Dorothy stood in front of a huge mirror in one of the bedrooms of guests, observing his reflection. The dress she wore was a masterpiece of haute couture work, made of delicate lace and satin sumptuous. Yet, despite the beauty of the dress, she could not stop yourself from feeling an inner emptiness. She was beautiful, but her heart was heavy with doubts and inner conflicts.
Margaret entered the room, her cold eyes scanning her daughter.
"Remember-
you, Dorothy," she said sharply. "This is your chance to restore our image. Don't ruin everything. »Dorothy nodded, unable to answer. His mind was prey to a silent torment. She thought of Carlos, of this imposed union, and to the promise of revenge that burned within her. She knew that her mother and her sister only cared about their own well-being, and she promised herself to don't let yourself be manipulated.
"It's time," Diane announced as she entered. "Let's go. »
Dorothy followed her loved ones down the long hallway leading to the bathroom.
ceremony. Her hands shook slightly as she clutched the bouquet of white and red roses. Arriving in front of the big doors of the room, she took a deep breath, trying to calm the frantic beating of his heart.
The doors slowly opened, revealing a magnificently decorated room.
decorated where the guests murmured when they saw the bride. Dorothy moved forward slowly, his gaze settling on Carlos who was waiting for him at the end of the aisle. He stood straight, his eyes betraying complex emotion mixing determination and vulnerability.
The vows were exchanged in almost solemn silence, each word resounding in the huge room. Dorothy responded with a clear voice and calm, although his mind is agitated. Carlos, for his part, seemed sincere and resolute, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I promise to support you, honor you and cherish you," said Carlos, his voice trembling with emotion. "Whatever happens, we will overcome everything together. »
Dorothy felt a lone tear roll down her cheek as she answered. "And I promise to love you, respect you and support you, in in good times and in bad times. »
The exchange of rings took place under the attentive gaze of the guests, and finally, the kiss sealed their union. The contact of Carlos' lips on hers was gentle and respectful, far from the passionate kisses that Dorothy hadimagined. However, she felt a strange warmth spreading within her, a promise of understanding and mutual respect.
The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of congratulations, toasts and dances. The guests celebrated with enthusiasm, although Dorothy can't help but notice certain remarks
whispers and suspicious looks. Rumors about the condition of Carlos and the reasons for this arranged marriage were palpable. During the reception, Dorothy and Carlos had few moments alone, each being constantly in demand by guests and members of the family. Despite this, Carlos found a moment to whisper to her his ear, his sincere gaze fixed on his. "Thank you, Dorothy. For everything.
I know it's not easy, but I promise you we will find our way. »
Dorothy nodded, moved by Carlos' kindness. " I thank you also, Carlos. I'm ready to try. »
As the evening progressed, the guests began to retire, leaving Dorothy and Carlos facing their new reality. Night fell on the manor, and the time of the first night of their marriage was approaching. Dorothy felt growing nervousness at the idea of being alone with Carlos, despite the gentleness he had shown until now.
When they finally found themselves in the bridal chamber, a large suite decorated with antique furniture and luxurious hangings, Dorothy felt
a palpable tension builds. Carlos approached her cautiously, respecting his space.
"I know this situation is new to both of us," he said gently. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Dorothy. We can take our time. »Dorothy smiled weakly at him, grateful for his understanding.
"Thank you, Carlos. I think we both need time to get used to this new life. »
Carlos nodded, then sat on the edge of the bed. "I have something for you show, Dorothy. Something important. »
Intrigued, Dorothy followed him. Carlos opened a drawer and took out a small
wooden box. "Those kids we talked about, they're mine, but
There is a story behind all this that I must tell you. »
He opened the box, revealing two medallions. "Here are the portraits of my
children, Isabella and Matteo. »
Dorothy took them carefully, watching the faces of the children as she strangely reminded someone. "They're beautiful," she said. holding back her tears. "But why show them to me now? »
Carlos took a deep breath. "Because they have a connection with you, Dorothy. I think you need to know the whole truth. They come from our family, and there is a complex story that you need to understand. »
Dorothy felt her heart speed up. "What do you mean, Carlos? » "There are things we need to figure out together," he replied. "Truths about our families and what brought us here. I promise that I will be by your side every step of the way. »
The revelation left Dorothy speechless. She understood that this marriage, beyond appearances, hid deep secrets and unexpected connections. She knew that their journey together had only just begun, and that, despite the challenges ahead, she was not alone.That evening, Dorothy and Carlos spent the night talking, sharing their stories and their hopes for the future. They discovered points commonalities and differences, but above all, they laid the foundations of a
relationship based on truth and respect.
Dorothy went to bed with a new sense of determination. She had taken a difficult path, but she felt that, with Carlos at her side sides, she could face the trials to come. Their marriage, although begun under complicated auspices, carried with it the promise of a better future. And for Dorothy, that was enough to fuel hope and strength what she needed to continue.
The night grew long and full of murmurs, the two newlyweds sharing their most intimate stories, thus creating a new bond and unexpected. Dorothy felt lighter, as if a huge weight had been lifted. lifted from his shoulders. She decided it was time to leave her true feelings emerge, even if it meant facing truths painful.
