The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Kat could be mean at times, but she seemed to reserve her meanest behavior exclusively for Sofia. Why on earth did she always want to pick fights with Sofia?NôvelDrama.Org © content.

Sofia was exhausted from dealing with Kat’s constant tantrums and hearing her lay claim to Leonardo. What was so difficult for Kat to comprehend? Sofia was the one who had married Leonardo Morelli.

“One day, you’ll see. I’ll get what rightfully belongs to me. What will you do then? It would be better for you to stop being a third wheel,” Kat continued to spew her venomous words. Finally, Sofia had reached her breaking point. She turned toward Kat.

“Enough, Kat! Just because I choose not to engage with your nonsense doesn’t mean I can’t respond. I’ve been trying to respect our relationship, but you’ve clearly forgotten your place. You’re my sister, and Leonardo is your brother-in-law,” Sofia tried to maintain a calm tone, even though she wanted to shout at Kat’s face.

“And you’re talking about my husband. I won’t tolerate it. You had your chance, but you chose a different path. Now, why are you regretting it? You rejected him yourself and left him with no choice but to marry me,” Sofia asserted, a smirk playing on her lips. “But I’m glad you backed out because while I may not be the perfect bride, he is the right one for me. And if you think you can win him back, you’re living in a delusion.”

“You dare to talk back to me, you whore!” Kat shouted once again, her voice filled with anger.

“No, I am his wife, and you’re the one lusting after my husband. Back off and abandon your malicious intentions toward MY HUSBAND!” Sofia yelled, her frustration reaching its peak.

A crowd had now gathered around them, including Kat’s gang who stood by her side, ready to support her.

“Kat, show her what happens when someone dares to raise their voice at you. No one in this school can yell at Kat Ricci!” a girl from Kat’s gang shouted, and they all began cheering for her.

Sofia’s bodyguards swiftly approached, standing by her side. Sofia crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for Kat’s next move. Kat glanced at Sofia’s bodyguards, then back at Sofia, her teeth gritted in anger. Eventually, she stormed off, stomping her feet on the ground.

“Let’s go, guys. I don’t want to dirty my hands by touching her slutty body,” Kat made an excuse in front of her friends. Sofia felt an intense desire to punch her, but the manners her mom had taught her prevented her from resorting to violence.

Sofia walked purposefully toward her classroom, with Rena and Enzo running to catch up with her.

“Sofia, we saw how bravely you stood up to that arrogant girl, Kat. Wow, girl, you’ve got a sharp tongue!” Rena exclaimed, grinning.

“Yeah, of course, because someone has Leonardo Morelli by her side,” Enzo remarked with a smirk.

“Stop it, both of you,” Sofia said, rolling her eyes. However, deep down, she was filled with happiness. It was the first time she had spoken up against Kat Ricci, and she owed it to Leonardo’s influence. He always made Sofia feel special, boosting her confidence.

The fact that someone like him, so powerful and desirable, chose her made her feel empowered. She held power over him, making him desire her even more.

“How’s Leonardo doing now?” Rena asked as they made their way to class.

“He’s perfectly fine. Thank you,” Sofia replied.

“That’s great to hear. We were really worried when we heard the news. It was all over the headlines that Leonardo Morelli had been shot. But after talking to you, we learned the truth. Otherwise, the news channels would’ve declared him dead,” Rena casually mentioned, unaware of the impact her words had on Sofia.

“Rena,” Sofia squealed, anger rising in her voice. “Never talk about that. Ever.”

“Oh my God, Sofia, calm down. I was just referring to what was reported in the news,” Rena responded politely, but Sofia couldn’t bear hearing someone speak of Leonardo’s death.

“No, Rena, it’s not acceptable. Never utter that word in reference to my Leonardo,” Sofia warned her.

“Ahem… Ahem… My Leonardo!!!! Hmmm,” Enzo taunted, and Sofia blushed at the thought of her reaction.

“Enough. Don’t you guys have a class to attend? I just returned after a week off, and I don’t want to miss today’s lecture,” Sofia said, linking her arm with Rena’s elbow.

