The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

When Leonardo returned home, he found Sofia lazing on the couch, deeply engrossed in working on her class project. Hearing the door click shut, she slightly lifted her head from the laptop and directed her gaze towards her husband.

As Leonardo approached, Sofia closed her laptop and got up, a bright smile illuminating her face. He closed the remaining distance between them, and she eagerly stepped closer, their bodies coming together as he wrapped his arm around her waist and gently pressed his lips against hers.

She smiled against his lips, savoring the sweet intimacy of their greeting, and asked as they pulled away, “How was your day?”

“As usual, it was the same. But now I feel my night will be better,” he said with a loving smile, his other hand finding its place around her as she took his bag and jacket. Sofia playfully rolled her eyes, earning a soft chuckle from Leonardo.

“How was your day?” he inquired, pecking her forehead.

“It was good. I cracked a new deal, and I feel it will bring us more profit,” Sofia informed him excitedly.

“That’s great news, angel. I am very proud of you, my wife,” he beamed with admiration.

“Babe, take a leave from school tomorrow,” he requested as they started heading towards the bedroom.

“Why? What’s so special?” Sofia looked up at him, tilting her head curiously.

“I want to take you somewhere,” he replied with a hint of mystery.

Sofia observed him in amusement, intrigued by his sudden request. “Where?” she questioned, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

“On a date!” Leonardo declared with a grin.

“A date?” Sofia exclaimed, surprised and amused by his romantic proposal.

“Yeah!” he confirmed, his grin widening.

She couldn’t help but giggle, “Did you just say that you wanted to take me on a date?”

“Yes, baby!” he nodded playfully, feeling lighthearted in her company.

“But you didn’t ask me?” Sofia pretended to be slightly miffed.

“Because I want you to go with me,” he replied, his voice soft and tender.

“So conceited!” she teased, crossing her arms over her chest and playfully turning her back to him.

Leonardo laughed at her playful act and gently turned her around to face him. “Okay, if I ask you, will you go on a date?” he asked, looking into her eyes with adoration and affection.

Sofia’s silence lingered, and as she kept gazing into Leonardo’s eyes, her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and tenderness. Then, a soft, heartwarming smile graced her lips, and she finally spoke, “Of course, I will come.”

As Leonardo heard her sweet affirmation, a surge of joy overwhelmed him, and he couldn’t help but let out a relieved sigh, feeling like the luckiest man alive to have her by his side.

“You just surprised me,” Sofia said, her voice tinged with affection, as she shook her head playfully. “How did you come up with this idea?”

He chuckled, his heart swelling with love for this woman who held his soul captive. “That was the plan, baby. I wanted to surprise you,” he replied, gently caressing her cheek with his fingertips, savoring the softness of her skin.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Her eyes sparkled with adoration, and she leaned into his touch. “And you did it perfectly,” she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

He smiled, pulling her closer, and wrapped his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her embrace enveloping him like a cozy blanket on a cold winter night. “I’m glad I could bring a smile to your face,” he murmured, his voice full of sincerity.

Sofia nestled her head against his chest, her heart beating in sync with his, and she confessed softly, “You know, you always know how to make my heart skip a beat.”

He kissed the top of her head affectionately, feeling her soft hair against his lips.

“That’s because you are the rhythm of my heart,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, pouring his soul into the words.

Her eyes glistened with unspoken emotions, and she pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, their faces now just inches apart.

“I love you,” she whispered, the three words holding all the love and devotion she felt for him.

Leonardo’s heart swelled with affection, and he brushed his lips against hers in a tender kiss, savoring the taste of her love.

“I love you more than words can express,” he murmured against her lips, their foreheads resting gently together.

She smiled as she spoke, “Change your clothes and come quickly. I am warming the food.”

As she left him alone in the room, Leonardo couldn’t help but feel a bit stressed about the preparations. He hoped his friend Domenico had executed everything according to his plan. He couldn’t wait to take his wife on this date; he longed to spend more time with her. The longer he stayed by her side, the more he realized that he could never get enough of her.

He glanced at the clothes Sofia had thoughtfully placed on the bed, a tender smile spreading across his face. The way she cared for him touched his heart deeply.

