Page 45 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

There’s a pause, one of those rare ones where neither of us feels the need to fill it with words. She just looks at me, and for some reason, it’s easier to share things with her.

“She loved little traditions like that. Small things that made life special. She always said happiness isn’t in grand gestures, it’s in the everyday moments.”

Layla nods. “She sounds like she was an incredible woman.”

“She was.” My throat feels tight, so I clear it, shaking off the weight of nostalgia. “Anyway, enough about me. I have something to ask you.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

“My dad’s having a party this weekend.” I tilt my head slightly. “You in?”

She hesitates, shifting slightly. “I’d have to find a sitter for Vincent.”

I pause, watching her carefully. “Bring him.”

That’s when I see it.

The subtle way her body tenses. The way her expression shifts, not just hesitation, but something deeper. Fear.

She shakes her head quickly. “No, it’s better if someone else watches him.”

I lean back against the bench, watching her with curiosity. “You’re acting like I just invited you to a mob gathering.”

She exhales sharply. “Valentino, this isn’t just a party. It’s a Marchetti party.”

“So?”

She gives me a look. “So?So? Do you have any idea how much pressure that is?”

I grin. “It’s just a bunch of rich people pretending to be interesting. You’ll fit right in.”

She groans, pressing her fingers to her temples. “That is not reassuring.”

I nudge her lightly with my elbow. “Just be yourself. You’ll be fine.”

She narrows her eyes. “Are you sure about that? Because I feel like ‘being myself’ is exactly what wouldn’t go over well.”

I smirk. “True. Maybe tone down the sarcasm.”

She scoffs. “Then I’ll have nothing to say.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “You’ll be fine, Layla.” Then, with a more serious note, I add, “I wouldn’t be inviting you if I didn’t think so.”

That shuts her up for a moment. She looks at me, something unreadable passing through her eyes.

Finally, she sighs, shaking her head. “I hate that you’re so convincing.”

I smirk, knowing I have her right where I want her. “So, that’s a yes?”

“It’s a maybe.”

I grin. “I’ll take it.”

She rolls her eyes but takes another bite of her pastry, and I know I’ve won this round. But something lingers between us, something heavier than playful banter.

She’s hiding something.

And I’m going to find out exactly what it is.

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