Page 17 of My Daddy Valentine

We pull up to the resort, and as I park the car, I can’t help but glance over at Ella. She’s been quiet for most of the drive, lost in thought, and I get it. I know she’s nervous about this, about the whole act we’re putting on for her family. But there’s something else there too—something that makes it impossible for me to ignore.

It’s the way she’s sitting in the seat next to me, the way the light catches her hair, the way she seems to shimmer with a quiet intensity. I feel it every time she’s close. The tension between us—unspoken, yet undeniable—lingers in the air, like a storm that’s ready to break.

I kill the engine and open the door, stepping out to the front of the resort. The place is massive. It’s the kind of luxurious, sprawling estate you see in the movies. The grand entrance is framed by towering columns, and the stone pathways wind through perfectly manicured gardens. There’s an enormous fountain in the middle of the courtyard, the sound of water cascading from the center filling the air. It’s breathtaking,almost overwhelming, and as we walk toward the entrance, I can see why Ella’s family is so entrenched in this world of wealth and privilege.

I go around to her side of the car and open the door for her. When she steps out, I can’t help but notice how the dress she’s wearing hugs her curves in all the right places—soft, flowy fabric in a rich navy that contrasts beautifully against her skin. She’s always stunning, but right now, there’s something different about her. Maybe it’s the way she’s carrying herself, like she’s not just the daughter of a wealthy businessman, but someone who’s ready to take on the world.

She looks at me, her eyes searching mine for something I can’t name. “Thanks,” she says softly, brushing past me as she heads toward the entrance.

I can’t help but feel a jolt in my chest as I follow her, the proximity between us making it harder to keep my focus. But I can’t let that distract me now. Not when we’re about to meet her family.

As we approach the entrance, I notice Ella’s family standing by the grand double doors. There’s her father, James Williams, tall and imposing, with a gaze that seems to weigh everyone he looks at. Her mother, Madge, standing beside him, radiating that typical elegance I expect from someone of her status. Then there’s Kimmy, the sister, beaming with excitement, her fiancé Mark at her side, looking the part of the successful, handsome fiancé.

Ella looks up at me briefly, her face pale. I can tell she’s nervous, but she straightens her back, draws in a breath, and gives me a quick, reassuring smile.

“Ready?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, my expression neutral. “I’ve got your back.”

With that, she takes a step forward, and I follow.

As we approach, Ella’s father’s expression is unreadable, but there’s a coolness there, a sharpness that makes me instinctively straighten my posture. I’ve dealt with powerful men before, but something about James Williams sends a little ripple of discomfort through me.

“Well, well, well,” James says, his voice smooth and controlled. “Ella, you’ve brought a... guest, I see.” He gives me a cursory look, his eyes scanning me as if appraising a piece of property.

Ella smiles, a little stiff but still warm. “Dad, this is Simon, my boyfriend. Simon, this is my father, James, my mother, Madge, and my sister, Kimmy.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say, offering my hand. I can tell James isn’t thrilled by the idea of me being here, but he shakes my hand with a firm grip. Madge smiles politely, her eyes warm but calculating, and Kimmy waves enthusiastically.

“You’re Simon Weber? I’ve seen your work. You’ve got amazing brushstrokes.”

I nod, happy with the compliment. “Thank you, sir,” I say, trying to act like the dutiful boyfriend.

“Oh, I love your work,” Madge says, clasping her hands together. “I think you’re a genius.”

Another nod. “Thank you.” I smile and James is already back to studying his daughter, probably wondering how the two of us managed to become a couple.

“And you’re dating?” James asks as he looks down his nose at his daughter.

I wrap an arm around Ella. “So, when’s the big day?” I ask, trying to ease the tension.

“Tomorrow,” Kimmy says, practically bouncing with excitement. “We’re all staying here for the weekend to celebrate. It’s going to be perfect.”

I nod, glancing at Ella. She looks like she’s holding it together for the moment, but I can feel the anxiety rolling off of her. I wonder how much of this is for show and how much of it is the weight of years of trying to prove herself to her father.

“Come on in,” James says, motioning toward the large set of double doors. “You can get settled in your room, and then we’ll have dinner later.”

Ella’s hand brushes mine as we walk inside, and for a split second, I feel the tension between us heighten. She’s been avoiding my gaze since we stepped out of the car, and I can tell she’s still processing the moment we shared.

The inside of the resort is even more impressive than the outside. The foyer is vast, with high ceilings adorned with grand chandeliers. The floors are polished marble, and the walls are lined with portraits and sculptures that look like they belong in an art museum. Everything here screams wealth, opulence, and tradition.

Ella leads me through the foyer, and up the grand staircase.

“We’ll be staying on the second floor,” she says, her voice a little tight. “It’s... close to my parents’ room.”

I nod, not sure what else to say. I’m not used to this kind of luxury. I’ve been around money, but this place... it’s on another level.

Once we reach the second floor, we step into a long hallway with plush carpet and paintings hanging on the walls. The light is soft, almost too perfect. Everything here is designed to make you feel small, insignificant in comparison to the grandeur of it all.

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