only twice.“Ava, hi,” she said softly as the call connected, trying to sound composed.There was a pause before Ava responded, her voice low, almost too calm. “Sofia,” she said, the way one might say the name of an unexpected guest. “What makes you call me today?”Sofia hesitated, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Um… is my husband with you?” she asked carefully, every word laced with tension.There was a sharp inhale from the other side.“Your husband? And you don’t know where he is?” Ava’s tone instantly shifted
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 168. Insecurity
Sofia panicked when Leonardo didn’t return home the whole day. They had never had such a big fight before. But this time, Leonardo was furious—angrier than she had ever seen him.She could have endured his shouting, even his frustration, but his silence and the way he walked away without saying a word—she couldn’t bear that. Her heart pounded with restlessness, every instinct screaming that something was about to go terribly wrong. She couldn’t let the rift between them grow any deeper. Swallowing her pride, she picked up the phone and called him.But he didn’t answer.Still, she didn’t stop. She kept calling until, eventually, his phone was switched off, and all her calls went straight to voicemail. He had never avoided her like this before.It broke her.Sofia wanted to make things right between them—she was willing to do anything to fix it. She loved him too much to lose him. But the pain of his silence was unbearable. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks before she
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 167. Wicked Scheme
The bar was dimly lit and half-empty, just the way he liked it.Leonardo sat at the far corner, swirling a glass of whiskey between his fingers. The burn in his throat did nothing to dull the ache in his chest.His mind kept replaying her words. I was scared. I didn’t know how to tell you. And then his own: You’re not the Sofia I married.He wanted to hate her. But the image of her trembling on the staircase, her eyes wide with guilt and pain, haunted him.But still, it felt like the cruelest betrayal—by the woman he loved most. How could she do this? If she didn’t want the baby, the least she could have done was talk to him first, share her fears, her doubts. The baby was his, too. It wasn’t just her choice to make. Maybe, together, they would have found a way. But deciding everything on her own? That was unfair. Unfair to him. Unfair to their family. Unfair to the innocent life growing inside her—their unborn child.Leonardo sat at the far end of the dimly lit bar, his fingers cl
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 166. Shattering Faith
Ava didn’t knock. She barged into Leonardo Morelli’s office, pushing past his startled assistant who tried, and failed, to stop her.“Leo!” she called out, breathless, clutching the handle of her handbag like it could steady her.Leonardo didn’t look up from his desk. The light from the tall windows behind him bathed the room in a golden haze, highlighting his sharp jaw and perfectly pressed suit. He was every bit the mafia king—cold, composed, and commanding.He exhaled sharply when he heard her voice. “Ava, I’m busy,” he said flatly, not bothering to mask his irritation. “You’re not supposed to be here.”“I know,” she replied, stepping in further. Her tone was soft but determined. “But I had to come. You can be angry at me later, but right now… you need to hear this.”Leonardo finally raised his head, his expression unreadable. “If this is about a deal or your family’s shares—”“It’s not,” Ava cut in. “It’s about Sofia.”His jaw tightened at the mention of his wife’s name.“I saw he
The Mafia's Substitute Bride Chapter 165. Tough Decision
It was a usual morning, and Sofia was getting ready for a meeting early in the day. Leonardo had cautioned her not to overwork herself, and she had assured him she was fine and wouldn’t let anything happen to the baby. They hadn’t told Vincenzo and Lucia about her pregnancy yet, deciding to wait a few months before announcing it to the family.Suddenly, Sofia’s phone rang—it was her gynecologist. Her heart instantly filled with unease, as Dr. Martinez didn’t usually call her directly.“Hey, Doc,” Sofia answered.“Good morning, Sofia,” Dr. Martinez’s voice came through the speaker. “How are you feeling today?”“I’m fine, Doctor,” Sofia replied skeptically. “What’s wrong?”There was a brief pause before Dr. Martinez sighed. “Sofia, can you come to my clinic today?”“Okay…” Sofia answered, her grip tightening on the phone.“And don’t come alone, okay?” Dr. Martinez advised.Sofia’s heart started pounding. “Doctor, is everything alright with my pregnancy?” she asked, her voice laced with
