The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Carlo’s gaze bore into Emma, his expression a mix of fury and disappointment, causing a crimson hue to stain Emma’s cheeks with embarrassment. Without hesitation, Emma seized Kat’s hand, her grip firm and commanding. “You disobedient daughter, come with me,” she admonished and forcefully dragged Kat away from the scene.

“I apologize, Sofia, on behalf of Kat,” Carlo interjected, his remorseful smile tinged with sadness and regret.

“No, Dad, you don’t have to apologize. She is my sister too. I don’t mind her,” Sofia responded, her smile genuine and forgiving. She had grown accustomed to Kat’s insolence, reaching a point where she no longer expected anything more from her half-sister. Their relationship, if it could even be called that, was a mirage of indifference, both existing on the periphery of each other’s lives.

Carlo’s hand tenderly brushed against Sofia’s head as he spoke his parting words. “Take care, my child. I’ll go and mingle with Alessandro and the other guests.” Sofia nodded in acknowledgment, watching as her father walked away, his presence blending into the bustling crowd.

Left alone, Sofia’s surroundings seemed to suffocate her with boredom. Restless, she decided to explore the venue, longing for a change of scenery and a respite from the monotony.

As she ventured through the hall, Sofia observed a lively atmosphere. Conversations buzzed, glasses clinked, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air. In the center of the hall, a grand ballroom dance had been arranged, with couples twirling gracefully to the enchanting melodies. A nostalgic smile graced Sofia’s lips as she reminisced about her first dance with Leonardo, the memory of their shared moment etched in her heart.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Leonardo amidst the sea of faces. She weaved through the gathering, her anticipation growing with each step.

Finally, her gaze landed upon Leonardo, standing in a secluded corner, engrossed in conversation with Evelyn. They appeared comfortable and at ease, their interaction resembling that of old friends. Questions swirled in Sofia’s mind. What was Leonardo doing with Evelyn? He had claimed to have moved on and harbored no lingering feelings.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and a twinge of apprehension, Sofia hastened her pace, closing the distance between them. But as she reached their side, a sharp pang shot through her heart, and her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw Leonardo hug Evelyn. Leonardo and Evelyn entangled from their embrace, but their hands were now entwined.

A surge of emotions flooded Sofia, a torrent of confusion, hurt, and anger. “What the hell?” she uttered under her breath, her voice laced with disbelief. Determined, she moved toward them, determined to seek answers and confront the situation head-on.

Sofia’s grip tightened around Leonardo’s hand, causing him to turn towards her, surprise etched across his features. His eyes searched hers for an explanation, his confusion palpable in the air.

“What’s going on?” Sofia questioned, her gaze narrowed as she curled her fingers around his arm, a protective gesture that silently conveyed her claim on him.

Evelyn, sensing the tension, raised a brow in an unspoken challenge. Sofia met her gaze head-on, her narrowed eyes communicating her defiance. How dare Evelyn embrace her husband?

“Sofia, you’ve already met Evelyn,” Leonardo interjected, his voice calm but formal. He turned towards Sofia, introducing her with a touch of pride. “Evelyn, meet my beautiful wife, Sofia.” He then looked back at Sofia, attempting to explain. “We were just catching up, angel. Nothing else.” He shrugged, trying to dismiss the situation casually.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Sofia retorted, her annoyance evident as she shot him a pointed look. He shook his head, not fully comprehending her anger.

Turning her attention to Evelyn, Sofia spoke with blunt rudeness. “Can I take my husband back? Excuse us.” Without waiting for a response, she tugged Leonardo away, determined to reclaim their connection.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

As they reached the dance floor, Leonardo couldn’t help but question the situation. “What was that, Sofia?” His voice held a hint of amusement, tinged with curiosity.

Fury coursed through Sofia’s veins, her anger refusing to subside. “What was what?” she snapped back, her voice sharp.

“Why are you angry with me?” Leonardo innocently inquired as if oblivious to his actions. He spoke with a lightheartedness that grated on Sofia’s nerves.

“I was looking for my husband, and I saw him flirting with his ex-girlfriend,” Sofia seethed, her teeth gritted with frustration. “And you’re asking me why I am angry.”

Leonardo shook his head, trying to ease the tension. “It’s nothing like that, baby girl. She just apologized to me and wanted to restart our friendship. That’s all. But wait a second, are you jealous?” He playfully emphasized the last sentence, his tone laced with amusement.

