Page 21 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

I exhale, rubbing my temples, when my phone buzzes again. A text.

Valentino here.

I stare at the screen, heart thudding. I type back.

Got my number from a ‘mutual friend’ again???

Haha. Smart girl. Made up your mind yet? Time is money, Layla.

I hesitate.

Then, I glance at the baby monitor again.

Vincent is my responsibility. If my business fails, what will happen to him? I’ve already failed him in so many ways. I can’t let everything I built come crashing down now.

I type back.

Fine. You win. I’ll do it.

The response is instant.

Good girl.??Pick you up at 8 tonight. We’re going to dinner.

I exhale shakily, my hands trembling as I lock my phone.

I have no idea what I just agreed to.

***

La Bella Vita is the kind of restaurant that makes you stand a little taller the moment you walk through the doors. The scent of fresh basil, simmering garlic, and slow-cooked tomatoes wraps around me like a warm embrace.

And then, there’s him.

Valentino.

Sitting across from me, one elbow resting lazily on the table, fingers gliding along the stem of his wine glass, watching me. His navy suit fits like it was made for him, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders, the crisp white shirt beneath just barely teasing at the defined lines of his chest. A dark stubble dusts his jawline, just enough to make me think about how it would feel against my skin. But it’s his eyes that have me pinned in place.

I pick up my menu, half for something to do, half to hide the way my cheeks burn from his eyes on me.

I grip my wine glass, resisting the urge to scowl.

This is a business transaction. Nothing more.

“So.”

He flashes a smug grin. “So, you finally came around.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. This is strictly business.”

He chuckles, swirling his wine. “Still as stubborn as you are beautiful.”

I ignore the way my cheeks heat up. “Let’s get down to it. Ground rules. How long are we doing this?”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Until my father announces his retirement, and I’m officially named CEO. I estimate six months. Maybe a year, max.”

I inhale sharply.

A year?

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