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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don

Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don

Mafia
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-28
Oleh:  Marlize BenekeTamat
Bahasa: English
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Sinopsis

First-Person POV

Contract Marriage

Hate to Love

Dominant

Ava Parker, the daughter of a notorious American mafia family, is about to marry Riccardo De Lucca, her late sister’s fiancé. He’s the guy she’s secretly loved since the first moment she saw him ten years ago when she was only fourteen years old. After two years apart, she’s shocked to find he’s not the same man she fell for. The Riccardo in front of her is a ruthless figure, ready to turn her life into a nightmare. All she’s ever wanted is to break free. Living in her sister’s shadow has never been easy for her. But fate has other plans for her so it seems. Riccardo has his own reasons for wanting to marry Ava. He’s out for revenge against those who caused his fiancée's death and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve it, even if it means hurting the wrong person. He always thought Ava was meek, but he quickly discovers there’s a fiery spirit in her that drives him wild. As the barriers between them start to crumble, their connection becomes something neither can control. Ava has to navigate the dangerous world of the mafia while grappling with her undeniable attraction to the man she vowed to never love again. And Riccardo? He’s determined to claim her completely—body, mind, and soul.

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Bab 1

Chapter 1

Ava



Tonight is a big deal for my dad. I’ve already been warned to behave myself after I ordered a yellow dress for the occasion, but when he saw it, he completely lost it.



“You can’t do anything right, can you? You know Maddy hates yellow, and yet you went and ordered one!” He snatched the dress and tossed it to the floor. Then he told the maids to get rid of it.



“Why can’t you think about others? You did this just to annoy me!” He shoved me down and walked away. I wanted to say I actually liked yellow, but I knew better than to argue.



I glanced at the clock and realized I had only ten minutes before I had to meet my parents downstairs. If I was even a minute late, my dad would make me pay for it.



I remembered that night two years ago, right after my sister passed away. I was ten seconds late, and my dad made me eat outside, forcing me to eat my food off the ground like a dog.



I shook my head to push that memory away.



Then I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. The woman staring back was stunning—almost like she belonged in a fairy tale.



My hair was elegantly styled in an updo, with golden strands framing my face perfectly. The black lace gown, adorned with shimmering silver, hugged my curves just right, flowing like water as I moved. The slit was high on my leg, and the deep V cut showcased my figure. This was the kind of look Madeline would have chosen for herself if she were still here. I smiled bitterly at the thought of my perfect sister.



Around my neck, a simple diamond necklace sparkled gently, its understated beauty making it even more enchanting.



I felt... flawless. The kind of flawless that would turn heads and spark whispers, the kind that could convince others I belonged in this world of polished appearances and dangerous games. The kind of perfection my dad expected from me. The kind my sister used to embody.



That perfection felt like a mask.



I traced my fingers over the beautifully carved chair in front of me, the cool wood grounding me as I gripped it tighter. I wasn’t anxious—anxiety suggested hope, anticipation, maybe even a bit of thrill. No, this was something different. This was pure exhaustion.



The gala. A night my father had hyped for weeks, treating it with the same reverence most people reserve for holy events.



“A chance to display our influence,” he’d declared.



“To build connections, to solidify our place in this world.”



Solidify. That word rang in my head, harsh and unyielding. That’s what it all came down to in this life: power, control, and the heavy burden of expectations.



I let out a sigh, moving closer to the mirror, examining the face that looked back at me. My blue eyes appeared calm, even serene, but I knew how to hide the storm brewing inside.



I had learned long ago how to conceal my true feelings—how to keep quiet, flash a polite smile, and play the part of the perfect daughter.



But how much longer could I maintain this act?



The door creaked open behind me, breaking the silence, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Her perfume—a soft, floral scent—always gave her away before she even spoke.



“You look stunning, my dear,” Mama said warmly as she walked in, her voice gentle yet filled with pride.



I managed a small, forced smile in the mirror. “Thanks, Mama. You look lovely too.”



Mama moved closer, her light blue dress swaying softly as she approached. She placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch as soothing as her voice. Her gentle gaze searched for something deeper within me, looking for the truth hidden beneath my calm facade.




“You’re anxious,” she observed after a moment, her tone not judgmental, just perceptive.



I shook my head. “I’m not anxious, Mama. I’m just tired.”



Mama let out a sigh, her hand sliding from my shoulder to rest on her hip. “Ava, I know these evenings are tough for you,” she said, her voice soft but resolute. “But you understand how crucial they are. Your father only wants what’s best for you—for all of us.”



I turned to face her completely, my frustration bubbling over before I could hold it back. “The best?” I echoed, bitterness creeping into my voice. “The best for who, Mama? Him? The business? Because it sure isn’t for me.” I wanted to add that it never was for me.



Her lips formed a tight line, and for a second, I thought she might lose it on me. But instead, she stepped closer and took my hand, her face softening a bit.



"One day, you'll get it," she said softly. "For tonight, just smile, be yourself, and make a good impression. That’s all you need to do."



