The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Sofia was standing at the funeral, tears streaming down her face as she mourned the loss of her beloved grandmother. She couldn’t believe that she was gone and that she would never see her again. Sofia had always loved her grandmother so much. She was the only mother figure Sofia had in her life after her mama.

After her mama and grandpa died, her grandmother had been the one who really cared for her. Sofia remembered how her grandmother had asked her many times to come and live with her, but her dad and stepmother, Emma, had always said no. Sofia had always wanted to live with her grandmother more than anything, but now it was too late.

Sofia felt numb as she stood behind the crowd at her grandmother’s funeral. She saw her father, Emma, and Kat standing in the front row, while the priest chanted something that was lost on Sofia. All she could feel was the pain inside her, consuming her every thought and emotion. Nobody noticed Sofia standing there, lost in her grief and sorrow.

“Why did you go, grandma? You, too, left me alone in this world. Now, who will love me and care for me?” Sofi murmured silently, tears streaming down her face as she stared blankly ahead.

This time, she felt even lonelier than the day her mother passed away. Back then, her grandma and grandpa had been there to comfort her and ease her pain. But now, she was truly alone.

Sofia felt a deep ache in her heart as she longed for someone to comfort her. She was all alone, with no one to hold her as she cried. She couldn’t help but wonder why everyone she loved always seemed to leave her behind. Her tears fell like raindrops as she silently pleaded with the heavens, asking why she had to endure such loneliness and pain.

Sofia’s eyes were filled with tears as she stood frozen in place, her hand covering her mouth to stifle any sounds. She had no idea that the danger was lurking toward her. Suddenly, she was pushed with a force and thrown to the earth, Leonardo covered her with his body as he held her in his strong arms.

As she looked at Leonardo, Sofia’s eyes widened in shock. She was taken aback by his sudden push. She couldn’t understand why he would do such a thing, causing both of them to fall to the ground. As they hit the hard surface, Sofia found herself landing on top of him while Leonardo’s back hit the hard ground. Looking at Leonardo’s condition, she knew that he would be badly injured, and she felt a pang of worry for him.

Sofia was again taken aback when abruptly, all of Leonardo’s men encircled her and Leonardo as if they were shielding them from imminent danger. Leonardo swiftly raised his head, his gaze fixated in the opposite direction. Then his eyes snapped back to Sofia, who was still lying above him.

“Are you alright?” His voice was tender but urgent, as his grey eyes softened with concern and his brows furrowed in worry.

Sofia was rendered speechless and merely nodded her head in response to Leonardo’s question. He assisted her to stand up, and his worried eyes carefully scanned her body for any sign of injury. After finding no evidence of harm, he seemed to relax his concerns.

“Mark, send someone to check on that building where the shot would be fired. Also, arrange for a full team of armed bodyguards for Sofia. Until then, you will be her personal bodyguard. Is that clear?” Leonardo instructed his trusted bodyguard.

Sofia was still unaware of what was happening, but Leonardo wanted to ensure her safety at all costs.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“But, boss…” Mark started but trailed off as Leonardo glared at him. Mark was Leonardo’s bodyguard, and he couldn’t understand if he would be with Sofia, who will be with Leonardo?

Leonardo’s voice boomed, “You will be with her for twenty-four seven. IS THAT CLEAR?”

Sofia’s heart started pounding in her chest. Her devil husband could be scary sometimes.

Sofia’s father and Emma arrived, and Carlo immediately asked Leonardo, “Are you okay, and what was that?” He glanced between Sofia and Leonardo curiously.

Leonardo replied, “I’m fine, Carlo. I’m not sure what happened, but I’m determined to get to the bottom of it.”

Sofia couldn’t help but notice how his handsome face turned cold and dangerous.

Emma came beside Sofia and placed her hand on Sofia’s shoulder. “Sofia dear, are you ok? Are you hurt anywhere? Show me.”

Emma started searching Sofia’s body with care, making sure to check everywhere for any signs of injury. Sofia was taken aback by her stepmother’s sudden concern for her well-being. She had never cared for Sofia in the past.

“She is safe and fine. No one can harm her when I am alive,” Leonardo said as he pulled Sofia closer, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulder. His words were reassuring, and she felt safe in his embrace.

Sofia’s heart skipped a beat at Leonardo’s sweet gesture.

“If the funeral is done and the rituals are over, can we take your leave?” Leonardo asked Carlo.

“Yes, everything is done,” Carlo sighed. But where will you go? Why don’t you both stay in the Ricci mansion?” Carlo offered.

Leonardo refused straightforwardly, saying, “Don’t bother, Carlo. I have already booked a suite in one of my hotels.” He then led Sofia towards the car waiting for them, with his guards surrounding them while walking them to the car.