"Carlos, I need to talk to you about something very important," said Dorothy softly, her gaze fixed on him. "I'm not just here by choice. There are forces at work that you are unaware of. » Carlos nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "I don't doubt, Dorothy. We all have our secrets. But I'm ready to listen to you, whatever you have to say. »
Dorothy took a deep breath and launched into the story of her treason. She spoke of the fateful night she was tricked by her sister Diane and their mother, her unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage traumatic, and his unjust internment in the psychiatric hospital. Each word seemed to free her a little more, and she felt a mixture of rage and sadness invade him.Carlos listened attentively, his eyes filled with compassion. " I am sorry for everything you've been through, Dorothy. No one should have to undergo this. But you are here now, and together we can do in the face of all this. »
Dorothy felt a wave of gratitude and affection for Carlos. " THANKS,
Carlos. Your words comfort me more than you can imagine. We
We must be strong and united to face what lies ahead. » They spent the rest of the night talking, confiding secrets and dreams, to comfort each other. The night was long, but it was also a prelude to a new stage in their life.
The next morning, Dorothy woke up with a determination renewed. She prepared herself carefully, aware that each gesture had his importance. Today she had to face the Donte family no only as a wife, but as a strategic ally. In going down for breakfast, she found Carlos already seated at the table, surrounded of some members of his family.
The table was set with austere elegance, and silence reigned
heavily. Carlos looked up at her and smiled warmly.
"Hello, Dorothy. Come sit next to me. »
Dorothy took her seat, feeling the evaluative glances of the members of the
Donte family on it. She knew she had to make a good impression, not only for herself, but also for Carlos.
The matriarch of the family, Isobel Donte, spoke. "Dorothy, welcome to our family. We hope you feel at home here. »
Dorothy responded with a polite smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Donte. I am honored to be part of your family and hope to contribute positively to our common future. »The exchanges were formal and tense, but Dorothy felt she had taken a first step. After breakfast, Carlos drove her in the family office, a richly decorated place that smelled of leather and varnished wood.
"We need to talk about the future, Dorothy," Carlos said as he sat down.
behind the massive desk. "There are many things you need to know about our family and the challenges we face. »
Dorothy nodded, ready to hear everything. "I'm ready, Carlos. Say- me everything. »
Carlos began to explain to her the complex dynamics of the family Donte, alliances and rivalries, current affairs and enemies potential. Dorothy listened attentively, taking mental notes on every detail. She knew that to succeed, she had to understand and master all aspects of this new life.
As the day progressed, they discussed plans to strengthen their position and
protect their interests. Carlos was impressed by the insight of Dorothy and her strategic approach. He realized that he had found in her not only a wife, but a formidable partner.
"You are truly amazing, Dorothy," he said, looking at her with admiration. "I'm happy to have you by my side. »
Dorothy felt a shiver of pride pass through her. "Thank you, Carlos. We will
succeed together. »
That evening, as they were getting ready for bed, Dorothy felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew that their first night together as a married couple would be a pivotal moment. Carlosseemed to share her feelings, and he looked at her with tenderness unexpected.
"Dorothy," he said softly, "I want you to know that I respect your feelings and your limits. We don't need to rush. »
Dorothy smiled at him, touched by his consideration. "Thank you, Carlos. I appreciate
your understanding. Let's take our time and get to know each other. » They spent the night talking and getting closer, sharing moments of gentleness and complicity. Dorothy felt more and more comfortable with
Carlos, and she realized that she was starting to have feelings sincere to him.
The night wore on, and the conversations became more intimate. Dorothy and
Carlos explored their desires and fears, creating a connection deep that united them beyond words. They discovered affinities unexpected, and the room witnessed their emergence as real couple.
The next day, Dorothy woke up feeling renewed. She had taken an important step and felt ready to face the challenges future. Carlos was at his side, an unwavering support that gave him the strength to continue.
Coming down for breakfast, she found Isabella and Matteo, the children of Carlos, already at the table. They looked at her with curiosity and a little of distrust. Dorothy sat across from them, determined to win their trust.
"Hello, Isabella, Matteo," she said with a warm smile. " I am
Dorothy. I hope we can become friends. »The children exchanged a look, then Isabella spoke. " Good morning,
Dorothy. Dad told us about you. We hope you will be kind with us. »
Dorothy felt a wave of emotion wash over her. " I'll do my best to be there for you, Isabella. You can count on me. »
Matteo, more reserved, simply nodded. Dorothy knew that winning their trust would take time, but she was willing to do all the necessary efforts.
The marriage to Carlos had marked the beginning of a new life for Dorothy, full of challenges but also endless possibilities. With Carlos and the children by her side, she felt ready to face the world, determined to build a better life and reveal hidden truths of his past
/0/60793/coverbig.jpg?v=22532312abb581bb0af87ccc4a8b6038)
A Substitute Wife for the Mafioso 
/0/82841/coverbig.jpg?v=72df7e39e7a5e1d4f0d675cc728b6dd0)
/0/87189/coverbig.jpg?v=fc8c607e7817432ed376cf6c7240fd9e)
/0/71628/coverbig.jpg?v=4a28a786b1f4e66f43bdc350791d2a57)
/0/87178/coverbig.jpg?v=d7830826983ec89f3549fee6c33926a0)
/0/87179/coverbig.jpg?v=93c4243159f8ed0e7c1a63572af0c690)
/0/85398/coverbig.jpg?v=12d8b086f41687bf3d4cebf04c861376)