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Chapter 106

Penulis: Marlize Beneke
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-05-24 19:31:30

Ava

The ride back to the De Lucca estate had a strangely bittersweet vibe. I really enjoyed the vacation with Riccardo, a rare break from our hectic lives, but reality was looming ahead. The trip had smoothed out some of the rough patches between us, though I’d never say that out loud. As the estate gates swung open, Bento, Steph, and the kids were outside waiting, their smiles a mix of warmth and playful teasing. Bento waved dramatically as we got out of the car.

"Mommy, Daddy. We missed you!" Anrico shouted, and she and Massimo dashed into our arms.

"We missed you too." I grinned as I hugged and kissed them before they sprinted to their dad.

"Look who’s back! How was the honeymoon?" Bento teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, a smile creeping onto my face. "It wasn’t a honeymoon, Idiota." But Steph was bouncing on her toes, completely ignoring Bentoo. "Tell me everything!" she squealed, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the house.

"You’re so tanned,
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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 106

    Ava The ride back to the De Lucca estate had a strangely bittersweet vibe. I really enjoyed the vacation with Riccardo, a rare break from our hectic lives, but reality was looming ahead. The trip had smoothed out some of the rough patches between us, though I’d never say that out loud. As the estate gates swung open, Bento, Steph, and the kids were outside waiting, their smiles a mix of warmth and playful teasing. Bento waved dramatically as we got out of the car. "Mommy, Daddy. We missed you!" Anrico shouted, and she and Massimo dashed into our arms. "We missed you too." I grinned as I hugged and kissed them before they sprinted to their dad. "Look who’s back! How was the honeymoon?" Bento teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I rolled my eyes, a smile creeping onto my face. "It wasn’t a honeymoon, Idiota." But Steph was bouncing on her toes, completely ignoring Bentoo. "Tell me everything!" she squealed, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the house. "You’re so tanned,

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 105

    Ava The evening was absolutely enchanting, and I couldn't help but admire the stunning ring now on my finger—a real symbol of his affection. When we returned to the bungalow, Riccardo was already loosening his shirt cuffs, a few buttons undone as he leaned against the bed's edge. His eyes were glued to me as I slipped off my sandals and walked toward the bathroom, a smile playing on my lips. "I'll be back in a minute," I teased, my voice playful as I grabbed my overnight bag. He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth lifting into that charming smirk. "Take your time, Angel. I'll be here… waiting." The bathroom felt warm and welcoming, the air lightly infused with sea salt and vanilla from the soaps. I took off my sundress and reached for the delicate lingerie I had packed—one I had been saving for a night like this. The fabric was a black lace, sheer in all the right spots, with a plunging neckline that barely covered my breasts. Thin satin straps crisscrossed over my back, a

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 104

    Ava His lips met mine in a kiss that was far from gentle. It was fierce and possessive, a declaration that left me breathless and holding onto him tightly. The world around us disappeared, with the gentle sound of the waves and the golden sunset merely serving as a backdrop to the fire that was igniting between us. "Riccardo," I breathed against his lips, but he hushed me with another kiss, his hands exploring my back, tracing every curve as if he was memorizing me all over again. "You're mine, Ava," he murmured, his voice a deep growl that sent shivers down my spine. "And I’ll never stop reminding you of that." His words made my heart race, and I gripped him tighter, allowing the warmth of his embrace and the ocean to envelop me like a cocoon. For a brief moment, there was nothing else—no worries, no fears, just the man I adored and the life blossoming within me. The setting sun splashed the sky with shades of orange and pink, casting a gentle glow over the water. And in that flaw

  • 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

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