Page 17 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

He clears his throat. “You look well.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You mean ‘not dead’? Because that’s what you must have assumed when I disappeared.”

His lips twitch, but he doesn’t smirk. “I don’t hold grudges, Layla.”

I don’t know why, but the way he says my name, like he’s testing the way it feels in his mouth, makes my stomach flutter. I force myself to stay still.

“How did you find me?”

“Through a mutual friend.” He leans back, fingers tapping lightly against his coffee cup. “I heard about your shop.”

I stiffen. “Listen, I don't need your pity.”

He exhales through his nose, looking almost amused. “No. I came because I have a proposition.”

I scoff. “What, you need a new suit tailored?”

He ignores me and pulls something from his pocket, sliding it across the table.

A check.

My eyes drop to the number.

Fifty. Thousand. Dollars.

My breath stutters.

“What the—” My gaze snaps to him. “Are you insane?”

His expression remains unreadable. “That depends. Do you think it’s crazy for someone to want a mutually beneficial arrangement?”

I narrow my eyes. “What are you talking about? Mutually beneficial how?”

“I told my father I’m in a serious relationship. Now, he expects to meet her. That’s where you come in.”

The words barely register.

Fake dating? Is this real life?

“My father wants to see me settle down, then and only then will he consider stepping down from the company and passing the reins to me.”

I scoff. “You could have any woman on your arm, Valentino. Why me?”

His jaw clenches slightly, as if I touched a nerve. “Because I need someone who won’t get the wrong idea. Someone who understands this is just a business transaction.”

“And you think I wouldn’t get the wrong idea?”

“You left before dawn the last time we saw each other. I’d say that makes you the perfect candidate.”

I swallow. “So, that’s why you tracked me down?”

“I could’ve found someone else.” He shrugs. “But I’m a businessman, Layla. And I see an opportunity when it presents itself.”

His words send a chill through me. Because, deep down, I know he’s right. This deal… it’s serendipity. I need the money. He needs a fake girlfriend.

I exhale shakily. “You’re really serious about this?”

“Yes.”

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