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Chapter 11
Last Updated:
2025-03-14 16:54:16
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 12
AvaI hadn't laid eyes on Riccardo since that night. He had been keeping to himself, slipping into the background as if he was trying to avoid me or maybe just giving me space to sort through everything. I was left wondering what it all meant. Was he feeling guilty? Regretful? Or was it just another way to keep me on edge, letting me simmer in my own anxiety? Regardless, I was relieved not to have to deal with him.Today, the house felt unnaturally quiet, with the silence amplifying every step I took. My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. I had spent the afternoon with Steh, but the mansion's walls felt suffocating, and I found myself wandering aimlessly. I craved exploration, something to distract me from the heavy expectations and the ever-present shadow of my fiancé.As I turned into another hallway, I spotted someone standing by the window, gazing out at the garden. The soft light streaming through the glass framed his figu
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 13
AvaI’d rather not stay, but I couldn’t argue. I stood there, frozen, my body shaking as I watched him drag Adamo down the hallway. I quietly followed them to the basement, a place I had only heard rumors about, my heart racing.The basement door swung open, and Riccardo shoved Adamo inside, slamming it shut behind him. The sound echoed through the house. I lingered just outside the door, trying to catch my breath, my hands trembling.I had no clue what was going on, but a sick feeling of dread washed over me.Riccardo came back to me, his eyes burning with rage, and without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down the stairs after him. I stumbled to keep up, my body shaking as I went deeper into the cold, dimly lit space.Was he going to punish me? How would he do it? Would he kick me like my dad always did? Would he hit me in the face? I was terrified. Absolutely scared out of my mind. Riccardo swung the basement door wide open, revealing Adamo kneeling in the middle o
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 14
RiccardoThe basement was colder than normal, the air thick with the metallic scent of iron and a sense of dread. I lingered there long after Ava had stormed out, her defiance echoing in my mind like a curse. No one dared to follow her—not the guards who stood frozen against the walls or my siblings. They all waited for me to give the next order, but I stayed silent.What had she done to me?Why am I feeling this way? I shouldn’t. I should hate her. She and her family is the reason the woman I love is dead. I should be exacting my revenge on her and her family.I made my way upstairs and locked myself in the study, brushing off Bento's curious looks and Steph's worried glances. I poured myself a drink, watching the amber liquid swirl in the glass as if it held the answers I desperately needed.Her face wouldn’t leave my mind—the fire in her eyes mixed with fear, the sharpness of her words. She was scared, and I wasn’t sure how to process that.Actually, that’s not true. I knew exactly
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 15
AvaThe dining room felt like a fancy prison, with its elaborate furniture and sparkling chandeliers just reminding me of the life I was being pushed into. Every piece of pricey Hermes and every crystal glass felt like a weight on my chest. I had to resist the urge to squirm under the stares of my father and Riccardo's family as they sat at the long table, casually discussing wedding plans as if it were just another business deal. We had come back to America a few hours ago. I didn’t think it was about the wedding. I had prayed they would say it was all a mistake.But my hopes were shattered when I heard them talk about the wedding.Before long, I’d be stuck in a marriage I didn’t want, to a guy who had already shown he could never love me. I can’t figure out why he wants to marry me. Is this some twisted joke the universe is playing? If it is, it’s definitely not amusing.I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. The fury I’d been holding onto since that night in the basement whe
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 16
RiccardoThe wedding was creeping up on us, and with each day that passed, the pressure felt heavier. I caught a glimpse of Ava as she walked by, her face blank and her posture tense. She seemed so uneasy around me now, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her.The last few days had been filled with this thick, uncomfortable silence. I was pretty good at pretending it didn’t bother me, at acting like it didn’t matter that she couldn’t stand me. But inside, there was this nagging guilt I just couldn’t shake off.That night at her parents' place, something went down. Her dad called her into his office, and I saw the color drain from her face as she glanced at her brother, clearly scared. I noticed Richard shoot a fierce look at their dad, almost like he was giving a warning. When Ava returned, it was obvious something was off. She didn’t say a word to any of us, kept her head down, and hugged herself tightly. When her brother wrapped his arms around her, she flinched.Did her dad hurt her? Or
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 17
RiccardoLater that night, I found myself watching Ava from across the room again. She looked stunning without even trying, but the way she carried herself only fueled my anger. I hated that she continued to stand up to me, challenging me at every opportunity.I made my way toward her, each step heavy and purposeful. She noticed me approaching and tensed up, but she didn’t look away."You really think you can keep defying me?" I said, my voice low and threatening.She didn’t flinch at all. “Yes, I do,” she said, her voice unwavering, though I noticed a flicker in her eyes—maybe it was fear. But it wasn’t fear of me; it was fear of what I could turn her into.“You will submit, Ava,” I declared, my tone icy and unyielding. “Whether you want to or not.”Her eyes blazed with anger, that same fire I both despised and found hard to look away from. “I’ll never submit to you, Riccardo. Never. In case you didn’t notice, I’m not Madeline.”Something inside me snapped. Her words hit harder than
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 18
RiccardoThe package showed up right after noon while I was buried in work at my desk, trying to tackle the endless list of tasks piling up. At first, it looked like just another ordinary delivery—nothing out of the ordinary. But the moment I picked it up, a chill ran down my spine, and I sensed something was off.As I tore through the thick wrapping, the sound of the paper crinkling filled the air, and a gnawing feeling of dread settled in my stomach. When I finally revealed the contents, my heart dropped: a severed head rolled out onto my desk. I felt my stomach twist as I struggled to process the horrifying sight. Next to the head lay a thin, blood-stained note. I grabbed it, my eyes scanning the jagged, cruel handwriting."Can you save Ava before it’s too late?"The walls of the room felt like they were closing in on me, and I could feel the color drain from my face as my heart raced. These cowards had the audacity to send me this as if it were a joke.But it was far from a joke.
