The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia’s heart ached, her emotions conflicting as she fought against feeling anything for the people who had never cared for her. But family ties ran deep, and despite her best efforts, she couldn’t deny the pain she saw in her father’s eyes. Carlo cried inconsolably, clutching Emma’s lifeless body tightly against him. Tears streamed down his face, his cheeks glistening with sorrow, and his body trembled as he silently wept.

Sofia turned her teary eyes towards Leonardo, seeking support and understanding. He gently unwrapped his arm from around her, gesturing for her to go to her father. Slowly, she approached Carlo, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She had never been in a position to comfort anyone before, let alone her own father. This tragedy was partly due to her own past, and she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

With trembling hands, she placed one on her father’s shoulder. Carlo turned his head towards her, his eyes red and filled with tears.

“Dad,” Sofia whispered softly, kneeling beside him. The pain in his eyes was palpable, and her heart ached even more.

Carlo couldn’t hold back his emotions any longer and hugged Sofia tightly, his tears soaking her shoulder.

“I am sorry, Sofia. Sorry that because of Emma, you have to suffer so much. I saw her end coming close when she kidnapped you. I will never forgive her for trying to harm you. But I can’t help but feel pain and sorrow over her death,” Carlo’s words were filled with regret, remorse, and a sense of protectiveness toward his daughter.

“I know, Dad. I know. You don’t need to explain yourself; just let the pain out of your body and heart with those tears.” Sofia’s voice was gentle as she rubbed Carlo’s back, offering him comfort and understanding.

Leonardo, standing by Sofia’s side, observed the scene with a mix of sympathy and admiration for Sofia’s strength. He knew that she was bearing the weight of this tragedy, and he respected her for being there for her father despite the painful history between them.

Leonardo’s men brought in a stretcher to carry Emma’s lifeless body, a somber reminder of the loss they all now faced.

“Dad, we need to go,” Sofia gently urged, hoping that he would agree. Carlo nodded, silently acknowledging her request.

At Leonardo’s direction, Bella was summoned to bring a plain black dress for Sofia. Understanding the need for privacy and dignity, Leonardo took Sofia to a nearby hotel and booked a room for her to change out of her wedding gown before attending the funeral.

Everyone was informed, and the news of Emma’s demise had spread. When they arrived at Ricci’s family graveyard, Kat was already there. She ran towards Carlo, tears streaming down her face, and embraced him tightly.

“Dad, what happened? Who did this? How could my mum be dead? I still couldn’t believe it,” Kat’s voice quivered with grief as she sought answers from her father.

“Kat, I warned you that what Emma had committed was unforgiven. She had to pay for her misdeeds, and her sins have been paid off. I don’t blame anyone because it was completely her mistake to underestimate this situation. She couldn’t commit a sin and escape, not every time,” Carlo’s voice was filled with a mix of pain, regret, and a sense of acceptance.

Sofia stood there, witnessing the raw authenticity in her father’s words

The somber atmosphere hung heavy in the air as Emma’s lifeless body was laid to rest six feet under the ground. Sofia stood by her father’s side throughout the funeral, offering her silent support as they said their final goodbyes to the woman who had been a complex figure in their lives.

After the funeral concluded and people began to disperse, Carlo approached Sofia with a heavy heart. His eyes were filled with remorse and regret as he addressed his daughter.

“Sofia, now I realize I was very unfair towards you throughout your childhood. I regret that. Sofia, please forgive me. I know I don’t deserve this, but please forgive me,” Carlo’s voice trembled with emotion as he bared his soul, seeking forgiveness for the neglect and pain he had caused his own daughter.

His gaze turned upward, and with profound sadness, he addressed the heavens, speaking to his late wife, Lucia. “Lucia, please forgive me. Only your forgiveness can bring me some peace.”

Feeling the weight of her father’s guilt and sorrow, Sofia gently rubbed his shoulder, trying to offer him some comfort. Her heart ached for the man before her, who had carried so much pain and regret for years.

