Substitute Marriage: The Ruthless CEO's True Love

By Paula menezes

Otavio Martini is a cold, calculating and merciless Mafia boss and CEO. As he is poised for marriage, his bride-to-be makes a shocking decision - she flees one day before the wedding. This hasty escape leaves her family vulnerable to the wrath of Otavio, who may not show them mercy.

In order to ensure their parents' safety, Bianca decides to step in. Bianca, who at 15 tragically lost her sight in an accident, is now a sweet and compassionate 19-year-old. Brave and full of determination, she agrees to take her sister's place, becoming Otavio's bride.

Amidst the complexity of their circumstances, the question arises: can true love manage to blossom? Their marriage will serve as a test of resilience and fortitude, ultimately proving that even someone as seemingly heartless and soulless as Otavio can pursue and experience genuine emotions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Noveltoon
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224824342

Book preview

The Mobster's Surrogate Blind Bride

Chapter 1

Today the sky is overcast and chilly, much like the heart of Otavio Martini—cold and calculating, with those who know him insisting he's heartless, a rough man lacking patience and exuding intimidation.

His upbringing was harsh; his father was a man without scruples who at age eight sent him to a training center. He returned home only twice a month at his mother's behest, a woman who was dying of sadness and longing for her son. She is the antithesis of his father: a sweet and affectionate woman forced into marriage by a contract.

She adored her son and tried to prevent him from turning out like his father, but there was little she could do.

The training was brutal, featuring beatings and torture. Children were savagely forced to kill and torture men brought there. In these training centers, they stripped the child of their soul, and with each passing day, Otavio became crueler; he was the most merciless and cold-hearted student they had ever seen.

Otavio did not return from training until he was twenty years old, his body and soul marked with scars. He had no close family since he spent more time training than at home. There, they erased any trace of humanity, turning him into a killing machine.

At twenty-seven, he took over his father's Mafia and empire. His father was assassinated by a rival gang four years prior, so Otavio and some men retaliated with extreme cruelty, leaving their mutilated bodies scattered throughout the city. Although Otavio did not love or have fond paternal memories, he respected his father and would not let his death go unavenged.

He became the Don of the Camorra Mafia in Sicily and CEO of various marketing firms, casinos, and nightclubs.

Now at thirty, he's betrothed to a young woman named Laura, the daughter of his father's former advisor. Otavio's father respected few people, and Giovanni was one of them. Therefore, when they had children, Giovanni and Otavio’s father secured an alliance through their offspring's marriage.

He doesn't want this marriage but has no escape; the agreement was made, and a Don never reneges on a commitment, and if the girl's parents back out, they all must die for shaming their Don.

The wedding is in one day. He's not excited, for he has no feelings—this matrimony is merely tradition, serving only to produce offspring. He's seen his bride, Laura, just once.

He found her attractive but unremarkable, yet that mattered little; there was not much to look forward to.

Otavio knows there will be no love in this marriage; he doesn't even believe in love, seeing the example within his own home. His mother, always kind and caring, couldn't stop his father from being unfaithful and treating her as an object; there was never any feeling, so Otavio doesn't have much hope for himself either.

Yet he likes his life this way, devoid of such things as feelings—it’s one less problem for him to solve. When in need of satisfaction, he seeks one of the many women eager to be at his feet. He may be a man without emotion, but he's also strong and handsome, standing at six feet one, well-endowed with a muscular build, and a deep, husky voice that intimidates men and leaves women longing.

Otavio has a friend, Jhon, whom he values greatly and has made his advisor. He's tasked Jhon with handling all arrangements and keeping an eye on the bride in case she tries any tricks, while his mother deals with the decorations. Otavio doesn't care for any of it; he doesn't want to get involved, for, in his mind, there are more important matters to address.

His mother, however, is joyful about the wedding, hoping it will be better than her own and that perhaps children will bring back the happiness Otavio had as a child. No traces remain of the joyful child he once was; she truly believes that a family might open her son's heart.

The night before his wedding, Otavio is in a 'nightclub' surrounded by women, sipping his fine, old whiskey while one of the dancers pleasures him. In the midst of his indulgence, his phone rings with a call from his friend Jhon.

Speak, Jhon, I hope it's important to be bothering me at this hour.

