Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Mafia's Substitute Bride: Kabanata 111 - Kabanata 120

Valentina was on the couch when the call came.She had just settled in, her ribs still aching slightly from any movement that stretched too much. The book she’d been holding sat unread on her lap with her focus scattered, her mind dipping in and out of the past few days.When her phone buzzed, she barely glanced at it—until she saw the name.Dad.Her grip tightened slightly around the phone, and an unpleasant feeling twisted in her stomach. She took a deep breath to calm herself and then let it ring twice before finally answering. “What is it?”His quickly went straight to the point. “Come home, we have something to discuss.”Valentina’s brows furrowed slightly. “I remember asking you not to call me, we're no longer related, remem—”Antonio deeply exhaled from the other end and cut her off. “It’s about your mother.”And that seem to do job of shutting get up, her breath catching in her throat.For a second, she didn’t respond, her pulse kicking up slightly. Then, before she could over

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

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

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

Camilla tightened her grip."You’re not making this easy, you know."Val hummed, licking her lips. "You’re not that strong," she murmured, her words slightly slurred.Camilla snorted."Try me."Slowly, carefully, she guided her down the stairs.It took way longer than it should have. Valentina moved like someone asleep, her feet barely lifting, her body tilting a little too much at times. Camilla had to pause twice just to get a better grip before they finally—finally—reached the bottom.The only couch in the place wasn’t far, but dragging her even that short distance felt like another battle.By the time she eased Valentina down onto it, she was exhausted.Val slumped back immediately, her head resting against the back of the couch, eyes half-lidded.Camilla stared at her for a second."You’re a mess," she muttered.Valentina let out a hum that didn’t mean anything.Camilla exhaled, hands on her knees as she caught her breath."You better sleep this off before he gets here," she said