Page 51 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

Layla stops in front of it, her fingers brushing lightly against the edge of the frame. "She’s beautiful."

I swallow, nodding. "Yeah. She was."

And yet, as I say it, there’s no ache, no sharp edge of grief twisting inside me.

My father built something here, something lasting. He found love again, without ever forgetting where he came from.

I wonder if maybe that’s possible for me, too.

As we venture into the main dining area, all eyes turn to us.

Layla stiffens slightly beside me.

I lean in, my breath skimming her ear. “Relax. Just be yourself.”

I grab her hand, interlocking our fingers in place.

She nods once, then straightens her shoulders, masking her nerves flawlessly.

I scan the room.

Quinn is holding baby Mira, glowing with motherhood. Nearby, Alonzo is causing a ruckus, my father rushing after him to keep him out of trouble.

Dante and Alessio are among a crowd of six women, flirting shamelessly.

A few months ago, I would have been right there with them.

Tonight, my eyes are locked on one person.

Layla.

Luciana spots us the second we step into the main living area, her dark curls bouncing as she practically flies across the room.

"Finally." Her arms cross over her chest as she levels me with a knowing smirk. "I was starting to think you made her up."

I sigh, already regretting bringing Layla anywhere near my little sister. "Nice to see you too, brat."

She barely acknowledges me, her focus already locked onto Layla.

"So, you’re the mysterious girlfriend that’s tamed my workaholic brother. I never thought I’d live to see the day.”

Layla laughs, tilting her head. "That depends, what exactly has Valentino told you?"

Luciana pretends to think, tapping her chin dramatically. "Oh, just that you’re a ‘friend’ and this isn’t serious, blah, blah, basically, the same excuse he’s been using since he was fifteen."

Layla raises an eyebrow, turning to me with mock disappointment. "Wow. Fifteen? So, I’m just another name on a long list, huh?"

I shoot my sister a warning look, but she’s already grinning like she’s enjoying this way too much.

"Oh, please…" Luciana loops an arm through Layla’s like they’ve known each other for years.

"He’s never brought a girl home before. Not once." She turns to Layla, her grin widening. "That means you’re special, even if he’s too emotionally immature to admit it."

Layla bites her lip like she’s holding back a laugh, then leans in conspiratorially. "Trust me, I figured that part out pretty quickly."

Luciana cackles, and I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Great. Two of you."

Luciana pats my arm in mock sympathy. "Oh, relax, big brother. We’re going to get along just fine. In fact…" She tugs Layla forward, already steering her toward the bar set up across the room. "I think I need a drink, and you’re coming with me."

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