The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

It would be much better if he accompanied her on the shopping trip. She wanted him to come.

“Ah… I want to come. I will try, but I cannot commit as I have some important meetings and lots of contracts and deals to read and sign,” Leonardo said, cupping Sofia’s face between his hands and caressing her jaw with the pad of his thumb.

“It’s okay, I understand,” she replied half-heartedly in a dull voice.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Look at me, baby girl. Take your friends with you and buy them some stuff from our side. Have fun and shop with them. That way, you won’t miss me,” he said, and she knew he wanted her to cheer up.

“No need, Mr. Morelli. I will be fine on my own, and I don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on my luxury,” she pressed her hand on his chest.

“It’s also your money, Mrs. Morelli. You can spend as much as you want,” he said, smiling at her, making her roll her eyes. When would he stop spoiling her like this?

“Okay. Go and get ready. Otherwise, you will be late for your office. I am leaving early. Have your breakfast before leaving,” she said and pecked his cheek. But he turned his face, and her lips landed on his sinfully sexy lips as he deepened the kiss.

“See you in the evening, honey,” she pulled back and, picking up her bag, left for school.

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

Sofia and her friends were sitting in the library again during a break between classes.

“Leonardo is throwing a party for me in two days, on Sunday,” Sofia whispered carefully so as not to be heard by the librarian.

“Wow, that’s great!” Rena chimed, and they had to gesture for her to keep her voice low.

“Oops, sorry! I got excited,” Rena apologized, wrinkling her nose.

“What’s the occasion, by the way?” Enzo asked this time.

“Umm… he wanted to announce my legacy of the Ricci Empire,” Sofia said. She still couldn’t believe that she had an empire to manage.

“Oh my my! Her Highness!” Rena exclaimed, her voice dripping with exaggerated awe. She playfully bowed before Sofia, her movements theatrical and grandiose. Sofia blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at Rena’s antics.

“Shut up. It’s not like that,” Sofia replied, trying to downplay her privileged status. She didn’t want her friends to treat her differently because of her family’s wealth.

Enzo chimed in, teasingly addressing Sofia, “Yeah! So what will it be like having an entire Empire to own, your highness?” He grinned mischievously, enjoying his own jest.

Sofia’s face turned even redder as she felt her friends poking fun at her. “If you both don’t stop making fun of me, I won’t talk to any of you ever,” she threatened half-seriously, her expression sullen.

Enzo quickly amended his words, realizing he had pushed too far. “Okay… okay… Sorry, your highness,” he apologized, trying to suppress a smirk.

Sofia shot a glare at Enzo, her eyes filled with mock anger. She then sighed and shook her head in mild exasperation.

“Oops, sorry, Sofia,” Enzo whispered, barely suppressing his laughter. He found amusement in his friend’s reactions, even though he knew he was testing her patience.

Sofia ignored Enzo’s silent laughter, not willing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her crack a smile. Instead, she redirected their conversation to more important matters.

“Leonardo has invited both of you,” Sofia informed them, her tone serious. “His assistant will send you both personal invitations.”

Rena’s eyes widened with excitement. “Wow! Thanks, babe,” she exclaimed, using a term of endearment for Sofia. “Because of you, we also get to enjoy a royal party. I am looking forward to this. By the way, who else is coming to this party? I mean, many royal families and their princes would be attending. I hope I can find a prince for myself, just like you have Leonardo Morelli for yourself.” Rena’s voice trailed off as she started daydreaming, propping her elbow on the table and cupping her cheeks in her hands.

Sofia shook her head, amused by Rena’s fantasies. If only they knew how she had met Leonardo and the unconventional circumstances that had brought them together. But deep down, she felt grateful for having him in her life. She knew that without him, her world wouldn’t be as beautiful and happy as he made it.

As Sofia indulged in her thoughts, her phone rang. It was a call from Domenico. He informed her that he would be coming to pick her up after her classes. However, she requested him to collect her from home instead, explaining that she needed to freshen up and change after school. Domenico agreed without hesitation, understanding her need for privacy.

Sofia arrived home after her classes, eager to prepare for the evening ahead. She swiftly freshened up, washing away the remnants of a long day, and slipped into a knee-length black dress that accentuated her curves. Pulling her dark locks up into a sleek ponytail, she applied a light touch of makeup, emphasizing her natural beauty. After all, she was Mrs. Sofia Leonardo Morelli, and whenever she stepped out in public, the world turned its attention toward her.

In the living room, Sofia awaited Domenico’s arrival, her anticipation building with each passing moment. When he finally entered with his signature smile.

“How is my sister from another mother?” he greeted her in his usual amused tone. Sofia couldn’t help but giggle at his playful demeanor.

“I really miss your sense of humor,” she admitted, her eyes sparkling. “I’m sure tonight I’ll be laughing until my belly aches.”

Domenico replied with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, “With pleasure, your highness.”

Sofia’s expression quickly turned serious, her patience wearing thin from the constant use of the title.

“Don’t ever call me that,” she scolded him, her tone firm and commanding. Domenico was taken aback, surprised by her reaction.

“And why is that?” he asked, genuine confusion in his voice.

“Because I don’t like someone referring to me as ‘her highness.’ I prefer to be called by my name,” Sofia explained, shrugging off the unnecessary formality.

Domenico nodded, understanding her sentiment. “That makes sense. But you know I can’t call you by your name; I have an order from your husband,” he admitted, his tone growing more serious.

Sofia’s eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. “Why has Leonardo forbidden you from calling me by my name?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Because your husband is very possessive of you, my dear. He can’t even trust his own best friend,” Domenico revealed, rolling his eyes playfully. A smile spread across Sofia’s lips, a mixture of amusement and adoration evident in her eyes.

“Alright, ma’am, let’s not keep the world waiting. We don’t want to miss out on the shopping or have the shops close before we arrive,” Domenico said, reverting to his humor-filled voice.

Sofia nodded, eager to embark on their outing. “Okay, let’s go, Mr. Russo,” she replied, playfully emphasizing his surname.

Domenico, with a warm smile, bowed slightly to Sofia as he gestured for her to lead the way, following closely behind as they made their way toward the parking lot. The sun cast long shadows on the asphalt, adding an air of mystery to the scene.

Reaching the sleek black sedan, Domenico opened the backseat door for Sofia, displaying his chivalry. Sofia gracefully slid into the plush leather seat, feeling the coolness against her skin. Once she was comfortably settled, Domenico joined her, his presence providing a sense of reassurance and protection.

In the front passenger seat, one of Sofia’s bodyguards sat alertly beside the driver, their gaze scanning the surroundings, ready to respond to any potential threat. The other bodyguards followed closely behind in a separate vehicle, their watchful eyes surveying the area.

As they prepared to depart, Sofia couldn’t help but question the need for such a strong security presence during a simple shopping trip.

She leaned towards Domenico, lowering her voice to a hushed tone. “Do we still need so many bodyguards when we’re just going shopping?”

Domenico’s expression turned serious as he met her gaze, his eyes reflecting the weight of his responsibility. “Of course, because you are not only Mrs. Leonardo Morelli but also the heiress of the Ricci Empire,” he replied, his voice filled with determination. “Now more than ever, you require heightened security.”