Page 46 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

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LAYLA

“You’reseriouslylivingthedream. Who rents out a theatre?”

I shoot Giana a sharp look as I fold Vincent’s tiny onesies into the laundry basket. “You’re making it sound way more romantic than it was.”

She smirks, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Am I? Or are you just in denial?”

I roll my eyes, but my stomach gives an uncomfortable twist.

Because, maybe she has a point.

I told myself, over and over, that Valentino Marchetti was just a business partner, just a means to an end.

Still, I refuse to give Giana the satisfaction. “It was just a nice gesture.”

She gasps dramatically, clutching her chest. “A nice gesture? Valentino?TheValentino? Mr. ‘I-don’t-do-emotions’? That man is about as soft as a steel rod, and yet, he surprises you with pastries on your break?”

I sigh, dropping onto the couch beside her. “It doesn’t mean anything, G.”

She hums knowingly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. “Sure, it doesn’t.”

I ignore her tone and pointed look, shifting the conversation to a safer topic.

“Anyway, he invited me to meet his family this weekend.”

Giana’s eyes go wide. “Wait. Hold on. Back up. You’re meeting the Marchettis? Like… all of them?”

I nod, biting my lower lip. “I don’t know why, but… I’m nervous.”

She sits up straight, for once, her expression serious. “Of course, you are! Meeting the family is a big deal.”

I exhale, running my hands through my hair. “I haven’t even given him a definite answer yet. I told him I’d have to figure out Vincent’s babysitting situation first.”

Giana waves a hand dismissively. “That’s not a problem. I’ve got you covered.”

A wave of gratitude washes over me. “Thanks, G. My mom can take care of him one day, and you the next.”

“Yep, no worries.” She studies me carefully, eyes narrowing. “Is there something I should know about you two?”

I freeze for a second, then force a casual shrug. “I just don’t know how I’m supposed to act in front of his family for an entire weekend. It feels like a lot of pressure.”

“You’ll be fine, girl. If you can resurrect the shop from ruin, you can handle anything,” Giana states with confidence.

What she doesn’t know is that the problem isn’t just the act of pretending, it’s the fact that pretending around Valentino is starting to feel… way too easy.

And then, there’s the other problem.

“He’s already met Vincent.” My voice is barely above a whisper. “And they got along really well.”

Giana’s playful smirk vanishes.

“Layla…”

“I don’t think he suspects anything,” I rush to say. “At least… not yet.”

“But for how long? Those Marchetti genes are strong. What if he starts to notice the similarities?”

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