All Chapters of The Mafia's Substitute Bride: Chapter 271 - Chapter 280

Lucas was on the phone for most of the ride, his voice an almost inaudible murmur about shipments and timelines that Val only half-followed as she watched the city gradually give way to the coastal road. She was grateful for the distraction, for the chance to let the suspense of the suprise bother her more than anything else, and the unpleasant aftertaste of her mother’s call slowly faded with each passing kilometer.She only realized their destination when the glittering new towers of the waterfront district rose into view, all sharp angles and reflective glass standing sentinel over the sea, because this wasn’t his usual style—not one of his old-money clubs or discreet hilltop properties—so the novelty sparked a flicker of curiosity that finally pulled her fully from her thoughts.It was a familiar place. Why wouldn't it be? This was the same place he had threatened to lock her up in if she didn't take care of herself now that she was pregnant. It's been a little while she came here

The hall buzzed with life as more guests streamed in, each bringing an extra dose of warmth to the already glowing celebration. They did select their guests well. Valentina’s birthday had turned into a grand affair—what began with a tour and gasps of admiration for the seven-story hotel had now shifted into a normal event, young back and forth with greetings, and congratulations. Her feet were beginning to hurt. The chandeliers shone brighter than ever as the night went, spilling golden light everywhere over the women sequined gowns. “Happy birthday, signora,” a guest said as he handed her a bouquet of red roses tied with a silk ribbon. His wife, draped in pale satin, followed with a gift box, smiling warmly.“Thank you so much. Please, enjoy yourselves,” Val replied, her voice gracious, her cheeks flushed from the night.The line of well-wishers stretched long. Some brought flowers, some extended small velvet boxes, and others carried envelopes sealed in gold stamp. And she accept

Valentina stayed until the very end because that was what she did—she saw things through, even when her feet ached and the make-up was starting to settle into lines she didn’t like. By the early hours, the crowd had thinned into a small company that felt less like an audience and more like old acquaintances deciding the night had given them enough and wanted to personally say goodbye. All conversations had moved from showy laughter to small talks, hands on shoulders, and thank you for comings.The lights had been lowered in stages, so no one was yanked out of the evening at once; instead, the house dimmed like someone drawing a curtain so slow enough that the change hardly registered until you were standing in it. The quartet had shifted to pieces with fewer notes, the music now something you could let the mind drop into without paying attention. She didn't even notice when it dropped, as almost everyone was tired and hungry for something less sweet. Men loosened collars as they lef

Rebecca woke with a start, the morning sun slanting through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the DeLuca mansion. Her hair was mussed, strands clinging to her forehead from a night spent pacing and fretting, and her eyes snapped open, sharp and alert. She shoved the blankets off, feet hitting the polished marble floor with a thud, and immediately noticed the lingering scent of orchids and the faint residue of champagne from last night. Her pulse quickened. Something was… off.She didn’t wait to fully wake. Throwing open the door to the grand foyer, she was immediately met with silence. Too much silence. Her meticulously arranged decorations—the cascading white orchids, the golden candelabras, the perfectly polished silver trays—still stood, untouched. Every piece she had labored over, every hour spent planning, all awaiting the arrival of her daughter, and yet there was no one.“Where is she?!” Rebecca’s voice rang, sharp and shrill, bouncing off the high ceilings. It was a command, an

The arrivals hall at Capodichino airport buzzed with the exact kind of chaos Alecia had grown used to after long-haul flights—families clustering with luggage carts, businessmen striding past in suits, the heavy drag of tired travelers pushing toward the exit. She adjusted her sunglasses, tugged the handle of her suitcase, and glanced back at Kennedy who looked just as exhausted as she felt. Both of them had the dull glaze of jetlag on their faces, but Alecia carried herself with the same sharp edge she always did, even after thirteen hours in the air.“Finally,” she muttered as the automatic doors opened and the evening air rushed at them. “Home. I swear if I see another tray of sushi or hear another ‘arigatō,’ I’m putting someone through a wall.”Kennedy stifled a laugh, trailing behind with his carry-on. “You’re dramatic.”“I’m honest,” she shot back, raising her chin as the driver loaded their luggage into the trunk. Her phone buzzed again, a familiar name flashing across the scre