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Chapter 43
Last Updated:
2025-04-09 13:08:40
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Substitute 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 : 2025-04-11Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 46
Ava I tried to brush it off. The kiss. The way he kissed me. The sensation of his lips, the way he held me as if I were his lifeline, like he was desperate and I was the only thing that could fill that void. I’ve fantasized about his lips for ages, and now that I’ve experienced them, I can’t get enough. But I’d never confess that. Not to myself. Not to him. Dinner the next day was meant to be just another evening. But with Riccardo, nothing was ever just ordinary. I found myself sitting next to him at the long dining table, pretending to pay attention to the chat between Steph and Bento. They were going on about some mundane family business topic that didn’t interest me at all—but I couldn’t focus. My thoughts kept circling back to that kiss. The intensity of it. The way his lips had taken mine, as if he’d been waiting for that moment, like he couldn’t hold back any longer. It was meaningless. So why did it feel like everything had shifted? I squirmed in my chair, trying to i
Last Updated : 2025-04-11Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapterr 47
Ava I opened my mouth to say something, but the words just wouldn’t come out. I wanted to express how much I wished to erase that kiss from my mind, yet my body had other ideas. Instead, I shot him a glare, trying to maintain my defenses. "Quit pushing me around," I said, though my voice felt weak against the tension building between us. He chuckled, but it wasn’t a lighthearted laugh. It was dark and tinged with bitterness. "Is that really what you think this is? Just me pushing you around?" He stepped closer, and I could feel the heat radiating from him. My breath caught, and for a second, I thought I might break down. But I held it together. "We’re not doing this. Not again." He reached out, his fingers grazing my jaw and tilting my head up to meet his eyes. "You’re lying," he murmured. "You’re lying to yourself, to me, and to everyone else in this house." I grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand away from my face. "You think you can just touch me whenever you feel like it?" H
Last Updated : 2025-04-12Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 48
Ava A few days have passed since I had sex with Riccardo in his office. That night I couldn't sleep. I kept replaying what happened in my mind. I still couldn't believe I slept with him and not to mention I gave him a blowjob while Jessy was sitting there. Speaking of Jessy, I swear he knows I was under the table that day. Every time he sees me he grins and winks at me but I act as if nothing had happened. Coming back to today. I was in my room getting ready since we were invited to a ball. Riccardo didn't seem happy about going, making me wonder if all the mafia bosses were going to be there. The bedroom buzzed with excitement as Steph dug through jewelry boxes, her silver dress sparkling with every move. Tonight was the masquerade ball, but my mind was stuck on what had happened between Riccardo and me a few nights ago. "I knew this would look amazing on you," she said, gesturing to the black satin dress I had just put on. I smoothed the fabric over my hips, admiring my reflec
Last Updated : 2025-04-12Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 49
Ava Riccardo brushed off the question, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned against the counter next to me. He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "You’re loving this, aren’t you?" he said, his voice low and playful. "Enjoying what?" I shot back, but the warmth creeping into my cheeks gave me away. "The way every guy in this room is checking you out," he replied, his lips nearly touching my ear, his breath sending goosebumps racing down my neck. "The way their eyes linger on what’s mine." I rolled my eyes, even as I found myself leaning closer to him. "I’m not anyone’s property." His hand found my jaw, tilting my face so I had no choice but to look into his eyes. "Don’t kid yourself, Ava. You’re mine, and deep down, you know it." Before I could say anything, he lowered his head, his lips grazing the curve of my neck. The warmth of his mouth sent a jolt through me, and I hated how easily he unraveled my reso
Last Updated : 2025-04-14Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 50
Ava There's a light, almost playful vibe between us, and honestly, I'm not used to this kind of attention—at least not like this. "Nice to meet you, Ava." I’m about to reply when I hear a deep, unmistakable voice from behind me. "Get the hell away from my wife." The words slice through our light chat like a knife. My stomach drops, and I turn around, surprised. Riccardo is there, glaring at Vito with an intensity that makes my heart race. His jaw is tight, fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes blaze with a raw, dangerous anger. Vito, sensing the threat, quickly steps back, hands raised in a mock gesture of surrender. "My bad, Don De Lucca. I didn’t mean to intrude. Just admiring the view." He throws me one last look, a playful smile still on his face, before he walks away. Riccardo keeps his gaze locked on Vito until he’s out of sight, his eyes still simmering with rage. Then, his focus shifts to me, and I can feel the weight of his stare—heavy and possessive. The atmosphere
Last Updated : 2025-04-15Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 51
Ava The morning sun peeked through the curtains as I gradually opened my eyes, the gentle hum of the house being the only sound I could hear. I stretched, feeling the lingering tension from last night between Riccardo and me, even though we hadn’t said a word since. I was at a loss for how to feel. My mind was a jumble, and my heart wasn’t faring any better. I got out of bed, threw on some comfy clothes, and headed down the grand staircase. The house felt oddly quiet this morning, as if everyone was keeping their distance. As I turned the corner into the kitchen, the aroma of coffee greeted me, along with the light chatter of Bento and Steph. Lucifer bounded around my feet, barking happily as I bent down to give him a scratch, his warm fur providing a bit of comfort. "Good morning," I said softly, running my fingers through his fur as I stood back up. "Morning," Bento replied, his tone playful. He looked up from the counter with a cheeky grin. "You doing okay today?" I shot him a
Last Updated : 2025-04-15
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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
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
