My Daddy Valentine (Be My Fake Valentine)

18. Ella

The tension in the room is thick, like the air before a storm. My father’s harsh words still echo in my head, but they don’t have the same weight they used to. Not anymore. I’ve spent my whole life trying to live up to his expectations, trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t meant for me. But standing here, with Simon by my side, everything feels different. It feels like it’s finally time to let go of the fear and fight for what I want.

I glance at Simon, standing just a few feet away, his presence steady and unwavering. His gaze is fixed on me, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m not alone. He doesn’t see me as a project, as someone who needs fixing. He sees me for who I am—someone capable of making my own decisions, someone with my own dreams, my own voice.

“You’re making a mistake, Ella,” my father says again, his voice low and strained. “This... whatever this is with Simon, it’s not real. You’re letting yourself be swept up in something that won’t last.”

I don’t let his words affect me. I’ve heard this all my life. The doubts, the criticisms, the way he’s always tried to control me. But I won’t let him do it anymore. Not with Simon here, not with the love I feel burning in my chest.

“No, Dad,” I say, my voice stronger than I thought it could be. “I’m not making a mistake. I’m finally making a decision for myself.”

His eyes widen slightly, and I can tell he’s not used to me standing up to him like this. But I’m not going to back down. Not this time.

“I’ve spent my entire life trying to be what you wanted me to be,” I continue, my heart pounding in my chest. “Trying to fit into a world that wasn’t mine. But Simon—he’s different. He’s real. And I love him.”

The words come out before I can stop them, raw and honest, and they hit me harder than I expected. I love him. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. I’ve never said those words aloud before, never let myself believe that I could feel something so strong, so undeniable. But I do. And I’m not running from it anymore.

My father’s face hardens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to argue again, to remind me of all the things I’ve done wrong in his eyes. But he doesn’t. He just stands there, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I’ve never asked for your approval,” I say, taking a step toward him, my voice steady but fierce. “Not really. But I’ve spent too many years letting you control my choices. I’m done with that. I’m living my life how I want, and I won’t let you stand in my way anymore.”

There’s a long pause, a silence that stretches between us like a chasm, but I don’t look away. I stand tall, shoulders back, my heart still racing, but my mind clear.

And then, to my surprise, my father lets out a long, heavy sigh. He looks at me, really looks at me, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t see disappointment in his eyes. I see something else—something softer. Something that looks almost like acceptance.

“I can’t control you, Ella,” he says quietly, his voice rough. “I’ve tried, but I can’t. I see that now. And I don’t want to be the one who stands in your way.”

My heart skips a beat at his words, and for the first time, I feel the weight of everything between us shift. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough. It’s all I’ve ever needed from him—a recognition that I’m my own person, capable of making my own choices.

“I want you to be happy,” he adds, his voice softening. “But I’m not sure I understand this... this relationship with Simon.”

I look over at Simon, who’s been standing there quietly, watching everything unfold. He doesn’t interrupt, doesn’t try to jump in and defend himself. He just stands there, waiting for me to speak. Waiting for me to make this decision.

And I know, in that moment, that I don’t need my father’s approval anymore. What matters is that I’ve found someone who truly sees me, who loves me for who I am, flaws and all. Someone who doesn’t try to change me, but accepts me exactly as I am.

“I love him,” I say again, this time with more conviction, more certainty than I’ve ever felt. “And that’s all that matters.”

Simon’s eyes soften, and he steps closer to me, his hand reaching out to gently take mine. I squeeze his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch and the steady strength of his presence. This is real. This is mine. And I’m not letting it go.

My father looks at Simon, his gaze appraising, but there’s a slight change in the way he carries himself now. The tension between them is still there, but it’s not as fierce as before. It’s almost like he’s realizing, albeit slowly, that I’m not the little girl he used to control.

“I’ll never be the kind of father you want me to be,” he says, his voice quieter now, tinged with something like regret. “But if this is what you want, Ella... then I won’t stand in your way. I’ll... try to accept it. Try to accept him .”

It’s not the approval I was hoping for, but it’s enough. Enough for now. Enough for me to know that I’m not fighting this battle alone.

Simon squeezes my hand, and I turn to face him fully, my heart still racing with a mix of relief and something deeper. I know what I’m choosing now. And it’s him. It’s always been him.

He leans down slightly, his lips brushing against my forehead, and for the first time, I feel completely at peace. I’m not just choosing Simon because of some fleeting attraction or some rebellious desire to get away from my father. I’m choosing him because he’s the person who makes me feel seen, heard, and loved.

“I love you, Ella,” Simon says quietly, his voice low and tender.

The words hit me like a wave, and I feel the tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I’ve never been the type to believe in fairy tales, but in this moment, in his arms, it feels like a dream come true.

“I love you, too,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

And I mean it. I mean every single word.

There’s no turning back now. This is the life I’m choosing—the one with Simon by my side, the one where I can finally be myself. The one where I don’t have to hide who I am, where I don’t have to fight for my father’s approval or anyone else’s.

It’s just me, Simon, and a future that I get to decide for myself. And for the first time, I feel like I’ve finally found my place in this world.

“I’m proud of you, Ella,” my father says, his voice barely above a whisper. And though it’s not much, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted to hear.

Simon pulls me closer, and I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. I close my eyes, feeling his arms around me, knowing that this is it. This is where I’m meant to be.

“I’ll take care of you,” Simon murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. “I promise, Ella. Always.”

And in that moment, I know he will. I know we’ll be okay. Together.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.