The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

As the car came to a halt at the grand entrance gate of the Morelli mansion, Sofia could feel her heart pounding relentlessly against her chest as if desperately trying to escape. Its rapid beats echoed in her ears, matching the speed of a launching rocket. The anticipation of meeting her in-laws for the first time since their wedding made her incredibly nervous. During the ceremony, there had been little opportunity for meaningful interaction, leaving her feeling somewhat unprepared for this momentous occasion.

As she stepped out of the car, Sofia’s legs trembled with an intensity that threatened to destabilize her balance. She took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within her, and silently reassured herself that she could handle this encounter. She could survive it. With newfound determination, she exhaled slowly, willing her nerves to settle.

The massive gate began to swing open, revealing a breathtaking sight before her eyes. Beyond the entrance, a picturesque garden unfolded, captivating her senses. A meticulously crafted marble stone path meandered through the lush expanse, leading the way to the imposing mansion. On either side of the lane, an array of vibrant, exotic flowers bloomed, their colorful petals dancing in harmonious symphony. Sofia found herself utterly enchanted by the sheer beauty and impeccable upkeep of the garden.

If she were not consumed by her nerves at that moment, Sofia would have savored the captivating scenery that surrounded the Morelli mansion. However, her anxiety had momentarily overtaken her, making it difficult for her to appreciate the breathtaking landscape fully.

The sleek black car came to a halt in front of the grand porch of the mansion. Mark was the first to step out of the vehicle. As the car doors swung open, she caught the sound of the doors of the other cars in the convoy opening simultaneously. The heavy thud of footsteps echoed in the air as half a dozen imposing bodyguards surrounded her car, their vigilant presence palpable.

Mark, with his sharp gaze and unwavering demeanor, approached Sofia’s side and opened the car door for her. She took a deep breath, her hand clutching the fabric of her dress tightly, gathering her resolve. Slowly, she emerged from the car, the weight of the moment weighing upon her.

“Mark, why do I still need these bodyguards trailing me inside the Morelli mansion? I don’t require their constant presence,” Sofia voiced her growing frustration, her irritation at always being encircled by an entourage of uniformed men seeping into her words.

“I apologize, ma’am, but it’s the boss’s directive that we accompany you wherever you go outside the house,” Mark replied, his expression devoid of emotion, as if merely a vessel for the orders he was obliged to follow.

Sofia rolled her eyes, a gesture of annoyance directed at Leonardo’s excessive protectiveness. She was accustomed to his overbearing nature, but it occasionally tested her patience.

“Sofia, my dear, I am overjoyed to see you,” a warm voice interjected. It was Anna, Leonardo’s mother, who had approached and enveloped Sofia in a tender, motherly embrace

Sofia stood there, stunned by the unexpected gesture. She couldn’t bring herself to react immediately, her arms frozen by her sides as Leonardo’s mother’s warm embrace enveloped her. It had been years since someone had shown her such genuine affection, and the flood of emotions caught her off guard. Her eyes welled up with tears, and a lump formed in her throat as memories of her deceased mother flooded her mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Leonardo’s mother, Anna, gently pulled away, her eyes filled with concern as she surveyed Sofia’s face. “What happened, my dear? Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine worry. “Oh, you must be tired from traveling. You just landed in Genoa today, and I invited you for dinner, but everyone was very curious to meet you. Come inside.”

Anna’s sweet voice and the touch of her hand provided a comforting reassurance for Sofia. Nodding silently, Sofia allowed herself to be led inside the grand Morelli mansion. As she stepped through the entrance, she found herself in a vast hall adorned with opulent, imported furniture. Sofia’s gaze was immediately drawn to a magnificent chandelier hanging in the center, its sparkling crystals casting shimmering patterns across the room.

Her eyes wandered, taking in the breathtaking perfection that seemed to emanate from every corner of the mansion. It surpassed even her father’s prestigious residence, leaving her in awe of the Morelli family’s opulence and taste. Sofia couldn’t help but feel a mixture of fascination and intimidation, realizing that she was now a part of this world, a world she had only heard whispers of until now.

