Page 31 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

Before she can argue, the contractor walks up, clipboard in hand. He looks over his notes before glancing at me.

“Now that the cleanup is finished, we can move on to the real work, rehabilitation.”

My stomach clenches. “And the final quote?”

“Well, to get started, we’ll need a deposit of thirty grand.”

Normally, that number would send me spiraling.

But now, with Valentino’s money, I can actually afford it.

I inhale sharply. “Send me a final figure, or as close as you can get to one today, and I’ll write you the check for the deposit.”

The contractor tips his hat and heads off, leaving me standing there, staring at the reality of it all. This is happening. I’m saving my shop.

Giana watches me with an amused expression. “You know, seeing you talk money with that guy just now… makes me wonder if you should start calling Valentino your sugar daddy.”

I shoot her a glare. “He’s definitely a daddy, but he doesn’t know that yet.”

Giana’s smirk falters. “Are you going to tell him soon?”

I tense. I don’t have an answer.

“G, can we not do this right now?”

She lifts her hands. “Fine, fine. No interrogation. Just… you know I care.”

I soften. “I know.”

Giana might be nosy, but she’s also my best friend. And the only person who’s been in my corner through everything.

What she doesn’t know, yet, is that my situation with Valentino isn’t just about money anymore.

She doesn’t know about our arrangement.

And she definitely doesn’t know that I slept with him. Again.

The thought alone makes my face heat up. I’ve tried not to think about that night, about the way his hands felt on me, the way his lips claimed mine like he never wanted to stop. But no matter how much I try to suppress it, my body still remembers.

It was a mistake.

Or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

I shake off the thoughts and grab my purse. “Coffee run. You want something?”

Her eyes brighten. “Oooh, an iced Americano, please.”

“You got it.”

I turn to leave, but before I can take a single step, Giana grabs my arm.

“Wait, wait, wait.” She narrows her eyes. “You’re being weird.”

I blink. “Weird how?”

“Weird like… you’re holding something back.” She tilts her head, scrutinizing me. “Something about him.”

I force out a laugh. “G, you’re reaching.”

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