All Chapters of Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Ava The ballroom glows with a warm golden light, crystal chandeliers casting dazzling reflections on the sleek marble floor. Mafia families mingle with forced politeness, their smiles as empty as the greetings they exchange. Guards lurk in the shadows, always alert—a constant reminder of the tension that hangs in the air like a heavy perfume. I step into the gala with my family, the fabric of my black gown trailing behind me. The dress hugs my figure just right, and I can feel the weight of countless eyes on me. I’ve gotten used to it—being scrutinized, evaluated, judged. My dad always said that’s just part of our legacy. Still, I hold my head high and keep my face neutral, hiding the unease bubbling just below the surface. “Don’t you dare embarrass me. You know what will happen. I wish your sister was here. She knew how to play the game and win people over.” It stings, but I’ve learned to take my father’s harsh words in stride. As I scan the room, I nod politely at a few familiar

Ava The clock on the wall ticked away in the heavy silence, each second stretching out like forever. I sat rigidly on the cream couch in my dad's study, the lingering smell of his cigars hanging in the air. Mama was next to me, her hands neatly resting in her lap, her face giving nothing away. Richard leaned against the wall, arms crossed, but the tension in his jaw showed he was not happy about being called here. "What's the big deal?" Richard asked, his tone sharp, slicing through the quiet. Papa, sitting behind his grand oak desk, didn’t flinch at his tone. His dark eyes moved between us, heavy with authority. "Let’s get to the point," he said, his voice steady but firm. "We need to strengthen our alliances, and the best way to do that is through marriage." My stomach dropped. Marriage. That one word sucked the air right out of the room. I looked at Mama, hoping for some reaction—some hint that this was just a bad joke. She sat still, her eyes glued to the floor. Of course,

Ava The atmosphere in our family dining room was heavy with unease. My hands felt sweaty as I fiddled with my napkin, trying to fold it neatly even though I was trembling. My dad called earlier about the contract signing happening tonight. I wished it was just a bad dream, but it was all too real. When he barged in this afternoon, furious and shouting about how Riccardo had gone back on their original agreement, I briefly thought maybe the deal was off. He stormed straight to his office, and I could hear him yelling at someone on the phone. I knew he was furious, and I had learned long ago not to push his buttons. One of the maids handed me a sage green dress, and I recognized it as the same one Maddy wore a few years back when she confessed her love for Riccardo to Dad. I shut my eyes, letting a tear slip down my cheek. When will I get to be Ava again? I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I shook my head, trying to push those memories away. Looking around the dining

Riccardo The late afternoon sun streamed through the blinds, creating long shadows that danced across the marble floor of my study. I was seated at my desk, fingers gliding over the smooth wood, my mind tangled up with the contract that would tie me to Ava Parker in just six months. The thought of the upcoming marriage and its implications weighed heavily on me. But I wasn’t one to get lost in feelings or uncertainties. This was just another transaction, another strategic move in a game I had long since mastered. The door creaked open, and I didn’t need to glance up to know who it was. Only two fools would waltz into my study without knocking. "Rici." Steph's voice, light and teasing, sliced through the quiet. I stayed silent at first, keeping my eyes on the papers in front of me, letting her make her usual grand entrance. I caught a whiff of her perfume—citrusy and sweet—before she even said a word. She approached, her heels clicking softly on the marble as she reached my des

Ava A few days had gone by, but the house felt more stifling than ever today. The silence was almost unbearable, and I had hardly seen Riccardo. This solitude made me feel trapped—like I was constantly being watched and never quite fitting in. I hadn’t heard a peep from my parents either. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly; they were probably thrilled to be rid of me. I had roamed the house before, searching for a hint of freedom, but it felt like I was just going in circles. Then I stumbled upon a hallway that led to a part of the house I didn’t recognize—a vast garden surrounded by ivy-covered stone walls. The gentle rustle of leaves in the wind was the only sound I could hear, and for a brief moment, I let myself think I had found a little escape from the weight of the mansion. I didn’t realize how far I had wandered until I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around quickly, my heart racing, only to see Riccardo stepping out of the shadows like a predator stalking its pre