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Chapter 30
Last Updated:
2025-04-01 18:54:06
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 31
Ava "Let's go," Riccardo said softly, his hand brushing against mine. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot."We're finished here." Without waiting for me to reply, he guided me out of the room, the tension from the evening still lingering. But as I walked next to him, I felt certain of one thing: this was just the start. The house was now silent, the clinking of dishes and soft chatter replaced by a heavy stillness after dinner. Everyone had left, but the tension from the meal hung in the air like a thick fog. I found myself wandering through the mansion, my mind replaying the conversations—about heirs, expectations, and what they wanted from me. From us. I barely noticed Riccardo when he walked into the kitchen. It wasn't until he spoke that I jumped, surprised. He stood in the doorway, backlit by the dim hallway light, his face unreadable. "Figured you might be here," he said, his voice low, but there was an icy undertone. Maybe it was the frustration from dinner still han
Last Updated : 2025-04-02Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 32
Ava It was midnight when I found myself in the kitchen, the soft light from the living room casting a cozy glow on the marble counters. Riccardo was out again, as he often was, but I didn’t mind at all. I was relishing the tranquility—just some time to myself. I poured a glass of red wine, the sound of it filling the silence of the mansion in a soothing rhythm. The movie playing in the background was nothing noteworthy—just some mindless drama to keep the quiet at bay. My messy bun was starting to unravel, with strands of hair escaping, and I was wearing soft, lacy blue pajamas that hugged my body. The fabric was thin, revealing more than it concealed, but I didn’t care. There was no one here to impress. The wine felt cool on my tongue, contrasting with the warmth spreading in my chest, a brief distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. But that peace didn’t last long before the door creaked open. I heard Riccardo’s heavy footsteps first, the sound of him shifting his
Last Updated : 2025-04-03Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 33
Ava I woke up the next morning still fuming, replaying everything that had happened the night before in my mind. Riccardo's icy, dismissive attitude and the nerve he had to even consider bringing someone into the house after the way he treated me… It felt like my dreams had finally come true, only for him to crush them into tiny pieces. I could hear another woman's voice and laughter drifting through the thick walls of the De Lucca house, but I didn’t need to know the specifics to understand what was going on. The guest room Riccardo was using for his... questionable activities... was just down the hall from mine. It made my blood boil, all because of the sheer disrespect.As I made my way downstairs, the house felt unusually quiet, the kind of silence that hung heavily in the air, reminding me of how alone I felt here. My bare feet made soft sounds against the tiled floor as I headed to the kitchen for some coffee. I heard voices and recognized one of them as Bento's. I paused at
Last Updated : 2025-04-03Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 34
Ava It had been a few days since the fallout with Riccardo, and the distance between us had widened. I was at a loss for how to close that gap. We hadn’t exchanged a word since that morning—since the argument where I laid out my feelings, and he responded with his typical defensiveness. The silence was becoming unbearable. Part of me wanted to avoid him, but another, more vulnerable part longed for a conversation to ease the tension, even if it meant confronting the reality of what had transpired. As I walked down the hallway, my phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at the screen and saw it was my dad. I hesitated before picking up. We hadn’t talked much since the wedding, and I couldn’t help but wonder why he was reaching out now. Was it just his usual concern, or was there something more?“Hi, Dad,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, even though I felt a knot in my stomach. “Ava,” he replied in that familiar, commanding tone. “How are you, my daughter?”
Last Updated : 2025-04-04Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 35
Ava Breakfast was filled with tension. Riccardo sat across from me, his grey eyes glued to his phone. The sound of my fork hitting the plate seemed to echo in the otherwise quiet room. I straightened up and deliberately set my fork down. "I want to visit my family today," I stated, keeping my voice calm. He finally looked up from the paper, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. For a moment, he was silent, and the stillness lingered. "Why?" he asked, leaning back in his chair, his face unreadable. I fought the impulse to snap at him. "Because I haven't seen them since the wedding. My mother and Richard don’t deserve to be cut out of my life." His jaw tightened, and he put the newspaper down. "And your father?" The mention of him made me tense. "He's away on business." I met his gaze, my voice steady. Riccardo studied me for what felt like an eternity. His stare was piercing, cutting through any mask I tried to wear. At last, he nodded sharply. "Alright. But you won’t go alone." I
Last Updated : 2025-04-04Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 36
Ava The connections weren’t entirely clear, but it was enough to send a chill down my spine. Gripping the document tightly, I stuffed it into my purse and hurried out of the room, my heels clicking more rapidly against the floor. When I got back to the living room, Richard raised an eyebrow. "Are you alright?" I forced a smile. "Just needed a minute." The ride back to the De Lucca mansion felt endless, the silence in the car stretching between me and the driver. I sat in the back, the weight of my discovery pressing heavily on my chest. My fingers tightened around the edges of the document in my bag as I replayed what I had seen—payments from the Sterling family. My father had always been a puzzle to me, but this felt like a whole new level of betrayal. As we got closer, my feelings became more conflicted. Should I tell Riccardo about what I found? Should I show him the document to prove I’m not as naive as he thinks? Or should I keep it to myself for now? My father's secrets wer
Last Updated : 2025-04-05Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 37
Ava It had been several days since I got back from visiting my family, and things between Riccardo and me had only deteriorated. To be honest, I was doing my best to steer clear of him. I just wasn’t in the mood to deal with him—especially not after everything that had happened. So, there I was, lounging in the living room, mindlessly flipping through a book while Lucifer rested beside me, his head comfortably in my lap. I stroked his fur, hoping to find some tranquility in the quiet. It was one of those rare moments where I could momentarily forget the chaos around us, where everything felt peaceful and normal. But that calm didn’t last long. “Ava,” I heard Riccardo call from upstairs. His voice was flat yet commanding, sending a shiver down my spine. “My office. Now.” My chest tightened at his words. It wasn’t a request; it was an order. I gave Lucifer a soft pat and reluctantly got up, trudging toward the stairs with a heavy heart. I knew this talk was unavoidable. When I ent
Last Updated : 2025-04-05Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 38
Riccardo She’s furious. Her gaze is sharp, like daggers, and I know I deserve every ounce of that anger. But there’s something else in her eyes—a shift, a tension that suggests she’s not as sure as she pretends to be. There is sadness in her eyes. That uncertainty is gnawing at me, and I’m the one who caused it, yet I have no idea how to mend it. I lean back in my chair, my thoughts a jumbled mess. She’s silent, just observing me, and it drives me crazy. The quiet feels stifling, tightening around my chest with every breath. I can sense my grip on the situation slipping away, and I’m at a loss for how to regain it. My movements are stiff and tense—nothing like my usual confident demeanor. I rub my jaw, trying to ease the frustration building inside me, but it’s futile. I can feel her gaze weighing down on me, compelling me to face everything I’ve been avoiding. It was a really dumb mistake. The intensity in my voice surprised me. I stop moving and turn to face her, my body tense a
Last Updated : 2025-04-07
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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
