Page 136 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé
“I stole your ring this morning because I wanted to give it back to you the way it was meant to be given in the first place.”
I gasp, covering my mouth with my hand.
“Layla.” His voice is steady but filled with emotion. “I don’t want an arrangement. I don’t want a contract. I want you. As my wife. As the mother of our son. As the woman I love more than anything in this world.”
Tears spill freely now, my heart swelling to the point of bursting.
“I love you. I meant it the first time I said it, and I mean it now. Will you give me the honor of marrying me?”
I let out a shaky breath, nodding before I can even form words.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Valentino slips the ring onto my finger, and this time, it feels real. It feels like it belongs there.
As he stands, he pulls me into his arms, capturing my lips in a kiss that is filled with everything, love, passion, promise.
When we break apart, applause fills the room.
I turn to see Enzo, Quinn, Alessio, Luciana, and Vincent watching, their faces beaming with joy.
“We’re engaged,” I announce, breathless.
And this time, it’s forever.
EPILOGUE
FiveMonthsLater
The soft rustle of delicate lace fills the quiet bridal suite as I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands over the intricate beading of my gown.
A deep breath in. A slow exhale out.
It’s here. The day is finally here.
For months, I’ve envisioned this moment, tried to picture how I would feel standing here, on the cusp of forever.
But nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming emotions rushing through me now, joy, excitement, and an aching, all-consuming love.
Behind me, Giana clasps a string of pearls around my neck, her eyes shimmering as she steps back to admire the full effect. “Layla, you look absolutely stunning.”
My mother stands close by, her hands clasped together, her smile watery but filled with warmth. “Like a dream. A vision.”
I turn to face them, my heart swelling with gratitude for these two women, women who have stood by me through every challenge, every heartbreak, every triumph.
“Well, I wouldn’t have made it to this moment without the both of you.”
Giana grins, nudging me softly. “He’s the lucky one, you know?”
I smile at her words, but my mind is already drifting, to him.
Valentino.
The man who has been the best father to our son and the most loving partner to me these past five months. The man who is waiting for me at the end of the aisle, his heart open, his love unwavering.
I glance down at my belly, my fingers brushing the slight curve hidden beneath the layers of my gown.
There’s something I’ve been keeping to myself, a secret that’s been burning at the tip of my tongue.
