Page 116 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

But then, he just nods. “Always.”

The word lingers between us, filled with so much more than just a promise.

It’s not forgiveness.

It’s not a declaration.

But it’s something.

Something that tells me that maybe this isn’t the end for us.

Another silence stretches between us, but this time, it feels... lighter. Like we’re no longer standing on opposite sides of an invisible wall. Like maybe… there’s still something left to salvage.

The road stretches ahead, dark and uncertain, but as we drive toward the one man who might be able to save our son, I realize that, for the first time in weeks, I don’t feel completely alone.

The estate looms dark and foreboding as we approach, the iron gates standing tall and unwelcoming.

A butler in a black suit greets us, stiff and formal.

“Mr. Marchetti,” he acknowledges Valentino before his gaze lingers on me, curiosity flickering across his face.

“Where is Silvano?” Valentino’s voice is demanding, firm.

The butler hesitates. “This is… his time to relax. He does not like to be disturbed.”

“He’ll make an exception.”

A beat of silence, then the butler nods and leads us toward a dimly lit den.

The air is thick with the scent of aged whiskey, stale cigar smoke, and dust. The grand entrance, once a statement of wealth and power, now bears the marks of neglect.

The hallway leading into the main den is lined with old, dusty paintings, their frames cracked with time, portraying a history that now feels like a ghost of the past.

Inside, Silvano Salvatore sits slouched in a leather chair, a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring into the fireplace.

He looks… older. Worn down.

But as soon as he sees Valentino, his bloodshot eyes darken.

“What the hell are you doing here, Marchetti?”

I take a step back, stunned by the venom in his voice, but Valentino holds his ground, his own eyes narrowing in response.

“We need to talk.”

“Who’s this?” Silvano’s gaze flicks to me, suspicious, wary. “Tell me, girl.”

In his eyes, I only see suspicion. No fatherly love to speak of.

“What have the Marchettis convinced you to do for them now? Are you another one of Enzo’s young things, like the last one he married. Are you here to stake claims on my family’s land?”

“That is enough.” Valentino shoves him slightly.

“Oh,” Silvano stumbles back a bit, his drunken stupor giving his balance no favors.

“You will speak to her with respect.”

“Is this how you want to do it, eh? You want to fight with me? I would take you down and your whole family with just—”

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