The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

“What brings you here, Dad? I can tell it must be something important for you to bother coming into my office,” Leonardo asked Alessandro, his father.

“You’re right. The secret is out. Everyone now knows that Sofia is the sole heiress of the Ricci Empire and holds all the rights to it. Therefore, the merger between the Riccis and the Morellis won’t be valid unless we have her signature,” Alessandro declared.

Leonardo had suspected this might happen, and now his doubts were confirmed by Alessandro’s words.

“So, what do you want, Dad?” Leonardo asked, his brows furrowing.

“I want you to convince Sofia to sign the contract papers, granting you control over her properties,” Alessandro stated his demand.

No chance. Leonardo would never do that. He would never force Sofia to sign any document against her will.

“Dad, we’ve just come out of a difficult situation, and I don’t want to pressure her into anything. I think we should give her some time to make her own decision and sign the papers willingly,” Leonardo tried to convince his father to leave Sofia alone. Wasn’t his own life enough for his father to control? Did he also want to take over Sofia’s life?

“Are you serious, Leonardo? You’re saying this! What if she changes her mind once she realizes the power and wealth she would gain from this inheritance? You have to make her sign before that happens. Use your charm, the charm that makes women willing to die for you,” Alessandro said, a cunning smile playing on his face.

My father was so self-obsessed. Wealth and power were all that mattered to him; nothing else held any significance. I knew it would be difficult to convince him when it came to power and wealth, but I wouldn’t give up. I decided to make my point once again.

“But Dad…”

“Leonardo is right, Alessandro. We can’t force Sofia to sign the merger deal. It was our decision, and she wasn’t involved in it. My mother chose her as the heiress of the Ricci Empire for a reason. She must have seen something special in Sofia that we couldn’t see all those years,” Carlo intervened, supporting Leonardo’s stance.

“Are you kidding me, Carlo? Now you want to backtrack on your words? Now you suddenly care about your abandoned daughter Sofia, whom you’ve never shown any concern for,” Alessandro shouted at Carlo, his voice filled with anger.

“Please try to understand, Alessandro. I have given you my assurance regarding the property and the Empire, which I rightfully possess. I have relinquished my territory for Leonardo to rule over. But I cannot make commitments on behalf of Sofia. Leonardo can still have my power and position, but let’s not force Sofia into this,” Carlo pleaded with Alessandro, his tone filled with desperation.

The situation was becoming even more intriguing. The two old friends were now fighting for Leonardo’s wife. Leonardo found a strange enjoyment in witnessing this conflict. They had coerced Leonardo and Sofia into this marriage to amass more wealth and power, with Leonardo becoming the current president of their company, while they intended to sit back and revel in the money and influence that would flow through him.

What surprised Leonardo the most was Carlo taking Sofia’s side. He had not expected this from him, but he was relieved to see that Carlo realized Sofia also needed her father.

“Carlo, you have become greedy and are unwilling to lose your power. You know that this marriage contract will end in three years, and Sofia, along with her wealth and power, will eventually belong to you. She is as innocent as her mother, and she will gladly hand you all the rights in the Empire. I know you too well, my friend, and I can decipher the thoughts brewing in your corrupt mind,” Alessandro accused Carlo through gritted teeth.

“Watch your tongue, Alessandro. You dare to speak about my daughter in such a manner? Why would I do such a thing to my own flesh and blood? I am not like you. You are the one who values wealth and power over family,” Carlo fired back, his voice firm with determination.

Oh, God. They were going to give Leonardo a splitting headache. He couldn’t bear to listen to them anymore. It was enough. They could continue their drama if they wanted, but not in his office.

“Stop it, both of you. Stop fighting over Sofia as well. It’s entirely her decision whether to sign the contract or not. I won’t force her, and that’s final. The marriage contract is for three years, and we can’t predict what will happen in the future beyond that. So, it’s better for both of you to cease this argument and focus on planning the merger without requiring Sofia’s signature,” Leonardo interjected, his tone firm. He knew that if this fight continued, it would only turn ugly.

“I’m telling you, Leonardo, you’re making a mistake. If you don’t make her sign right now, you won’t be able to obtain it in the future either. There are plenty of people waiting to manipulate her for their own benefit,” Alessandro countered, glancing at Carlo.

Leonardo sighed inwardly, realizing that he could never force Sofia into such a decision, and they wouldn’t understand his feelings for her.

“Why the hell are you shouting at me? I gave up my position to make Leonardo the supremo, the mafia boss, and you’re accusing me of changing my mind. It’s truly shameful that you don’t trust me after all these years of our friendship,” Carlo retorted, his voice filled with frustration.

“So, why don’t you try persuading your daughter to grant Leonardo the rights and power she holds over the Ricci Empire? After all, we both wanted him to rule over the Italian Mafia, and adding the Ricci Empire to the Morelli’s would make him the wealthiest. And do you honestly believe Sofia can manage such a vast empire on her own, without any assistance?” Alessandro forcefully presented his viewpoint.

“I won’t force her. It’s entirely her decision,” Carlo said, turning his gaze away from Alessandro, unable to meet his eyes.

“Really, Carlo? What changed your opinion about Sofia? As far as I know, you never cared for her. You were the one who pressured her into marrying my son as a substitute for your daughter Kat when she backed out at the last moment,” Alessandro revealed the long-held secret in the midst of the heated conversation.

Alessandro had never shared this information with Leonardo, despite Leonardo’s inquiries about the sudden change in brides. It was thanks to Kat that Sofia had entered his life.

“I know, Alessandro, and I regret it every single moment. When I saw Leonardo risking his life for my daughter, I felt like a failure for not protecting my own flesh and blood. It haunts me every day,” Carlo’s voice weighed with sorrow. “But now, you’ll find me standing by Sofia’s side in every challenging situation. Just as I care for Kat, I care for Sofia too,” he added, his words filled with determination.

These two old men could be so emotional and dramatic at times. Perhaps Alessandro genuinely regretted what he had done to Sofia. However, that wouldn’t change the past, and his actions would forever be counted as his sins.

“Don’t worry, Dad. You won’t lose your power and position in the Mafia world. That’s my promise. I’ve already spoken with two other groups and made arrangements for them to merge into our circle. I’m expanding our company day by day and securing more contracts. So, just relax and leave it all to me,” Leonardo tried to calm them down.

Alessandro gave Leonardo a look that conveyed his lack of trust. Leonardo knew it stemmed from his father’s immense male ego.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“The news of Sofia receiving her inheritance in the Ricci Empire is already circulating. I believe it’s time for us to make a formal announcement,” Leonardo suggested.

Alessandro pondered for a few moments before responding, “I believe you’re right. We should make a proper announcement. Let’s organize a grand celebration and invite all the prominent figures. This way, we can garner attention, forge favorable connections, and also celebrate your recovery. It’s been long overdue. Plan a magnificent party to honor Sofia’s legacy and your restored health.” Alessandro unexpectedly agreed.

Leonardo couldn’t help but smirk as his plan fell into place. He wanted to arrange this surprise party for Sofia, showcasing to the world how amazing his wife was and how deeply he loved her.