The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

The following day, Sofia slowly stirred in Leonardo’s embrace, her eyes fluttering open to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Her head nestled under his chin, and his arms held her tightly as if not wanting to let her go. She relished the comforting warmth of his body against hers, a contented smile playing on her lips as she basked in the intimacy of the moment.

She attempted to untangle herself, but Leonardo let out a soft groan, tightened his grip, and gently shook his head, silently urging her to stay. His voice, still husky with sleep, murmured, “Stay a little longer.”

“Let go of me. I need to use the bathroom,” she said, her voice muffled against his chest, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his skin.

“But come back soon, okay?” Leonardo replied, his eyes still closed. He loosened his hold on her, allowing her to slip out of bed. As she stood up, she realized she was completely naked, feeling a slight blush creep into her cheeks. She picked up a soft, flowing dress from her closet, the fabric cool against her skin, and took a moment to savor the pleasure of getting dressed with the thought of Leonardo watching.

With a final glance at him, she quietly left the bedroom. The hallway was bathed in a soft golden glow, and she tiptoed down the elegant staircase, taking in the grandeur of the mansion’s interior. Passing by tall, ornate mirrors, she couldn’t help but steal a glance at her reflection, her heart still fluttering from the memories of the night before.

In the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee and warm, buttery pancakes filled the air. She noticed some house help bustling about, cleaning and preparing meals for the day. One of the maids spotted her and approached with a warm smile. “Good morning, ma’am. Do you need something?” the servant asked.

“Yes, I’m hungry and craving a nutrient-rich breakfast with my favorite eggs, bacon, pancakes, and strawberry sauce,” Sofia replied with a grateful smile.

The maid nodded respectfully and said, “Right away, ma’am.”

Sofia settled at the exquisite dining table, where delicate rays of sunlight streamed in through large windows, painting patterns of light and shadow on the polished surface. She savored the first sip of coffee, feeling the warmth spread through her body, invigorating her senses.

As she enjoyed her breakfast, she couldn’t help but glance outside the window, where the picturesque garden was in full bloom. The vibrant colors of the flowers mirrored her feelings of happiness and contentment.

Time seemed to slow down as she lost herself in her thoughts, her mind wandering back to Leonardo. She knew it was already past 10 in the morning, and she felt a pang of guilt for sleeping in so late. However, she also recognized how hardworking and dedicated Leonardo was, and she didn’t want to disturb his well-deserved rest.

Suddenly, another servant approached and bowed before Sofia. “Ma’am, your father, Mr. Ricci, has arrived,” the servant informed her, snapping her back to the present.

Her heart skipped a beat, both surprised and delighted by her father’s visit.

Sofia turned to the servant and gestured for him to bring her father to the dining table. “Please, bring my father here,” she said warmly.

As soon as Carlo entered the room, his eyes lit up with relief upon seeing his daughter. “Sofia!” he called out her name, his voice filled with a mix of concern and affection.

“Dad?” Sofia stood up and rushed to greet him, embracing him tightly.

“What brought you here this morning?” she asked, slightly surprised by his unexpected visit.

“I am here to see you. I was so worried when I heard about your kidnapping. I am so thankful to Leonardo for bringing you back safely,” he said, his voice full of gratitude.

“Yes, Dad, I’m alright,” she assured him, a small smile on her face. Carlo came forward and gently caressed her head, his worry evident in his touch.

“I was so scared, my child. I heard about your differences with Leonardo. You were upset when you left his home, and that’s how his rivals kidnapped you,” he expressed, concern evident in his eyes.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“What are you trying to say, Mr. Ricci?” Leonardo’s voice roared through the room, his presence commanding attention. Sofia looked at him as he descended the stairs with an intimidating aura, and as he approached, he wrapped a protective arm around his wife’s shoulder.

“You mean that I cannot take care of my wife?” Leonardo cocked his head and challenged Carlo, his voice steady but assertive.

“She is my daughter, and I have every right to ask you questions about her safety,” Carlo fought back, refusing to back down.

Leonardo’s laugh was slow and deliberate, shaking his head before speaking, “Mr. Ricci, you don’t need to worry about Sofia. She is my responsibility,” he declared, annoyance seeping into his tone.

“I can see how nicely you are taking this responsibility by putting my daughter in danger,” Carlo snapped, not willing to be persuaded.

“You should have thought about it before marrying her to me. I am Leonardo Morelli, and danger comes asking for my name,” Leonardo said, looking down at Sofia in his arms, his gaze unwavering.

Sofia looked up at his face, her heart beating faster as she saw the seriousness in his eyes. “I will try and make sure that every danger coming towards Sofia will go through me,” Leonardo assured Carlo, determination etched across his features.

As Leonardo had promised Carlo that he would keep his daughter safe, he was dead serious about it. Sofia knew from experience that he never failed to protect her, even going so far as to risk his life multiple times. She berated herself for not recognizing his love for her until he confessed it himself. The harshness of the world and the betrayal she had faced had closed her heart to hope, blinding her to the love and care Leonardo consistently showered upon her. He always prioritized her above everything else, making her feel cherished and significant in his life. She understood that she could never be safer anywhere than in his arms.

“I know, Leonardo. I’m fully aware that living with a Mafia supremo isn’t easy. I willingly chose to be with you, and I gave you my daughter. But… I need assurance. I want you to promise me that you’ll keep her safe and well. How can I be sure that you’re not after the Ricci empire? How can I trust that you’re not as greedy as your father?” Carlo questioned again, causing a deep furrow to form on Leonardo’s brow.

“What do you want as assurance, Mr. Ricci?” Leonardo replied, his jaw clenching with determination.

“What are you willing to do for her?” Carlo asked in return, and Sofia couldn’t bear the tension any longer. She held her head in her hands, feeling the weight of the conflict between the two important men in her life. It was giving her a headache and fueling her anger. She was tired of being torn between them.

Feeling overwhelmed, she gently pulled herself away from Leonardo’s arm, groaning softly as she continued to clutch her head. She found a seat and sat down, needing a moment to compose herself.

Leonardo and Carlo rushed to her side with concern etched on their faces, each eager to comfort her.

“What happened, baby girl? Are you alright?” Leonardo’s voice was filled with worry as he instantly stood by her side.

“Sofia, is your head spinning? Is something wrong?” Carlo came to her other side, mirroring Leonardo’s concern.

“Shut up, both of you. Just shut up!” Sofia snapped, her frustration boiling over.

She was tired of witnessing their incessant fighting whenever they were in each other’s presence. Couldn’t they communicate without resorting to conflict every time? She couldn’t bear this anymore; she wanted them to behave properly, at least for her sake.

Both men stood there, dumbfounded, their expressions worth billions of dollars in astonishment. Despite her anger, a hint of amusement flickered within Sofia. If she hadn’t been so infuriated, she might have found their stunned looks comical.