Page 83 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé
"Why not make this a real thing?"
The words hang in the air between us.
I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. Because I don’t have an answer.
I’ve fallen hard for Layla. And that terrifies me the most.
19
LAYLA
"Whatdidyouwantto talk about?" I shift in my chair, fingers tapping against the smooth glass table.
Across from me, Valentino is silent, his expression unreadable as he stirs his untouched coffee.
He texted me this morning, saying it was urgent, insisting we meet at the earliest. But now, as we sit across from each other in a quiet café near my place, he isn’t saying anything.
And it’s freaking me out.
"Are you going to say anything, or just keep staring at me like that?"
He exhales slowly, as if weighing his words. “I’m trying to figure out the best way to tell you this.”
"Now you’re really freaking me out."
He leans forward, elbows resting on the table. “I saw my dad yesterday.”
My heartbeat quickens. I don’t even realize I’m holding my breath until I force myself to exhale.
"And? Does he suspect anything?" My voice comes out sharper than I intend.
His lips twitch, but there’s no amusement in it. “Actually, quite the opposite.” He lets out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Apparently, we’re better actors than I thought. My dad thinks our relationship is the real deal.”
My stomach twists.
I should be happy about that. This is what we wanted, right?
But why does it feel like a punch to the gut when he says it like that? Like it’s all just a show?
Like… I’m the only one who doesn’t know what’s real anymore.
I force out a hollow chuckle. “I guess we played our parts perfectly, then.”
Valentino nods, but something about the way he’s looking at me feels… off. Like he’s trying to read my mind.
He shifts in his seat, rubbing his jaw before speaking again. “There’s just one thing that needs to happen before the handover.”
My pulse picks up. “What?”
He hesitates for a second, then meets my gaze head-on.
“My dad wants us to get engaged.”
"Engaged?" My voice comes out breathless.
"Yeah." His fingers tap against the table. "Sooner rather than later."
The café feels too quiet. The noise of people chatting, the clinking of plates, it all fades into the background as I stare at him.