Otavio, I'm sorry, but it's important! The girl has escaped!

Find that wretch now, I'm on my way!

Chapter 2

Giovanni's two daughters were brought up with equal affection and care, immersed in a mafia world where their father was an adviser to a ruthless Don, they were nonetheless surrounded by love and attention.

At 21, Laura was perpetually envious, despite parental affection she held the belief that her sister was favored more. Her fondness for her sister was absent, in fact, she harbored a growing hatred each day.

Laura was also dissatisfied with her impending marriage; she did not wish to wed Otavio, preferring the freedom she'd found in the arms of many lovers. In the mafia, a woman's purity is paramount, yet Laura had long discarded hers.

She devised a plan to avoid marriage to Otavio. Because she lacked regard for her family, she intended to flee come dawn, the day before her wedding. She knew her departure would lead to her family's death, but she was indifferent – to her, it meant freedom from her loathed blind sister and the parents she believed loved her sister more. This was her way of ridding herself of them all without dirtying her hands.

Meanwhile, her sister Bianca was beautiful inside and out, sweet-natured, though sharp-tongued, her heart was as soft as honeycomb. She loved and treated her family well, even when met with her sister's constant harshness.

A dreadful fall from a second-story balcony at the age of 15, during which she was alone with Laura, robbed Bianca of her sight. The tragedy, witnessed against a beautiful sunset, resulted from a shove by Laura from behind.

Bianca sustained head trauma that led to memory loss of the incident and vision loss due to a severe clot between her corneas and skull – a condition so dire, surgery risked her life.

Fearing loss, her family opted against the operation, and so the kind-hearted young woman navigated her youth without her physical eyesight, memory of the tragic push erased.

Despite this, Bianca endured much. At the peak of her youth, she faced school bullying, adjusted to a different way of life; her family moved from the apartment to a house to better accommodate her needs. She overcame both physical and mental hurdles, yet none could dampen her joy and determination. Now at 19, Bianca saw with her soul's eyes, uncovering strengths unknown to her. Those who met her would never guess her blindness, for her wisdom belied her years.

Yet Bianca suffered from her sister's scorn. She strived to show love, but received only disdain and hatred, for we can only offer what resides within.

Bianca, though respectful of her parents' wishes, never supported the mafia's tradition of arranged marriages. She recognized her sister Laura's unhappiness, and the home was increasingly rife with Laura's protests. Bianca sensed that her sister would never submit to the arrangement.

Laura, may I come in?

What do you want, girl?

Easy, sister. I just want to know how you're doing. Tomorrow is your wedding, after all...

Quiet! I don't want to hear about that wedding, dear sister. Ensure there won't be a wedding, but death instead.Laura chuckled, aware of the family's fate if she didn't marry, but uncaring, she also knew someone else might take her place at the altar. Yet, she was convinced the Don would never accept a blind sister.

Goodness, sister, why would you say such a thing?

I’m leaving, and as for Otavio, you all can deal with that fool yourself.

Laura, I understand you're unhappy, but you know if you don't marry, our family might die and...

SHUT UP, BIANCA! AND LEAVE MY ROOM NOW! I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF YOU, YOU ALL CAN DIE FOR ALL I CARE! With that, Laura shoved her sister to the ground and slammed the door shut.

Bianca felt hurt by her sister's continual mistreatment but couldn't believe Laura capable of such an act.

Come early hours, Laura descended with a backpack and awaited a call. As her phone rang, gunshots and the sound of motorcycles echoed outside the house. Upon receiving a signal, Laura left joyously, not looking back, accompanied by several hooded men on bikes.

Alerted by the noise, Bianca and her parents arose, her father, armed, inspected the situation, only to discover four dead men left by the Don to watch the house.

He dashed upstairs and soon returned, devastated. Laura was gone, along with her belongings, she'd escaped, and he knew the impending doom for his family was at hand – the Don, known as the Reaper, would show no mercy.

Chapter 3

Otavio stormed out of the nightclub and headed to his mafia headquarters where Jhon was at the computer trying to track Laura and access the cameras. However, whoever took her was clever enough to erase the footage and Laura's cell phone was untraceable.

Jhon, I don't want excuses, you were in charge of keeping tabs on that girl!

