Share

SACRED LIES

last update Last Updated: 2024-11-25 00:04:55

Arya could hardly believe Isabel’s audacity. Her voice trembled with anger as she glared at the Mother Superior. “Don’t sit there on your high horse, pretending you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

Isabel sighed, placing her reading glasses delicately on the table. “I get that you’re the wife of a very powerful man, a Don, but Arya, I don’t need to hear about the issues in your marriage. I have done nothing wrong, and I genuinely have no idea what you’re accusing me of.”

Arya recoiled, taken aback by the indifference in Isabel’s tone. “What? Why would you say that?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Isabel responded sharply, her expression unreadable.

Arya narrowed her eyes, studying Isabel's face. “No. Why would you assume this was about my marriage, Isabel? What makes you think that’s what I came here for?”

Isabel raised an eyebrow, her mouth curling in a faint, mocking smile. “Oh, it’s not? Then I’m truly sorry for the misunderstanding. But tell me, Arya—what exactly are you accusi
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   BONUS CHAPTER 2

    Leonardo walked into the room to find everyone already seated, waiting expectantly. He took his seat, and Rob slid a few files across the table. “These are all we could gather, boss. I double-checked—it’s everything they had,” Rob said, his tone firm. Leonardo picked up the files, scanning through them quickly. Setting them back down, he looked up, addressing the room. “Someone is playing a twisted game with my wife. She suspects it might be the Mother Superior, but I’m not convinced,” he began, his voice steely. Rob tensed beside him. Usually, they didn’t discuss these matters openly, especially with others around. But Rob must have trusted Leonardo’s judgment since he didn’t attempt to question it. “Of course, we don’t suspect any of you,” Leonardo added, glancing around the table. “We trust you all completely, especially after the support you’ve shown. And if we need further assistance, we’ll reach out.” He nodded at Ricardo, who took the cue. “You heard the Don. We

    Last Updated : 2024-11-30
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   DELICATE

    By the time they finished work, dusk had settled over the city, casting long shadows across the streets. “I need to get back to the cabin,” Leonardo said, gathering his things. “My wife’s there, and we’ll wrap things up once we’re back.” He knew Arya had gone to the convent earlier to confront Isabel, and although his instincts told him she was safe, a faint sense of urgency nagged at him. Working here, dealing with everything else, had given her space, but he couldn’t help wanting to check in on her. Behind him, Ricardo and Rob were in yet another argument, voices rising and falling as they debated. Leonardo had long since learned to tune them out. Instead, he let his thoughts wander. Spending most of his childhood alone, with only the company of books he’d memorized cover to cover, he’d become accustomed to living inside his mind, finding peace there. But something shifted. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flicker of movement, something or someone moving too delib

    Last Updated : 2024-11-30
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   BONUS CHAPTER 3

    She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. “It’s… it’s all too much, Leo. Everything. Isabel, the Sisterhood, my parents—I never even had the chance to mourn them, and now all of this…” He squeezed her hands, the warmth of his touch grounding her. “You don’t have to carry this alone. I know it feels like the world is crumbling, but we’ll get through it. We always do.” She gave a bitter laugh, wiping away a tear. “You warned me about this life. You told me it would be hard, that it would come with pain and danger. And I thought I was ready. But now…” He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his expression softening. “You are ready. You’re stronger than anyone I know. And you’re not alone.” She broke down into even harder sobs, and he just held her close, letting her cry against his chest. His arms were wrapped around her tightly, and he whispered soothing words, his touch gentle and comforting. As her body shook with grief, he fought the urge to share what had happe

    Last Updated : 2024-11-30
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   WHIRLPOOL

    Arya walked into the Mayor’s office, her mind still swirling with thoughts of her time at the convent, which had ended permanently. Henry had called her the day before, insisting that someone come to the Townhouse to collect a certificate for her volunteer service. She had kindly turned him down, but Henry was insistent, not taking no for an answer. Arya found herself wondering where this sudden niceness was coming from. She didn’t trust a single soul in this town, not even after everything she’d done to protect herself, including running a secret background check on Ricardo—though he would never find out about that. “Ah, Dona, welcome to my office,” the Mayor greeted, his voice oozing charm as his secretary led her into the room. Across from him sat Isabel and one of the council members, Frederick. Arya couldn’t bring herself to look at Isabel, her gaze fixed firmly on Henry instead. “Thank you for having me,” Arya said, offering a smile that barely touched her lips. Henr

