The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia and Domenico stepped out of the imposing mansion that belonged to the Russian mafia, an opulent private jet awaited them on the tarmac, engines humming softly in the background.

“I think you should go back and help him. I will be alright,” Sofia told Domenico, her concern evident in her voice. She couldn’t shake off the worry for Leonardo, who was now alone, surrounded by numerous armed men and the ruthless Don Adrik. In her heart, she prayed fervently for his safety, hoping he would return to her soon.

“Don’t worry. He will be alright. He is Leonardo Morelli. No one can touch a single hair on his head,” Domenico reassured Sofia with unwavering confidence.

“He is alone there and surrounded by fifty armed people. Don Adrik is also very dangerous. I am scared for Leonardo’s safety. Please, I beg you to go back to him,” Sofia pleaded, her eyes filled with anxiety.

Domenico’s expression softened, but he remained resolute. “I am sorry. I have orders to take you home safely. Your safety is my first priority. Ignoring his orders would be unforgivable. Believe me, he cares only for your well-being, nothing else matters to him,” he paused and sighed. “Don’t worry, our men and Mark are standing right outside the mansion; they are only a signal away.”

Sofia understood the weight of Leonardo’s instructions, knowing that Domenico couldn’t go against them. Her heart longed to know more about Leonardo’s situation, but she knew Domenico couldn’t simply call and inquire, as it might jeopardize Leonardo’s safety.

“Is there any way we can get news about him?” she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

“I cannot call and ask anyone about the situation. Enemies might trace the call, and Leonardo needs to focus on the next action plan and strategy without any distractions. We should not disturb him. But don’t worry; as soon as I get any news, I will inform you,” Domenico assured, trying to comfort her.

As the private jet took off, Sofia looked out of the window, lost in her thoughts about her first-ever flight experience. She couldn’t help but recall how she had been so scared during the flight, and how Leonardo had held her hand throughout the journey, reassuring her with his calm presence.

Sofia’s heart fluttered as she turned toward Domenico, the man who had been a constant presence in her husband’s life. She couldn’t resist the urge to inquire about Leonardo, wanting to know more about the man she had chosen to spend her life with.

“How long have you been with Leonardo?” The question slipped from her lips, tinged with curiosity and a touch of vulnerability. She hoped Domenico would share some insights into the person she thought she knew so well.

“I have been with him since our high school days,” Domenico began, a warm smile gracing his face as he reminisced. “Even back then, Leonardo was the most popular boy, with a charm that no one could ignore. But he wasn’t just charisma; he was also incredibly intelligent. We first met during a group assignment, and he impressed me with his cooperative nature. We became friends instantly and soon, inseparable best friends for life. Through all the ups and downs, the bright days and dark nights, I’ve been by his side like a shadow.”

Domenico paused for a moment, as if diving into the depths of his memories. His gaze turned distant as he continued, “I’ve witnessed Leonardo during his most extreme moments. I’ve shared in his pain, his happiness, his agony, and his joy. He’s never held back from sharing everything with me, and I’ve always been there to listen.”

As he spoke, Domenico’s expression softened, and he turned to look directly at Sofia. “In fact, when Leonardo realized he was in love with you, I was the first person he came to confess his feelings to,” he revealed, his grin widening. The admission made Sofia blush, her mind momentarily whisked away to the memory of Leonardo’s tearful confession of love, his voice cracking with fear of losing her.

Domenico’s serious demeanor returned, and he implored Sofia, “Trust me, he’s not always the most expressive or patient person, but you’ve brought out a transformation in him. Ever since you came into his life, he’s changed, Sofia, and it’s all for the better. Please, never walk away from him. He might not show it, but he’s deeply emotional when it comes to the people who truly matter to him.”

“I know, and I deeply regret that I made him feel like that. I will never make that mistake again. I promise, I will never let anyone come between us, and I will never walk away from him or let him go away from me,” Sofia vowed, her voice resolute as she spoke the words to herself.

Domenico, moved by Sofia’s sincerity, couldn’t help but smile, and in turn, Sofia’s worried expression softened into a smile too.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

As they finally arrived at the Morelli mansion, the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone, including Leonardo’s parents, his uncle, aunt, and his cousins, had been anxiously waiting for their return. Upon seeing Sofia safe and sound, their worried eyes showed signs of relief, but then they immediately began searching for Leonardo. Sofia knew they were also deeply concerned about him.

