Page 79 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

There’s a peacefulness about him that still feels strange to see, like he's settled into this new chapter of his life without hesitation.

A proud smile tugs at his lips. "You're telling me. Even though I've already raised all three of you, each new child feels entirely different, especially since it’s been more than twenty years since Luciana."

"Well, back then, you wouldn’t have been able to do it without Mom, not with how busy you were running the business. Kids at this stage are a whole new chapter for you."

He nods, adjusting Mira in his arms. "Definitely. I feel like I’m a lot more involved this time around." His eyes soften, the weight of his words pressing into something deeper. "You’ll understand one day, when you have children of your own. I can’t explain it, it’s just… incredible."

There’s a glow to him, an unmistakable joy in his voice, and I can’t help but notice how different he looks now compared to the man I grew up with.

I remember the years after my mother passed, how the weight of grief had made him harder, more distant. The stress of running the company had consumed him, leaving little room for anything else.

But now? He’s lighter. Happier. It’s good to see.

"I’ve got some time before that happens." I can’t bother entertaining the thought too much.

"You never know. I had you all when your mother and I were still in our twenties. Life has a way of happening when you least expect it." His smirk is knowing. "Besides, things seem to be going well with Layla."

Layla. Just hearing her name sends a warmth through me, something unsteady and unfamiliar.

Last night, she fell asleep in my arms. That’s why I was late to work this morning, I didn’t want to leave her.

"I can’t complain. I’m lucky to have her."

The words feel dangerous on my tongue. They feel real. And for the first time, I guilt coils deep in my stomach.

I’m lying to my father.

He believes this is something genuine, something built on love and trust. And I’m feeding into it, letting him believe what he wants, because I know that’s the only way to secure my future in the company.

I tell myself that’s all this is. A business decision. The logical choice.

But why does it feel so wrong?

Why does it feel like I’m betraying something more than just my father’s trust?

A part of me wants to play up our relationship in front of my father, after all, wasn’t that the whole point of this arrangement? But as I say the words, I realize I don’t have to pretend.

It’s not an act.

It feels natural.

As if we’re already in a real relationship.

My father watches me closely before nodding, as if reaching a silent conclusion. "I had my doubts before, but after meeting Layla, I think she’s the right person for you."

His words catch me off guard. "You do?"

"I do." Then, after a brief pause, he adds, "In fact, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this."

I straighten, instantly alert. "Talk about what?"

For a brief second, I wonder if this is it, the moment he officially hands the company over to me. But instead, he sets baby Mira down in her chair and steps out of the room.

I frown, watching him disappear. When he returns a moment later, he’s carrying a small velvet box.

The second I see it, my stomach tightens.

"Dad, what is that?" My voice is carefully controlled even as my pulse kicks up a notch because I already know the answer.

---