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Chapter 19
Last Updated:
2025-03-19 19:45:27
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 20
RiccardoI stood in front of the mirror, gripping the collar of my white dress shirt while I adjusted my cufflinks. Each motion felt intentional and precise. My silk tie was perfectly knotted, as usual, and my dark suit hugged my body just right, tailored to perfection. My broad shoulders filled it out well, the sharp black fabric slicing through the air like a predator on the prowl. The suit was flawless, the white shirt underneath crisp, and the black jacket smooth and polished.My hair was slicked back with just the right amount of gel, dark strands falling into place as they always did, never out of order. The roughness of my jawline was softened by a clean shave I had just done minutes ago. But something felt off. Not today.I wasn’t anxious in the way a man should be on his wedding day. No, I felt something different—distant. Detached. I could sense the weight of the day pressing down on me, but it wasn’t the ceremony that troubled me. It was the reality of the life I was about
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 21
AvaThe ceremony was about to start any moment now.A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. Before I could reply, the door slowly opened, and Amara De Lucca stepped in.Her arrival instantly changed the atmosphere in the room. Dressed in a stunning dark green gown that sparkled under the lights, she moved with a quiet elegance. Her grey eyes softened when they met mine."Can I have a moment with you?" she asked softly.I nodded, holding still as she came closer. She reached out to adjust a loose strand of my veil, her hands resting lightly on my shoulders."You look absolutely beautiful, mio figlio," she said, her smile warm yet carrying an undertone I couldn't quite identify."Thank you," I replied, my voice feeling small.She took a step back, her hands neatly clasped in front of her. "I wanted to talk to you before you leave this room. There’s something important you need to know." My heart raced at her serious tone, but I tried to remain calm. "What is it?"Amara paused, her gaze
Last Updated : 2025-03-20Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 22
AvaI can feel my dad's grip on my arm, firm and unyielding. The weight of my dress feels like an anchor, dragging me down, yet my feet move automatically, as if I’ve rehearsed this moment countless times in my head. The gentle swish of the silk and lace accompanies my every step, matching the rapid beat of my heart.The long aisle stretches out before me, illuminated by rows of tall white lanterns flickering gently, casting a dreamlike glow over the crowd. The grand hall is a blend of black and white, with soaring ceilings that seem to reach the sky. Everything is meticulously arranged, every detail in place, but it all feels surreal, as if it doesn’t truly belong to me.As we near the entrance, I steal a quick glance at my dad. His expression is as stoic as ever. There’s no comfort in his grip, no warmth—just a chilling reminder of my obligations. This is my destiny, I remind myself, trying to calm my racing heart. This is what I have to do.The front row is filled with familiar fac
Last Updated : 2025-03-20Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 23
RiccardoI've definitely seen her before—always in stunning dresses, looking flawless. But this time... it feels different. As if I see her for the first time for who she really is.As soon as she appears, my heart does something I really don’t want it to. It flutters, soft and unexpected. I quickly push it down, hiding it under my iron grip of control. She's finally making her way down the aisle toward me, and all eyes are on her. But honestly, I couldn't care less about them.The white gown hugs her curves in a way that's almost sinful, the corset lifting her chest, while the long, flowing skirt trails behind her like a snowy river. Her lips are a delicate pink, but it’s her eyes—those deep green ones—that pull me in. They’re wide and anxious, but there’s something else lurking there too. Something wild. Something I intend to claim.Her father holds her arm tightly, guiding her forward, but she’s avoiding my gaze. She glances at Richard first, then Steph, and finally Bento. And then
Last Updated : 2025-03-20Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 24
AvaThe ballroom was awash in shades of black, silver, and white, with the gentle clinking of champagne glasses and the hum of conversation creating a lively atmosphere. As I glanced around, I felt the weight of many gazes on me—some filled with admiration, others calculating, and a few outright judgmental. I could catch snippets of my family's whispers. How could she marry her sister’s fiancé? Was this her plan from the start? Her sister must be rolling in her grave.But the key thing to remember was that they weren't seeing Ava Parker anymore; they were seeing Mrs. De Lucca.I barely sipped the champagne in my hand, the delicate glass quivering slightly. My dress sparkled with every step, its silk fabric both comforting and a stark reminder of the recent events."Breathe, Sorella," Steph whispered as she joined me, her dress glimmering with each movement. She linked her arm with mine, providing a steadying presence."I am breathing," I replied, forcing a small smile."Barely," she m
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 25
AvaThe ballroom felt stifling. The crowd swirled around me, glasses clinked, and the guests' watchful gazes weighed heavily, making it difficult to catch my breath. I slipped out through a side door, carefully holding my gown to avoid tripping, and found a quiet corridor.At last, peace.I leaned against the cool stone wall, shutting my eyes. The sound of my heartbeat echoed in my ears, drowning out the distant noise of the party. I struggled to steady my breath and regain my composure.The gown felt heavier now, the corset tighter, as if it were working against me. It didn’t matter how beautiful it was; I felt confined. I felt like a princess trapped in a cage.A faint but sharp scent of roses lingered in the air, reminding me of the black and white bouquet I had carried earlier. The black roses reflected how I felt right now.Why couldn’t he love me? It might have been easier if he did, but deep down, I knew Riccardo De Lucca would never see me that way. To him, I was just his fian
