Page 8 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

A knot tightens in me. “You deserve a break, Dad. You’ve given your best years to the company. Maybe it’s time to pass the torch.”

He meets my eyes, worry in them. “But what about you, Valentino? You’re already carrying so much. I don’t want you to end up burned out like I did.”

I’m taken aback. “Me? You know how much I love my work. It’s all I’ve ever known.”

He shakes his head and places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Son, it’s not just about work. Life isn’t only board meetings and profit margins. I want you to experience real happiness. Family, love, a life outside the office.”

I frown, confused. “I’m not sure I understand. Work makes me happy. The vineyard is my passion.”

“Listen, there will come a time when you’ll want something more, a partner to come home to, someone to share your life with. I don’t want you to miss that.”

I study his face. “Settle down? Are you saying I need to find someone before you retire?”

His eyes soften, but his tone remains firm. “I’m saying I want you to be happy. Once you’ve found balance, then we can talk about me stepping back. But not until you’re ready.”

I blink. “So, you’re telling me I can’t be CEO until I settle down? That’s… odd.”

Dad’s expression is earnest. “I just want you to have it all, not just work. Trust me, there’s more to life than business. And when you have your own children, you’ll understand.”

I fall silent as his words sink in. Every decision I’ve made, every sacrifice, was for this destiny. Now his worry makes me question if I’ve been missing out on life.

Then, as if sensing my inner turmoil, Dad hesitates before speaking again. “Valentino, wait—”

A surge of adrenaline forces me to speak. “Actually, I’ve been seeing someone,” I blurt out, my voice higher than I intended. “It’s serious.”

Dad’s face softens, though he raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yeah. I, I didn’t mention it because she’s private. I wanted to respect that.” I try to remain calm, but my heart is racing because I hate lying to my father.

“Maybe you should bring her by soon. Once Quinn and I settle with the baby. Maybe at our new place. We can talk about the succession too.”

I force a smile. “Sure. That sounds fine.”

As Dad turns to speak with someone else, I’m left staring at my hands, stunned. A serious relationship? I haven’t had more than a fling in years. How am I supposed to find someone meaningful so quickly?

The day passes in a blur of congratulations, laughter, and quiet moments.

I take turns holding Mira with my siblings, each of us silently acknowledging that our family is changing.

Luciana coos over our new sister, and Alessio jokes about her size. Still, I feel the pressure mounting.

Later, alone in a quiet corner of the hospital waiting room, I replay Dad’s words in my mind. His talk of balance and a life beyond work echoes in my head. Every sleepless night and missed chance at “normal” life has been justified by my duty to take over the Marchetti Empire. And now he hints at retiring, but only once I settle down. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying.

When the waiting room finally empties, I step outside for a walk. The early afternoon light casts long shadows on the cobblestones, and with each step I feel both the weight of expectation and a spark of possibility.

I remember all the times my siblings teased me and the gentle chiding from Dad. Underneath their banter lies love and hope, a hope that someday I might find balance between being the next CEO and living a full life.

That evening, when I return home, my apartment is quiet. A stark contrast to the hospital buzz.

I settle in my office and stare at a framed family portrait. In it, Dad stands proudly with Quinn and all of us children, our faces a mix of ambition and promise.

What will my picture look like? Am I destined only to lead the company, or can I also find a life filled with love and connection?

I close my eyes and let the thought linger, a mix of duty and desire, ambition and hope for something more.

Tomorrow, it’s back to the grind. But tonight, I allow myself a moment of vulnerability.

Change is inevitable. Whether I’m ready or not, the next chapter of our family’s story is unfolding.

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