The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia was hungry, so she decided to have breakfast first before calling Leonardo. She pulled out a chair at the dining table and sat down. Sofia informed the servant that she would be fine with anything for breakfast. They served her an array of dishes, and her taste buds rejoiced at the sight of so many delicious foods spread out before her. Once she had eaten her fill, she set down her fork and spoon, bidding farewell to the dining room as she made her way back to her room.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Sofia indulged in a lengthy shower, luxuriating in the warm water cascading over her body. She lingered in the bathtub, fully immersed in the soothing comfort, while her chosen playlist filled the air from the speakers discreetly mounted in the bathroom’s corners. After emerging from the refreshing bath, she slipped into a fresh set of clothes and turned on the television to pass the time. As she sat there, she anxiously awaited Leonardo’s call or message. Though a romantic movie played on the screen, her mind was far from the love story unfolding before her. She clutched her phone tightly, her gaze fixated on the screen, hoping for any sign of communication.

Hours crawled by, and the silence from him persisted. Frustrated, Sofia decided to take matters into her own hands and dialed his number. He answered after just two rings, his deep, manly voice washing over her through the phone’s speaker, causing her to melt inside.

“Hey, baby girl, you’re awake?” Leonardo’s enchanting voice resonated with a magnetic charm.

“Yes, I’ve been up for three hours. And you… Why didn’t you wake me up before leaving for the office?” Sofia complained, a hint of disappointment evident in her voice.

“Oh baby, you were sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to disturb you and listen in on your dreams,” Leonardo whispered, his voice laced with weariness. “Don’t wait for me for dinner because I will be late. There are so many things going on, causing trouble…” He sighed, his voice heavy with the weight of his responsibilities. “I have to handle them myself.”

“It’s okay,” Sofia murmured, her voice tinged with concern. “But try to come home soon, hmmm?” She reached out to caress his cheek, and he responded with a gentle hum.

Sofia spent the evening in a mixture of restlessness and boredom. She watched TV for a while, taking occasional breaks to wander through the opulent mansion. The grandeur of the place had lost its luster over time, and she found solace in the tranquility of the garden. She took a leisurely stroll, breathing in the fragrant blooms that adorned the pathways. In between, she allowed herself a brief respite, lying down on a bench and closing her eyes to pass the time.

As midnight approached, Leonardo had still not returned. Exhaustion overwhelmed Sofia, and she succumbed to sleep, hoping he would be by her side when she woke.

In the depths of the night, as Sofia stirred in her slumber, she felt a presence beside her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw Leonardo lying there, his chiseled features softened in sleep. His muscular arm enveloped her, providing a sense of security. She couldn’t help but smile, nuzzling her face against his chest, finding solace in his warmth. Sleep claimed her once more.

When Sofia awoke in the morning, she stretched her limbs, only to find Leonardo’s side of the bed vacant once again. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and she wondered where he could be. Seeking answers, she summoned one of the servants, who informed her that Leonardo had left early in the morning and would not return until late at night.

Sofia let out a sigh, the weight of her solitude pressing upon her. She pondered the price she had unknowingly paid for marrying a wealthy billionaire-the empty hours spent in his absence, the yearning for his companionship, and the constant reminder of her own loneliness.

It had been nearly a week, and Sofia had yet to have a proper conversation with Leonardo, despite living under the same roof. He would leave early in the morning and return late at night. Sofia was well aware that he was not just a business tycoon, but also a powerful Mafia king. Perhaps his dual responsibilities prevented him from allocating any time for his personal life. However, Sofia’s patience had worn thin, and she no longer cared about his obligations-she simply wanted her husband’s attention and time.

Determined to reach out to him, Sofia decided to call Leonardo in the middle of the day. However, he didn’t answer. Undeterred, she dialed his number again, and this time, the call was answered. But it wasn’t Leonardo on the other end of the line.

“Hello, ma’am. Mr. Morelli is currently tied up in an urgent meeting. He will contact you when he becomes available,” the unfamiliar voice informed her, prepared to end the call. Sofia, unwilling to accept this dismissal, interjected.

“Wait! I need to speak to him right now. It’s urgent,” she insisted, her determination fueled by her status as his wife, giving her a measure of authority.

Sofia’s ears caught the sound of a weary sigh from the other end of the phone, followed by a brief pause. Then, the voice returned, “Ma’am, Mr. Morelli is currently occupied and unable to speak with you at the moment.”

Fury surged through Sofia at the thought of being ignored by Leonardo. She had never anticipated such treatment from him. He had promised he would never mistreat her. Yet, for nearly a week, he had disregarded her, causing her anger to boil. She wasn’t about to let him off so easily.

In a fit of frustration, she bellowed into the phone, “Tell Mr. Morelli that he must come home immediately. Otherwise, I will never forgive him.”

Sofia relayed her demands to the person on the other end, possibly an assistant, and promptly ended the call. Seeking solace, she retreated to her room and turned on the television, hoping to distract herself by watching the news. However, a particular report repeatedly flashed across the screen, revealing the imminent threat of a gang war in Genoa involving two rival factions. The tension in the city was palpable.

Just as Sofia absorbed the dire news, a knock echoed at her door. “Come in,” she granted entry to whoever sought her attention. The door swung open, and a maid stepped into the room, announcing, “Ma’am, Mr. Domenico Russo has arrived to see you. He is waiting in the living area.”

Sofia’s memory jogged, recalling her encounter with Domenico at the Morelli mansion. What could he possibly want here? Leonardo wasn’t present, so why had Domenico come to meet her?

Sofia rose from her seat and made her way to the living area, where she found Domenico Russo waiting for her. The moment his eyes fell upon Sofia’s presence, he stood up and gracefully bowed, extending his greeting. “Good evening, ma’am! Mr. Morelli is currently occupied with a matter of utmost urgency and importance. Therefore, I have come to assist you,” he explained with a respectful tone.

Sofia couldn’t help but roll her eyes in frustration. Why had Leonardo sent Domenico Russo instead of being there himself? She longed for her husband, her dear Leonardo, to be by her side. “Why are you here? I simply wish to spend some time with my husband. Where is he?” she sighed, sinking onto the plush couch. She realized her words came across as rude, but her frustration overpowered her manners. Her heart yearned for Leonardo’s presence, and nobody else would suffice.

Domenico settled himself in a seat across from Sofia, attentively observing her. “And why do you address him as Mr. Morelli? Aren’t you his best friend?” Sofia raised a questioning eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

“You are correct,” Domenico acknowledged, nodding in agreement. “However, at this moment, I am here on duty, and Leonardo is my superior. I work for him as the CEO of one of his companies and serve as his trusted right hand,” he explained, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. Unspoken between them was the understanding that Domenico held a position of power within Leonardo’s formidable Mafia organization, making him the proverbial right hand to the boss himself.

“What kind of urgent meetings has he been attending for an entire week?” Sofia’s voice resonated with a mixture of frustration and anger as she confronted Domenico. Her eyes flashed with pent-up emotion, reflecting her genuine discontent. “I haven’t had a proper conversation with him in the last seven days. I am beyond fed up with his constant disregard for me. He leaves early in the morning and returns late at night. What am I supposed to expect from this marriage?” Her words carried a raw intensity, revealing the depths of her disappointment.

Sofia’s frustration had reached its peak, her patience worn thin. She longed for a connection with her husband, for his presence and attention to be wholly hers. The absence of his companionship had taken its toll on her, leaving her with an overwhelming sense of isolation. She felt lonely and neglected.