Page 48 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

I shove her off. “Shut up.”

She just laughs.

We decide to hit the mall, something I haven’t done in what feels like years.

Between raising a child and running a business, I barely remember what it feels like to just have fun. To browse aimlessly, touch soft fabrics, and let myself get lost in the world of fashion without worrying about price tags or practicality.

Giana, on the other hand, is in her element. “Oh my God, look at this,” she gasps, holding up a ridiculously tiny designer purse. “It could barely hold a pack of gum, but it’s adorable.”

I snort. “You’re paying for esthetic over function at that point.”

She clutches the purse dramatically to her chest. “Welcome to the fashion industry, sweetheart.”

I roll my eyes, but it feels good to be out, to be doing something just for myself.

And then, we run intoher.

At first, I don’t recognize the woman yelling at the salesclerk across the boutique.

“This place is such a dump!” She tosses a dress onto the counter with a flick of her wrist. “How can you even call this a boutique?”

Something about her tone, the air of entitlement, makes my skin crawl.

Then, it clicks.

Eva.

My entire body stiffens as if on instinct.

Giana notices immediately. “What’s wrong?”

I swallow, keeping my voice low. “That’s her.”

“Who?”

“Eva Costa. The woman causing all of Valentino’s problems. She’s accusing his family of withholding her share of the Marchetti vineyard.”

Giana’s eyes widen as she whips her head toward the scene unfolding before us. “No. Way.”

I nod, watching as Eva continues her tirade, completely oblivious to the looks of discomfort and irritation from the boutique employees. She wears her privilege like armor, stomping around like she owns the place.

Then, with one last huff, she storms out, her heels clicking against the marble floors, head held high in manufactured superiority.

The air around us settles, but the tension in my shoulders remains.

Giana is shaking her head. “Well… That was… underwhelming. I expected something more evil-villain from her.”

I exhale, shaking my head. “She’s exactly what I expected.”

Giana nudges me. “You okay?”

I let out a slow breath, forcing a shrug. “Yeah. Let’s just get back to shopping.”

But as we continue browsing, my mind lingers on Eva, on Valentino, on the tangled mess I’ve found myself in.

We spend hours flitting through dresses.

There is just one dress left for me to try, and I put it on.

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