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Chapter 101

last update Last Updated: 2025-05-23 18:50:53

Ava

His gaze softens, and I notice a flicker in his eyes—something warm, something I didn't see coming. His lips form the tiniest smile, and my heart skips a beat. "Amore mio," he whispers, his voice heavy with feeling, "this is... this is the best news I've ever received..."

The relief washes over me like a tidal wave. I never thought he would respond like this. I didn't expect such calmness, such understanding. The fear that had been eating away at me for days—weeks, even—dissipates, replaced by something I never dared to hope for: acceptance. Tears start to well up in my eyes, but I fight them back, not wanting to break down, not wanting to lose control. But the dam inside me breaks. I can't hold them back any longer. The tears flow, hot and unrestrained, streaming down my cheeks as I look at him, my chest tight with emotion.

Riccardo is watching me, and I can see his expression changing. For what feels like an eternity, he stays still. Then, he finally speaks, his lips parting.
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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 103

    Ava Packing. I can't believe something so straightforward could really test my patience. "Why won't you just tell me where we're going?" I asked for what felt like the hundredth time, turning to Riccardo with my hands on my hips. He was perched on the edge of the bed, arms crossed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. His dark blue eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned back, looking like he had all the time in the world. "Because, baby, it's a surprise," he replied smoothly, his voice oozing that infuriating calmness he always had. I let out a frustrated groan, tossing a bunch of dresses into the suitcase. "How am I supposed to pack if I don’t even know where we’re headed? What if it’s cold? Or—" "It’s not cold," he cut in, standing up and crossing the room in just two strides. He placed his hands on my shoulders, his touch steadying. "Just pack light. Dresses, bikinis, and—" His lips curled into a cheeky grin. "Maybe some lingerie. I smacked his arm, but I could feel the he

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 102

    Riccardo The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains in our bedroom, creating a gentle light throughout the space. Ava was curled up on her side, her red hair spread out on the pillow, one hand protectively resting on the slight curve of her belly. She had finally returned to our room, where she truly belongs. My wife. My kids. My family. It was a sight that took my breath away every single time—her, serene and glowing, completely oblivious to the whirlwind of feelings she ignited in me. For someone like me, who had constructed his life around control and structure, she was the only one capable of unraveling me. I had been awake for hours, my mind racing with plans for the day. The ultrasound, telling Bento, and the surprise getaway I had set up to give us some quality time before the baby arrived. Life was speeding by, and I wanted to ensure Ava knew just how profoundly she had impacted mine. I crept closer, my steps quiet on the hardwood floor. Leaning down, I tucked a str

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 101

    Ava His gaze softens, and I notice a flicker in his eyes—something warm, something I didn't see coming. His lips form the tiniest smile, and my heart skips a beat. "Amore mio," he whispers, his voice heavy with feeling, "this is... this is the best news I've ever received..." The relief washes over me like a tidal wave. I never thought he would respond like this. I didn't expect such calmness, such understanding. The fear that had been eating away at me for days—weeks, even—dissipates, replaced by something I never dared to hope for: acceptance. Tears start to well up in my eyes, but I fight them back, not wanting to break down, not wanting to lose control. But the dam inside me breaks. I can't hold them back any longer. The tears flow, hot and unrestrained, streaming down my cheeks as I look at him, my chest tight with emotion. Riccardo is watching me, and I can see his expression changing. For what feels like an eternity, he stays still. Then, he finally speaks, his lips parting.

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 100

    Ava The rest of the day passes in a quiet haze. Riccardo is nearby, but not too close. It feels like we've crossed an unseen boundary, and even though there's still some uncertainty, things feel different now. The atmosphere between us isn't as tense as it used to be. He's making an effort, and I'm doing the same. But that doesn't simplify the choice ahead. I spot Steph across the room, her smile bright, but there's something in her look that makes me stop in my tracks. She's been giving me room, honoring my limits, yet there's a subtle urgency in her gaze now. It's like she senses I'm dodging something, something I haven't voiced. I excuse myself from the group, giving a small smile to Bento, who's chatting with Riccardo about work, and head over to Steph, who's lounging on the couch, her eyes gentle yet knowing. "Everything alright?" I ask, trying to keep my tone calm, but I can't hide the slight tremor that reveals my anxiety. Steph studies me for a moment before responding. "You