Sofia’s face flushed crimson, the realization hitting her. Was she truly jealous? It was a foreign emotion, one she had never experienced before. She had never possessed something worth being possessive over, and now, seeing Leonardo with Evelyn had ignited a newfound insecurity within her.

“I… I wanted to d… dance… with you,” she stammered, attempting to divert the conversation away from her own vulnerability.

“But you said you don’t dance?” Leonardo teased, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Wow! You’ve changed so quickly,” Sofia retorted, her annoyance palpable. “That day, you had no problem dancing with me. But now, when I want to dance with you, you remind me that I cannot.” Frustration consumed her, and her anger threatened to bubble over.

The rapid transformation from a caring husband to a mocking, teasing figure left her wounded. Was he embarrassed about dancing with her in front of his guests? The urge to cry overwhelmed her at that moment.

Leonardo shook his head, but to Sofia’s surprise, he reached out and took her hand, guiding her toward the dance floor.

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

*A few minutes before*

After mingling with the business partners, Leonardo made his way to the bar as he sought a moment of respite for himself. He was waiting for his drink when he heard someone calling his name.

“Leonardo!” a voice pierced through the chatter, causing him to cringe inwardly. He recognized that voice all too well, and meeting his ex-girlfriend Evelyn Anderson was the last thing he desired. Despite his wish to avoid a scene at his own party, there was no escape. She stood before him, a sight he wished he could erase from his memory.

Memories of their tumultuous past flooded his mind, and he braced himself for the encounter. Wanting to maintain composure, he chose to ignore her, turning his back on her presence.

“Leonardo, are you avoiding me?” Evelyn’s voice called out from behind him, pleading and filled with desperation.

Internally cursing his luck, Leonardo reluctantly turned to face her. “Do I have a choice? Do you remember what you did to me last time?” he scowled, his expression revealing the lingering hurt.

Evelyn, appearing contrite, attempted to apologize. “I genuinely regret that day, Leonardo. I’m truly sorry. Will you please forgive me? Please!”

“Evelyn, every time I attempt to forgive you, you always manage to do something unforgivable. How can I trust that you won’t repeat your mistakes?” Leonardo’s voice carried a tone of accusation, laying bare the wounds she had inflicted upon him.

“Oh, Leonardo, people change. I have changed too. I understand that you no longer love me, but I don’t want to lose you as a friend. Can we set aside the past and rekindle our friendship?” Evelyn pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.

Leonardo hesitated, torn between his lingering distrust and Evelyn’s genuine remorse. He let out a weary sigh, grappling with the decision before him. “Alright, Evelyn. I will forgive you this time. However, this is your final chance. If you repeat your mistakes, you will lose me as a friend as well,” he warned, his voice holding a hint of resolve.

“Thank you, Leonardo. I promise I won’t do anything foolish again,” Evelyn assured him, a hopeful smile gracing her lips.

“May I hug you, please?” Evelyn abruptly requested, surprising Leonardo with her sudden boldness.

“Only as friends, of course. As a symbol of a fresh start to our friendship. Can we truly leave everything behind and embark on this new chapter?” Evelyn implored once more, her sincerity apparent.

She seemed genuine in her intentions, and a friendly hug posed no harm. He nodded, accepting her request, and embraced her gently, acknowledging the rebirth of their friendship.

As they released each other, Evelyn held onto Leonardo’s hand, her gratitude shining in her eyes. “I can’t express how grateful I am for your forgiveness. A burden that weighed heavily upon my chest has now been lifted. I would love to reconnect with you, just like the old times in college,” she expressed, her voice brimming with sincerity.

Leonardo hesitated, for his intentions were far from wanting to reconnect with her. His priorities lay solely with his wife, Sofia, and he had little time or interest in nurturing any other relationships or friendships. Before he could formulate a response, however, Sofia stormed towards them, her fury evident in her expression. With possessiveness in her grip, she forcefully snatched Leonardo’s hand away from Evelyn.

Sofia’s face burned with anger, a sight that took Leonardo by surprise. She rarely exhibited rudeness towards anyone, but with Evelyn, Sofia seemed intent on insulting her further. Before Leonardo could react, Sofia seized his hand and swiftly led him away, propelling them towards the dance floor.