Book 1
Previously named as mafias chubby bride
[𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 ✔️] (rewriting)
Exuvia;
❝Shedding the past, being reborn into something new, even if painful.❞
He's a dangerous mafia boss.
She's a sweet, calm artist with a tender heart.
In a worl...
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★・・・・・・★
A S H L E Y
I finally let out a shaky breath, thinking I had a moment to myself. But it stuck in my throat the instant a stormy, tall figure stopped before me — towering, polished, wrapped in a tux that clung to broad muscle. His presence was suffocating, and the sharp glint in his dark brown eyes made my stomach tighten.
“Ciao, mio stella,” he murmured, his voice thick and fluid, words dripping with foreign weight.
My brows pinched in confusion. What… did he just say? “Huh? Pardon?”
He laughed, a deep, booming sound that pulled every pair of ears nearby, throwing his head back as if my confusion was the most entertaining thing in the world. His hand swept at his face as though wiping tears that weren’t there.
“I mean… hello, miss,” he said at last, his accent curling around the syllables.
I gave him a small, awkward smile, unsure how to respond. “Oh—hello, Mr…?”
“Luca.” He stepped closer, his grin unfaltering. “You can call me Luc. Or love. I don’t mind either.”
Heat crept uncomfortably up my neck. What is he even saying? My fingers twisted at the hem of my dress as I forced a polite reply. “Oh… Mr. Luca would be fine?” My voice wavered, betraying the uncertainty I tried to hide.
His grin only widened, teeth flashing. “Hmm, no. Just Luca. Drop the Mister.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “O-oh… L-Luca.”
He shook his head slowly, amused, like I’d given him exactly what he wanted.
“Your voice is sweet, Ashley. Would you mind talking more to me?” Luca asked, his smile spreading like he owned the space between us.
I frowned, shifting my weight uncomfortably, when suddenly I felt another gaze burning into me. My chest tightened as my eyes darted across the hall—Lord. His champagne glass tilted ever so slightly in my direction, a subtle, deliberate gesture. A command.
My stomach sank. That means this man is important.Which means I have to… entertain him. A bitter taste coated my tongue, but I forced a small smile onto my lips, stiff and polite.
“Uh—did you like the paintings? And… the art, Luca?” I asked softly, keeping my tone measured, carefully pleasant.
His eyes lit with mischief as he leaned closer, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret. “Bellissima. Every stroke, every color… but none of them as alive as you.”
My smile faltered, my fingers tightening around the edge of my glass. I felt the weight of Lord’s stare still pressing against my back, forcing me to hold my ground when all I wanted was to run.
