Page 28 of My Daddy Valentine

I can’t help but feel the tension between them as I approach. My father’s eyes flick to me, and then back to Simon.

“Good. Good,” my father says. He seems to be trying to read something in Simon’s expression. I can feel his judgment, his suspicion thick in the air. “Ella’s been doing well, I trust?”

Simon gives a tight smile, his eyes never faltering. “Yes, she’s been doing great. Everything’s going exactly as planned.”

My father looks at me then, his gaze lingering a little too long, and I can feel my stomach churn. He’s not convinced. He’s still looking for cracks in the story, looking for any sign that this is all just a game.

“Well,” my father says, his voice colder now, “just make sure she stays safe, Simon. You’re responsible for her now. Don’t forget that.”

I stiffen at his words, and I can see Simon’s jaw tighten slightly, though his expression remains calm. He looks my father directly in the eye and responds firmly, “I won’t forget, Mr. Williams. I’ll take care of her.”

The words are simple, but there’s something in the way Simon says them—something that makes me feel like he’s not just talking about this situation. It’s like he means it on a deeper level. And for a brief, fleeting moment, I wonder if hedoescare about me.

Before I can process that thought, my father turns away, his attention diverted to someone else. Simon looks at me, and there’s an almost imperceptible shift in the air between us—like the brief connection we’ve shared is suddenly more than just a charade.

But we don’t say anything. Instead, Simon gives me a quick nod, his hand brushing lightly against mine as he walks away to join some other guests.

I stand there for a moment, the weight of my father’s words still hanging in the air. It’s clear he’s not convinced. He’s not buying this whole act, and it’s only a matter of time before he finds out the truth. But for now, I can feel the way Simon’s presence lingers with me, the way everything between us has shifted.

And for the first time in a long time, I wonder if I’ve made a huge mistake. Or maybe—just maybe—if this is exactly what I needed.

17

Simon

I’m standing by the bar, trying to relax and shake off the tension of the day. The reception is in full swing—music playing, guests laughing, glasses clinking—but all I can think about is Ella.

I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since last night. Since that kiss, since the way she let me touch her, let me hold her. There was something there. Something more than just the act we’re putting on for her family. But I can’t think about that now. I can’t let myself get lost in it, not when everything is so complicated.

But then I hear her voice.

It’s soft, but it cuts through the noise of the party, and I freeze.

“I don’t feel anything for him, Ava,” she says. I don’t know why, but those words hit me like a punch in the gut. “It’s all fake. Everything. This whole thing with Simon. It’s just to get my father off my back. He’s never going to believe that I’m doing this on my own, not without showing him that I’ve... I’ve got someone who can pretend to love me.”

I stand there, not moving, not breathing, my heart hammering in my chest. She doesn’t feel anything? Everything between us—the touch, the kisses, the way I’ve held her in my arms—is just some elaborate ruse?

I can’t process it.

I’ve been telling myself we’re just playing a part, that she’s just doing this for her family, but hearing her say it like that? It’s like a slap in the face.

Ava’s voice comes next, and it’s quieter, like she’s trying to tread carefully. “But you... you don’t seem like you’re faking anything.”

Ella’s voice drops lower, and I strain to hear her. “I know. And I hate myself for it. But it’s just easier this way. If I keep pretending, if I make it real for everyone else, maybe my father will finally stop trying to control me, stop forcing me into his world.”

I can barely stand still anymore. Every part of me is screaming to confront her, to demand answers, but I can’t. Not with her father still hovering around, watching me like a hawk. I can feel the anger rising in me, the hurt, but I swallow it down, trying to keep my cool.

I’ve been playing the part too, trying to make this fake relationship look real for her father’s sake. But now, it feels like it’s unraveling. Like I’ve been nothing more than a pawn in her game.

I wait for a moment, trying to control my emotions, but I can’t take it anymore. I turn and head straight for the table where Ella and Ava are talking. As I approach, I can see Ella’s face. She looks torn—like she doesn’t want to hurt me, but doesn’t know how to get out of this lie we’re living.

I can feel my jaw tighten as I step into their conversation. “Is this what you really think of me?” I ask, my voice low but steady. Ella looks up at me, and I see the flash of surprise in her eyes.

“Simon,” she starts, but I cut her off.

“Is this what this is? A game?” I take a step closer, my eyes locking onto hers. “I thought... I thought we had something real, Ella. You’re telling me it’s all just alie? Everything between us?”

She opens her mouth to respond, but before she can speak, her father appears. I don’t even see him approach, but there he is, standing behind us with that stern, calculating expression he always wears.

---