All Chapters of The Mafia's Substitute Bride: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

The boutique’s staff was efficient, because within minutes, another attendant approached with a silver tray holding a selection of colorful macarons. She placed it on the low table in front of us, and bowed before retreating to a respectful distance. I stared at the tray for a moment, my hands fidgeting in my lap. The macarons looked perfect, like tiny works of art, their pastel colors almost too pretty to eat.Lucas, however, was still engrossed in his book, barely acknowledging the snacks.I reached out hesitantly, deciding to take one. The second my fingers grazed the tray, Lucas moved without looking up, tapping the back of my hand lightly with his book.I pulled my hand back, startled. “Heyy!! What was that for?” I asked, frowning at him.His eyes lifted to meet mine, a flicker of amusement dancing in them before his expression turned serious. “For someone who wouldn’t let me rest about the dangers that come with being married to me, you’re surprisingly okay with eating things ha

The warm afternoon sun fell over the front of the mansion as we stepped outside, Julian walking alongside us. Lucas had spent the last hour speaking to him about the things he wanted, going over plans and casually mentioning Julian should stop by sometime for a drink. The man agreed with a smile, and I could sense a mutual respect between the two men despite Lucas's usual aloof demeanor, or the fact that he was a Don.In my hands, I held a small box. Inside it was a gun—a Glock 17. The kind of gun I’d seen in movies but never imagined I’d actually hold, let alone own. I felt like I wasn't the one holding the gun or maybe it was just my nerves. How was I supposed to wield this thing? Could I even pull the trigger if I needed to? I looked down at the box as we moved toward the cars parked in front of the mansion.If I didn't know myself better, I'd say I'll definitely wield this well, but I know, so this would be probably be the last thing that comes to my mind when I'm in danger.A Glo

I made my way to his room, my legs feeling like lead after everything that had happened today. When I stepped inside, the large bed in the center of the room looked inviting, and I didn’t think twice before sitting on it. I sank into the plush material, trying to relax my mind before he comes in, but every sound outside the window made my heart skip. I pulled my knees up, resting my chin on them as I tried to push the lingering images of fire and explosions out of my head.A few moments later, the door creaked open, and he stepped in, carrying a first aid kit. He placed the box on the bedside table before standing in front of me, wordlessly waiting for my help.I swallowed hard and reached for the hem of his shirt. My fingers hesitated for a second before I began to lift it gently. “This might hurt,” I murmured, not looking at his face.“It’s fine,” he said. The fabric clung to a few spots where blood had dried, and I winced when it came loose, revealing his back littered with small

His expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker in his eyes that seemed like curiosity, maybe, or annoyance. I couldn’t tell.I swallowed hard and continued. “My father was furious. He was embarrassed, scared of what it would do to his reputation if word got out, I mean, his business was already down bad. He threatened me, told me I had to take her place or else…” my voice faltered. “Or else he’d stop funding my mother’s treatment. Like she wasn't his wife to begin with”I paused, biting the inside of my cheek to keep the tears at bay. Talking about it felt like tearing open a wound I’d only just managed to close.“So, I agreed,” I said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “I didn’t have much of a choice. It wasn’t about you. It was about my mother. I would’ve done anything to make sure she was okay, even if it meant marrying an actual old man.”He didn’t say anything for a moment, just watched me like he was trying to read between the lines of what I’d said. “Look

I didn’t know where to start. Packing for a trip like this shouldn’t have felt so monumental, but it did. My suitcase sat open on the bed, empty, mocking me. What do you pack for a visit to your husband’s family when you don’t even know what kind of people they are? Formal? Casual? Judgmental? Welcoming? Every possibility ran through my head until I felt paralyzed by indecision.I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I stared at my closet. Most of my clothes didn’t scream “rich wife visiting an intimidating family.” They were nice, sure, but not the kind of nice you’d expect for whatever high-society world Lucas probably came from.“What are you doing?” Lucas asked from the doorway, his arms crossed as he leaned against the frame.“Staring at my closet,” I muttered without looking at him. “And regretting every outfit I’ve ever bought.”He chuckled softly, and I turned to glare at him. “This isn’t funny. What am I even supposed to wear? I don’t know these people. What if they thin