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   POOR ISABEL

    Arya burst into the room, emotions swirling in a storm of frustration. Leonardo, shirtless and in sweatpants, lay on the bed with his laptop, his brows furrowed in deep concentration. When he looked up and saw her, his expression immediately softened. “What’s wrong, babe?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. “Fuck! I’m so tired of all of this! When does it actually end?” Arya's voice was thick with anger and despair as she shouted, letting out everything she had bottled up inside. Leonardo remained quiet, letting her vent, and placed a gentle hand on her back for support, feeling the tension in her shoulders. “We can talk about it when you're ready,” he said quietly, his voice calm and steady. She took a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Isabel said she’s my grandmother,” she blurted out. He froze, stunned by her revelation. It explained so much—Isabel’s secretive behavior, her willingness to help them even at great personal risk. “How do you fe

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   BIG MESSY SITUATION

    “By the time I turned sixteen, much had changed in my life, though little for the better. I was the scorn of the town, whispers trailing me wherever I went. It wasn’t just the shame of my past that followed me like a shadow; it was the doors that slammed shut in my face, the jobs that paid me barely half of what they should, the side-eyes from those who thought they knew my story. And then there was Mama’s boyfriend, Stanley, who moved into our already-cramped home.” FLASHBACK Isabel stumbled into the house after a long, grueling day of work. The sun had long since set, and her body ached with exhaustion. She immediately headed to the kitchen, her stomach growling in protest, but her heart sank when she found the pans empty. She had prepared the food earlier that morning before leaving, but as usual, there was nothing left for her. Not a scrap. Her younger siblings, Amanda and Jacob, had already gone out for their own work, leaving the house silent save for the faint rustling

    Last Updated : 2024-12-14
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   YET

    Arya gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “You got impregnated by your mother’s boyfriend?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Isabel nodded solemnly. “I did. I did all I could as a pregnant teenager with no home. I wish I’d known about the convent back then—it would have made my life so much easier. With little to no source of income or support, I was miserable and alone in the trenches of this town after I had to leave the old one. I won’t bore you with all the details. But when I was in labor, I had to make some difficult decisions.” FLASHBACK Isabel sat in the corner of her dimly lit room, chewing on the last bit of food she’d managed to scavenge. Her stomach cramped painfully, but she wasn’t sure if it was from hunger or something worse. It had been four days since her last meal, and her body was weak, her limbs trembling with every small movement. The cramps intensified, radiating through her body, and a wave of nausea swept over her. She pressed her hands again

    Last Updated : 2024-12-21
  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   A MOTHER’S PLIGHT

    Isabel cradled the baby close, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as the infant’s soft cries filled the room. Her daughter. She traced the baby’s tiny features with trembling fingers—her button nose, her soft cheeks, and the tiniest fingers she had ever seen. A fierce protectiveness gripped her heart, unlike anything she’d ever felt before. But the moment of tenderness was fleeting. The cold, harsh reality of her situation came crashing down on her. She had no home, no job, and no way to provide for herself, let alone a newborn. The room reeked of decay and dampness, its peeling walls and rat-infested corners a far cry from the safe haven a child deserved. The baby’s cries grew louder, piercing through Isabel’s haze of despair. “Shh, shh, I’m here,” she whispered, rocking her gently. But the cries didn’t stop, and Isabel realized with a sinking feeling that the baby was hungry. She looked around the room, her heart racing. There was no milk, no clean water—nothing. Panic cla

