The Mafia’s Substitute Bride

“Sofia, you missed so many classes. If you need any assistance or notes, you can ask me,” Rena’s words broke through the air, laced with sincerity and genuine concern. Sofia lifted her head, her eyes meeting Rena’s with surprise. The kindness radiating from Rena’s offer struck a chord within Sofia, for it was a gesture she had never experienced before.

“Thanks, I really appreciate that,” Sofia’s voice carried a soft gratitude, her heart warming at the thought of someone extending a helping hand. In that moment, Rena’s genuine nature pierced through the superficial facade that often dominated the halls of their school.

“I got you, girl. So… friends?” Rena’s hand extended towards Sofia, an invitation to forge a connection. Sofia hesitated for a moment, her mind wrestling with the skepticism bred from past experiences. But the sincerity in Rena’s eyes and the warmth of her gesture melted Sofia’s reservations. With a tentative smile, she reached out and clasped Rena’s hand in hers.

“By the way, I’m Rena,” Rena introduced herself, a touch of playfulness in her tone.

“I know your name,” Sofia responded, a smile gracing her lips. Though she had often remained in the periphery of social interactions, Sofia had observed her classmates closely, taking note of their names and faces.

“Really, babe?” Rena’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Before Sofia could delve deeper into their conversation, a new presence made itself known.

“Hey, I am Enzo.” Enzo, one of the scholars known for his academic prowess, approached and took a seat next to Sofia. His reputation preceded him, a testament to his exceptional intellect and consistent academic achievements.

“Hi, I’m Sofia,” she greeted him, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity and intrigue. Enzo nodded, acknowledging her presence with a silent affirmation.

“Sofia, if you need help with your studies, ask me anytime,” Enzo said with sincerity. “That would be great, thank you,” Sofia’s words carried a tinge of relief, grateful for the opportunity to seek academic support and connect with someone who saw beyond the superficialities that had enveloped her.

Their conversation was cut short as the teacher entered the room, commanding the attention of the students. The classroom descended into a hushed silence, the rustling of papers and the tapping of pens becoming the sole sounds that permeated the air.

After the class concluded, Sofia gathered her belongings, her mind contemplating the brief respite she had before her next lesson. The library called to her, it’s quiet embrace beckoning her to immerse herself in the world of books and knowledge. Accompanied by her vigilant bodyguards, Sofia made her way towards the library. A familiar voice called out to her. Enzo appeared, rushing towards her with a bag slung over his shoulder, his eagerness palpable.

A bodyguard instinctively stepped forward, creating a barrier between Enzo and Sofia, his protective stance unwavering. Sofia, realizing the situation, intervened, her voice firm yet gentle as she addressed the bodyguard.

“Please don’t stop him. He is my friend,” Sofia’s request hung in the air, her eyes earnestly meeting those of the bodyguard. After a brief pause, he glanced between Enzo and Sofia, silently acknowledging her trust in her friend, and he slowly withdrew his hand, allowing Enzo to approach.

Enzo, his eyes widening in surprise, couldn’t help but comment on the sight of the security detail that shadowed Sofia’s every move. Rubbing his shoulder where the bodyguard had briefly restrained him, he spoke with a mix of awe and amusement.

“Wow, dude, you’ve got your own security detail following you everywhere,” Enzo’s words dripped with a mixture of astonishment and playful jest. Sofia shook her head lightly, a soft smile gracing her lips as she responded.

“Just a precaution,” Sofia’s voice carried a hint of understatement, aware of the truth that lay beneath the surface.

“Rena said that you need some notes. You missed your classes for almost a month,” Enzo explained, pulling out a stack of notebooks from his bag and placing them before Sofia. “Look, we have two classes in common. I can give you notes on those subjects, and Rena will provide you with notes for the others, okay?”

Gratitude welled up within Sofia as she accepted the proffered notes, appreciating Enzo’s willingness to lend a helping hand. “Thank you, Enzo. I’ll make sure to return them once I’ve copied all the notes.”

