The Mafia CEO'S Substitute Bride

really want from her? She had been thrust into this world with no warning, no preparation, and yet, in that brief encounter, she had sensed

exterior. She had heard the rumors-stories about his cruelty, his temper, his unrelenting drive for control. But there was always more to a pe

heart racing. In the dim light, she saw a figure standing in

it wasn

. She wore a black suit, her lips painted a deep red that contrasted sharply with her pa

into the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she approached the bed. "I am Teresa

ne to visit her this late, least of all someone like Tere

thing you need," Teresa continued, her tone profession

d "wife," as though it was more of a title than a rela

eve Bella for a second. "You may not fully understand what

ess. Bella straightened, meeting Teresa's gaze. "I didn't choose thi

all have a part to play." She turned, her eyes scanning the room briefly before landing back on Bella. "And

I will respect him if he respects me," she said,

this works, do you?" She took a step closer, her gaze icy. "Respect is e

he weight of the situation bore down on her. She was alone here, surrounded by people who s

or. Before leaving, she paused and looked over her shoulder. "A word of advice, Mrs.

s gone, the door clos

was more than just a personal assistant-she was a gatekeeper, a reminder that Bella was an outsider in this w

by people who saw her as little more than a temporary inconvenience? And how long could she endure bein

from the uneasy night's sleep. She groaned softly, pulling the blankets tighte

e again, more ins

to get up," a voice ca

It was far too early for someone who had just endured the most stressful night of her li

ded across the room to the door. When she opened it, she was greeted by a

pare for breakfast," the woman

y the formalities. "Breakfast?" s

uests that you join him in

sitting across from him at a formal breakfast filled her with both anxiety and curiosit

d finally, stepping back to a

a soft shade of cream that flowed elegantly. Bella couldn't help but feel like she was being dres

la barely recognized herself. The woman in the mirror looked poised, polished, every bit the part of a mafia boss

y toward the dining room. Her heart raced with each step, her mind racin

om bathed in soft morning light. Dante sat at the head of the table, h

a," he said, his vo

is gaze. "Good morning," she replied, her

yes on her the entire time. The room was too quiet, the tension between th

unreadable expression he had worn the night before. Bella shi

the silence. "I ho

but there was none. His words were formal, almost distant, as if they were no

be expected," she said, try

he didn't smile. "Good. You'll nee

re of what he meant

have been thrust into this world unwillingly, Bella, but you're here n

wasn't sure what he was getting at, but sh

tations?" she asked

to hers with an intensity that made her br