The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia gently shook Leonardo, and he slowly stirred awake, his eyes blinking open. “I can’t seem to get any sleep. I want to go for a walk. Will you accompany me?” she asked softly.

He peered at her with one eye, looking down at her face. “Are you serious, angel? At this hour?” he inquired, his voice still heavy with drowsiness.

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” she retorted, narrowing her eyes playfully.

“No! You’re serious,” he whispered, removing his arms from around her and sitting up on the bed. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms upward, letting out a big yawn. Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, he stood up on his feet and ran his hands through his dark hair to tame it.

“Okay, babe, let’s go for a walk,” he finally said in his still-sleepy voice, and she couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for waking him up in the middle of the night. But it was all for the sake of his birthday surprise. She got up instantly and walked over to him, holding his hand.

“I’m ready,” she announced, and he responded with another yawn.

She wanted to chuckle at his expression; he looked adorably sleepy, yet he willingly obeyed her every demand and order at any hour of the day. Who would have thought that Leonardo Morelli, an alpha male and dominating man, would be so accommodating to a girl’s wishes? She couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, knowing she had such control over him, making him do anything she asked.

Reflecting on their journey, she felt overwhelming gratitude toward God for bringing him into her life. She believed that God had a plan for everyone, and sometimes He allowed pain and challenges to test their patience and tolerance, only to reward them with boundless happiness in return. Looking at Leonardo, she felt that all her prayers had been answered and returned with immeasurable happiness. Now, with their little bundle of joy on the way, she could hardly believe that after years of pain and rejection from her own family, she had finally found someone who could give her what she had craved her whole life-a loving family and her own world.

As they strolled through the garden, Sofia led Leonardo to the decorated area. As they approached, the lights suddenly turned on, and soft, melodious music began to play. It was exactly as Sofia had planned it. The breathtaking view of the garden adorned with heart-shaped balloons and twinkling, colorful fairy lights brought a smile to their faces. Rows of rose and lavender plants lined the path, while hibiscus and bougainvillea shrubs surrounded the garden, showcasing various rare species of plants.

In the center of it all, a table stood, covered with an exquisite cloth, a bottle of wine, and two perfectly placed glasses. The only thing missing was the cake, which was set to arrive anytime after Sofia and Leonardo’s arrival, per Sofia’s instructions to the staff.

Leonardo’s half-closed eyes widened in awe as he blinked a few times to take in the magical surroundings. Then his gaze fell upon Sofia.

“You planned all of this?” he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

“Of course, who else could?” she shrugged playfully. Did he doubt her ability to plan a surprise? Admittedly, she hadn’t planned any surprises in her entire life, but this was the first time she felt compelled to make someone’s day truly special and memorable, especially someone as significant to her as Leonardo.

A house helper appeared with the cake that Sofia had lovingly baked for Leonardo.

“The surprise isn’t over yet. I made this cake for you,” she said, grinning with excitement.

His eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“Really?” he replied, clearly touched by her thoughtful gesture.

Taking her hands in his, he brought them to his lips and kissed the back of her palms, gazing deeply into her eyes.

“Thank you for bringing so much happiness and joy into my life. I don’t believe I deserve all this, but I’m not willing to let it go. You are mine, forever,” he declared, his voice filled with genuine emotion. He pulled her close into his arms and kissed her with a passionate display of love.

Sofia poured all her love and prayers for him into that kiss, wishing him a long life filled with all the happiness the universe could offer. Leonardo meant everything to her, and she had never wanted to make a wish for someone as much as she did for him. Before Leonardo, her prayers had been solely reserved for her mother, but now, he had become her world.

When they finally pulled away from the tender embrace, Sofia led him to the beautifully decorated cake in the center. She picked up the knife, and with a radiant smile, she looked at him. He appeared almost entranced by the whole experience.

Guiding his hand, she made him hold the knife, and together, they cut the cake. Afterward, she lovingly fed him a piece, and he couldn’t help but moan in delight.

“Sofia, your cooking is simply the best. Why don’t you pursue a degree in Culinary Courses?” he suggested, admiring her culinary skills.

Her face lit up with a mix of happiness and wistfulness. “Actually, I was thinking about it. But then the responsibilities of the Ricci Empire came, and I had to pursue a degree in business,” she sighed, remembering how much she used to enjoy cooking. She had learned the art from her mother when she was very young, watching her intently and memorizing every step.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“No, it’s not necessary. If your dream is to be a chef, then you should follow your dream, and I’m always here to help you manage the Ricci Empire. I’ll teach you everything, don’t worry, my love,” he reassured her.

Oh, if only he knew how much he meant to her, how much his unwavering support meant to her dreams. She motioned to the staff to bring the cake pops and chocolate balls she had specially prepared for their little celebration.

Each time he took a cake pop or a chocolate ball, lovingly made by her, into his mouth, he would close his eyes and moan in appreciation. She couldn’t help but feel captivated, watching him savor her baked desserts as if her cooking had been rewarded with the highest of praises.

He uncorked the wine bottle and poured a glass for himself. Sofia, of course, refrained from drinking alcohol. She had gradually grown accustomed to him occasionally having a drink, as she had come to realize that he never became intimidating or made her feel insecure.

“So, what’s next?” he asked eagerly, rubbing his palms together with excitement.

“Ummm… I think the only thing left is your birthday dance,” she replied shyly, still getting the hang of matching his impressive dance moves. Whenever they danced, she couldn’t help but feel like a giddy fangirl, amazed by his grace and talent. There were moments when she wanted to shout his name in admiration.

She snapped her fingers, and the music started playing once again. He took her hand in his and guided her towards the center, where a spotlight shone brightly. With one hand securely holding her waist, he drew her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, trying her best to match his steps.

“How did you like my surprise?” she couldn’t resist asking again.

“I’ve already said it’s fucking great. Better than any surprise. And that’s because you prepared it for me,” he replied warmly, pecking her lips affectionately.

“I wanted to make it even more special, but I didn’t have enough time. With the wedding preparations and this early pregnancy, I often feel uneasy,” she confessed.

“Baby girl, you don’t have to do anything to make it special because having you in my life makes every moment special. You are my angel,” he said, kissing her forehead tenderly.

They continued to sway to the music for a few more blissful minutes before Sofia suggested they should head to their bedroom and get some rest. After all, today was both their birthday and their wedding day, and they needed to be ready on time. She couldn’t bear the thought of being late for her own wedding.