I never wanted this marriage, couldn't stand that woman from the get-go. I knew she'd be trouble, but she outsmarted us, Otavio. She's with men from some mafia or gang—they were stealthy. Plus, that girl's not worth a dime. I tried time and again to reveal her investigations and her family's, but you turned a deaf ear. She plays the saint, but she's far from it.

Jhon, I care little for your opinion, I don't love her, hence her past is irrelevant. What matters is that the damned agreement is sealed and will be upheld, by hook or by crook!

My friend, you're aware what will happen if she fails to show up?

I'm not waiting around for her to show up, I'll go myself and exterminate her whole family.

But Giovanni has always been loyal, Otavio, do bear that in mind.

I don't care, Jhon, they'll pay for that girl's reckless behavior.

Otavio left the headquarters with his advisor Jhon and a few other men, enraged because, for a Don, having a fiancee escape the day before the wedding is a huge disgrace. In the council's eyes, if a Don can't manage his would-be wife—merely a girl—how can he control his Mafia?

Measures were needed to wash away this dishonor, and this offense couldn't just be overlooked.

Meanwhile, Bianca and her parents were in despair, for they knew Don Otavio wouldn't let this slide.

They couldn't flee, it'd be worse—all they could do was await his arrival and beg for mercy.

Giovanni urged his wife and daughter to retreat to their room, but Bianca, despite her fear, refused. She stood firm by her father's side—if death was their fate, they'd face it together.

My loves, please retreat to the bedroom, I pleaded for him to spare yours lives. The only death I deserve is my own, for failing to raise our daughter properly. What pain grips my soul.

Darling, we did all we could, don't blame yourself. Laura was always headstrong, always rebuffed our affection, Rosa declared, weeping and upset about her daughter's act.

Father, you have been and are a remarkable man. Laura missed out on being loved by our amazing family.

Embracing, they wept together as though biding farewell, an emotional toll causing Giovanni's hands to clutch his chest. Noticing her father's distress, at her mother's behest, Bianca quickly left them in the living room and headed to the kitchen to fetch her father water.

As she was en route to the kitchen, Otavio barged into Bianca's home, breaking down the door. He scanned the premises and found Giovanni and his wife seated. He ordered his men to search the house while he glared at them, loathing in his eyes.

Do you grasp the havoc your damned daughter has wreaked, Giovanni? When I find her, she'll dearly pay for this impudence.

Forgive me, my Don. I never imagined she'd do this—I'm utterly humiliated. Please, forgive us and have mercy, spare my wife's and my other daughter's lives.

I have no mercy to dispense, Giovanni. Merciful is God, not I. I won't be shamed because you're an appalling father, but since you've advised my father well, I shall grant them a swift end.

Otavio fumed, feeling like a fool, betrayed. Drawing his weapon as one of the men brought Bianca and threw her amidst her parents, Otavio withdrew his finger from the trigger, studying her angelic and beguiling face. Even in fear, she radiated purity and grace.

Otavio turned to Jhon, then faced them, asking about the girl.

Who are you, girl?

Following his gruff, intimidating voice, Bianca failed to lock eyes, ill-equipped to discern his face.

Bianca, sir. My name is Bianca, Laura's sister. Please, sir, don't execute us, please do...

SILENCE! Stop groveling. You must be just like that tramp since you share a father; he failed to rear you properly.

My FATHER WAS INDEED AN EXEMPLARY PARENT! He was loving. Don't punish us for my sister's mistake. Bianca's defiance inflamed Otavio, and he saw her failure to make eye contact as disrespectful. Advancing, he seized her hair and pointed his weapon at her.

Giovanni, in agony, still pleaded for Bianca's life.

You're insolent, little girl. LOOK ME IN THE EYES WHEN I ADDRESS YOU! Witness who’s sending you to perdition.

Bianca summoned her courage to speak.

Don, I... I can't see. I can’t face you properly due to my impairment.

Otavio shot a reproachful glance at Jhon for this oversight, but then recalled how Jhon had tried repeatedly to discuss Laura's family and he'd ignored it. When Otavio met Laura, Bianca wasn't present. All that mattered was that the deal was struck.

