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Chapter 37
Last Updated:
2025-04-05 17:04:44
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Substitute 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 : 2025-04-07Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 39
Riccardo I can feel the anger rising as I look at the images in front of me. Another damn black dahlia. This time, it’s pictures of Ava. Just seeing them makes my stomach churn, a tight knot of fury forming in my chest. Someone is toying with me, and it just won’t stop. I need answers. Right now. The clock ticks slowly as I get ready for the meeting. My mind is racing, weighing the possible threats and what could happen next. I understand the implications—this is more than just a warning. They’re stepping it up. I don’t hesitate to gather the family. This isn’t solely my call. I need Bento, Steph, and my most trusted men here. We can’t leave anything to chance. I don’t care how exhausted they are or what they have going on. They’ll be here, and they’ll be here immediately. I swing open my office door, hearing the faint shuffle of feet in the hallway, signaling that everyone has arrived. I settle into my chair behind the desk, my sharp gaze scanning each face as they enter the roo
Last Updated : 2025-04-07Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 40
Riccardo A hush envelops the room. Bento raises an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Well, well. Looks like you’re more than just Riccardo’s wife. Our little princess is starting to think for herself?" I don’t reply to Bento; my gaze is fixed on Ava. She remains unfazed as his words linger in the air, simply meeting my stare, waiting for me to react. My chest tightens, anger simmering within me. Sure, I’m secretly pleased she’s digging into her father’s affairs, but she took that document without telling me. I suddenly stand, my chair scraping loudly against the floor as I slam my fist on the table. "You went through his stuff?" My voice is low, filled with a mix of anger and betrayal. "You put everything at risk by snooping in your father’s office?" Ava doesn’t flinch. She holds my gaze, her chest rising and falling as she takes a deep breath. "If you won’t tell me what’s really happening, then I’ll just have to find out myself." Steph, always the quiet one, gives me a look of app
Last Updated : 2025-04-08Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 41
Ava The atmosphere is heavy, filled with all the unspoken words hanging between us. The rest of the meeting was a whirlwind—voices overlapping, tempers rising, and the truth about my father finally surfacing. Now, all I can focus on is the one thing I've been trying to dodge: Riccardo. His furious glare, the way his eyes seared into me when I stood up in front of everyone, and how he’s made it clear that I don’t belong in his life. And now, here we are, just the two of us in the office, the walls feeling like they’re closing in. I can sense his anger even before he says anything, the heat radiating from him as he steps closer, fists clenched at his sides. "I don’t want you involved in this," he growls, his voice low but sharp. "This is my battle, Ava, not yours." I refuse to flinch. I won’t. "I can’t just stand by while my father—" I cut myself off, the sting of his betrayal rising in my chest, but it’s not new. I’ve come to realize that car accident was meant for me. I was suppos
Last Updated : 2025-04-08Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 42
Riccardo I'm leaning back in my chair, my eyes darting over the chaotic papers spread out before me, trying to piece together the current mess. It's late—way past the hour when I should be winding down—but the tension just keeps escalating. The Sterlings have been pushing into our territory way too much, and I'm fed up with it. Bento's voice breaks into my thoughts, low but laced with urgency. "I've tracked some Sterling guys to a club on the city's edge," he says, stepping into my office with a determined look. "They've been meeting there regularly, and there's a gathering tonight. If we act quickly, we can catch them off guard." I sit up straight, fully focused on him now. The tension in my chest tightens. We've been waiting for a chance to strike back, and this could be it. "Gather the men. Steph. We leave in an hour," I command, my voice steady and resolute. Bento nods sharply, his eyes glinting with a darker, eager intensity. I rise from my desk, my mind racing through the p
Last Updated : 2025-04-09Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 43
Ava I stroll through the warm breeze, inhaling the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers in the gardens, trying to push aside the chaotic thoughts swirling in my head. His kiss still lingers on my lips, but there's something else nagging at me—making me question if I truly know him at all. I can hear the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft hum of the day, yet all I feel is the heaviness of my thoughts. I married a man who can kiss me one moment and then act like it never happened the next. I loved how his lips touched mine. It was something I dreamed about for years and now that it finally happened, I felt afraid. Maybe it's because I am afraid he is only using me to replace Madeline? Or maybe it's because life has shown me what people can do to you. Then something caught my eyes. A quick movement—a glint of light from a camera lens peeking out from behind the hedge. I keep walking, but my heart skips a beat. It’s one of the guards. A chill runs down my spine, and I can’t shake th
Last Updated : 2025-04-09Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 44
Ava The late afternoon sun streamed through my room's windows, casting a warm golden glow on the walls. Yet, despite the peaceful scene outside, my mind was in turmoil. I couldn't shake the images from the basement—the blood, the screams, and the chilling intensity in Riccardo's gaze. It felt like I had uncovered a darker, more frightening side of him, and I was left wondering how someone could turn into that. He reminded me of my father. I hated what they did to people. The way they torture people is like it was some kind of sick, twisted joke. A sudden knock broke my train of thought, and before I could respond, Steph breezed in, dramatically closing the door behind her. "Ever heard of knocking?" I said with a hint of sarcasm as I turned to face her. "Not really my thing," she shot back, grinning as she flopped onto my bed and stretched out. "Besides, you've been sulking all day. I'm here to rescue you from your own thoughts." I let out a reluctant laugh, but it quickly faded.
Last Updated : 2025-04-10Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 45
Riccardo The house was still, except for the occasional creak of the aging walls. After the chaos of the last few days, the quiet was a relief, but sleep still eluded me. The sharp pain in my ribs from the bullet wound was nothing compared to the frustration swirling in my mind. I wandered into the kitchen, shirtless and clutching a glass of whiskey. The cool air brushed against my skin as I leaned against the counter, watching the amber liquid swirl. I should have been concentrating on the Sterlings, the mole we had to deal with, anything but her. But Ava kept invading my thoughts. I took another sip, my jaw tightening in irritation. She drove me crazy—her stubbornness, her defiance, her reckless tendency to put herself in harm's way. And then there was that kiss. Just thinking about her lips on mine sent a rush of emotions I couldn’t quite identify. The sound of soft footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Ava standing in the kitchen doorway. She wore a silk nigh
Last Updated : 2025-04-11
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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
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
