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Chapter 52
Last Updated:
2025-04-16 13:35:00
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 53
Ava It was Steph's birthday, and the house buzzed with excitement. I groggily got out of bed, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night. My thoughts were still tangled up with Riccardo, but today was all about celebrating Steph and her special day. As I made my way downstairs, I found Steph already at the kitchen table, surrounded by vibrant balloons and a pile of gifts. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she unwrapped each present, letting out loud gasps and over-the-top expressions of delight. "Another designer handbag?" She laughed, tossing her red hair back as she revealed the gift. "Is everyone trying to turn me into a shopaholic or what?" "You're already halfway there," I joked, taking a sip of my coffee while leaning against the counter. Steph shot me a playful grin. When she opened the last gift, she squealed in excitement upon discovering a small box from me. "Oh my god, you didn't!" she exclaimed, pulling out a revolver. "Happy birthday, Steph," I smiled. Step
Last Updated : 2025-04-17Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 54
Ava "You think you can just flirt with him and get away with it?" His voice was rough, almost a growl, as he slammed the door behind us. I stood frozen, my heart racing and my chest rising and falling rapidly. I wanted to yell at him, to push him away, but a part of me was curious to hear him out. I opened my mouth, but the words stuck in my throat. What could I say that would make him understand? "Answer me when I’m talking to you, Ava." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, like a storm about to break. I took a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts, but instead of speaking, I felt the air between us crackle with energy. The tension was almost unbearable, like an invisible force drawing us together, and I found myself wanting to give in. He was suddenly right in my space. Without saying a word, he reached for me, gripping my arm and pulling me closer. My breath hitched as he tilted my chin up, compelling me to meet his eyes. His grip was firm, yet there was an under
Last Updated : 2025-04-18Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 55
Ava I wake up to find the bed empty. The sheets next to me are chilly, and I can still catch a hint of Riccardo's scent on the pillow where he lay just hours ago. My body aches, a reminder of how close we were last night and how completely I was wrapped up in him. But now, lying here alone, all I feel is the heaviness of his absence. Was this only a one-night stand to him? Did he realize the mistake he had made by sleeping with me after he saw me naked? I felt dirty just like the first time I had sex. I wanted to vomit at the thought that Riccardo was only using me to scratch his itch. I throw off the covers with a sigh and get out of bed. A quick look at the clock reveals it’s late morning, much later than my usual wake-up time. I try not to think about the fact that he didn’t spend the night with me. After slipping into some casual clothes, I head downstairs. The house feels eerily quiet, and the silence only heightens the confusion churning in my chest. In the kitchen, Ben
Last Updated : 2025-04-19Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 56
RiccardoI can hear Ava's soft footsteps echoing through the house. Even without seeing her, I can feel her mood—unstable and brewing, like a storm ready to break. I know I should confront it, but I can't. Not right now.Not when I have a million other issues to deal with.I lean back in my chair, the leather creaking beneath me, and focus on the reports scattered across my desk. More information on Benjamin Parker. The guy's been careless lately, making moves that can't be overlooked. It's clear he's hiding something, but until I can figure out what it is, I need to tread carefully.My father's blunders may have stained our family name, but I refuse to let Benjamin Parker ruin what I've worked hard to rebuild. Suddenly, the door to my office bursts open, and Ava storms in without knocking. Her hair is a mess, and her green eyes are fiery.I raise an eyebrow, keeping my tone steady. "Is there a reason you felt the need to barge in like that?"She crosses her arms, glaring at me. "What
Last Updated : 2025-04-20Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 57
AvaMy grip on the steering wheel was so tight that my knuckles turned pale. The car felt cramped and stifling as my thoughts spiraled out of control. Riccardo's cold demeanor, my father's involvement, and the weight of it all felt like a heavy burden pressing down on me... I was struggling to breathe.I craved fresh air. I needed space. Just a moment away from everything. I had no clear destination in mind, but somehow, I found myself at the cliff I had discovered when I first moved here. Below me, the city sprawled out, a sea of lights that felt miles away from where I was.I parked the car, quickly turned off the engine, and stepped outside, allowing the cool evening breeze to envelop me. It was almost eerily quiet up here, the stillness amplifying my racing thoughts. I tried to push everything aside, but it felt like my mind was darting in every direction.I walked to the cliff's edge, gazing out at the sea. The night felt oppressive, yet the silence was strangely soothing. The ge
Last Updated : 2025-04-22Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 58
AvaAs I slowly regained consciousness, the first thing that hit me was a throbbing headache, pounding like a drum. My vision was initially hazy, with dark, swirling edges. But gradually, my senses began to awaken. I blinked, attempting to focus and figure out my surroundings.The air was thick with a musty, mildew smell that felt suffocating. I realized I was sitting on a cold, hard concrete floor, but more alarmingly, I was tied to something. My hands were bound behind me with rough, thick rope that bit into my skin. My legs were similarly restrained, leaving me completely immobile.I tried to inhale, but the air felt stale and heavy. The room was dimly lit, with a flickering bulb hanging above casting weak light. Shadows clung to the corners, stretching across the walls. The walls themselves were rough and peeling, worn concrete that hadn’t seen paint in ages. Rusty metal beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and the floor was covered in old, dry blood. The place had the scent of an aban
Last Updated : 2025-04-22Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don chapter 59
RiccardoThe ringing of my phone shattered the quiet in my office. I looked at the screen and saw Bento's name lighting up in bold. Without a second thought, I picked it up, gripping the receiver tightly."What's going on?" I said, my voice low and tense."Riccardo," Bento's voice came through, sharp and urgent. "I found the car. It's parked on a secluded cliff just outside the city. I'm sending you the coordinates now."My heart raced, and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach with every word he spoke. I didn’t need to hear more; something was definitely off. "Get there immediately," I ordered. "Take backup and make sure you're armed. I'm on my way."I didn’t wait for Bento to reply. I ended the call with a quick swipe of my thumb, grabbed my jacket, and headed for the door. My mind was racing, a knot tightening in my chest as I muttered curses under my breath.What the hell was happening?Ava had left. I had told her not to. She was upset and angry, but she was smart. I never thoug
Last Updated : 2025-04-23Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 60
AvaFootsteps echoed down the hallway, sending my heart racing, each thump resonating in my chest. For the past two days, the masked man had been in and out of the room, tormenting me with his cruel taunts and harsh treatment. My body was a mass of aches, every part sore from the beatings I had taken. The ropes binding my wrists pressed painfully into my skin, leaving me barely able to move, too weak and battered to fight back.The door creaked open again, and I steeled myself for what was coming. Another wave of brutality awaited me. Another hour trapped in this relentless nightmare.The masked man entered, his boots clicking ominously on the concrete floor. His voice was smooth yet threatening as he approached."I have a surprise for you."This time, I didn’t flinch, even though every fiber of my being screamed for freedom. I had come to realize that escape was a fantasy; all that awaited me was pain and the instinct to survive.He stepped aside, revealing someone I never expected t
Last Updated : 2025-04-24
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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