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 99

    Riccardo I wake up to the soft sounds of the morning, momentarily forgetting where I am. The bed feels different. Last night was all about slowly rebuilding and those quiet family moments we shared. I turn my head gently, trying not to disturb her. Ava is next to me, her face calm in sleep, and for the first time in what feels like ages, the heaviness in my chest lightens a bit. She's here. Her red hair sprawls across the pillow, and her lips are slightly parted, her breathing calm. I feel an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her, but I hold back, wanting to savor this moment. She's with me, after everything we've faced together. I still can't believe my luck. How is she willing to give us another shot? Deep down, I know I don't deserve it, yet here she is, right next to me, and the peace I feel after months of turmoil makes me want to cling to this moment forever. Her hand is just inches from mine, and I let my fingers hover near it, torn between wanting to move closer and n

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 98

    Ava Today was the day I finally had to face it. As I drove into the De Lucca driveway, my heart was racing unexpectedly. It wasn't exactly fear, just a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite sort out. I wasn't sure how this visit would turn out, but I knew I had to go through with it. The kids were thrilled to see their dad again, and I totally understood why—they had missed out on six years with him. Once I parked, I helped the kids out, and as we walked through the front door, I paused for a moment, taking in the familiar yet different surroundings. The house was quiet when we entered, but soon I heard footsteps coming our way. "Ava!" Steph's voice was the first thing I heard. I smiled as she appeared in the hallway, her eyes wide with surprise, and then a warm grin spread across her face. Without hesitation, she rushed over and hugged me tightly. "I can't believe you're here," she said softly, stepping back to take a good look at me. "I've missed you." "I've missed you too," I r

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 97

    AvaThe next day, I find myself in a quaint café, seated at a corner table while awaiting his arrival. My mind is racing as I prepare for what lies ahead. I am uncertain if I am ready for this encounter, yet the thought of not speaking with him feels like an opportunity lost—a chance to understand our current positions. When he enters, I hardly recognize him. He exudes greater confidence, his jaw is clean-shaven, and there is a newfound serenity in his gaze. He appears healthier, less weighed down by his past experiences. Clad in a black suit, he resembles the man I once knew, though there is an undeniable difference in him. The transformation is remarkable. As he approaches, I rise to greet him, and for a brief moment, an awkward tension envelops us. It has been a long time since we occupied the same space without the underlying strain. He offers a faint smile, though it does not fully reach his eyes. "Hello," he says softly. "You look... beautiful." I manage a faint smile, uncert

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 96

    Ava It's been a few days since I read Riccardo's message, and I've been doing a lot of thinking since then. I've reflected on everything—us, him, my past experiences, and what I still have to deal with. The news about the pregnancy has been a heavy burden for me, something I didn't see coming, but now it feels like an undeniable part of my life. The stress had clouded my judgment so much that I didn't even recognize the signs until now. The nausea and fatigue all make sense now, but I really didn't want to accept it. The thought of being pregnant again, especially in these circumstances, is something I was dreading. But now that I know, there's no going back. I can't pretend it isn't happening anymore. As I sit on the couch, looking at Riccardo's text, the reality of it all starts to hit me. The time he's given me and the patience he's shown makes me feel like I'm on the brink of something big. Something uncertain. But before I can dwell on it too much, there's a knock at the door.

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 95

    RiccardoI woke up with a pounding headache that no drink could ease—there was no way to escape it. Rubbing my eyes, I forced myself to sit up on the edge of the bed. My body felt strange without the usual buzz I relied on. I could no longer pretend or avoid the truth. I had spent too long trying to forget and numb the pain of losing Ava, but now it was time to confront it. To confront myself.I had messed up, and no amount of booze could change that. I stumbled into the kitchen, the silence of the house closing in on me, a sharp contrast to the chaos I had caused. A glass of whiskey sat on the counter, an old temptation, but I resisted. I wasn’t that guy anymore. I couldn’t be. It had been almost a month since Ava took the kids and I hadn’t heard from her. Not that I blamed her. What could I say? I had pushed her away when all she wanted was for me to be there, to be real. Instead, I drowned in my bitterness and pride. I slept with her and then pushed her away the next morning. It fe

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