Enzo simply grinned, brushing off her gratitude as if it were inconsequential. Before she could fully process Enzo’s gesture, Rena burst onto the scene, her voice ringing with excitement.

“Sofia!”

Sofia turned towards her, her attention captured by Rena’s exuberance.

“If you’re free, let’s go to the cafeteria,” Rena suggested, glancing between Enzo and Sofia.

“Thank you, but I would prefer to be in the library,” Sofia replied, a note of hesitation lacing her words. The invitation to join her friends in the cafeteria was foreign to her, as she had always sought solace in the quiet corners of the library. It was where she had found comfort and familiarity in her solitude.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Rena and Enzo exchanged a brief glance, silently communicating their understanding. Rena, ever adaptable, adjusted her proposal. “Okay, then let’s go to the library. I also need to make some notes. It’ll be great if we study together in a group.”

A grin tugged at the corners of Sofia’s lips, her heart lifting at the revelation that her newfound companions also shared a fondness for the library’s tranquil embrace.

As Sofia, Rena, and Enzo entered the library, they were greeted by the familiar hush that enveloped the sacred space of books and knowledge. It was a haven where Sofia had always found solace, and today was no exception. However, she couldn’t help but notice that a silent presence followed her inside-the ever-watchful bodyguard assigned to her protection. It seemed their mandate extended even within the confines of the library, a constant reminder of the world she now inhabited.

Undeterred, Sofia focused on her studies, grateful for the notes provided by Enzo and Rena. With determination in her eyes, she delved into her missed work, determined to catch up on her studies and make the most of this opportunity.

Days turned into weeks, and Sofia found herself engrossed in her studies, forging ahead with her coursework. Leonardo’s absence became a regular occurrence, his business ventures demanding his attention. Though Sofia yearned for more time with him, she understood the demands of his position and chose not to burden him with her own desires. She had found a semblance of contentment in her studies.

It had been a productive two weeks for Sofia, having successfully completed all the missed notes with the invaluable help of her new friends, Rena and Enzo. The weight of the past seemed to lessen with each passing day, replaced by a newfound sense of belonging and accomplishment. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes, Sofia made her way towards the parking lot, her steps light with the satisfaction of a productive day.

However, her moment of serenity was interrupted when she caught sight of Kat, her half-sister, engaged in what seemed like a flirting conversation with a famous swimmer from their school. The boy’s presence exuded wealth and popularity, drawing Sofia’s attention, for she knew that such attention was a rarity from Kat, who had often neglected her in the past.

Unconsciously, Sofia lowered her gaze, not wanting to intrude on her half-sister’s moment or draw attention to herself. But it was too late; Kat’s sharp eyes had caught sight of her, and she called out her name with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

“Sofia? What are you doing here in school?” Kat’s voice carried a tone of genuine inquiry as she left the boy behind and walked toward Sofia, leaving the swimmer momentarily forgotten.

Sofia came to an uneasy halt, her heart racing as she braced herself for the possibility of facing Kat’s scorn once again. The fear of being insulted and belittled by her half-sister still lingered.

Kat’s words struck Sofia like a series of blows, each one fueling her fear and igniting the memories of past torment. The laughter of Kat’s friends joined the chorus, amplifying the humiliation that washed over her. She felt her composure slipping, her trembling hands a testament to her vulnerability.

“I… I joined the school again to complete my course,” Sofia managed to stutter, her voice barely audible above the taunts and laughter.

Kat’s expression twisted with disbelief, a mocking smirk dancing upon her lips. “And Leonardo allowed you?” she sneered, her tone dripping with condescension.

Unable to find her voice, Sofia simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the ground beneath her feet. The weight of Kat’s ridicule pressed upon her, leaving her feeling small and insignificant.

A raucous laughter erupted from Kat’s gang, their jeers and jabs aimed directly at Sofia’s marriage and her supposed influence over Leonardo. The words cut deep, dredging up insecurities she thought she had overcome. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but she fought to hold them back, unwilling to give Kat and her cronies the satisfaction of seeing her break.