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 19
AvaThe room was filled with a warm, golden glow as the first light of dawn streamed through the tall windows. The air was infused with the sweet scents of vanilla and roses, blending with the soft aroma of satin as the final touches for the day were made. It created a gentle, peaceful vibe—so different from the turmoil brewing within me.I stood in front of the grand mirror, surrounded by the soft buzz of activity, with maids and seamstresses rushing around to make last-minute tweaks. They flitted about like shadows, their hands deft and light, ensuring every detail of my gown was flawless. Yet, no amount of beauty in the room could calm the frantic beating of my heart or the cold knot of anxiety that had settled deep inside me.The dress—my wedding dress—was everything a woman dreams of for her special day. The top featured a delicate corset made of intricate lace and satin, hugging my body in ways I never thought possible. It cinched my waist to an almost impossible slimness, while
Last Updated : 2025-03-19
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 76
AvaThe morning was pretty chill; I was in the kitchen with Virginia, chopping veggies and kneading dough while she kept an eye on me. She was humming softly, moving with such precision. “Signora Ava, you're improving,” she said with a warm smile as I fumbled to shape the dough into a ball. I chuckled a bit. “If by improving you mean 'not a total disaster,’ then sure, I'll take it.” Virginia laughed and shook her head. “You're doing great.” Meanwhile Lucifer was wandering around the kitchen, occasionally bumping my leg with his nose. The whole scene felt almost too perfect, but I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that had been hanging over me since the family dinner a few days back. Just as I was putting a pot on the stove, I heard Riccardo's footsteps. He walked in, phone in hand, looking serious. I was about to say hi, but he just walked past me, totally focused on the call he was making. “What is it?” he snapped as soon as the other person picked up. His tone made me freeze,
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 75
Ava The De Lucca estate was buzzing the next evening as the staff got ready for the family dinner. The grand dining room, usually so formal, felt cozy tonight, like everyone had decided to let their guards down for a bit. It had been weeks since we had a full family dinner, and tonight felt like a step back towards normalcy. We aimed for a peaceful evening, trying to bring the family together, even with the unspoken tension lingering in the air. The fine china was set for a meal that was supposed to be filled with chatter, laughter, and a sense of normal life. But there was a noticeable heaviness tonight, something we all felt but couldn’t quite put into words. I was the only one who seemed to notice it, a thick, suffocating presence. Everyone else was chatting and laughing, but my eyes kept drifting back to Riccardo. He sat at the head of the table, hardly touching his food, lost in thought. Yet his gaze was locked on me, tracking my every move, like a predator watching its prey.