He picked up the carefully arranged outfit and headed to the bathroom to get ready for the evening. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he realized how fortunate he was to have Sofia in his life. Her love had transformed him, filling his days with happiness and his heart with warmth.

When Leonardo emerged from the bathroom, he was met with the aroma of a delicious dinner that Sofia had prepared. He made his way to the dining table, where she had lovingly set the meal.

Sofia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, her happiness evident in the lilt of her voice as she asked, “So… where are you taking me on a date?”

Leonardo couldn’t resist teasing her a little, wanting to keep the surprise alive. “Wait for tomorrow, baby. You will know,” he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips as he filled his plate with food.

Sofia pouted playfully, her curiosity now mixed with a touch of mischievousness. “I will have to decide what to wear if I know where we are going,” she remarked.

The sight of her pouting made Leonardo’s heart melt. “Wear whatever you like. Nobody will criticize my wife, and for me, you are the most beautiful woman, no matter what you wear,” he declared, watching her cheeks turn crimson as she blushed.

The next day arrived, and the air was filled with anticipation. Leonardo meticulously dressed in a white button-down shirt, faded jeans, and his favorite Nike shoes. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he wanted to present his best self to Sofia.

When he laid eyes on his wife, his breath caught in his throat. Sofia wore a white knee-length dress adorned with delicate floral patterns. Her natural beauty radiated, and Leonardo was mesmerized by her ethereal appearance. She looked like a beautiful fairy who had descended to earth just for him.

“You are looking very pretty, baby. Every time I look at you, I stop breathing. You are so breathtakingly beautiful,” he confessed, his admiration pouring forth without restraint. Sofia blushed, her smile brightening her face as she lowered her eyelashes in modesty.

Taking her hand in his, Leonardo led her towards the parking lot where their car awaited. The evening was just beginning, and he couldn’t wait to make this date unforgettable.

Mark, the driver who had been discreetly informed about the plan, saluted them with a knowing smile and held open the back door for the couple. Leonardo guided Sofia inside and took a seat beside her, their hands finding each other naturally.

As the car glided along the streets, Sofia couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. “Where are you taking me after all?” she asked, looking at him with a playful gleam in her eyes.

Leonardo leaned in closer, the love in his eyes shining like stars in the night sky. Instead of giving a straightforward answer, he simply shrugged and smiled, keeping the element of surprise alive.

“Fine, don’t tell me then,” Sofia huffed, pretending to be slightly annoyed, but the excitement in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

As they stepped out of the car and into the enchanting city of Venice, Leonardo couldn’t help but be captivated by the look of awe and wonder in Sofia’s eyes. The timeless beauty of Venice seemed to amplify the romance in the air, making it the perfect setting for their special date.

The car parked in a nearby lot, and they began their stroll through the meandering streets, hand in hand. The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated their path, creating a magical ambiance around them. Leonardo wanted to make every moment count, and he made sure to savor every step with Sofia, taking in the small details of the city and the joy in her eyes.

They crossed beautiful bridges over shimmering canals, their reflections dancing in the water below. The faint sound of serenading gondoliers and the gentle lapping of the water against the buildings added a melodic background to their romantic evening.

As they walked, Leonardo noticed a small vendor selling delicate red roses. He gently tugged Sofia’s hand, leading her toward the vendor. “A rose for the most beautiful woman in the world,” he said, handing her a single red rose with a loving smile.

Sofia blushed, accepting the rose with gratitude. “Thank you, Leonardo. This is so sweet,” she said, her heart fluttering at his gesture of affection.

“I never imagined I’d be here with you, Leonardo. This is like a fairy tale,” Sofia said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at him.

He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist, and whispered, “You are my fairy tale, Sofia. And tonight, I want to create memories that we’ll cherish forever.”

With a smile that reached her eyes, she leaned in and kissed him gently, sealing their promises of love in that timeless square. The world around them seemed to fade away as they immersed themselves in the magic of Venice and the enchantment of their love.

“What are we going to do here first?” She asked, biting her lips and looking at her husband with curious eyes.