Page 84 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

"How soon?" I finally ask, even though I’m not sure I want to know the answer.

“There’s a family dinner this weekend.” He pauses, watching me carefully. “I was thinking… I could propose then.”

I freeze.

This is happening too fast.

I knew an engagement was always a possibility, but I never thought it would actually happen.

And now, it’s not even a discussion, it’s just something that has to happen.

I look down at my hands, suddenly feeling like the air is too thick.

"Is this... a big thing?" My voice is barely above a whisper.

“The dinner itself? No. Just family.” He shifts in his seat. “But the announcement will make the papers.”

My breath catches.

The papers.

It won’t just be a dinner. It won’t just be a Marchetti family affair. It’ll be everywhere.

I’m going to be Valentino Marchetti’s fiancée. The woman who’s about to marry into one of the most powerful families in Italy.

And it’s all fake.

I swallow the lump forming in my throat.

Is it all fake, though?

A part of me wants to ask him.

When you said you were falling in love with me... did you mean it, or was that just part of the act?

But I don’t.

Because I’m terrified of the answer.

Valentino reaches for my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. His voice softens. “Hey. You’re awfully quiet.”

"I just never thought being asked to get married would feel so..." I search for the right word. "Clinical."

He laughs, but there’s something forced about it. “Wow, that’s worse than I expected.” Then he smirks. “But you don’t have to worry about it. It’s just temporary. I won’t keep you hostage forever.”

Something inside me cracks.

The words hit harder than they should.

I won’t keep you hostage forever.

So, what? This is just another deal? Something we can walk away from?

He says it like it’s so simple. Like this thing between us, whatever it is, is just something that will fade away the moment his father hands him control of the business.

Like I’ll fade away. Like none of it will matter.

I force a tight smile, looking down at my cup so he won’t see the way my eyes burn.

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