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 74
RiccardoI reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. “Take it off,” I commanded, my tone firm and non-negotiable. She paused, narrowing her eyes as if weighing her options—whether to comply or resist. But I could see the flicker of something deeper in her gaze. It was a game, a challenge. Fear was gone; she was... thrilled. With a slow, teasing motion, she reached for the zipper on her dress. Her hands shook just a bit as she pulled the fabric down, revealing her smooth skin bit by bit. I couldn't take my eyes off her, feeling a primal urge rise within me. Her hesitation only fueled my desire. This wasn’t about submission for her. No, this was her taking control. She was undressing for me, but on her own terms, stretching out the moment, turning it into a tease rather than a surrender. When her dress pooled at her feet, leaving her in just lace, I let out a slow, appreciative breath. She was stunning, every curve an invitation, every inch a weapon. Standing tall, her ey
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 73
RiccardoThe ride home was filled with an uncomfortable silence. The tension between us was so thick you could almost slice it. I could sense her next to me, her body rigid, her gaze fixed straight ahead, avoiding my eyes like she always did when she was upset. She was still mad about dinner and the argument we had. It didn’t matter that she had the guts to confront me in front of everyone; that just made me angrier, but I had to keep it together—not just yet. I thought she might break the silence, try to get under my skin again. But Ava was keeping it cool, almost like she knew how much this quiet was eating away at me. It was her way of getting to me without saying a word. When we finally stopped outside the mansion, I didn’t even glance at her. I just slammed the door and walked ahead, fully aware she was right behind me. I didn’t want her to say anything—not yet. There were things I needed to sort out—things she had to grasp. I led her through the dim hallway, skipping any small
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 73
AvaRiccardo's eyes darkened as he let go of my wrist, shoving his hands into his pockets. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought it might snap. "You think you can just do whatever you want, don't you?" he spat, his voice a mixture of frustration and anger. "Teasing me with Vito―flirting with him like that— in front of everyone."I felt a rush of heat that wasn't just from the wine. I tilted my head, my voice dripping with teasing sweetness. "What exactly did you expect? You didn't think I'd have a little fun?"His eyes narrowed, dark and furious, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his lips pressed together, like he was trying to hold back something. "You're fucking testing me, Ava." I stepped closer, a small laugh escaping me. I lowered my voice, knowing how it would affect him. "Don't think for a secondI didn't notice. Anna—she seemed pretty comfortable with you."His eyes flashed, and I could almost feel the heat radiating from him. "What the fuck are you talki
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 72
AvaThe grand chandelier above glistened, casting a soft glow over the long, polished table. The room was full of the usual opulence that came with these gatherings ―marble floors, gold-trimmed chairs, and fine china, all serving as a backdrop to the quiet hum of murmured conversations. Mafia families, powerful men and women dressed in their finest, sat around the table like royalty, speaking in low tones about deals, territories, and power plays that meant nothing to the average person. I was sitting between Steph and Vito, a combination that felt like the perfect cocktail for trouble. Steph, who always seemed to have something up her sleeve, was already eyeing the wine list as if it were her best friend. Vito, on the other hand, his usual charming smile plastered on his face, but his eyes lingering just a little too long for my liking.Riccardo sat across from me, the weight of his presence undeniable. He was next to Bento, his younger brother, who was in his usual jovial mood, talk
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 71
RiccardoTonight was meant to be a straightforward gathering. A dinner where allies would come together, sharing friendly banter and discussing agreements to strengthen our influence. The leaders of Italy's most powerful mafia families would be present, their wives accompanying them, and I would take the lead in representing our family's interests. Yet, even in a room filled with power, it always felt like a game—one where loyalty and control were constantly being tested. I had to stay vigilant. This evening had been planned months in advance, a ritual to reinforce alliances and maintain the De Lucca family's supremacy. It was the type of night where everyone wore smiles, where no one spoke too openly, and where every word and action carried weight. I had steeled myself to maintain a composed demeanor, to assert my presence without revealing my true feelings. The suit was a perfect fit. Black, tailored, with sharp lines. My hands moved instinctively as I fastened the cuffs of my slee
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 70
AvaThe gentle sunlight streaming into the room nudged me awake, but it wasn't the light that caught my attention. It was the warm weight of Riccardo's arm resting protectively over my waist. His breathing was calm and rhythmic, the soft rise and fall of his chest brushing against my shoulder. I paused for a moment, taking it all in. This man, who had once been so cold and harsh towards me, was now my refuge. It was tough to reconcile those two sides of him, but as I lay there in the peaceful morning, I knew which one I chose to believe in.Carefully, I slipped out from under his arm, ignoring the slight ache from my still-healing wounds. Riccardo stirred a bit, his brow furrowing as if he was reluctant to let me go even in his sleep. A small smile crept onto my face, memories of our night together rushing back. I sat up on the edge of the bed, running my fingers through my hair, when his voice broke the quiet. "Where do you think you're going?"I turned around to see him staring at m
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 69
RiccardoThe next day unfolded slowly, a calm before a storm. I could tell by Ava's behavior; she was deliberately trying to provoke me with a look, a word, or most annoyingly, her body when I least expected it. Her clinginess had intensified after her recovery, and while I was glad for her, I felt completely powerless to change anything. As I helped her with breakfast, her fingers danced on my arm, lingering longer than necessary. She met my eyes with an intense gaze, a captivating allure that was all-consuming."Riccardo," she whispered, her voice playful, leaning in so her lips brushed against my ear. "You're holding back," she murmured, sending my heart racing. She was so near, dangerously so, and I knew I had to resist. Not yet. Later, as we sat on the couch with her legs draped over mine, her body pressed against me, I struggled to breathe. Her eyes were locked onto mine, and I saw that challenge, that daring spark again."You're not even looking at me," she said, her voice low