Now within close proximity to Bianca, witnessing her frightened yet angelic features, struck with inspiration, he released her and circled the family, declaring his resolution.

Here's the solution. I shall marry you until your sister is located. You'll fill her place, and once I find her, you'll be free.

I’ll never marry you!

Fine, then you'll die with your kin. Otavio trained the gun on them, his finger tensing on the trigger, fury overwhelming him. Any woman would prize marrying him, yet despite the looming peril, Bianca refused, wounding Otavio's pride. His rage swelled, ready to perform the deadly act despite Bianca's notable impact.

Chapter 4

As Octavio cocks the gun, Bianca cries out in tears.

Please Don, I... I'll marry you, but please spare my parents' lives.

Octavio pauses and contemplates her plea while her father weeps, racked with a sharp pain in his chest, and then Bianca realizes her father is unwell and rushes to his side.

Father, what's wrong? Dad, talk to me, Bianca cries out in desperation.

Rosa, look after our daughter, my girl, forgive me for not being a good father... I... lo... I love you both. Giovanni puts his hand on his chest and closes his eyes—tragically, Giovanni passes away from a heart attack, overwhelmed by distress and sorrow from what has happened.

Dona Rosa and Bianca implore for help, Jhon approaches, checks Giovanni's neck, and confirms he is gone. Octavio looks on, impatient and devoid of any emotion.

That's enough of this drama; he was going to die eventually. At least he saved me a bullet.

Bianca is enraged by Octavio's callousness and says,

DO YOU HAVE NO FEELINGS? NO HEART?

He, in turn, gives a cold smile and says,

No, my dear, I have neither feelings nor a heart. But for someone who's blind, you certainly have a sharp tongue, huh?! Well, I've made up my mind; I'll marry you to cleanse my honor, and once that wretched little sister of yours shows up, I'll dispose of you and your mother, making sure your sister pays dearly.

Octavio orders Bianca to be taken to his house, and her mother to the mafia headquarters, where she will stay to ensure Bianca will comply.

Running out of patience, Octavio instructs Jhon to handle everything and take care of Giovanni's funeral. He orders it be ready after the wedding, indicating he will head home with Bianca. It is already the early hours, and the wedding is set for noon. Jhon nods, and Octavio gets into one of the cars.

Bianca is dragged into Octavio's car, unable to say a proper farewell to her father, her heart shattered by the loss of the man who gave her life and nurtured them with love and affection. She is deeply saddened, and to make matters worse, she must replace her sister and be used by a cold, soulless man.

Bianca has always been sweet and dreamy, imagining a marriage to someone she loved, not a stranger she had no desire to know. Although physically blind, her soul saw the kind of man he was.

She is placed in one of Octavio's cars and tied up, weeping over the loss of her father and her separation from her mother.

Upon arrival, Bianca refuses to exit the car, paralyzed by fear. Losing his patience, Octavio steps out of his vehicle, sees the guards struggle, then approaches her with a deep breath and says,

Girl, get out of that car or I'll kill your mother. Obey me—I'm not known for being kind or patient!

My sister was smart to run away, avoiding a coldhearted guy like you, a real soulless monster. I hate you; because of this ridiculous marriage, my father died, and I couldn't even say goodbye.

No, my dear, your sister was foolish because when I find her, I'll make her life a living hell, and you and your dear mother will be tossed to the curb—I'll ensure I never see you again.

Octavio grabs her arm, releases the rope from her wrists, and drags her from the garden into the house. Bianca stumbles, and Octavio is indifferent; he believes Bianca agreed to the marriage only to clear his honor. Dragging her to the stairs, she falls on the steps. Octavio takes a deep breath, remembers she's blind, and picks her up, leaving Bianca frightened and shocked.

Reaching the hallway, he drops her onto the floor; she's furious at his roughness but too exhausted and scared to protest.

Observing her struggle to stand, he lifts her again by the arm and drags her to a room, tossing her inside before locking the door. Bianca stays on the floor, crying, unsure of what to do. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, she crawls to the bed, strokes it with her hand, and lies down, letting her tears flow and soak her face, eventually crying herself to sleep.

In Octavio's room, he paces back and forth, pondering whether he made the right decision or if he should have killed everyone. But Bianca's eyes and face affected him—had it been anyone else, he would have ended them without a second thought or chance.

