The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia’s disappointment dissipated as she entered the bathroom, the cool water splashing on her face like a gentle wake-up call. With renewed vigor, she hastily freshened up, determined to seize the moment. As she walked down the hall, her footsteps seemed lighter, her heart was sad and missing her husband.

To her surprise, the gloomy corridors led her to a heartwarming sight. There he was, Leonardo, seated at the breakfast table with his laptop open before him. His typically unreadable demeanor softened, and his tea sat neglected, growing colder with each passing moment.

“You haven’t left for your work?” Sofia inquired, taking a seat beside him, her smile radiant and genuine. It had been an entire week since they had the chance to share breakfast together, and her joy couldn’t be contained.

Leonardo chuckled, playfully teasing her, “Why, baby girl? Are you not happy to see me?” He knew all too well the happiness he brought to her by being there, breaking his routine for this special occasion.

Sofia quickly clarified, “No, I didn’t mean that. I am pleasantly surprised to see you at the breakfast table. Otherwise, you always leave for your office before I wake up.” There was a tinge of sadness in her sigh, as she often felt a longing to have more of these cherished moments together.

“I can’t do anything about that, baby girl. Because… you know… work is God,” he responded with a touch of jest, his laughter resonating through the room. In that moment, she felt a sense of contentment seeing him in such a good mood, as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted from his shoulders.

As they exchanged playful banter, Sofia felt a surge of courage welling up inside her. It was the right time to discuss her own aspirations, her desire to rejoin school, and pursue her dreams.

“I want to ask you about… Can I go back to join my school? I want to complete my course,” Sofia’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and hope as she broached the subject, unsure of how Leonardo would react.

Leonardo, his attention momentarily diverted from the glow of his laptop, turned his gaze towards Sofia. His intense eyes studied her for a few lingering seconds, his thoughts seemingly lost in contemplation.

Finally, he spoke, his voice measured yet filled with understanding, “Of course, baby. I didn’t know that you had dropped your course in the middle. Otherwise, I would have made arrangements for you to continue your education earlier.”

A surge of relief washed over Sofia, causing a smile to bloom on her lips. The weight of uncertainty lifted from her shoulders as Leonardo’s words offered reassurance. Gratitude colored her voice as she exclaimed, “Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it.”

Leonardo’s attention returned to his laptop momentarily before he looked back at Sofia, his expression now serious. “I will speak with Domenico and ensure that all the necessary formalities are completed. Let him know which school you want to attend, and I will make certain that Mark enhances your safety. They will be by your side at all times, even inside the classroom. I won’t take any chances with your well-being,” his tone carried a resolute determination.

A wave of mixed emotions washed over Sofia, her happiness tainted by the realization that her life as the wife of a Mafia king would never be ordinary.

With the help of Domenico, Sofia secured admission to her old school and embarked on her journey to reclaim her education. Determined not to miss a beat, she attended her classes diligently, making up for lost time through extra studying. She immersed herself in the familiar rhythms of academia, a sanctuary of knowledge amidst the chaos of her life.

Yet, on her first day back at school after her marriage, a mix of nervousness and anticipation consumed Sofia. Once accustomed to traveling by public transport, she now found herself seated in the luxurious confines of a Mercedes, followed closely by a car filled with vigilant bodyguards. The attention they garnered as they arrived at the school was palpable, and Sofia felt the weight of every gaze fixed upon her.

Students and teachers alike regarded her with curiosity and awe, their eyes widening as if she had materialized from another world. This scrutiny only heightened Sofia’s unease, for she was unaccustomed to being the center of attention. In the hallways and classrooms, whispers and stares trailed her like shadows, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Although the knowledge of Sofia’s connection to Kat, a notorious figure in the underworld, spread like wildfire, the treatment she received from her peers left much to be desired. They reveled in treating her as an outcast, relishing the opportunity to degrade and belittle her at every turn. Sofia became an easy target, and their contemptuous behavior toward her intensified as the days went by.

Loneliness became Sofia’s constant companion, as her peers shunned her and refused to offer even a sliver of friendship. She was ostracized, deemed unworthy of companionship due to her perceived poverty and lack of conventional beauty. The echoes of their taunts and cold indifference reverberated in her mind, but she found solace in the solitude, embracing her own personal sanctuary away from the prying eyes and cruel judgments.

In the corridors of the school, Kat reigned as a popular and celebrated figure. Her beauty captivated all who crossed her path, and her skills in both extracurricular activities and academics set her apart from the crowd. Sofia, on the other hand, existed in the shadows, an almost invisible presence in the overwhelming radiance of her half-sister.

To ensure Sofia’s safety, Domenico sought permission from the dean for two bodyguards to accompany her during classes. One guard would station themselves outside the classroom, vigilant and watchful, while the other would find a discreet corner within the classroom, keeping a constant eye on Sofia’s surroundings.

As Sofia learned of this arrangement, she couldn’t help but marvel at the extent of her husband, Leonardo Morelli’s influence. The dean’s agreement to the request was a testament to the power and sway that Leonardo held, and Domenico confirmed that a substantial donation had been made to the school as a gesture of gratitude for their compliance.

With trepidation swirling within her, Sofia approached her classroom, her head bowed and her steps measured. But the moment she entered, the room erupted with hushed whispers and pointed fingers. The curious gazes of her classmates fixed upon her, turning her into the center of attention, however unwelcome it may have been.

The weight of their judgement bore down on Sofia’s shoulders, threatening to crush her spirit. Each whisper and each pointed stare felt like a piercing arrow aimed at her vulnerability. The insecurity she had kept at bay resurfaced, clawing its way to the surface of her consciousness. It was as if the very act of existing in that classroom drew forth their scrutiny, amplifying her self-consciousness to unbearable levels.

Silently, Sofia took her seat, her eyes focused on her desk, attempting to shield herself from the prying eyes that lingered upon her. The air felt heavy, suffused with unspoken judgement, and she longed for an escape from the suffocating atmosphere.

Yet, despite the uncomfortable attention, Sofia’s determination remained unshaken. The knowledge that her safety was being safeguarded by the presence of the bodyguards lent her a sense of reassurance, even amidst the storm of whispers and sidelong glances. With each passing day, she vowed to rise above the pettiness and superficial judgments, believing in the strength that resided within her.

As Sofia bowed her head, the room hummed with gossip and speculation. But unbeknownst to her classmates, she was not defined by their shallow perceptions.

The usual quietness of Sofia’s world was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Rena, her classmate, who took a seat beside her. Sofia was taken aback by the rare act of someone initiating a conversation with her, a stark contrast to the usual invisibility she felt among her peers.

“Hi Sofia, you were absent for almost a month,” Rena said with a friendly smile, breaking the ice between them.

Sofia tried to find an excuse for her prolonged absence, but her voice trailed off, unable to fabricate a plausible reason for her absence. The truth was a delicate secret, one she couldn’t share with her schoolmates.

“Yeah, I was busy,” she managed to reply vaguely, her eyes averting Rena’s inquisitive gaze.

“Babe, I heard about your marriage,” Rena continued, her grin widening. The words spilled from her lips with a mix of excitement and curiosity. “In fact, everyone in our school knew about Leonardo Morelli and your marriage. Congratulations, Mrs. Morelli, you hit the jackpot!”

Sofia’s heart sank at the way her marriage was reduced to a mere jackpot, a financial windfall that supposedly defined her newfound identity.

Inwardly, Sofia seethed with indignation. Her relationship with Leonardo was not a game of chance. Money had never been a driving force in her decision to be with him. Yet, she chose to remain silent, burying her head in book and unwilling to engage in a conversation that belittled the significance of her union.