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113

Author: Western.R
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-21 06:51:19

Lucas stood outside, talking to one of his men about a car that had been giving trouble lately.

“The engine keeps stalling,” the guard explained, shifting his stance. “The mechanic says it’s a wiring issue, but—”

“Have it towed to the garage,” Lucas cut in, his gaze briefly flickering to the driveway. “If it’s not fixed properly this time, get a new one.”

The guard gave a firm nod and turned away just as the sound of an approaching engine reached them. A car rolled in through the gates, moving at a steady pace before pulling to a stop. Matteo was behind the wheel.

Lucas shifted his weight slightly, watching as he stepped out and went around to open the passenger door.

A woman stepped out also.

She looked to be in her late fifties, maybe early sixties, with warm brown eyes and a face that still held traces of youth despite the passing years except the scar ruined half of it. Her dark hair was pulled back neatly, and the second she spotted Lucas, her face broke into a wide, familiar smi
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  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   117

    When the party started Val was relieved that it wasn’t the loud, chaotic kind with people screaming over music or dancing wildly, but it had a liveliness that made the house feel full. Conversations blended with the faint melody playing from the speakers, and laughter echoed from different corners of the house. People seemed happy to be here, like genuinely happy, she could see it on some of their faces. Some guests stood in small groups, sipping expensive drinks and exchanging what was likely a mix of gossip about their significant other and business. Others lounged on the plush seating, comfortably settled in as if they belonged.Valentina didn’t know most of these people, but they all carried themselves the same way—wealthy, effortless, used to things going their way.Camilla, ever the gracious host, didn’t seem particularly interested in any of it. She moved through the gathering with an ease that made it clear she was in her element, tossing out sharp remarks that made people eit

  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   116

    Valentina hadn’t even finished her sip of champagne when Camila leaned back on the lounge chair, stretched her legs out, and casually said, “Alright, since you didn’t bring a gift, you owe me.”Valentina arched a brow. “I thought we settled this already.”“Oh, no,” Camila smirked, turning onto her side to face her. “I let you off easy. Now I actually need something from you.”Valentina set her glass down. “Which is?”“Advice.”Valentina blinked. “Advice?”Camila nodded, looking completely unbothered as she toyed with the sheer wrap around her waist. “I had a one-night stand.”Valentina exhaled a small laugh. “That’s hardly surprising.”Camila grinned. “I like how fast you’re getting to know me.” Then she sighed dramatically. “The problem is… the guy won’t leave me alone.”Valentina tilted her head slightly, unsure if she had misheard. “What?”“He’s everywhere,” Camila said, waving a hand. “I sleep with him once, and suddenly, he thinks we have some grand love story. I go to my favorit

  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   115

    After minutes of walking around careful not to bleed to death and with the help of nicer people I found the laundry house and Francesca. “The clinic called.”I nodded, and walked into the big hall with rolls and rolls of sleek black washing machines. She led me to a shelf of big wicker baskets. Each had a tag by the handle. We passed a couple of baskets until we arrived at one that had my name. She pulled it down and Inside were the clothes I’d worn at the hangar. The jeans were clean and faded and not a sign of blood on my shirt but the gaping hole was visible. I shivered at the sight.I grabbed them with shaky hands as I tore through them. I turned the pockets inside out, I ran my fingers along every seam, I held the shirt to my face, searching for a hidden bulge, weird texture or stiffness at all.But I found nothing.The paper was gone.“Was there anything in the pockets when you first got them?” I asked.Francesca shook her head with a sigh. “No there wasn't. We check everythin

  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   114

    The drive was quiet, aside from the occasional sound of Matteo’s fingers tapping against the steering wheel. Valentina barely acknowledged it. She sat with one leg crossed over the other, eyes fixed outside the window as the city blurred past.It wasn’t until they reached the hotel that Matteo spoke.“We’re here,” he said, slowing the car.His aunt, who had been silent the entire ride, finally moved. She unclipped her seatbelt, then reached for her purse.“Thank you, dear,” she said, touching Matteo’s arm before turning to Valentina. “It was nice meeting you.”Valentina nodded. “You too.”If the older woman noticed the lack of interest, she didn’t show it. She only smiled, then stepped out of the car. Matteo watched as she walked toward the hotel entrance before turning back to Val.“Where to now?” he asked.She didn’t answer immediately. She still wasn’t looking at him, still had that same distant look in her eyes.“The hospital. Drop me there.”Matteo frowned slightly. “The hospital

  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   113

    Lucas stood outside, talking to one of his men about a car that had been giving trouble lately.“The engine keeps stalling,” the guard explained, shifting his stance. “The mechanic says it’s a wiring issue, but—”“Have it towed to the garage,” Lucas cut in, his gaze briefly flickering to the driveway. “If it’s not fixed properly this time, get a new one.”The guard gave a firm nod and turned away just as the sound of an approaching engine reached them. A car rolled in through the gates, moving at a steady pace before pulling to a stop. Matteo was behind the wheel.Lucas shifted his weight slightly, watching as he stepped out and went around to open the passenger door.A woman stepped out also.She looked to be in her late fifties, maybe early sixties, with warm brown eyes and a face that still held traces of youth despite the passing years except the scar ruined half of it. Her dark hair was pulled back neatly, and the second she spotted Lucas, her face broke into a wide, familiar smi

  • The Mafia's Substitute Bride   112

    A cold breath slipped past her lips as she stared at her father, a wave of exhaustion pressing down on her.So this was what it had come to?Her mother’s life was a bargaining chip in a game she never asked to play.Her stomach twisted, her gaze flickered back to Bianca, and she hated what she saw.Power. Confidence. Victory….LucasHer chest burned.“Look, I'm not trying to be the bad guy or anything, I have something you want, you have something I want, and… you can come back into the ring to fight for it after your mother's recovery, I'm not a bad person.” Bianca said, sporting a sympathetic smile. She pulled a paper out of her bag and handed to Valentina who skimmed through it with hate. A divorce paper. “Once you both sign it, I'll mail you the signed agreement paper, or you can come take it.”Valentina clenched her jaw, looking away.She felt like she was being backed into a corner, like the walls were closing in.She swallowed the lump in her throat and straightened up, her puls

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