The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Carlo smiled, his eyes pleading. “Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted to say. Please, let me throw this party for my daughter. I want to make up for my regret,” he asked, looking towards Leonardo.

Leonardo was not going to agree. He despised Carlo for his irresponsible behavior towards Sofia. No matter how many times Carlo regretted his actions, Leonardo would never forgive him.

“No, Carlo. Sofia is now Morelli’s daughter-in-law. You have to pay for your sins. You have no right over her after what you’ve done to her for so many years. She longed for her father’s love, and you ignored her. This is your punishment. So we will be the ones to make this announcement. However, you are invited to this party, and of course, you can invite your guests as well,” Alessandro interjected, turning towards Leonardo.

“… And Leonardo,” Alessandro continued, locking eyes with his son, “make sure every influential name attends this party. It will be beneficial to make more connections and expand our territory. When they know that you are married to the heiress of the Ricci Empire, it will strengthen our position.”

Leonardo knew his father would never change. He rolled his eyes in his mind but plastered a fake smile on his face and nodded.

“So, we will leave now. Keep me updated on the timing and venue. I will send you the guest list as well,” Alessandro added, ready to depart.

As Alessandro and Carlo turned to exit through the door, Alessandro halted at the doorway and turned back towards Leonardo. He leaned against the doorframe, his expression serious.

“Leonardo, remember my words. Make sure she signs the papers. It’s crucial for both you and Sofia,” he emphasized. With that, he turned and left, disappearing through the door.

Leonardo couldn’t help but frown. Why did Alessandro care so much about Sofia’s property when the Ricci family already possessed immense wealth? Perhaps it was true that power and wealth made a man greedy for more.

Leonardo called for Domenico to come to his office, as he needed to discuss the party planning. He wanted it to be a grand celebration for Sofia. He had never celebrated anything significant regarding her presence in his life, and this time, he wanted to go all out to show his love for her.

He had been meaning to confess his love to her, but he hadn’t found the time to make all the necessary arrangements. He wanted everything to be perfect, just as Sofia would like it: roses, balloons, chocolates, and strawberries. Everything should be as beautiful as she was when Leonardo proposed to her, asking her to marry him again, but this time for a real wedding.

Leonardo heard a knock on the office door, signaling Domenico’s arrival.

“Good to see you fit and finally in the office,” Domenico said, his mischievous smile evident as he entered.

“Good to see you too, Domenico,” Leonardo replied, shaking his head at Domenico’s playful remark.

“How much did you miss me today?” Domenico teased.

“If you’re done, Domenico, can we focus on some serious work?” Leonardo glared at him.

“Okay, Boss, tell me. What’s your order?” Domenico said, bowing playfully in front of Leonardo.

“Take a seat. I need to discuss something with you.” Leonardo gestured towards the chair opposite him, and Domenico sat down.

“I want to make a formal announcement about Sofia’s legacy, and for that, I want to organize a big party. My father wants to invite all the influential personalities to this event. So, make a list, start the preparations, and send out the invitations. Make sure to include Mr. Carlo Ricci and inquire about his guest list as well.” Leonardo explained.

Domenico nodded. “Anything else?”

“You were right, Domenico,” Leonardo said, his lips curling up as he thought about Sofia. She had brought brightness and happiness into his life. She had taught him to smile, trust, and love again. She was the reason he felt alive and wanted to live only for her.

“What is it about?” Domenico furrowed his brow, sensing Leonardo’s urgency.

“I… I’m in love, Domenico. I’m in love with Sofia, and I want to confess my feelings to her,” Leonardo blurted out, unable to contain his excitement any longer. He couldn’t wait to reveal his love to Sofia. He hoped with all his heart that she would accept his love. He could sense her attraction towards him, but he desired nothing more than for her to love him back. He was willing to do anything to make her fall in love with him.

Domenico’s eyes widened, and he swiftly rose from his chair, placing his hands on the table as he leaned forward. A mixture of surprise and joy spread across his face.

“Are you serious? That’s incredible, Leonardo! Finally, you’ve realized it. I’m so happy for you,” Domenico exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

“I want to prepare a surprise for her, and I need your help,” Leonardo requested.