Octavio pours a whiskey, takes a shower, and goes to rest, as tomorrow will be a long day.

Chapter 5

As dawn broke, Otavio was already awake; in fact, he had only slept for a couple of hours at most.

He got ready and left to have breakfast and sort out some matters before the damned wedding.

Walking through the corridor, he moved towards Bianca's room, opened the door, and saw her curled up in bed, sleeping. He took a deep breath and exited the room, locking it behind him.

He went downstairs for breakfast and saw his mother Ellen bustling about, abuzz with excitement, before she approached and kissed him.

Good morning, son. You're up early. You look terrible.

I didn't sleep well.

Is something bothering you, son?

Just the minor details—my future father-in-law died, my bride ran away, and I'm about to marry her little sister.

His mother gasped, shocked by her son's disclosure as he sipped his coffee calmly. Ellen was shaken to see the coldness in her son's eyes.

My God, son, I don't know what to say. Where is the young lady? How is this madness going to unfold? Did the girl agree? How did Giovanni die, Otavio?

Mother, all you need to know for now is that the girl is in her room. Please organize everything, I have to stop by the company to handle some things, and then I'll return for the ordeal.

Otavio left before his mother could say more. He wasn't in the mood for conversation; he was exasperated with all that had transpired. On his way, he called Jhon to confirm if everything was in order and if they had found the runaway, but Jhon reported that she just vanished.

Ellen requested a breakfast tray to take to Bianca. Otavio had left the key hanging on the door. Upon entering, Ellen saw the girl sitting, hunched over and weeping. The sight brought back memories of Ellen's youth—she was barely 18 when she had been forced to marry Otavio's father.

She had lived bitterly beside him, for he was callous and merciless—a man without scruples. He was constantly unfaithful and demeaning, and she was obliged to uphold a facade of the perfect family, as the council would not tolerate betrayal within the mafia, especially not from their Don.

Snapping out of her reverie, Ellen approached Bianca, who started at the sound of someone nearing.

Who's there?

Hi, I'm Ellen, Otavio's mother. I don't recall your name, but I remember the twinkle in your father's eye when you were born. I just don’t remember your mother being pregnant, but we had little contact. Is something wrong? I noticed you didn't recognize me when I came in.

Forgive me, Mrs. Ellen, my parents always spoke of your kind heart. Well... my name is Bianca, and I lost my sight 4 years ago in a fall.

Bianca grew up hearing her parents praise Ellen's goodness, despite her suffering from a disappointing marriage and the humiliations dealt by Otavio's father.

Ellen was deeply saddened by the accident; she hadn't kept close touch with the family of her husband's adviser. The last she had heard, the girls were quite young, so she didn't remember Bianca's name.

I'm so sorry to hear that. And your father, what happened?

Bianca let her tears flow as she heard the question, overwhelmed with grief. Ellen immediately hugged her, offering comfort.

He likely died from a heart attack, burdened by my sister’s actions.

Why did your sister do this? Wasn't she aware everyone could have been dead by now?

She was, indeed aware, but she didn’t consider us when she fled. Now I’m compelled to take her place, to atone for her choice.

Ellen looked at her sadly; Bianca seemed like a good person, and now Ellen feared her son might mistreat her in retaliation for her sister's actions. Ellen knew her son too well.

Then she handed the breakfast tray to Bianca.

Eat, dear. You need your strength; today will be a long day.

I'm not hungry.

Please, at least eat a piece of cake and drink this juice. Think of your mother—she wouldn't want you to go without food.

Amid her tears, Bianca managed to eat a little.

Soon, the team arrived to prepare the bride, so Bianca took a bath and donned a robe that Ellen had given her.

The tedious wedding preparations began.

Manicurist, hairstylist, and makeup artist were at work, while the stylist raced against time to take in the dress here and there, since Bianca was slightly slimmer than her sister.

The makeup artist was distressed because Bianca couldn’t stop crying, thinking of her dearly departed father and filled with concern for her mother, as well as the prospect of suffering in her sister’s stead…

Chapter 6

Meanwhile, Otavio was handling some urgent matters at the main office, as there was a scandal unfolding in one of the many businesses he oversaw. The Martini family commanded a vast empire, which, in addition to their legitimate endeavors, was bolstered by a slew of clandestine activities that proved quite lucrative.

