Page 90 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

“I don’t know, Mom.” I wrap my arms around myself.

“He’s still going to be here when you get back. And Giana will be here, too.”

Giana steps up beside my mother. “Just try to focus on the event tonight, Layla. We’ll take care of Vincent. We’ve got this.”

I sigh, my worry momentarily soothed by the fact that I have such incredible people in my life who love Vincent as much as I do. They wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

“Just please call me as soon as his fever comes back or if he needs anything.” My fingers tighten around the small clutch in my hand.

Valentino just texted, he’s waiting outside.

“Of course,” my mom assures me. “And you have a great evening, okay? Tell us everything when you’re back.”

Reluctantly, I leave my house and walk toward Valentino, who’s leaning casually against the hood of his car.

The second he sees me, his gaze darkens with something unreadable, his eyes raking over my body.

Want. Hunger. Possession.

My breath catches slightly at the intensity of it.

“Ready to go?” He reaches for my hand, his voice lower than usual. “You look beautiful.”

I manage a nod, my lips curving into a small smile despite the lingering doubt in my chest.

“Thanks.”

He walks me to my door, opening it before I slide in. His presence is grounding, but I still can’t shake the gnawing feeling in my gut.

Vincent. The truth. The mess I’ve created.

“Do you have the ring?” My voice stays light, but my mind is elsewhere.

He grins, pulling out a small velvet box just enough for me to see it before tucking it back into his pocket.

I settle into my seat, exhaling slowly. I have to stop thinking about Vincent right now. Worrying won’t help. I need to trust my mother and Giana to handle things while I do what I came here to do.

“You know?” I glance at him as he pulls onto the road. “I would’ve accepted a paper ring, too. It’s not about a fancy diamond.”

Valentino chuckles, shaking his head. “And that’s why I’m marrying you.”

But the way he says it, it doesn’t feel like a joke.

My heart stumbles over itself, my fingers twitching against my lap.

What are we doing?

“We can do this.” I reach out, grabbing his hand.

He glances at me briefly before giving my fingers a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s get this over with.”

***

The Marchetti estate is buzzing when we arrive. It’s a small dinner, only immediate family and a few aunts and uncles, but the air is charged, like something monumental is about to happen.

I smile politely, joining the conversations, laughing at the right moments, but my mind is back home, in Vincent.

I discreetly pull out my phone under the table and text Giana.

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