Anna, Leonardo’s mother, stepped forward and embraced Sofia tightly. “Thank God, Sofia, you are safe. I couldn’t forgive myself if anything had happened to you because of my negligence,” Anna said, looking into Sofia’s face with genuine concern.

Before Sofia could reply to Anna’s heartfelt words, Alessandro, Leonardo’s father, directed his attention to Domenico. His tone was a mix of anger and concern as he asked, “Where is Leonardo? Why did you leave him alone?”

Domenico hesitated for a moment before answering, “He asked me to take Sofia home safely. I had no choice but to leave him alone there. But please, Mr. Morelli, rest assured that Mark and the others are with him.”

Alessandro’s anger flared up at Domenico’s response. “Don’t give me any excuses, Domenico. You should never have left him alone, especially knowing what the Russian mafia is capable of. They are ruthless and merciless. I have faith in my son’s abilities, but he will need an extra strategist when facing such a formidable enemy, and you are the brain of our team. Mark and the others are skilled, but they lack your level of expertise,” Alessandro said with despair in his voice.

Alessandro’s face was a mix of relief and concern as he turned towards Sofia.

“How are you, Sofia? What did they do to you?” His eyes scanned her body, searching for any signs of injury. He couldn’t bear the thought of harm coming to his beloved daughter-in-law and her unborn child.

“Dad, I’m perfectly alright. Leonardo got to me in time,” Sofia informed him, a hint of gratitude in her voice for her husband’s timely intervention.

He nodded, his jaw clenched with anger. “They dared to abduct the women of the Morelli house. They need to learn a good lesson.” Alessandro’s protective instincts flared, ready to take on anyone who would dare harm his family.

Sofia managed a weak smile, appreciating Alessandro’s concern, but exhaustion was evident in her eyes. Anna stepped forward, taking Sofia’s hand gently in her own. “Come on, Sofia. You must be tired. Let’s get you some rest,” she said, guiding Sofia toward her room.

“Okay, dear, you freshen up, and I’ll get the chef to prepare some nourishing meals for you,” Anna suggested, her motherly instincts taking over as she wanted to make sure Sofia was well taken care of. Sofia nodded gratefully.

As soon as Anna left the room, Sofia made her way into the bathroom. She sank into the warm water, feeling the tension leave her body. Yet, her mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Leonardo, her husband. She worried about him and longed to see him again. She knew she wouldn’t find peace until they were reunited.

After taking a long, soothing shower, Sofia emerged from the bathroom, clad in a comfortable white dress. Just then, Anna returned to the room, accompanied by a maid carrying a tray laden with soup and food.

“Sofia, quickly finish the soup and have some food. After that, you should rest,” Anna insisted, her nurturing nature on full display.

Sofia’s stomach grumbled loudly, a clear sign that she was hungry. She had just finished a steaming bowl of soup and managed to devour a substantial amount of food. The satisfying meal had taken the edge off her hunger, but she still longed for more.

“Sofia, if there’s anything you want to talk about regarding what happened in Russia, please know that you can confide in me,” Anna expressed genuine concern in her voice.

“No, Mum, there’s nothing in particular to discuss. Surprisingly, they treated me well. I still can’t understand why they kidnapped me or what they wanted from Leonardo. But, they never posed any harm to me. It’s perplexing how they granted me such special treatment,” Sofia replied, her voice tinged with confusion.

“That’s because they knew that Leonardo wouldn’t cooperate if they harmed you. They need to ensure your safety if they want Leonardo to comply with their demands. The Russian Mafia is a brutal and ruthless organization, Sofia. They operate without any rules. We’re doing everything we can to keep them away from our country,” Anna divulged, revealing important information.

Sofia nodded, absorbing Anna’s words. However, she only grasped part of the whole picture. She realized her ignorance about the Mafia and their operations. It was ironic that her father was involved in the Mafia, and now her husband held the title of a Mafia king, yet Sofia didn’t share the same enthusiasm for this way of life. While she desired popularity and success, the power and wealth that accompanied the Mafia lifestyle didn’t captivate her.

Lost in her contemplation, Sofia’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by her name echoing throughout the vast walls of the mansion. Leonardo had arrived. Without further hesitation, Sofia dashed down the hall, driven by an urgency to be in his presence.

As she descended the stairs, she saw him standing in the hall, and her heart skipped a beat. Leonardo looked strong, healthy, and undeniably handsome. Sofia’s eyes roamed over his figure, captivated by his presence.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Sofia couldn’t contain herself any longer. She sprinted towards him, throwing herself into his arms.