The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the sight of the most beautiful pair of grey eyes staring back at her. “Hey, you woke up,” she said to Leonardo, and in response, she received a gentle kiss from him.

“Yes, my love. Why did you wake up? I was enjoying watching you sleep,” he replied, showering sloppy kisses on her face.

“When did you become a pervert?” she asked, giggling.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, and replied, “I am a pervert only for you, baby girl.”

As he leaned in, his hot, warm lips attacked her neck, and she tried to push him away playfully.

“Wait… wait… aren’t you getting late for your office?” she managed to ask between moans as he nipped at the soft skin of her neck.

“No, I don’t have to go to the office today. I have a day off,” he said, inhaling in the crook of her neck.

“Really? And what is the occasion?” she asked, gently massaging his scalp.

“We have to attend a party in the evening,” he said casually.

“What kind of a party?” she asked curiously, as this was unusual for him to take a day off for a party.

“It’s a very special party, and we have to make an appearance,” he replied, but he avoided looking into her eyes, which she found awkwardly weird.

“Okay then. What will you do for the whole day at home?” she inquired, running her fingers along his stubbled jaw.

“I will spend my whole day with you,” he said with a grin that made him look like he had won the lottery.

“Oh, no… no… no… I have to go to school. I can’t miss classes as my exams will start in a few days,” she gently refused his idea.

His mouth fell open as if he couldn’t believe she would refuse him.

“Come on, baby girl. Can’t you miss your classes for me?” Leonardo asked so sweetly.

“No, because I want to study for my test. I can’t afford my grades to fall,” Sofia told him.

“Angel, don’t worry about it. I will speak to your dean, and he will arrange a special test for you,” he said. Now it was Sofia’s time to gape at him.

“No, you won’t do anything like that. I want it to be fair to everyone because every student works so hard to get marks in exams, and why should I get any extra favor? Just because I am your wife, shouldn’t I be supposed to study like a normal student?” she argued.

“You are born to get this special privilege because you are Sofia Leonardo Morelli,” he said with his smug voice. She pushed him slightly, and he didn’t budge.

“You are so conceited,” she said sullenly, and he laughed shamelessly.

“Of course, I am. Because I have reached where this whole world wants to reach,” he said with a smirk, and she knew what he meant. She had seen him working hard to grow and maintain his position and wealth.

“OK, I’ll take a day off for you. But please don’t ask for any favors from me. I will work hard to get good grades on the tests. You need not do anything or ask for any favors from the teachers,” Sofia pleaded. He nodded, and she took a breath in relief.

Later, to her surprise, Leonardo cooked for her. He dismissed all the cooks and made breakfast for them. He made a heart-shaped pancake and a heart-shaped omelet for Sofia. She was amused to see how he became a love-struck man, ready to do anything to please his beloved.

He made her favorite strawberry milkshake, and she was genuinely happy to be pampered by her darling husband.

Leonardo meticulously orchestrated every detail of tonight’s opulent affair. He had spared no expense in arranging a talented stylist and makeup artist for Sofia, ensuring that she would be the center of attention and radiate elegance throughout the night. The soft glow of golden chandeliers in their opulent mansion added a touch of magical allure to the scene.

As the makeup artist delicately applied the finishing touches, Sofia turned to her husband with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “Why did you choose a white gown for me?” she inquired, captivated by Leonardo’s unwavering gaze.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

A tender smile played on Leonardo’s lips as he responded, “Because I want you to wear that gown for me. It complements your grace and beauty in a way that nothing else could.”

Though flattered, Sofia couldn’t help but express her concerns. “But what kind of party is this, and who will be there? You’ve given me no information, and I feel utterly unprepared,” she voiced her worries, hoping for some reassurance.

Leonardo’s eyes sparkled with affectionate admiration as he assured her, “You need not worry about a thing, my dear. When you enter that room, all eyes will be drawn to you. You possess an allure that’s impossible to ignore, and you’ll charm everyone effortlessly.”

His words made her heart flutter, and she sighed, “You do know how to convince me, don’t you?”

With the makeup artist’s task completed to perfection, he quietly departed, leaving the couple to bask in each other’s company. Sofia felt a newfound confidence and grace, thanks to the artist’s skillful hands and Leonardo’s words of adoration.

“Now, are you ready to go?” Leonardo asked, his voice low and enticing as he drew nearer, his lips almost grazing hers.

Her breath caught in her throat as she managed a breathless “Yes.”

With a playful glint in his eyes, Leonardo brushed a teasing kiss on the corner of her mouth before pulling away, extending his hand to hers. Sofia eagerly took it, her heart pounding with anticipation.

As they made their entrance to the party venue, Sofia was taken aback by the sheer grandeur of the occasion. A lavish red carpet led the way to the hall, adorned with floral arrangements exuding the sweetest fragrance. She found herself surrounded by an impressive assembly of influential personalities, artists, and celebrities, as well as an army of flashing cameras wielded by the press.

The sight of the media stirred a hint of nervousness within Sofia. Unaccustomed to such intense attention, she instinctively sought comfort in Leonardo’s embrace. He held her close, enveloping her in a protective cocoon, and held her hand possessively, signifying his unwavering support.

Navigating through the throng of guests, Leonardo displayed a commanding presence, guiding her with confidence through the sea of people and camera flashes.

As Sofia and Leonardo stepped into the exquisitely decorated venue, she was immediately enchanted by the sight that greeted her. The soft glow of twinkling fairy lights created an ethereal ambiance, casting a warm, romantic glow over the gathering. The room was adorned with intricate floral arrangements, their fragrant scent filling the air. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting a dazzling display of light and shadows across the dance floor.

As they made their way through the room, Sofia’s eyes locked with those of Leonardo’s parents, Alessandro and Anna, who beamed with pride and joy upon seeing their son and his beautiful wife. Sofia’s heart swelled with happiness, feeling warmly welcomed into the fold of Leonardo’s loving family.

Among the crowd, Sofia spotted her own father, Carlo, and stepmother, Emma, both of whom wore beaming smiles. Her daughter Kat was also there, looking adorable in her party attire, making Sofia’s heart melt with motherly affection.

Domenico, with his contagious enthusiasm, approached them with a wide grin, playfully welcoming Sofia to the celebration.

“Welcome to the party, Sofia. I hope you like the decorations,” he said, his excitement evident in every word.

Sofia’s eyes sparkled as she took in the exquisite details around her. She nodded with delight, truly appreciating the effort put into creating such a magical atmosphere.

Leonardo couldn’t contain his excitement as he led Sofia to a secluded corner, a twinkle in his eyes hinting at the surprise he had planned. “Baby girl, get ready for tonight’s surprise,” he teased, his voice filled with a mixture of playfulness and anticipation.

A surge of curiosity washed over Sofia, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Surprise? But you said we were going to a party.” Her eyebrows arched in wonder, and she nervously brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Leonardo’s grin widened mischievously. “Yes, my love, it’s a party, but there’s something special waiting for you,” he said, his voice low and full of affection.

Guiding her toward the center of the room, Leonardo’s aura of confidence and charm surrounded them like a protective embrace. The gazes of the other guests followed them, and Sofia felt a wave of warmth and belonging in the presence of both their families and esteemed business partners.

With the tinkling of a glass, Leonardo drew everyone’s attention. The room hushed, and all eyes were fixed on the couple standing at the heart of the celebration.

Sofia’s breath caught as she noticed the media representatives, ready to capture every precious moment of the surprise.

Looking at Sofia with a radiant smile, Leonardo raised his glass. Sofia’s heart was overwhelmed with love when she locked eyes with her husband.