공유

Chapter 7

last update 최신 업데이트: 2025-03-14 16:48:37

Ava

Riccardo's place—or rather, our place—had this chill to it. Not because it was cold, but because the vast halls and echoing rooms felt so empty. Every time I turned a corner, it was like the house was looming over me, silent and a bit scary, way too big for my comfort. I’d never been in a place this grand; even my family home didn’t compare, yet I couldn’t shake off the heavy feeling in my chest.

The walls were sleek and modern, and the floors sparkled under the soft light from the crystal chandeliers hanging in every room, their delicate strands casting a gentle glow on the shiny surfaces.

It was such a stark difference from the cozy, inviting home I grew up in. This place screamed power, with every room exuding a sense of luxury that demanded respect.

As I strolled down the hallway, I passed portraits of the De Lucca family, all of them gazing down at me, almost reminding me of my place in this world. They were framed in simple black, blending perfectly with the mansion's co
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  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 8

    Riccardo The late afternoon sun streamed through the blinds, creating long shadows that danced across the marble floor of my study. I was seated at my desk, fingers gliding over the smooth wood, my mind tangled up with the contract that would tie me to Ava Parker in just six months. The thought of the upcoming marriage and its implications weighed heavily on me. But I wasn’t one to get lost in feelings or uncertainties. This was just another transaction, another strategic move in a game I had long since mastered. The door creaked open, and I didn’t need to glance up to know who it was. Only two fools would waltz into my study without knocking. "Rici." Steph's voice, light and teasing, sliced through the quiet. I stayed silent at first, keeping my eyes on the papers in front of me, letting her make her usual grand entrance. I caught a whiff of her perfume—citrusy and sweet—before she even said a word. She approached, her heels clicking softly on the marble as she reached my des

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-14
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 9

    Ava The light filtering through the thick curtains felt almost like a warning, as if it wasn’t really welcome in the chilly, lavish room. I slowly propped myself up, the heavy sheets sliding off me. My bare feet hit the cold marble floor, sending a shiver up my spine. The mansion was eerily quiet, broken only by the faint sounds of footsteps outside and the occasional clatter of dishes or hushed voices from the servants’ quarters. It was an odd kind of stillness, a weighty silence that made me feel like I was being watched. The sight of the perfectly made bed, the frigid marble floors, and the immaculate room made me uneasy. I had never spent the night in a place so meticulously arranged, so devoid of the usual chaos and noise of family life. The house was grand and stunning, but it felt hollow. I made my way to the window and pulled back the curtains to gaze out at the grounds. Vast, manicured lawns stretched out before me, with trees lining the distant edges. I noticed guards pa

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-14
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 10

    Ava A few days had gone by, but the house felt more stifling than ever today. The silence was almost unbearable, and I had hardly seen Riccardo. This solitude made me feel trapped—like I was constantly being watched and never quite fitting in. I hadn’t heard a peep from my parents either. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly; they were probably thrilled to be rid of me. I had roamed the house before, searching for a hint of freedom, but it felt like I was just going in circles. Then I stumbled upon a hallway that led to a part of the house I didn’t recognize—a vast garden surrounded by ivy-covered stone walls. The gentle rustle of leaves in the wind was the only sound I could hear, and for a brief moment, I let myself think I had found a little escape from the weight of the mansion. I didn’t realize how far I had wandered until I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around quickly, my heart racing, only to see Riccardo stepping out of the shadows like a predator stalking its pre

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-14
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 11

    Ava I slammed my bedroom door shut, leaning against it as I tried to catch my breath. The cool wood felt solid against my back, but my heart was racing—not just from the anger, but from the whole situation. Riccardo. He was cold, heartless, and unbearable. I swallowed hard and walked over to the window, staring out at the vast grounds. The guards, the suited men— the overwhelming feeling of being trapped. A knock broke my spiraling thoughts. "Ava?" It was Steph. "Come in," I replied, my voice strained. The door creaked open, and Steph peeked in. She had a smile on her face, but it faded the moment she saw me. "Okay, what happened?" she asked, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. I plopped down on the edge of my bed, gripping the mattress like it was my lifeline. "Your brother happened," I said bitterly. Steph raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. "Ah, Riccardo." She leaned against the doorframe. "What did he do this time?" I hesitated, his icy stare still fr

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-14
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 12

    AvaI hadn't laid eyes on Riccardo since that night. He had been keeping to himself, slipping into the background as if he was trying to avoid me or maybe just giving me space to sort through everything. I was left wondering what it all meant. Was he feeling guilty? Regretful? Or was it just another way to keep me on edge, letting me simmer in my own anxiety? Regardless, I was relieved not to have to deal with him.Today, the house felt unnaturally quiet, with the silence amplifying every step I took. My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. I had spent the afternoon with Steh, but the mansion's walls felt suffocating, and I found myself wandering aimlessly. I craved exploration, something to distract me from the heavy expectations and the ever-present shadow of my fiancé.As I turned into another hallway, I spotted someone standing by the window, gazing out at the garden. The soft light streaming through the glass framed his figu

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-17
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 13

    AvaI’d rather not stay, but I couldn’t argue. I stood there, frozen, my body shaking as I watched him drag Adamo down the hallway. I quietly followed them to the basement, a place I had only heard rumors about, my heart racing.The basement door swung open, and Riccardo shoved Adamo inside, slamming it shut behind him. The sound echoed through the house. I lingered just outside the door, trying to catch my breath, my hands trembling.I had no clue what was going on, but a sick feeling of dread washed over me.Riccardo came back to me, his eyes burning with rage, and without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down the stairs after him. I stumbled to keep up, my body shaking as I went deeper into the cold, dimly lit space.Was he going to punish me? How would he do it? Would he kick me like my dad always did? Would he hit me in the face? I was terrified. Absolutely scared out of my mind. Riccardo swung the basement door wide open, revealing Adamo kneeling in the middle o

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-17
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 14

    RiccardoThe basement was colder than normal, the air thick with the metallic scent of iron and a sense of dread. I lingered there long after Ava had stormed out, her defiance echoing in my mind like a curse. No one dared to follow her—not the guards who stood frozen against the walls or my siblings. They all waited for me to give the next order, but I stayed silent.What had she done to me?Why am I feeling this way? I shouldn’t. I should hate her. She and her family is the reason the woman I love is dead. I should be exacting my revenge on her and her family.I made my way upstairs and locked myself in the study, brushing off Bento's curious looks and Steph's worried glances. I poured myself a drink, watching the amber liquid swirl in the glass as if it held the answers I desperately needed.Her face wouldn’t leave my mind—the fire in her eyes mixed with fear, the sharpness of her words. She was scared, and I wasn’t sure how to process that.Actually, that’s not true. I knew exactly

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-17
  • Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don   Chapter 15

    AvaThe dining room felt like a fancy prison, with its elaborate furniture and sparkling chandeliers just reminding me of the life I was being pushed into. Every piece of pricey Hermes and every crystal glass felt like a weight on my chest. I had to resist the urge to squirm under the stares of my father and Riccardo's family as they sat at the long table, casually discussing wedding plans as if it were just another business deal. We had come back to America a few hours ago. I didn’t think it was about the wedding. I had prayed they would say it was all a mistake.But my hopes were shattered when I heard them talk about the wedding.Before long, I’d be stuck in a marriage I didn’t want, to a guy who had already shown he could never love me. I can’t figure out why he wants to marry me. Is this some twisted joke the universe is playing? If it is, it’s definitely not amusing.I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. The fury I’d been holding onto since that night in the basement whe

    최신 업데이트 : 2025-03-18

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  • 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

  • Substitute 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

  • Substitute 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

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