    Last Updated : 2024-12-21

Latest chapter

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   SECRETS

    Arya was about to respond when the door swung open, and a soldier rushed in. His face was tense, his breathing heavy, as if he had sprinted all the way there. “Don Ricardo,” the soldier addressed him directly, though his eyes flickered briefly to Arya. “We have a situation. It’s Maria.” Ricardo exhaled sharply. “What now?” “She’s refusing food and water. She hasn’t taken a bite since last night. The doctor says if this continues, she won’t last another day.” Ricardo scoffed. “Then let her starve. Saves us the trouble.” Arya’s frown deepened. “No. This isn’t Maria being weak. She’s doing this on purpose.” Ricardo turned to her. “What do you mean?” Arya shifted carefully in bed, ignoring the sharp pain in her side. “She’s trying to force our hand. If she dies here, it gives someone else control of the narrative. You really think she’s doing this out of despair?” Ricardo’s expression hardened. He wasn’t stupid. He knew how people like Maria operated. “You think she’s be

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   PRODIGAL SON

    Leonardo’s grip on her hand tightened as he felt the slightest movement. At first, he thought he imagined it, his exhaustion playing tricks on him. But then, Arya’s fingers twitched again, and a soft, strained breath escaped her lips. His heart pounded. “Arya?” His voice was hoarse, desperate. He leaned closer, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. Her eyelids fluttered before barely opening, her dark eyes hazy with pain and confusion. She swallowed, her throat dry, and tried to speak, but only a weak whisper came out. “Leo…” Leonardo exhaled sharply, relief crashing into him like a wave. “Mia cara, I’m here,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “You scared the hell out of me.” Arya’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say more, but she winced instead. She tried to shift, but the pain hit her like a hammer, dragging a soft groan from her throat. “Shhh,” he soothed, gently pressing her back down. “Don’t move too much. The doctor said you need to res

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   LOSER VILLIAN

    Leonardo hadn’t moved from Arya’s side all night. Her breathing had evened out, but the pallor of her skin was a constant reminder of how close he had come to losing her. He didn’t dare close his eyes, as if staying awake could somehow anchor her to him, keep her safe.It was noon when a soft knock broke the stillness of the room. Leonardo didn’t bother answering. The door opened, and Ricardo stepped inside, his usually composed appearance in shambles. His beard was unkempt, his eyes hollowed by sleeplessness and something darker.“I got your message,” Ricardo said quietly, his voice rough. He glanced at Arya, lying motionless on the bed. “How’s she holding up?”Leonardo let out a slow breath. “Not great. Stable, but…” He shook his head. “This isn’t where she’s supposed to be.”Ricardo nodded, the lines on his face deepening. “I’m sorry, Don. This shouldn’t have happened. Let me help. Where did you last see the attackers?”“Rob and the others are already on it,” Leonardo replied, his

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   DEVOTION

    Leonardo sat slumped in the chair by Arya’s bed, his hand wrapped around hers as though holding on to her would tether her to life. His eyes burned from exhaustion, but he hadn’t dared to close them, not even once. The faint sound of the door creaking open drew his attention. He turned sharply, his face hard, ready to dismiss whoever it was. “Good afternoon, Don,” one of his forensic experts said, stepping into the room cautiously. He held a folder in one hand, his expression a mixture of urgency and hesitation. “The chip we retrieved from Andy’s neck contained encrypted files. My team decoded them late this morning.” Leonardo straightened, his gaze sharp. “What did you find?” The man hesitated briefly, glancing at Arya’s unconscious form before clearing his throat. “Documents and records of purchase. They include significant financial transactions and detailed logs of weapons bought under false identities. It appears to be tied directly to some operations.” Leonardo’s jaw t

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   GRIM

    As the doctor worked on Arya, Leonardo paced the length of the room, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. The sight of her pale face and the blood-streaked bandages made his stomach churn. Every shallow breath she took felt like a countdown he couldn’t stop.His phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated for a moment, reluctant to take his eyes off her, but he finally answered.“Talk,” he barked.“It’s Sergeant Diaz. We tracked the attackers. Sir, you need to see this,” the soldier said, his voice grim. “It’s not just about the ambush… there’s something bigger going on here.”Leonardo’s grip on the phone tightened. “Send me the details.”“It’s something you have to see in person, sir. A name came up—someone close. I don’t think you’ll believe it unless—”“Just tell me the name,” Leonardo interrupted.There was a pause, heavy with tension. “It’s…” The soldier’s voice dropped. “Adriana.”Leonardo froze. His mind raced, struggling to connect the dots. Adriana? His mother-in-law? The woman

