Page 15 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

The thought of any kind of relationship fills me with dread. But with Layla, things feel different.

Possibly because there’s still unfinished business between us.

I leave the office with Micah’s enthusiastic pat on my shoulder echoing behind me, my mind churning with both business plans and personal dilemmas.

The vineyard awaits my next move, a move that could redefine the future of the Marchetti Empire and, hopefully, my own life.

Now I just have to bring Layla on board.

5

LAYLA

IsitacrossfromWilliam, my financial advisor, in what used to be my dream boutique. Now, it’s a disaster zone. Water-stained walls, ruined fabrics, the overwhelming scent of damp wood. The wreckage of everything I worked for.

William adjusts his glasses, pressing his lips into a thin, grim line. “Layla, I’m sorry. But there’s not much I can do here.”

A weight settles in my chest.

“No, there has to be something.” My voice wavers. I haven’t slept. I’ve had too much caffeine and way too many thoughts spiraling in my head. “You’re the expert, right? You help people through things like this.”

He shakes his head, flipping through the thick folder of financial statements. “I’m an expert, not a magician.”

I swallow hard. “There has to be a way.”

William exhales, pinching the bridge of his nose. “The repair costs alone are in the thousands, and you’ll need three times that to replace your inventory. A bank loan might be an option, but…” He hesitates, glancing up at me. “You already have a significant one in your name.”

My stomach clenches.

Three years ago, I took out a loan to build something for myself. To prove I could. The plan had always been to repay it once the business took off. I never expected to be drowning before I even got my footing.

“Can I take out another one?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shakes his head. “Highly unlikely. Your current financial standing makes it next to impossible. And even if a bank approves you, you’d be walking straight into bankruptcy. If you default on another loan, you won’t just lose your shop, Layla. You’ll lose everything.”

The words hit like a slap.

I tighten my grip on the edge of the table. “So, what am I supposed to do?”

William leans forward, his expression softening. “Honestly? You need an angel investor. Someone willing to front the money.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, because investors are dying to throw money into a flooded shop.”

He doesn’t argue. Just sighs. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but… maybe you should take a break. Let things settle. Then figure out your next move.”

Give up?

No!

This isn’t just a business. It’s my life. I built this from nothing. I fought for it. I can’t just walk away.

“Can you at least try?” My voice cracks. “See if there’s any way I can get a loan?”

William sighs, gathering his papers. “I’ll make some calls. But don’t get your hopes up.”

He stands, offering me a small, apologetic nod before heading for the door.

The second he’s gone, I exhale shakily, pressing a hand to my forehead.

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