Page 64 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

I’ve poured every penny of the money Valentino gave me into this place, and it shows.

A part of me is still in disbelief, would I ever have been able to do this without him?

The thought makes my chest tighten.

The soft chime of the doorbell rings, and when I look up, my mother walks in, Vincent bouncing along beside her.

His laughter fills the room, bright and innocent, his small hands clutching his favorite coloring book and a juice box. He immediately settles into the corner like it’s his personal little world, flipping open the pages, already lost in his sketches.

I’m so glad he looks like he’s feeling better.

My mother, however, has a look in her eyes that tells me she’s here for answers.

“This place looks amazing, Layla.” Her sharp gaze sweeps over the boutique. “It’s like a whole new shop. If I hadn’t seen the water damage myself, I wouldn’t even believe this was the same space.”

I smile, but deep down, I know it’s more than just the contractors. It’s him.

If it weren’t for Valentino, this wouldn’t have been possible.

My mother crosses her arms, her lips twitching into a smirk. Here it comes.

“So… How was your weekend?”

I freeze, my mind racing.

What does she know?

“Vincent told me.” She watches me closely.

My stomach drops. “Told you what?”

“About your special friend you introduced him to.”

Shit.

My mother leans in, pure amusement dancing in her eyes. “Valentino, was it?”

I glare at Vincent, who is happily coloring, completely unaware that he just outed me.

Lucky kid, not a care in the world. We’re going to have to talk about the things we don’t tell Nonna when we get home.

I groan, rubbing my temples. “I should’ve known I couldn’t keep anything from you.”

She laughs. “You really think you can outsmart your own mother? Please. I have my ways.”

I sigh, bracing myself. “Okay, what do you want to know?”

She shrugs, pretending to be nonchalant. “Oh, nothing much. Just... everything.”

I let out a groan. “Of course.”

“Come on.” She nudges me teasingly. “Let’s talk over coffee. This is too juicy to waste standing here.”

Vincent and I have no choice but to follow her to the café next door, knowing damn well she won’t let this go.

The moment we sit down, she leans forward, eyes glinting with curiosity.

“Well? Start talking.”

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