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 26
AvaI opened my mouth to respond, but the door creaked open again, interrupting me."There you are!" Bento sauntered in, his smile shining as brightly as the chandeliers in the ballroom. "I thought you two had run off and left me hanging.""Bento." Riccardo growled, clearly losing his patience."What?" Bento shrugged, moving further into the room. "You've got half the guests wondering where the bride is and the other half trying to figure out who sent that lovely gift."I frowned, feeling a knot in my stomach. "Gift?"Bento's smile grew even wider. "Oh, you missed it? The flower in question is a black dahlia. Very dramatic. Definitely gives off 'we're not fans of your marriage' vibes."My stomach churned, and I looked at Riccardo. His face was unreadable, but I could see his hand twitching at his side, as if he wanted to grab something."Who sent it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."There was no name on the card." Riccardo replied, his tone icy."It's a threat."Bento leane
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 27
AvaI respond with a polite smile, but a wave of discomfort washes over me. It’s not the compliment that unsettles me; it’s the way he looks at me, taking an extra moment to appreciate every detail of my appearance. His gaze feels too intense, making me feel vulnerable, and the fact that he mentioned her.Before I can say anything, I sense it—a change in the atmosphere. Riccardo's body stiffens next to me, and I can almost hear the growl building in his chest. He inches closer, his presence consuming the space between us, his grip on my waist tightening.His voice drops to a low tone, colder than I've ever heard. "Be careful," Riccardo warns sharply, his words slicing through the polite vibe of the gathering. "Don't waste your time and never mention anything about Madeline again."The man blinks, clearly taken aback by Riccardo's sudden hostility. His politeness wavers, and he lets out a nervous laugh, quickly stepping back. "Of course, Mr. De Lucca. My apologies." He bows his head, c
Last Updated : 2025-03-21
Latest chapter
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 81
Ava 6 YEARS LATER I can't believe this is happening. My only friend, Judas, who I thought would be there for me during my toughest times, turned out to be the very monster I always feared. He actually put a gun in my face right in front of my kids and forced us into a van. I'm overwhelmed with so many emotions right now that I can't even pick one. I'm scared out of my mind, but I have to stay strong for my kids. I glance back at them from the front seat and see my little girl and boy terrified, clinging to each other, sometimes shutting their eyes tight when fear hits them. It makes me so angry and breaks my heart to see them like this; they shouldn't have to feel scared. Their big eyes are filled with tears, and their little cheeks are marked with tear tracks, just waiting for me to comfort them. Six years ago, I found out I was pregnant and hoped Riccardo would come back, but he never did. I waited two weeks before asking my brother to send him the divorce papers, and then I lef
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 80
Ava I made my way to our shared bedroom, my steps purposeful, almost robotic. My hands shook as I opened the closet and without a second thought, I started yanking clothes off the hangers, tossing them into a suitcase. Jeans, shirts, dresses—everything I could cram in, everything that reminded me of my life before this chaos. I didn't bother folding anything; I just stuffed it in, fueled by anger and frustration that made each action feel sharp and almost aggressive. I had no idea where I was headed, but I didn't care. I just needed to leave. I kept thinking about Riccardo. How indifferent he was. He probably wouldn't even realize I was gone until it was too late. He was too lost in his own turmoil, too wrapped up in his grief and anger. Even if he did notice, I knew he wouldn't try to stop me. He didn't want me. That realization stung more than I wanted to admit, but it was the truth. I was just another burden to him, a part of his life he couldn't be bothered to hold onto. He had
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 78
AvaThe funeral felt like a haze of black and white—everyone in dark suits and surrounded by white flowers, with faces that showed no emotion. People moved in and out of the church like they were part of a ritual they had to get through. The air was heavy with the smell of roses and incense, but all I could taste was a bitterness I couldn't quite place. Riccardo stood at the front, stiff and silent, like a stone statue. His jaw was so tight it looked like it might break. His dark eyes were cold and distant—completely detached. The man I had known just weeks before was gone. He had turned into someone else. A shadow. A ghost. Bento was next to him, staring at the coffin, his lips pressed together and his face pale. He hadn’t said a word since we got there. He was just a shell of the easygoing guy I used to know. His shoulders were slumped, and the usual spark in him was gone, buried under the heaviness of the day.Then there was Steph... she was a whole different story. She couldn’t ev
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 77
Riccardo I poured myself another glass of whiskey, my hand steady even though a storm raged inside me. The burn slid down my throat, but it didn’t reach the numbness I was seeking. The bottle was nearly empty, sitting on the edge of my desk. Good. I’d need another soon. The house was quiet now. Bento, Steph, Ava—I couldn’t be there. Not for them, not for anyone. Because if I stayed, I’d shatter. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. My mother’s face flashed in my mind—her gentle smile, the way she’d squeeze my hand as a child, assuring me everything would be alright. She was the only softness in my life before I met my wife. I could still picture it vividly—the moment I found her. It was etched in my memory like an indelible scar.She was sprawled on the floor, her body lifeless and awkward, her skin as white as the marble in the hallway. It was baffling. I had never seen her like this before. She wasn't merely asleep, despite how I had tried to convince myself at first.
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
