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Chapter 65
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-04-29 14:37:14
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 66
AvaIt felt like everything in that moment—the struggles we had faced and the bond that had only grown stronger because of it. We weathered the storm together, and nothing could come between us. "Ava?" A gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. It was Steph, standing by my bed, her eyes filled with concern and maybe a hint of regret or guilt? She hadn’t been there during the factory incident, but she was still part of the chaos that led to this. Yet, having her here was comforting. "How are you feeling?" The pain was there, dull but ever-present. My body felt like it had been through a tough battle, every muscle aching, reminding me of what I had endured. But it wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the nightmares, the dark memories of the men who took me, my father’s cold gaze, and the haunting recollections of the fight. Escaping them was tough. Every time I shut my eyes, they flooded back, as if I were still trapped. I managed a weak smile, trying to hide the exhaustion and lingeri
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 67
AvaIt's been a few weeks since I got out of that bed, and now every morning feels like a little win. I'm moving a bit quicker, standing a bit taller, and somehow, despite everything that’s happened, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Not the shattered version I was a few weeks back, but someone who can reclaim some control. Right now, I'm perched on the edge of Riccard's bed, slipping on the slippers he insisted on getting for me. He's at the desk across the room, busy with work. He’s always working, but he’s also always there for me. Watching, guiding, helping. It can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but I can’t deny that I need it. "You good?" His voice is soft, but it’s always filled with concern, always picking up on the little changes in me—like today, when he noticed me walking across the room without flinching. "I’m good," I reply, standing up and heading toward him, trying to act casual, even though my body is still protesting. Riccardo gives me that unreadable look o
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 68
AvaI'm sitting in the living room, still feeling a bit weak, but definitely stronger than before. I've recovered, yet I'm not the same person I used to be. None of us are. When the door opens, I see my mom first—her face shows concern, and she walks slowly and carefully. She's holding it together, but I can tell she's struggling inside. "My baby girl," she whispers, her voice trembling as she approaches me. She doesn't need to say more. Her arms wrap around me in a warm hug, and I lean into her, soaking in the comfort of her presence. It's been ages since I've let her hold me like this, but right now, it's the only thing keeping me from breaking down. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," she says, her voice thick with emotion. "I had no idea. I couldn't keep you safe." "You didn't know," I reply gently, pulling back to meet her gaze. "It wasn't your fault, Mama. No one is to blame but him. He was always a threat. And I—I had to look out for myself. We all did what we had to do." Richard wa
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 69
RiccardoThe next day unfolded slowly, a calm before a storm. I could tell by Ava's behavior; she was deliberately trying to provoke me with a look, a word, or most annoyingly, her body when I least expected it. Her clinginess had intensified after her recovery, and while I was glad for her, I felt completely powerless to change anything. As I helped her with breakfast, her fingers danced on my arm, lingering longer than necessary. She met my eyes with an intense gaze, a captivating allure that was all-consuming."Riccardo," she whispered, her voice playful, leaning in so her lips brushed against my ear. "You're holding back," she murmured, sending my heart racing. She was so near, dangerously so, and I knew I had to resist. Not yet. Later, as we sat on the couch with her legs draped over mine, her body pressed against me, I struggled to breathe. Her eyes were locked onto mine, and I saw that challenge, that daring spark again."You're not even looking at me," she said, her voice low
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29Substitute 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30Substitute 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30Substitute 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-30Substitute 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
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Bab terbaru
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 83
Ava Judas strolled over to Anrico and Massimo, then shot Riccardo a wicked grin. "De Lucca, meet Anrico and Massimo." He yanked Massimo by his hair, pulling him closer to the screen. "Looks just like you, huh?” I wanted to mess this guy up real bad, but honestly, it wouldn't do much for me. He let go of Massimo and grabbed a handful of Anrico's hair. She whimpered while Massimo growled, and I struggled against the ropes binding my hands. "This little girl looks just like her hot mom, but in a kid's body; I wouldn't mind it though." He licked her face and said, "This girl is just a bonus; I love me some young girls." "Let her go, asshole!" I yelled. This was not how I wanted my kids to meet their dad, but if we survive this, I'm going to make Judas pay. No, I’ll torture him first, then kill him. "What’s it going to be, De Lucca?" "What do you want?" Riccardo growled. "I want Bento De Lucca. That bastard killed my little brother, and now I'm going to kill your little brother," Jud
Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 82
Ava Judas just picked me up like I was a feather. I mean, I had lost some weight, but he really threw me against the wall with all his strength. I screamed as the chair collapsed beneath me, my arms twisting in ways they shouldn't. I fought hard to keep my limbs safe; I needed them to escape and survive. Damn it, I glanced over at my kids and saw my daughter Anrico crying, snot running down her face and smearing her lips. My sweet girl, Anrico. Then I looked at my son Massimo, who was on the verge of tears but holding them back, trying to be strong for me and his sister. My eyes darted to the screen where Riccardo was watching me, completely emotionless, showing no interest. I knew for sure that we were in this situation because of him. "This is a waste of my time; I'm done here," Riccardo growled, checking his watch like he had better things to do. What an asshole. "We're far from done," Judas chuckled, waving his hand, and Brown Head yanked my kids by their hair, dragging them
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