“Dad, Mum has forgiven you a long time back, and I also. Please, you have to forgive yourself. That will only give you peace and strength to start your life again,” Sofia spoke with a calm but melancholic voice. Tears welled up in her eyes once more, reflecting the deep love she held for her parents despite all the hardships she had endured.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

With genuine compassion, she pulled her father into a warm embrace, holding him tightly. In that tender moment, she hoped to convey her forgiveness and understanding, allowing Carlo to release the burden of his past mistakes and find solace in the present.

*************************************

Sofia’s dream wedding had been marred by the cruel actions of Emma and Lana, but amidst the unfortunate circumstances, they managed to reschedule the ceremony for a week later. Despite the setbacks, Sofia was now standing on the cusp of her special day, eager and hopeful for a new beginning. Leonardo, who had been more alert and conscious this time, shared her enthusiasm, desperate to make everything right and perfect for their long-awaited union.

Her wedding gown, a symbol of love and hope, had been recreated, and this time, they opted for a small ceremony with only close friends and family in attendance. The intimate gathering felt right, surrounded by those who truly cared for Sofia and Leonardo’s happiness.

Amidst the preparations and excitement, Sofia never forgot her father, Carlo, who had been slowly recovering from the immense sorrow and trauma he had endured. She knew the pain he carried, and she made it a point to spend time with him, assuring him that he was not alone in his grief. She had seen how much he had loved Emma, and despite everything, she empathized with his conflicted emotions.

Love was often a complex emotion, sometimes drawing people towards those destined to cause them pain. Whenever Sofia caught her father crying silently, hidden away in a corner, her heart ached in sympathy. She understood that he would eventually come to terms with the situation, but the process was painful to witness. There were moments when he expressed his hatred for Emma, but Sofia couldn’t help but wonder if his love for that woman, despite her evil deeds, caused even more tears to fall.

However, she wanted her father to heal and find peace, as she desperately wanted him to walk her down the aisle. Through her unwavering support, she slowly saw his smiles return, at least for his daughter’s sake, as they navigated their way through the difficult emotions together.

Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived. Sofia stood, filled with anticipation and excitement, ready to walk towards her groom, who eagerly awaited her at the altar.

As the moment approached, Carlo, wearing a beaming smile, turned to Sofia, asking the question that held so much meaning.

“Are you ready?” he inquired, his eyes filled with love and pride.

Sofia smiled back, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves, and she nodded, feeling a rush of emotions swirling inside her.

This was her second time getting married to the same person, but it felt like an entirely different experience from her first wedding. The atmosphere was filled with joy and genuine happiness. Her father, Carlo, stood before her, smiling genuinely, which warmed her heart. This time, she was truly happy as a bride-to-be, deeply in love with her groom.

Leonardo eagerly awaited her, and the sight of him filled her with a sense of reassurance and love. Gone was the scowl that had once marked their interactions, replaced by a broad grin and eyes filled with affection solely for her. Sofia knew in her heart that this time was different; their love had transformed and grown, and this marriage was a testament to their commitment to each other.

Sofia had taken charge of all the decorations and arrangements, ensuring that everything happened just the way she envisioned. Leonardo wholeheartedly supported her choices, wanting her to have the wedding of her dreams. The venue was adorned with white lilies, perfectly arranged to create an enchanting ambiance. Instead of the usual red carpet, Sofia opted for a golden carpet, adding a touch of elegance to the event.

Nervousness still gripped Sofia despite her careful planning. She couldn’t help but remember the trials of her previous wedding. Though this time, she prayed fervently for everything to go smoothly without any mishappenings.

Leonardo’s mother, Anna, sensing Sofia’s apprehension, came to her side, offering reassurance and comfort.

“Everything is going to be perfect. Okay?” Anna’s words were like a balm to Sofia’s anxious heart. She nodded, grateful for the support, and smiled at Anna’s comforting presence.

In Anna’s hands, Sofia held a beautiful flower bouquet, a symbol of love and new beginnings. With delicate care, Anna fixed the veil around Sofia’s face, creating an ethereal aura around the blushing bride.

Carlo, still grinning, extended his hand, and Sofia gently wrapped her fingers around his elbow, seeking the familiar touch and security he provided. The moment had arrived. The doors to the wedding hall were pushed open, and Sofia took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The enchanting music began to play, and with each step down the aisle, she felt a mix of excitement, joy, and love, ready to embrace the new chapter in her life with Leonardo by her side.