Page 65 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

I get Vincent to play in the area where other kids are gathered, while keeping a close eye on him.

I gaze back to my mom, tightening my grip around my coffee cup, feeling oddly nervous.

“My weekend was... good.”

My mother raises an eyebrow. “That’s it? Good? Layla, this mysterious man takes you on a weekend getaway, and all you have to say is good?”

I sigh, knowing there’s no escaping. “His name is Valentino. Valentino Marchetti.”

Her jaw nearly hits the table.

“A Marchetti? You’re dating a Marchetti?!”

I shift uncomfortably. “I guess you could say that.”

She stares at me like I just announced I was moving to Mars.

“You mean, the big wine family? Which one is he?”

I take a sip of coffee, trying to appear casual. “He’s the oldest son.”

My mother clutches her chest dramatically. “The heir? Layla, are you serious? That’s very good.”

I frown. “Why does it sound like you’re evaluating my life choices like a business transaction?”

She scoffs. “Because I am. And this sounds like a very smart investment.”

I nearly choke on my coffee. “Mom!”

“What? An oldest son? A businessman? Rich? Responsible? Handsome?” She shrugs. “Honestly, it’s about time you stopped wasting time on deadbeats.”

I sigh. “It’s not that simple.”

Her smile fades slightly. “Then what is it?”

I swallow, knowing exactly what she’s asking.

What are we?

What do I want us to be?

My voice is quiet when I answer. “We’re still figuring it out.”

“Still figuring it out?” My mom’s disapproval is blatant. “Layla, you need to be more careful. I just don’t understand your generation, and your…What do you call it? Situation somethings?”

“Situationships.” I laugh.

The idea of being in a situationship with the man who fathered my son is comical, almost.

“I do not understand it. In my time, a man would take his time to court a lady and make his intentions known. There was none of this nonsense that I see with young people today.”

I chuckle. “We’re not in the eighties anymore, Mom. People don’t immediately jump into lifelong commitments like that.”

She studies me for a long moment, and I brace myself for whatever lecture she’s about to give.

But instead, her voice softens. “I just want you to be careful. Love is… complicated. You need to be sure.”

I exhale slowly. “I know.”

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