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   SNIPPER

    “Instruct some men to follow them and gather any information we might need. We’ll head back to the hotel and decode the chip,” Leonardo commanded, his voice firm. Arya frowned, her fingers curling into a fist to steady herself. “Why? I thought we were going after them.” Leonardo’s sharp gaze softened, but his tone remained resolute. “We don’t have time to chase shadows, princess. We need to split up. Let them lead us to their base while we focus on the chip.” She shifted uncomfortably, the sharp sting in her side now impossible to ignore. Just as she straightened, the pain betrayed her, pulling a grimace onto her face before she could hide it. Leonardo caught it instantly. His eyes narrowed, his suspicion unmistakable. “Is something wrong?” “Just… shoulder tension,” Arya muttered, forcing a weak shrug. “Come here, princess.” His tone softened as he reached for her. “You shouldn’t have to bear this—” “Ah!” A sharp cry tore from Arya’s lips as Leonardo’s arm brushed her

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   2

    With the gunfire subsiding, the world fell into an uneasy silence. Leonardo and Arya regrouped with Rob and the few soldiers who had made it through. The air smelled of burnt gunpowder and death, the metallic tang of blood clinging to their senses. The forensic expert approached Leonardo with careful steps, holding out a small bag. Inside was the chip, smeared with traces of Andy’s blood. Leonardo took it, his fingers brushing against the plastic as he studied it intently, his brow furrowed in thought. “This has to be important,” Arya said, her voice calm but sharp, cutting through the silence. She wiped at her face with a shaking hand, smearing dirt and blood across her cheek. “Andy was tortured for it. And whoever sent that ambush didn’t care about lives—they cared about this.” Leonardo slipped the chip into his pocket, his face unreadable. “If Andy died for it, then it’s worth something. We’ll find out what soon enough.” The group quickly retreated, the convoy of cars wea

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   DARK ABYSS

    Gunfire shattered the tense moment as bullets ricocheted off the metal surfaces of the dock. Leonardo immediately grabbed Arya and pulled her behind a steel container. Rob dove for cover beside them, drawing his weapon. “Where the fuck did that come from?” Rob hissed, scanning their surroundings. “Ambush,” Arya said through clenched teeth, already gripping her gun. “Stay down,” Leonardo barked, peeking around the corner. He spotted shadows moving near the crates stacked further down the dock. Whoever had come for them was prepared, and they weren’t leaving without a fight. Leonardo signaled to their men, and a firefight erupted. Arya darted out from cover, her movements fluid and precise as she shot at their attackers. Each shot was calculated, dropping one assailant after another. Leonardo felt his chest tighten as he watched her. She was fearless, but fearlessness could also get her killed. “Cover her!” he ordered. Rob laid down suppressing fire as Arya advanced, vau

  • The Reluctant Mafia Bride   AUTOPSY-OOPS

    As they prepared to leave, dissatisfied with the outcome, Arya noticed Andy’s body was badly battered and bruised. One of his fingers was missing, suggesting he had been tortured. But why? Why would they torture someone on their side? Unless… “They wanted something from him,” Arya muttered to herself, scanning his injuries. “Something they didn’t have.” Her eyes fell on the brutal gash on his head. It was deep and jagged, a wound inflicted with rage. Whoever killed him must have done it in an act of passion. Perhaps they hadn’t intended to kill him but, after all the torture, his body couldn’t take it anymore. Arya sighed, the weight of realization settling on her. If Andy had been killed by accident, it meant they never got what they were after. “Rob, we need to search his body,” Arya said. “There might be something they missed.” “Whoever tortured him would have searched him already,” Rob replied. “Except…” He trailed off and began removing Andy’s clothes. Leonardo a

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status