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Chapter 71

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-30 22:02:55

Riccardo

Tonight 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
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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 87

    Ava I was sprawled out on my back in the hotel bed, with Anrico and Massimo on either side of me, our legs all tangled up. One of them had their hand under their cheek while the other rested on my stomach. I couldn't help but think about what happened last night. FLASHBACK: In the end, I ended up winning at rock paper scissors. I decided to head left, away from the music. As I made my way down this ridiculously long hallway, I came across three doors. It felt like a scene from a Mario game—pick the wrong door and who knows what could happen. I approached the first door, pressed my ear against it, and heard some moaning. I quickly pulled back. Holding my kids' hands, I moved to the next door, listened in, and heard nothing. I opened it to find complete darkness. It could be a room with someone sleeping inside. I quietly closed that door. Naturally, it had to be the last door. I hurried to the final door, flung it open, and just stood there, frozen. There are three guys with a girl

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 86

    Ava I quietly opened the door. Even though the music was getting louder, I wasn't taking any chances, so I peeked outside. No one was there. To my right was a long hallway with moldy walls and dim lighting, and the same was true to my left. This is pretty creepy. Now I'm worried a serial killer might jump out at us. Where the heck are we? I glanced at the kids. Anrico had silent tears streaming down her face as she held Massimo's hand, whose eyes were wide with fear. "Alright, guys," I said with a cheerful tone, "let's play rock, paper, scissors, and the winner gets to choose which way we go, right or left." "Mommy, that's not fair; you always win," Anrico pouted through her tears. "I don't think that's fair either, Mommy," Massimo chimed in. I need to calm my kids down before we leave this place. I don’t want them to be scared, even though I know they’re terrified. Suddenly, I jumped and gasped so hard it took me a moment to catch my breath. Anrico screamed, and Massimo gasped l

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 85

    Ava Oh Lord, the way he said it makes me go weak. It’s been a long time since I had him inside of me. "Riccardo," I said, hating how breathless I sounded but dammit, he makes my heart skip a beat He chuckled, knowing the affect he has on me "Are you cold, baby girl?" he asked "Yea, its a little chilly in here" I said, wanting to rub my arms but kept them around my kids so they can have my body warmth "Amore—" I threw one hand up, cutting him off, "SHHH!!!" "What's wrong?" he growled “I hear something,” I replied as I placed the children carefully on the ground. I got up and walked toward the door and placed my ear on the door, listening. I tried to open the door but it's locked. looks like it can only open from the outside "Get the fuck away from the door," Riccardo growled I stand there, ear to door; they are having a party while my children are down here getting cold. "Fucking bastard," I muttered "What the fuck's wrong?" Riccardo growled once again sounding impatient "N

  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 84

    Ava I know he hates being caught off guard in situations like this, and the other guys behind him were well aware of it too. Bento hasn’t said a word to me yet, which I totally get. I vanished six years ago without a trace, but I had to prioritize my own needs. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Anrico rubbing her eyes; she must be exhausted from everything that’s happened today. I crawled over to the wall, making sure Riccardo could still see me. The wall was freezing against my back, and I hissed at the chill. With all the adrenaline coursing through me, I hadn’t realized how cold the room was. I glanced at my kids. Massimo was in a white long-sleeve shirt and black jeans, while Anrico wore a light pink sweater and black leggings. Just by looking at them, I could tell they were feeling the cold. I looked at myself; I was in a white oversized sweater and black skinny jeans. Out of the three of us, I was the warmest. I took off my sweater, revealing a white tank top that showe

  • 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

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