They entered the classroom and quickly took their seats. The teacher arrived promptly. Thank goodness they weren’t late.

After their class, they headed to the library, their usual hangout spot, to work on some notes.

“Sofia, we came to see Leonardo, but we couldn’t get through due to security. Your guards wouldn’t allow us to see you guys,” Enzo whispered as they sat in the library.

“I had no idea. I must have been too preoccupied with taking care of Leonardo. I couldn’t answer any calls or respond to any messages once he regained consciousness,” Sofia replied apologetically.

“It’s alright, we understand. We just wanted to see Leonardo and know he was alright,” Rena chimed in.

“That’s really considerate of you all. I’ll talk to Leonardo and arrange a time and place for you to meet my husband. I also wanted to invite you to my place, so it would be a two-in-one occasion,” Sofia said, a warm smile spreading across her face.

Although she wasn’t sure how Leonardo would react, Sofia wanted him to meet her friends and make things feel normal between them. He always seemed to exist in his own world, and now he had also become possessive.

With their classes finally over, Sofia bid farewell to her friends and headed straight home. She diligently completed her assignments and eagerly awaited Leonardo’s arrival.

After a week, Leonardo returned to the office following his recovery, only to be faced with a multitude of pressing matters demanding his attention. One of the most prominent issues was the continuous threat posed by the Russian mafia. The Russian boss had proposed an alliance, but Leonardo vehemently disagreed with their conditions. The Russians were involved in despicable activities such as child trafficking, prostitution, and drug trafficking-actions that Leonardo would never tolerate within his country.

Now, the Russians were attempting to seize Leonardo’s position and territory. Despite declining their offer, they remained persistent, altering the terms of the deal numerous times. As the morning wore on, Leonardo’s pounding headache grew more intense, prompting him to rub his forehead in an attempt to find relief.

Just then, the phone on his desk began to ring, causing Leonardo to scowl. He was in no mood to entertain anyone at the moment.

“Meggie, don’t disturb me. I’m not in the mood to meet with anyone,” he barked his orders at his secretary, abruptly ending the call without even bothering to listen.

A few minutes later, a knock echoed through his office, and someone entered without permission. Irritated, Leonardo began to say, “Who the hell allowed-” but his words caught in his throat when he saw his father, Alessandro, and Carlo entering together.

“Where are your manners, Leonardo? We’ve come here to meet with you, and you refused entry as if we need your permission to enter your office,” Alessandro scolded arrogantly.

Leonardo’s headache worsened upon seeing his father and hearing his bitter words. He attempted to make a polite excuse, saying, “It’s not like that, Dad. I had a headache, and I didn’t want to see anyone. I had no idea that you and Mr. Ricci were coming.”

“Hello, Leonardo! How are you?” Carlo asked, attempting to lighten the tension in the room.

“I’m doing well. And how are you, Mr. Ricci?” Leonardo replied formally.

Carlo nodded and responded, “I couldn’t properly thank you for saving my daughter’s life. Words won’t be enough. I’m forever indebted to you for the favor you’ve done for me.”

Leonardo was taken aback by Carlo’s words. He was well aware that Carlo and his family had never treated Sofia as their own. In their society, it was an open secret that his family regarded Sofia with disdain.

“That’s merely a small gesture, Mr. Ricci. It’s my responsibility to protect my wife,” Leonardo responded politely, keeping his composure during the business meeting.

Carlo, the mafia boss, smiled, a rare occurrence in such a setting. “I’m pleased that you understand your obligations toward her, despite your marriage being just three years old,” Carlo remarked, piercing Leonardo’s heart with his words, even though no physical knife was involved.

Shit! Did he really have to bring up the fact that Sofia and Leonardo had entered into a contract marriage that would last only three years? Leonardo never wanted to be reminded of the ticking clock on their relationship.

Leonardo turned to his father, a sense of apprehension creeping over him. “What brings you here, Dad? I can tell it must be something significant for you to make an effort to come to my office,” he inquired, trying to gauge his father’s intentions.

Deep down, Leonardo knew his father had ulterior motives for being there, and he dreaded hearing about his cunning and devious plans.