The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Kat stormed towards Emma, her anger evident as she lashed out in jealousy and frustration. “You have seen Leonardo propose and confess his love for Sofia, Mom. Now, what will you do? What are you going to say about it? If you didn’t stop me that day, I would have created problems in Sofia’s life, and Leonardo would have been proposing to me,” Kat fumed out of jealousy.

Emma gritted her teeth, watching her daughter mumbling with stupidity. Sometimes, she doubted if Kat was truly her daughter, given her lack of patience. “Shut up, Kat. I am also not happy with that news. I am already angry. Don’t put oil in it. Or else you have to deal with my anger,” Emma retorted, glaring at her daughter. Then, her attention shifted to Diana, who was observing the couple with envious eyes.

This sight pleased Emma, and her mood brightened up. She saw an opportunity to exploit Diana’s emotions and fulfill her scheme to drive Sofia and Leonardo apart. Emma believed Sofia didn’t deserve the happiness and the Ricci estates she had inherited and was determined to make Carlo realize that as well.

With a cunning plan in mind, Emma introduced herself to Diana, stretching her hand toward her.

“Hello, my dear. Let me introduce myself. I am Emma Ricci, stepmother of Sofia Ricci,” she said.

Diana took her hand and nodded, acknowledging, “Yes, I know you, Mrs. Ricci. I am Diana.”

Emma nodded, recognizing Diana as the famous supermodel and Leonardo’s ex-girlfriend. She saw an opportunity to provoke Diana’s emotions further.

“Have you met Leonardo? He looked so happy with Sofia,” Emma said with an intent to incite jealousy.

Diana rolled her eyes, scowling at Emma’s remark.

“I haven’t even gone to them to congratulate them because I don’t have that big heart to give my love to other women. If I hadn’t made a mistake in the past, he would be mine,” she replied with a sigh, revealing her lingering feelings for Leonardo.

“It’s never too late, my dear. You can still have Leonardo. You just need to go according to my plan, and he will be yours again. This time he will be yours forever,” Emma smirked and winked, trying to intrigue Diana.

Diana frowned, feeling unsure about Emma’s intentions.

“Why the hell do you want to help me, and why should I trust you?” she questioned, skeptical of Emma’s sudden offer.

“Because I can also see Leonardo is not happy but pretending to be happy with Sofia. His true happiness is with you,” Emma stated with conviction, trying to win Diana’s trust.

“Ok, tell me what you have in your head?” Diana asked, crossing her arms over her chest, ready to listen to Emma’s plan and do whatever it took to get Leonardo back.

Emma’s smile faltered as her phone chimed, interrupting the moment. “Excuse me,” she said politely before excusing herself to answer the call. Seeking a secluded corner, she picked up the phone and greeted the caller with a simple, “Hello!”

After a brief conversation, Emma’s demeanor changed, and determination flickered in her eyes. “Okay, I am coming,” she replied decisively, ending the call. Her mind was set on something important.

Leaving the vibrant party behind, Emma made her way to a local restaurant, deliberately choosing a place where wealthy and renowned families wouldn’t frequent. There, she met Lana, the widow of Mak, who seemed to have been expecting her arrival.

“I know you would come,” Lana stated matter-of-factly.

Emma responded with a soft smile, though Lana could see through the facade. “How are you, Lana?” Emma asked politely, trying to maintain an amicable tone.

Lana scowled, not interested in formal pleasantries. “Don’t waste time in formalities. I know you are not concerned about me,” she retorted, getting straight to the point.

Emma couldn’t help but snort at Lana’s blunt statement. “Right. So what do you want, Lana?” she asked, cutting to the chase.

“I want revenge,” Lana declared, her eyes burning with a desire for vengeance. “I am dying to kill Sofia. Because of her, my husband died. Now she has to pay for what she did.”

Emma’s expression darkened, and a sinister smirk crept across her face. “Then we have the same purpose,” she said, revealing her hidden agenda.