Veronica, his secretary, then sauntered into the room with her usual flair. There was little doubt about her intentions; Otavio and Veronica often engaged in flirtatious banter. Today, she locked the door with a conspiratorial click and approached him, harboring aspirations that perhaps his affections might evolve into deeper commitment, an agenda driven by her opportunistic nature.

Out with it, Veronica, what is it you want? Otavio inquired rather impatiently, not oblivious to her games.

Just looking out for you, boss. You seem stressed, she cooed, sidling around his desk with perhaps more suggestiveness than necessary, her attire a tad more revealing than office protocol would usually allow. She then proceeded with an intimate gesture, recalling their shared history of secret trysts and blurring lines.

After sharing a moment of personal distraction, Veronica readjusted her clothes, somewhat disheveled from the encounter, and posed a question born of hopeful ambition, Otavio, my dear, are you really going to go through with the wedding? Can't you see that I am the right woman for you?

Otavio, now taking a swig of whiskey and looking out the window, stifled a laugh at her remark, Spare me the drama, Veronica. Let's not kid ourselves – we both know what this is. Do you think I'm unaware of your ulterior motives?

But Otavio, I love you, I truly do, she protested, feigning depth in her feelings.

Enough! Leave now, Veronica. I have a wedding to attend to promptly, he dismissed her with a nonchalant wave. Veronica left in a huff, and Otavio chuckled to himself, well aware of her true character; she had been known to seek favor with many in positions of power within the company.

Left alone with his thoughts, Otavio's mind wandered to Bianca, whose image conjured feelings he struggled to articulate. He wrestled with an internal fury the prior evening, one that he nearly unleashed entirely were it not for her presence. Her tears stirred something in him, evoking a strong protective instinct, but his rage had prevailed. The mafia code he followed taught him never to act on such emotions.

Picking up the jewelry he had commissioned for the wedding - a tradition for brides within mafia families to receive - he returned home to prepare himself. In no time, he was dressed and ready to confront the day. Tradition notwithstanding, Otavio entered the room where Bianca was waiting alone. Her beauty caught him wholly off guard.

Who's there? Bianca's voice cut through his reverie.

Otavio stayed silent for a moment more, taking in her appearance, her sorrow palpable as she dabbed at tears he wished to wipe away. Finally, Bianca, always perceptive, recognized the woodsy aroma of Otavio's cologne, Are you here to make sure I haven't fled?

Don't push me, girl. And how could you tell it was me? he responded tersely.

What do you want? Shouldn't we be getting this charade underway? she asked, not masking the resentment in her voice.

He suppressed his impatience, pressing the diamonds he had meant for her sister into her hand. These were meant for Laura, your sister. They're crafted with the finest diamonds, he stated, seeking a reaction that might reveal her true feelings.

I want nothing from you. Give them to Laura when you find her, Bianca retorted defiantly.

Remember your position, girl, and whose care your mother is in, he reminded her sternly, commanding her compliance.

Bianca reluctantly accepted the jewelry, her indifference to its splendor striking Otavio; most women he knew would clamor for such riches. Bianca's reaction left an odd impression on him.

After helping her with the adornments, noticing her involuntary shiver at his touch, he took a moment of satisfaction before sternly instructing, Wait here. I'll have my mother come for you.

I do have a name, you know, she shot back, still defiant. No worry, I'll be right here, ready for the farce.

As he left, Otavio turned back with a final, intimidating whisper, threatening the boundaries of their forced intimacy, amused by her evident discomfort. Bianca, blushing and at a loss for words, reflected on her situation: bound in a loveless arrangement, far different from her sister's clandestine romantic escapades.

Chapter 7

After a while, Ellen went to console Bianca, who stood there, sad and forlorn.

With a tight embrace, Ellen tried to sooth the young woman who bore a sorrowful expression, before guiding her to the garden where a quaint altar was set up for the ceremony.

All the ranks of the mafia were present today; Otavio had, despite being relatively new to the mafia, built his empire and had become a Don as feared as his father. As Bianca no longer had her father, and Otavio's dad was also deceased, their friend