I almost chuckled. That’s all? As if it were that simple. Like I hadn’t spent the last two years smiling at strangers, charming them with my carefully crafted humor, all while pretending the weight of expectations wasn’t crushing me.



Mama leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. "I’ll see you downstairs, sweetheart. Don’t be late," she murmured before heading out.



The soft click of the door shutting felt like the end of a song, leaving the room in an unsettling silence. I turned back to the mirror, and the smile I had forced for her vanished in an instant. 



I know all too well what it means if I dare to be late. 



I looked flawless. But the woman in the reflection felt completely foreign.



I adjusted the straps of my gown one last time, the diamonds around my neck sparkling in the light, and took a deep breath. Tonight would be just like every other night. I’d play my role, say the right things, and flash the perfect smiles.



Because in this world, how you looked wasn’t just important—it was everything. Especially to my father.



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117 Bab
Chapter 1
Ava Tonight is a big deal for my dad. I’ve already been warned to behave myself after I ordered a yellow dress for the occasion, but when he saw it, he completely lost it. “You can’t do anything right, can you? You know Maddy hates yellow, and yet you went and ordered one!” He snatched the dress and tossed it to the floor. Then he told the maids to get rid of it. “Why can’t you think about others? You did this just to annoy me!” He shoved me down and walked away. I wanted to say I actually liked yellow, but I knew better than to argue. I glanced at the clock and realized I had only ten minutes before I had to meet my parents downstairs. If I was even a minute late, my dad would make me pay for it. I remembered that night two years ago, right after my sister passed away. I was ten seconds late, and my dad made me eat outside, forcing me to eat my food off the ground like a dog. I shook my head to push that memory away. Then I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. The w
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 2
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
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 3
Riccardo The tie around my neck sat just right against the crisp white collar of my shirt, but I fiddled with it anyway. Everything had to be perfect tonight. No slip-ups. No distractions. I knew what I had to do. I looked up and met my own gaze in the mirror. Sharp suit, polished shoes, not a hair out of place. In our world, presentation was key. If you looked powerful, people would believe you were. The only person missing was her. She was the one that always made sure I looked perfect for these events. "Are you going to take forever, or are you actually planning to leave this room?" Bento’s voice cut through the quiet. I glanced over at my brother. He was lounging against the doorframe, his suit jacket draped casually over his shoulder, his tie already loosened. He was the complete opposite of me in every way. I straightened up and said, “I’m ready,” while fiddling with my cufflinks. Bento raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You don’t look ready. You look like you’re about to
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 4
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, s
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 5
Riccardo The room was filled with the rich aroma of leather and paper, and the heavy contract in front of me felt almost like a weight on my chest. I traced my fingers along the thick edges of the document, its pages crisp and every word meticulously selected. The ink was still wet, but I could already sense the gravity of the choice that had been made. Seated at my grand mahogany desk, a piece of furniture that had been in the De Lucca family for generations, I reflected on my upbringing. This was where I learned about responsibility, influence, and the intricacies of life. This desk had been the backdrop for my journey, and now, staring at the marriage contract, I felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together. My thoughts were broken by the soft click of the door. Bento walked in, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a more serious tone, though the mischievous spark in his eyes was still there. "Are you really going through with this?" he asked, leani
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 6
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
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
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Chapter 7
Ava Riccardo's place—or rather, our place—had this chill to it. Not because it was cold, but because the vast halls and echoing rooms felt so empty. Every time I turned a corner, it was like the house was looming over me, silent and a bit scary, way too big for my comfort. I’d never been in a place this grand; even my family home didn’t compare, yet I couldn’t shake off the heavy feeling in my chest. The walls were sleek and modern, and the floors sparkled under the soft light from the crystal chandeliers hanging in every room, their delicate strands casting a gentle glow on the shiny surfaces. It was such a stark difference from the cozy, inviting home I grew up in. This place screamed power, with every room exuding a sense of luxury that demanded respect. As I strolled down the hallway, I passed portraits of the De Lucca family, all of them gazing down at me, almost reminding me of my place in this world. They were framed in simple black, blending perfectly with the mansion's co
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
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Chapter 8
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
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
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Chapter 9
Ava The light filtering through the thick curtains felt almost like a warning, as if it wasn’t really welcome in the chilly, lavish room. I slowly propped myself up, the heavy sheets sliding off me. My bare feet hit the cold marble floor, sending a shiver up my spine. The mansion was eerily quiet, broken only by the faint sounds of footsteps outside and the occasional clatter of dishes or hushed voices from the servants’ quarters. It was an odd kind of stillness, a weighty silence that made me feel like I was being watched. The sight of the perfectly made bed, the frigid marble floors, and the immaculate room made me uneasy. I had never spent the night in a place so meticulously arranged, so devoid of the usual chaos and noise of family life. The house was grand and stunning, but it felt hollow. I made my way to the window and pulled back the curtains to gaze out at the grounds. Vast, manicured lawns stretched out before me, with trees lining the distant edges. I noticed guards pa
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
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Chapter 10
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
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
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