Page 123 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

Right.

Before Layla’s confession, before Vincent’s illness, before my entire life was turned upside down in the best and worst ways possible.

For a moment, I consider telling Devina I’ll go through them later, that I can’t handle another emotional upheaval tonight.

But then again, maybe it’s exactly what I need.

A distraction.

“Right,” I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “I’ll get to that now.”

Devina walks with me to the conference room, but stops at the door, giving me a small smile before leaving me alone.

The door clicks shut behind me, and suddenly, I’m surrounded by memories.

Boxes, crates, stacks of things my mother left behind, some I recognize, others I don’t. The scent of old paper and faded perfume lingers in the air, and for a second, it feels like she’s here.

I sit down and start sifting through the past.

A small love letter catches my eye first, written in my mother’s elegant script, addressed to my father.

I skim through the affectionate words, feeling like an intruder, like I’m peeking into a part of my parents’ lives that was only meant for them.

I quickly fold it up, placing it back where it belongs.

There are more mementos, old dried-up flowers, birthday cards, and small trinkets we gave her as kids.

I flip through them all slowly, until my fingers brush against something unexpected.

A stack of documents.

Something about them feels important, and my heart pounds as I pull them out.

My stomach drops the moment I see what it is.

This is it.

A copy of the will. The same one Eva had thrown in our faces, the one that had caused a storm within the family.

But underneath it, something else.

An agreement. Signed by Emilio and my grandfather, Giorgio, along with a money transfer.

My breath catches.

Evidence.

Hard proof that Eva has been manipulating the truth, proof that could end this nightmare once and for all.

I shoot to my feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“Fuck yes!” This is the first real spark of victory I’ve felt in days.

This is it. The smoking gun.

This could save my family, my father’s legacy, and finally put an end to Eva’s twisted games.

I reach for my phone, knowing exactly who I need to call first.

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