Lahat ng Kabanata ng Substitute Bride To The Mafia Boss : Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

"Do you have a pass?"The girl at the gate barely looked up from her phone as she spoke, her jaw working furiously on a piece of bubblegum. The pop and smack of each chew grated on my nerves like nails like glass. "No," I said, trying to stay polite despite the irritation bubbling beneath my skin. The girl let out a long, exaggerated sigh and blew a pink bubble. "Then I can't let you in."Her voice had that classic valley-girl pitch drawled, nasal, and drenched in faux importance. I blinked, half wondering if I was being pranked. "I know the host. José Orlando." I said. "No pass, no entry," the girl repeated like it was a spell, wagging her manicured finger before snapping her gum again. "You people always say that."You people? My jaw tightened. Just then, a sleek couple in designer outfits pulled up in a convertible. The gum disappeared, literally and figuratively. Suddenly, the girl stood straighter, smiled wide and her tone shifted like a customer service chameleon. "Welcome

I pulled the zipper up with a bit of effort, glancing at my reflection in the side mirror. The jeans Alessia gave me were tight, snug in a way that hugged every curve and left little room to breathe. "This thing's choking my thighs," I muttered, tugging at the waistband.Alessia, resting against the driver's side of the door, let out a laugh. "It's not that bad. You look hot."I gave her a dry look, then softened. "Thanks though. For helping."Alessia shrugged. I was about to speak again when a voice called from outside. "There she is!"I turned sharply, my heart skipping as I saw José and Giovanni jogging towards us from across the driveway. My breath caught when Giovanni's eyes met mine. "Dahlia," he called, already reaching for me as I walked forward. Before I could say a word, Giovanni pulled me into a hug, his arms tightening around me like I'd gone missing for days. "Are you okay? I heard something happened."I gave a small laugh, brushing a hand down his back. "I'm fine. R

We arrived home but it was total chaos, there were armed guards everywhere. Their rifles were intimidating, and some of them were barking orders into earpieces. The maids were no better, they moved with urgency whispering to themselves. "Gio, what's happening?" I asked, barely catching his arm. He didn't answer. His eyes were hard and unreadable. "Go upstairs. I'll be back." And just like that, he disappeared down the hall, following Luca and José into Luciano's office. I stood frozen, my heart thumping wildly. What the hell was going on? I felt cold fingers grab my arms, twisting me around to face a frantic looking Cristina. "Is it true? Are the Morelli's really back?" I blinked. "What? What are you talking about?"Cristina scoffed, releasing me with a flick of my hand. "Ugh. This is why we shouldn't marry commoners. They never know shit.""Excuse me?" I took a step forward but she was already walking away. "Wait! Who the hell are the Morelli's?"She didn't stop, climbing up

Giovanni and I headed back inside, laughter still dancing between us from the move I pulled at the arena. Luca's face had remained tight, and Cristina had dropped her own gun, refusing to shoot again. Giovanni glanced at me with a crooked smile. You didn't tell me you were good at archery."I tossed my hair over my shoulder, mock smug. "I'm a woman of many talents, darling."He chuckled, the sound warming my belly. "Clearly."We shared a look, one of quiet understanding, and his expression softened. He reached for my hand, brushing his fingers against mine as he spoke. "About the dream. Don't let it rattle you, I'll be fine." I nodded, my heart fluttering at the reassurance from his tone and I opened my mouth to respond, but a voice cut through the hall. "Oi, Gio!"Enzo. He stepped through the front door, dressed in a dark jacket and matching slacks, his face was unreadable as he walked towards us."Hey, man," Giovanni greeted him with a smile, and they shared a brief handshake.

The water ran down my scalp in a soothing manner, and I tipped my head back, running my fingers through my soapy hair. The scent of the lavender shampoo was thick as the steam from the warm water enveloped me. I heard a sound from the bedroom and froze. That sounded like the door. The noise echoed again and my eyes shot open. I turned off the tap, water was still running down my back as I called out. "Giovanni?" There was no response. My breath hitched. I stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and quickly dried my hair. I plucked a robe from the hanger and wrapped it around me, tying it tightly before slipping into my slippers and walking out. I stepped into my room and dread ran down my spine at the sight of the intruder. They were covered from head to toe in a black raincoat, the hood was pulled low so I couldn't make out a face. My eyes narrowed at the envelope in between their fingers. I recognized the crimson writing on the envelope, it was just like the last one.