Page 15 of My Daddy Valentine

I nod. “Yeah. This is abusinessarrangement, Ella. We’ll need to make sure we’re both clear on what this is and what it isn’t. First off, norealfeelings. This is a show. We’ll be convincing your father that you’re in a serious relationship, and that’s it. No drama, no complications. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it onmyterms.”

She looks thoughtful for a moment, but then nods, her expression steady. “Agreed. No real feelings. This is strictly for my father’s benefit. But it has to look real. We’ll need to act like a couple in front of him, but behind closed doors, it’s nothing more than that.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her no-nonsense approach. “I’m glad we’re on the same page. But let’s get something straight. No kissing. No touching. I’m not crossing that line. We’re not a real couple, and I’m not about to pretend to be something I’m not.”

She nods again, a little too quickly, but I can see the hint of a smile on her lips. “Agreed. No kissing. No... other stuff. Just two people pretending for a family that won’t leave me alone.”

“Exactly.” I stand up, feeling a sudden surge of energy. “And one more thing, Ella. If we’re doing this, you’ll do what I say. You’ll stick to the plan, no drama, no surprises. Got it?”

She looks at me, her eyes serious now. “Got it.”

For a long moment, neither of us says anything. We’re both standing there, sizing each other up, knowing that we’re about to do something neither of us has ever done before.

“You’re crazy,” I say finally, breaking the silence.

She smiles, her eyes gleaming with something mischievous. “I’m not the crazy one here.”

I grin, my heart beating a little faster. “Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you at the wedding then, ‘girlfriend.’”

She raises an eyebrow. “You better behave,boyfriend.”

As she leaves my office, the door clicking shut behind her, I stand there for a moment, my mind still racing. This isn’t just a fake relationship. This is dangerous. And I don’t know if I’m ready for it.

But for some reason, I can’t bring myself to care.

10

Ella

The drive to the resort feels longer than it should. Maybe it’s because I’m not used to being so close to Simon. Or maybe it’s because the whole situation is starting to feel a lot more real than I thought it would.

I’m nervous. I can feel it in the tightness of my chest, in the way my hands won’t stop fidgeting with the hem of my dress. I thought I’d be able to hold it together—thought that once we got into the car and headed out, I’d be fine. But no. Being this close to Simon, knowing we’re about to pretend to be in a relationship in front of my entire family, has my mind running in circles.

Ava’s words from last night keep replaying in my head.You’re crazy for agreeing to a no-kissing rule. Crazy. Are you sure you want to do this?

And she’s right, I am crazy. But I couldn’t back out now. This is my chance to show my father that I’m capable of doing things on my own, that I’m not just living in the shadow of his wealth. And besides, Simon’s the perfect person to help me make that happen. He’s charming when he needs to be, knows how to holda conversation, and has that quiet confidence that makes him hard to ignore. He’s also ridiculously good-looking, and having him by my side will definitely make my dad see me in a different light. He’s also a well regarded artist in the art community.

I glance over at Simon, who’s driving with that calm, collected expression of his, as if he’s completely unfazed by this whole situation. He’s wearing a navy suit, looking effortlessly put-together, like he’s just going to a meeting instead of a wedding. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here, all wound up and second-guessing myself.

“You look nervous,” Simon says, his voice low and steady, cutting through the silence in the car.

I look over at him, startled by how perceptive he is. I wasn’t trying to hide it, but I thought I was doing a pretty good job of pretending everything was fine. Apparently, I’m not.

“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just... thinking about everything that’s going to happen.”

Simon turns his head slightly to glance at me, his eyes catching mine for a moment before turning back to the road. “It’s just a wedding, Ella. No need to overthink it. Just stick to the plan.”

I nod, but I can’t shake the tension in my shoulders. The plan.Pretend to be a happy couple, convince my father I’m not just living off his name. It all sounds simple enough. But the more I think about it, the more I realize how messy this whole thing could get. What if my dad catches on? What if Simon and I slip up and do something that makes it clear this is all just an act?

“Are you nervous?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from me.

Simon doesn’t even hesitate. “No. I’m fine. You’re the one who has to deal with your family. I’m just here to play the part.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Right. You’re just here to play the part.”

The words hit me differently than I expect. He’s right, of course. This is a business arrangement, nothing more. But... the way Simon says it, so matter-of-fact, as if it’s easy for him to compartmentalize his emotions and justdo the job... it’s kind of intimidating. How does he do it? How does he stay so calm and composed, especially around me?

The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy, but I don’t mind it. The hum of the road beneath the tires is oddly comforting, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

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