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Chapter 22
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-20 17:08:10
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Substitute 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 28
AvaThe door clicks shut behind us, and just like that, we’re on our own. I wanted to be alone but Riccardo followed me as soon as I left his side. The buzz of the wedding—the laughter, the guests—vanishes the moment the room goes quiet. It’s just the two of us now.I glance at him, standing there, tall and imposing. The man I’m now bound to. But it doesn’t feel real; it feels more like a bad dream.I fold my arms, not even trying to hide the resentment bubbling inside me. This feeling has been with me since the start of all this. I didn’t choose this path, and he’s not going to make me follow his lead."Well?" I say, my voice cutting through the silence a bit too loudly. "What’s next, Riccardo? Are you still going to play your little games now that I have your last name? Can you just leave me alone?"His eyes narrow, but he doesn’t respond right away. Instead, he steps closer, and I stand my ground. There’s a chilling intensity in his gaze, but it pales in comparison to the fire buil
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 29
RiccardoThe encounter with Ava keeps replaying in my head—her boldness, the way she stood her ground against me. I always thought she was timid, but I clearly misread her. I’ve noticed a change in her vibe for days, but tonight felt different. It was like she was deliberately distancing herself, making it clear that we’re not on the same page and that she won’t conform to my expectations.I run my hand over my face, attempting to ease the tension in my shoulders. Even though she’s retreated to her room, I can still sense her gaze on me. It’s odd how much her presence impacts me. Right now, the only thing that feels right is the solace of the cold, dark room waiting for me, filled only with my thoughts.I shut the door behind me and head toward the bed, feeling the weight of the day settle in. The wedding, the speeches, the dancing—everything. It was meant to be just a formality—a straightforward, strategic alliance, like all the others in our world. A deal, a means of revenge. Nothin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 30
AvaThe dinner table looked flawless, but the atmosphere was charged with a different kind of tension. It felt like a noose tightening around my throat with every second that passed. The men present—my father, Luigi, and Riccardo—sat there like immovable statues, radiating authority as if we were just having a regular family meal. But I wasn’t foolish enough to buy that. Not when they were all staring at me like I was the next piece in their chess game.My father shattered the silence with his gravelly, commanding voice, the tone he always used when he had something serious to say. "We need to discuss the next step," he stated, his eyes locked on me. "An heir. The family requires one. We can’t afford to delay any longer." I tensed up, a wave of nausea washing over me at the mere suggestion. An heir. They were already treating me like I was just a means to fulfill their thirst for power. I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my cool, but my anger was simmering just beneath the surface."An
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
Bab terbaru
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
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