“Just let me know what you have in mind to surprise her. I’ll make all the arrangements at the snap of your fingers,” Domenico replied, playfully snapping his finger. Leonardo smiled and nodded.

He was determined to make Sofia his forever and always, and this time, it would be real.

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

Leonardo arrived late once again, but Sofia patiently waited for him after finishing her studies. She sat on the couch, engrossed in a book while eagerly anticipating his arrival.

As he entered the room, all of Sofia’s attention naturally shifted toward him. A smile tugged at her lips involuntarily whenever she laid eyes on him. He returned the smile as he walked in. A maid took his jacket and bag, then left the room. Sofia stood up, closing her book, and approached him.

“Hey!” Sofia couldn’t help but smile every time she saw him.

“Hey, baby!” Leonardo greeted her with his captivating smile, wrapping an arm around her shoulders while using his other hand to loosen his tie.

“Late again,” Sofia complained as they made their way to the dining area.

A maid appeared with a tray carrying a glass of water.

“Yeah, I have to work, babe, to earn our bread and butter,” Leonardo half-smiled, taking the glass in his hand and preparing to take a sip.

Sofia watched as Leonardo’s throat moved up and down while he drank the water. He placed the glass back on the tray and then turned towards her, gently sliding his finger under her chin to close her open mouth.

“Oh, shit!” she thought, realizing she had been gawking at him. Quickly looking for an excuse, she called a maid over.

“Please set the table and serve dinner,” she instructed the maid.

“Angel, I’ve told you to eat on time. Don’t wait for me for dinner. It’s part of my daily routine, and I’m used to it. But I want you to have your meal on time,” Leonardo said in his intimidating tone, but Sofia merely rolled her eyes, unaffected by his attempt at intimidation.

“But I like to wait for you. I don’t like eating alone,” Sofia pouted her lips, and he shook his head.

Leonardo took his favorite seat at the dining table in the center. Sofia pulled a chair next to him and was about to sit down when he tugged her towards him and made her sit on his lap. She let out a light squeal, startled by his sudden action.

“Oh no, I must be getting heavy. You won’t be comfortable eating with me on your lap,” Sofia remarked, aware that she had gained some weight. She never thought she would have curves on her once-skinny body.

“Not at all, baby girl. You’re as light as a feather. You need to eat more. I want you to gain some more weight,” he said, feeding her a spoonful of rice.

“What? You want me to become fat?” Sofia exclaimed, her mouth full of rice.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Ah… I would love to see you with a round and curvy figure,” he said, smiling and pushing another forkful of grilled veggies into her mouth. She shook her head. If he continued pampering her like this, she wouldn’t be too far away from becoming round and curvy.

“By the way, Sofia, your father, Mr. Ricci, and my dad came to my office. They want us to officially announce your legacy in the Ricci Empire and throw a grand party to let the world know,” Leonardo said, looking at her.

Sofia stopped chewing and swallowed her food. “You don’t need to do that. I don’t want any grand party. In fact, I don’t want that Empire,” she said firmly. She genuinely had no desire for wealth and property. She didn’t want anything that would complicate her life further. She was content to have Leonardo in her life, and all she needed was him.

“Don’t speak like a child, Sofia. You’re mature enough to understand what this legacy means,” he frowned.

“I know, and that’s precisely why I don’t want it,” she replied.

“It’s your legacy. You have to take responsibility for it. Your grandmother’s last wish was for you to take over the Ricci Empire, and you can’t disrespect her by refusing to accept her will.” His expression was intense and serious as if he wanted her to grasp the gravity of her legacy.

“Okay, I understand that. But you know I don’t think I can handle it. Why don’t you transfer all the Ricci Empire into your name and manage it?” Sofia suggested, her lips pressed together anxiously, waiting for his response.

He would be happy about it, right?

“We will talk about it later,” Leonardo said as maids cleared the table and placed some chocolate and vanilla ice creams.

“So, you want hot chocolate and vanilla ice cream for dessert?” Sofia asked him, knowing that he didn’t have a sweet tooth and preferred different flavors.

He gently held her nape and pulled her face closer, his warm minty breath brushing against her lips. “No, baby, I want to have you for dessert,” he murmured, his words laced with desire. Releasing her nape, he tugged at the corner of her tee without warning and swiftly pulled it over her head.