The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

Returning to the payment area, Leonardo waited anxiously for Sofia to emerge. However, his attention was abruptly diverted as a familiar female voice called out his name. Startled, he turned to face the source of the voice, his eyes widening in surprise and apprehension. It was Diana, his ex-girlfriend, standing before him.

Before he could react, Diana closed the distance between them and enveloped him in a hug, pressing her lips against his. Leonardo’s mind went blank for a moment, completely caught off guard by her actions. He gently pushed her away, a mix of shock and anger flashing across his face.

“What are you doing, Diana? You should know that I am married,” Leonardo stated firmly, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. The whole world knew about his marriage to Sofia, as it had been a grand affair covered by the media, and even their parents had made it a significant event.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Diana seemed undeterred by his response, leaning against his chest once again. He firmly grasped her shoulder and created a distance between them, his patience wearing thin. His voice carried a warning tone as he spoke, making it clear that he had no intention of indulging in any further interaction with her.

“What’s your problem, Diana? We broke up a long time ago, and you don’t need to concern yourself with my life. Mind your own business,” Leonardo retorted, his expression hardened with the memories of her betrayal.

He had never forgiven her for cheating on him, and the pain of that betrayal still lingered within him.

“Leo, it’s been so long, and you still haven’t forgiven me. Forget everything and start new,” Diana attempted to defend herself, her voice adopting a seductive tone as she tried to regain his attention.

But Leonardo’s anger was unforgiving, and he refused to entertain any more of her excuses.

“I can’t forget, Diana. You betrayed me, and I despise betrayal more than anything in this world. Stay away from me and never come near me again,” he warned, his gaze filled with a mix of anger and determination.

Diana attempted to plead with him, to offer an explanation, but Leonardo was no longer interested in hearing her excuses. He abruptly left her behind, finding Sofia, who would be waiting for him. But Sofia was found nowhere.

Leonardo’s heart pounded in his chest as panic coursed through his veins. He desperately searched for Sofia, his mind racing with worry and questions. The sales girl informed him that she had sent Sofia to the payment section, but she hadn’t returned. Fear gripped him as he surveyed the store, unable to find any trace of her.

Frantic and filled with desperation, Leonardo approached the sales girl once more, seeking answers.

“Where is my wife?” he asked in an intimidating voice.

The sales girl looked bewildered.

“I’ve sent her to the payment section. Isn’t she with you?” she responded, her confusion mirroring Leonardo’s growing fear.

His heart thudded in his chest, the possibility of Sofia witnessing his encounter with Diana haunting his thoughts.

Without wasting another moment, Leonardo rushed outside, hoping to find Sofia. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of her. And there, near the exit, stood Mark, his presence a flicker of hope.

“Have you seen Sofia?” Leonardo asked, his urgency evident in his voice.

Mark was momentarily taken aback, processing the question before responding, “Boss, Mrs. Morelli should be with you inside the shop. I didn’t see her exiting this way.”

Leonardo’s fears escalated, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had to act quickly. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number, his fingers trembling with anxiety. As they hurried back into the store, he questioned a staff member about the exits.

“How many exits do you have in this store?” Leonardo inquired, his voice urgent.

The staff member responded, “There are two exits.”

A silent understanding passed between Leonardo and Mark. They had to check the other exit. Racing against time, they hurried towards the second exit, their footsteps echoing with urgency.

They scoured every corner of the mall, searching desperately for Sofia. Mark ventured into the CCTV room, requesting footage from the cameras near the shop where Sofia was last seen. As they reviewed the footage, their worst fears were confirmed. Sofia had indeed exited the shop, her eyes wet with tears, and had hurried towards the mall exit.

A surge of anger mixed with his worry. Why was she crying? Had someone hurt her? Why hadn’t she come to him? Questions and concerns flooded Leonardo’s mind, his thoughts consumed by a burning need to find her.

Leonardo’s frustration boiled over, his emotions swirling inside him like a tempest. He turned to Mark, his voice laced with urgency and determination.

“Mark, I want her before me. Find her immediately,” he commanded, his hand running through his tousled hair in frustration.

Mark hesitated, concern etched on his face as he attempted to dissuade Leonardo.

“But boss…” he began, only to be met with a withering glare from Leonardo. The intensity in his eyes silenced Mark, realizing that this was not a time for debate.

Without a second thought, Leonardo made up his mind.

“I am also coming with you,” he declared, his voice firm and resolute.

There was no way he would sit idly by while Sofia was missing. He had to be there, to find her, to protect her.

Mark’s eyes widened in surprise at Leonardo’s decision, but he quickly regained his composure.

“Alright, boss,” he acquiesced, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Together, they would embark on the search for Sofia, determined to bring her back safely.

As they prepared to leave, Leonardo’s mind was consumed with a mixture of worry, frustration, and a wave of simmering anger. She had caused him immense worry and had acted recklessly, and he intended to make her understand the consequences of her actions.

“Sofia, once I find you,” he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with a mixture of sternness and concern, “I will punish you so you will never repeat such a foolish thing again.” His determination surged within him, fueling his steps as he set off with Mark to locate his beloved wife and bring her back to safety.