“Welcome to Morelli Mansion, Sofia,” a deep, authoritative voice interrupted Sofia’s trance. She turned her gaze towards the source, finding Alessandro Morelli, Leonardo’s father, standing before her in a sleek tuxedo. His hands were casually tucked into his pants pockets, exuding an air of confidence and power. Alessandro bore a striking resemblance to his son, almost as if Leonardo were a mirror image of him.

Sofia mustered a grateful smile as she responded, “Thank you, Mr. Morelli. Thank you, Mrs. Morelli.” Her eyes shifted to Anna, Leonardo’s mother, who stood beside her husband. The couple exchanged a knowing glance, their faces adorned with warm smiles. Anna, with genuine kindness in her eyes, turned her attention to Sofia.

“Oh, my dear, call me ‘Mum,’ and him ‘Dad,’ just as Leonardo used to,” Anna affectionately insisted, her hand gently caressing Sofia’s arm. Overwhelmed with emotion, Sofia felt tears welling up in her eyes, grateful for the loving acceptance bestowed upon her by Leonardo’s mother.

Sofia managed to nod in response, her voice trapped within her constricted throat, unable to escape in the usual manner.

“Come, sweetheart. I will introduce you to the other family members,” Anna said, extending her arm for Sofia to take. Sofia, her heart pounding, followed Anna into the lavish dining room.

As they entered, Sofia’s eyes widened at the sight of numerous people seated around the large table. She couldn’t help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over her as she anticipated meeting Leonardo’s extensive family.

“Sofia, this is Leonardo’s uncle and aunt, Angelo and Allegra,” Anna introduced, guiding Sofia toward an older couple who sat at the head of the table. Sofia smiled politely and exchanged greetings with them, relieved to find their warm reception.

Moving further into the room, Anna pointed out a young girl standing nearby.

“And this is Bella, Leonardo’s cousin. And those two over there,” she gestured towards two young men in their early twenties, “are Luca and Aldo, the twins and Bella’s younger brothers.”

Sofia marveled at the striking resemblance between Luca and Aldo. Their identical features made it nearly impossible to tell them apart, except for their names. She nodded in acknowledgment, impressed by their uncanny similarity.

Bella, with an air of confidence, approached Sofia with a smug smile.

“Hello, Sofia. It’s nice to finally meet you. We didn’t have a chance to properly meet at your wedding,” she said, her tone laced with subtle amusement.

Sofia looked at Bella, momentarily taken aback by her beauty. Bella stood tall and slender, her golden complexion radiating under the soft glow of the room’s chandeliers. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with mischief. Dressed in an elegant white gown adorned with delicate beading at the neckline, Bella exuded an aura of sophistication, almost resembling a celebrity. Sofia couldn’t help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, suddenly aware of her own modest attire amidst Leonardo’s glamorous family.

Bella gently grasped Sofia’s arm.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Aunt Anna,” she began, her voice carrying a touch of urgency, “let Sofia sit with us. We have so much to catch up on and discuss.”

Sofia’s heart raced with apprehension. What could they possibly have to talk about? She had only just met Bella, and the thought of engaging in intimate conversations with relative strangers made her uneasy.

Anna, with a watchful gaze, considered Bella’s request. Her eyes shifted from Bella to the twins, conveying a stern warning.

“Alright, Bella,” she relented, her voice laced with caution. “But remember, no teasing or prying. We don’t want Sofia to feel uncomfortable on her first day in Morelli’s mansion. Don’t play any of your games, understood?”

Sofia felt a small sense of relief, grateful for Anna’s intervention. She silently pledged to keep her guard up, determined not to let her vulnerabilities be exploited.

Just as Sofia was about to pass by Allegra’s seat, a soft voice reached her ears.

“I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother, Sofia,” Allegra expressed sympathetically.

Sofia’s gaze dropped to the ground, her eyes welling up with tears as the mention of her beloved grandmother hit her hard. She desperately hoped that no one would notice her emotional turmoil.

With Bella at her side, Sofia was led back to the seat she had occupied earlier. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out the chair and settled into it, attempting to compose herself amidst the turbulent emotions swirling within her.