Lana’s face twisted with a mix of surprise and understanding. It seemed that they both shared a common enemy and were determined to make Sofia pay for the perceived wrongs she had caused.

“I have a plan,” Emma said confidently, her mind already scheming. Lana’s anger and thirst for revenge aligned perfectly with her own malicious intentions. Together, they became a formidable force, and the prospect excited Emma.

Lana exhaled deeply, the anger in her eyes giving way to a sense of vindication.

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

The following morning, Leonardo and Sofia set off to meet the wedding planner, and Sofia’s excitement was palpable. She wore an elegant off-shoulder dress that perfectly complemented her pregnancy glow, pairing it with comfortable Nike shoes. Heeding the doctor’s advice, she had ditched her high heels for more suitable flats and shoes, which she now preferred to wear most of the time. Her hair was gathered in a high ponytail, and she applied light, radiant makeup, accentuating her natural beauty.Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

As they reached the wedding planner’s office, Sofia couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. The thought of planning their wedding filled her with joy. She turned to Leonardo, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What date are we going to get married?” she asked, “Because if you haven’t decided on it, I have one in my mind.”

Leonardo, always attuned to her emotions, asked with a gentle smile, “Do you want to decide on a date?”

Sofia nodded eagerly. “Yes, I want it on a special date. I want us to remarry again on your birthday,” she suggested, looking at him with genuine affection.

His mesmerizing grey eyes widened with surprise. “Are you serious? I mean, you always manage to surprise me. How can I be so lucky, baby girl? You think about making it special for me!” he exclaimed, his grin reaching from ear to ear.

Her face lit up with joy as she replied, “Yes, I am serious. The day you were born is very special for me, and I want it to be twice as special by making it our wedding anniversary.” The emotions swirled inside her at the mere thought of marrying him on his birthday. For her, there wouldn’t be a more perfect day to celebrate their love.

His eyes glistened with love and adoration for her. He couldn’t help but take her into his arms and lovingly peck her on the lips, expressing his affection without words.

“I am so lucky to find you, my angel. You truly made my life full of joy and happiness,” Leonardo said tenderly, his hands gently cupping Sofia’s cheeks.

Sofia’s heart swelled with affection as she gazed into his eyes. “And you’ve brought nothing but love and warmth into my life,” she replied, a soft smile gracing her lips.

“Everything will go according to your choice. You just tell the wedding planner where and how you want our wedding,” Leonardo assured, wanting to make sure that Sofia’s dream wedding became a reality.

Sofia’s excitement bubbled within her; she was determined to make their wedding truly special. She had always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, and with Leonardo by her side, she knew that her dreams could come true.

Reflecting on their first marriage, Sofia remembered how circumstances had dictated their choices, and they hadn’t had much say in the arrangements. But this time, it was different. Both she and Leonardo were equally enthusiastic about planning their wedding, and they wanted everything to be perfect.

The couple spent hours in the wedding planner’s office, passionately discussing their choices and preferences, ensuring that every detail aligned with their vision for the big day.

After the planning session, they went for a wedding dress trial. Sofia slipped into a traditional wedding gown, adorned with delicate lace and intricate details. She emerged from the dressing room, walking gracefully towards Leonardo, seeking his opinion.

However, as she approached him, she noticed that he was engrossed in his phone, scrolling through something. Sofia playfully cleared her throat to capture his attention.

“How am I looking?” she asked, seeking his genuine reaction.

Leonardo’s eyes instantly lifted from his phone, and he looked up to see Sofia in her wedding gown. His breath caught in his throat as he took in her beauty.

“You always make me stunned by your beauty, baby girl,” he sighed, his lips slightly parted, his gaze full of admiration and love.

Sofia blushed, feeling a mix of happiness and embarrassment at his sweet compliment. “When will you stop flattering me?” she playfully rolled her eyes, feeling butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

“Never,” he grinned mischievously, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Because you deserve to be showered with compliments every day, my beautiful bride-to-be.”