The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Leonardo’s arrival was a sight to behold. Clad in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he emanated an air of sophistication and power. His attention to detail was evident in the impeccable knot of his red tie, while the unbuttoned black jacket revealed the crisp white shirt that lay beneath. His hair slicked back with gel, added an extra touch of refinement to his already striking appearance. As always, Leonardo had the ability to make Sofia’s heart skip a beat with his devilishly handsome face.

His intense gaze swept over his wife, taking in every detail from head to toe. Sofia could see the admiration shining in his eyes, causing her own heart to flutter. He cleared his throat, drawing her attention.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Leonardo began, a playful tone lacing his words. “Have you seen my wife? I left her in this room. Where did she go?” His eyes continued to scan the surroundings as if searching for a missing person.

At first, Sofia was momentarily puzzled by his question. However, the realization dawned on her that he was teasing her. A surge of delight washed over her. Oh my God! Leonardo Morelli has a sense of humor. That’s news worth savoring.

“What do you mean?” Sofia pouted, pretending to be offended. “I am only here, standing right in front of you.” She playfully tilted her head and struck a pose, teasingly questioning her own appearance. “Am I… am I not looking good?” Her voice carried a hint of playful insecurity.

A mischievous smile danced across Leonardo’s face as he closed the distance between them. He placed his hands gently on her waist, pulling her closer.

“You want to hear the truth?!” He whispered, his voice filled with genuine adoration. “You are more than just good. You are breathtakingly stunning. Every time I see you, it takes my breath away.” His words dripped with sincerity, his eyes locked onto hers, intensifying the moment.

Sofia couldn’t help but blush, feeling a rush of warmth envelop her.

Mark’s firm knock on the door disturbed their moment, signaling his presence. “Boss, the car is ready,” he informed Leonardo, who was seated in the dimly lit room. Leonardo rose from his seat, his commanding presence filling the space. Sofia, standing nearby, caught his attention.

Without a word, Leonardo extended his hand towards Sofia, his palm open and inviting. She hesitated for a moment before placing her delicate hand in his. His long, strong fingers enveloped her hand, creating a possessive grip that sent a thrill down her spine. It was a gesture that conveyed both protection and ownership.

Together, they made their way towards the waiting vehicle. As they approached, Sofia noticed a group of unfamiliar men in crisp uniforms standing near the car. Their presence struck her as odd, as she had never seen them before.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Sofia turned to Leonardo and asked, “Who are they?”

With a hint of pride, Leonardo replied, “They are your bodyguards, baby girl. They will be by your side twenty-four seven.” He gestured towards the men, signifying their role in safeguarding her.

Sofia’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “But I don’t need half a dozen bodyguards,” she protested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She couldn’t fathom why she would require such an extensive security detail. After all, Leonardo was always there to protect her.

Leonardo’s gaze softened as he looked into her eyes, his voice tender yet resolute. “I don’t want to take any chances, my love. These men are the best in their field, and I want to ensure your safety even when I am not by your side,” he explained, his adoration and affection evident in his words. Sofia found herself melting under his intense gaze.

Mark held the backseat car door open, allowing Leonardo to assist Sofia in settling inside, being mindful of her long gown. Leonardo joined her, taking a seat beside her.

Meanwhile, Mark occupied the passenger seat and directed the driver to head towards the venue. As the car began to move, Leonardo tenderly reached for Sofia’s hand, gazing into her eyes with concern.

“Are you nervous, baby girl?” he inquired, his perceptive nature noticing her habit of biting her lip, a telltale sign of her anxiety.

Sofia admitted, her voice tinged with apprehension, “Yeah, I am… I’m a little nervous. It’s my first time attending a Gala, and I’m afraid. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone.”

Leaning closer to her, Leonardo reassured her with unwavering confidence, “Angel, you can never embarrass me. No one can lay a finger on you. Remember, you are Mrs. Sofia Leonardo Morelli. You have no reason to fear. In fact, it is they who should fear you, as you are the wife of the formidable Mafia king, Leonardo Morelli.”

His words filled Sofia with a sense of pride and admiration for him. As Sofia’s heart swayed, she felt a growing sense of fear mingled with the blossoming emotions. How could this be happening? She was slowly but surely falling for Leonardo, a man who seemed completely out of her league. True, they were married, but it was merely a contract that would last for three years. She couldn’t fathom that she could ever be his type, considering how incredibly handsome and sophisticated he was. His well-built physique resembled that of a Greek god, and the women who surrounded him were equally elegant and stunning, as she had witnessed firsthand during their recent trip to the mall.

Although Leonardo had always been kind to her, there was a shift in his demeanor after her traumatic kidnapping. Perhaps he pitied her, just like everyone else. Lost in her thoughts, Sofia failed to realize that they had arrived at their destination. It was only when Leonardo gently shook her and called her name that she snapped back to reality.

“Sofia, we’re here. Are you alright, baby girl?” Leonardo’s voice was filled with concern as he tenderly caressed her cheeks and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You don’t have to feel nervous. I’ll be by your side the entire time, okay?”

Sofia couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotions as she found herself irresistibly drawn to Leonardo’s sweet nature. She tried to compose herself, offering only a smile and a nod in response.

Leonardo gently assisted Sofia in stepping down from the car, his hand intertwining with hers as he led her toward the Gala. As they approached the entrance, a swarm of paparazzi awaited them, their cameras flashing and their voices buzzing with questions. Sofia clutched Leonardo’s arm tightly, seeking solace in his presence. He glanced down at her, wrapping an arm possessively around her waist, offering both support and protection.

Their vigilant bodyguards diligently kept the paparazzi at bay, preventing them from getting too close. However, the persistent journalists continued to shout their inquiries and blinded Sofia with the incessant flashes of their cameras. Her vision was obscured. She relied on Leonardo’s guidance to navigate through the chaos.

Leonardo guided them into the grand ballroom, which was teeming with a sea of people. Sofia’s heart raced, pounding against her chest. If she had felt nervous before, the sight of the multitude surrounding them amplified her anxiety to an unprecedented level.

The attendees began to approach Leonardo and Sofia, extending greetings and acknowledging his presence. Suddenly, a female voice pierced through the commotion, calling out Leonardo’s name. He let out a low curse, closing his eyes momentarily. Sofia turned her head to see who had spoken.

Standing there, adorned in a stunning golden mini-dress, was a girl exuding confidence and allure. Leonardo’s hold on Sofia’s waist tightened, drawing her even closer. The girl stepped forward, her gaze shifting between Leonardo and Sofia, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

“I thought you wouldn’t come. But I am glad you are here,” Evelyn greeted Leonardo, flashing a captivating smile, batting her eyelashes, and placing her hand on his chest. Sofia watched the interaction, feeling a pang of discomfort. However, before she could say anything, Leonardo swiftly removed Evelyn’s hand and placed it back at her side.

“Evelyn, nice to meet you again,” Leonardo spoke with a cold expression, asserting his dominance. “Meet my wife, Sofia Leonardo Morelli.” He affectionately kissed the side of Sofia’s head, a gesture that both reassured her and asserted his commitment to their marriage.

Sofia observed Evelyn’s expression transforming from pleasant to cold, her eyes now shooting daggers in Sofia’s direction. It was evident that Evelyn was not pleased with the presence of another woman in Leonardo’s life.

“Sofia, meet Evelyn Anderson, my ex-girlfriend,” Leonardo introduced, his words causing Sofia’s eyebrows to raise in surprise. She shifted her gaze back and forth between Evelyn and Leonardo, her mind racing with questions. Another ex-girlfriend? How many girlfriends did he have?