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Chapter 82
Last Updated:
2025-05-08 14:19:36
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Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 1
Ava Tonight is a big deal for my dad. I’ve already been warned to behave myself after I ordered a yellow dress for the occasion, but when he saw it, he completely lost it. “You can’t do anything right, can you? You know Maddy hates yellow, and yet you went and ordered one!” He snatched the dress and tossed it to the floor. Then he told the maids to get rid of it. “Why can’t you think about others? You did this just to annoy me!” He shoved me down and walked away. I wanted to say I actually liked yellow, but I knew better than to argue. I glanced at the clock and realized I had only ten minutes before I had to meet my parents downstairs. If I was even a minute late, my dad would make me pay for it. I remembered that night two years ago, right after my sister passed away. I was ten seconds late, and my dad made me eat outside, forcing me to eat my food off the ground like a dog. I shook my head to push that memory away. Then I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. The w
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 2
Ava The ballroom glows with a warm golden light, crystal chandeliers casting dazzling reflections on the sleek marble floor. Mafia families mingle with forced politeness, their smiles as empty as the greetings they exchange. Guards lurk in the shadows, always alert—a constant reminder of the tension that hangs in the air like a heavy perfume. I step into the gala with my family, the fabric of my black gown trailing behind me. The dress hugs my figure just right, and I can feel the weight of countless eyes on me. I’ve gotten used to it—being scrutinized, evaluated, judged. My dad always said that’s just part of our legacy. Still, I hold my head high and keep my face neutral, hiding the unease bubbling just below the surface. “Don’t you dare embarrass me. You know what will happen. I wish your sister was here. She knew how to play the game and win people over.” It stings, but I’ve learned to take my father’s harsh words in stride. As I scan the room, I nod politely at a few familiar
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 3
Riccardo The tie around my neck sat just right against the crisp white collar of my shirt, but I fiddled with it anyway. Everything had to be perfect tonight. No slip-ups. No distractions. I knew what I had to do. I looked up and met my own gaze in the mirror. Sharp suit, polished shoes, not a hair out of place. In our world, presentation was key. If you looked powerful, people would believe you were. The only person missing was her. She was the one that always made sure I looked perfect for these events. "Are you going to take forever, or are you actually planning to leave this room?" Bento’s voice cut through the quiet. I glanced over at my brother. He was lounging against the doorframe, his suit jacket draped casually over his shoulder, his tie already loosened. He was the complete opposite of me in every way. I straightened up and said, “I’m ready,” while fiddling with my cufflinks. Bento raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You don’t look ready. You look like you’re about to
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 4
Ava The clock on the wall ticked away in the heavy silence, each second stretching out like forever. I sat rigidly on the cream couch in my dad's study, the lingering smell of his cigars hanging in the air. Mama was next to me, her hands neatly resting in her lap, her face giving nothing away. Richard leaned against the wall, arms crossed, but the tension in his jaw showed he was not happy about being called here. "What's the big deal?" Richard asked, his tone sharp, slicing through the quiet. Papa, sitting behind his grand oak desk, didn’t flinch at his tone. His dark eyes moved between us, heavy with authority. "Let’s get to the point," he said, his voice steady but firm. "We need to strengthen our alliances, and the best way to do that is through marriage." My stomach dropped. Marriage. That one word sucked the air right out of the room. I looked at Mama, hoping for some reaction—some hint that this was just a bad joke. She sat still, her eyes glued to the floor. Of course,
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 5
Riccardo The room was filled with the rich aroma of leather and paper, and the heavy contract in front of me felt almost like a weight on my chest. I traced my fingers along the thick edges of the document, its pages crisp and every word meticulously selected. The ink was still wet, but I could already sense the gravity of the choice that had been made. Seated at my grand mahogany desk, a piece of furniture that had been in the De Lucca family for generations, I reflected on my upbringing. This was where I learned about responsibility, influence, and the intricacies of life. This desk had been the backdrop for my journey, and now, staring at the marriage contract, I felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together. My thoughts were broken by the soft click of the door. Bento walked in, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a more serious tone, though the mischievous spark in his eyes was still there. "Are you really going through with this?" he asked, leani
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 6
Ava The atmosphere in our family dining room was heavy with unease. My hands felt sweaty as I fiddled with my napkin, trying to fold it neatly even though I was trembling. My dad called earlier about the contract signing happening tonight. I wished it was just a bad dream, but it was all too real. When he barged in this afternoon, furious and shouting about how Riccardo had gone back on their original agreement, I briefly thought maybe the deal was off. He stormed straight to his office, and I could hear him yelling at someone on the phone. I knew he was furious, and I had learned long ago not to push his buttons. One of the maids handed me a sage green dress, and I recognized it as the same one Maddy wore a few years back when she confessed her love for Riccardo to Dad. I shut my eyes, letting a tear slip down my cheek. When will I get to be Ava again? I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I shook my head, trying to push those memories away. Looking around the dining
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Substitute Bride for the Mafia Don Chapter 7
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
Last Updated : 2025-03-14Substitute 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-14
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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
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
