She Was Surrounded By Paparazzi, A Poor Dad Protected Her Not Knowing She Was A Billionaire Falling

Building a Life on Shared Secrets

Two weeks passed before Ben called. Eliza had nearly convinced herself he wouldn’t.

The sound of his voice sent an unexpected thrill through her. “Lucy hasn’t stopped talking about space all week,” he explained. “And I remembered your offer.”

“Of course,” Eliza said, perhaps too eagerly. “When would work for you both?”

They arranged to meet that Saturday at the planetarium. Eliza made a quick call to the director.

The director was only too happy to accommodate one of the institution’s biggest donors. Lucy’s eyes were wide with wonder as Doctor Chen led them through exhibits.

These were exhibits not open to the general public. Lucy asked intelligent questions that made both adults smile.

Her excitement was contagious. “This is the coolest day ever,” Lucy declared as they viewed a meteorite fragment in the research lab.

“It is pretty amazing,” Ben agreed. But Eliza noticed he was watching his daughter rather than the space rock.

After the tour, they ate lunch at the planetarium cafe. Lucy chattered enthusiastically about everything they’d seen.

Ben and Eliza exchanged amused glances over her head. “How did you arrange all this?” Ben asked quietly.

“I donated to their education program last year,” Eliza said. This was true, though she omitted that it had been a seven-figure donation.

Ben studied her for a moment. “You know, for someone who gets chased by paparazzi, you’re surprisingly normal.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Eliza laughed. “It was meant as one.”

His smile reached his eyes, creating crinkles at the corners. Eliza found this inexplicably charming.

That day became the first of many outings. Eliza suggested activities she thought Lucy would enjoy.

These included the Children’s Museum and a behind-the-scenes tour at the aquarium. They even saw a special effects demonstration at the film institute.

Ben initially seemed hesitant about accepting what he perceived as generosity. Eliza was careful to frame each invitation as something she wanted to do anyway.

The truth was she looked forward to these Saturdays more than anything else in her life. During the week, she ran a multinational corporation.

She made decisions affecting thousands of employees. She navigated the cutthroat world of high finance.

But on Saturdays, she was just Eliza. She was hanging out with Ben and Lucy.

For his part, Ben began to relax around her. He was intelligent and funny, with a dry wit that made her laugh.

He never asked about her wealth or her connections. This was true even though she occasionally slipped and mentioned things that should have raised questions.

She once casually referenced having dinner with the mayor. Another time, she mentioned knowing the owner of the Yankees.

One Saturday in November, Lucy had a sleepover at a friend’s house. Ben surprised Eliza by inviting her to dinner at his apartment.

“Fair warning, it’s nothing fancy,” he said. “But I make a pretty decent lasagna.”

The apartment was small but meticulously clean. Family photos lined the walls, many featuring a beautiful woman with Lucy’s smile.

Eliza assumed this was Ben’s late wife. Children’s artwork was proudly displayed on the refrigerator.

It felt lived in and warm. This was a contrast to Eliza’s penthouse and its designer furnishings.

“You have a lovely home,” she said sincerely. Ben looked around, seeing it through her eyes.

“It’s small, but it works for us. Lucy’s school is nearby, and we can walk to the park.”

They sat at the small kitchen table eating lasagna that was indeed excellent. Ben had even bought a bottle of wine that Eliza recognized as moderately expensive.

It was probably a splurge for him. “So,” he said after they’d been eating a while.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Eliza tensed slightly.

“Here it comes,” she thought. She expected questions about her wealth and her status.

“Why do you spend your Saturdays with us?” he asked instead. “You must have more exciting options.”

The question caught her off guard. “I enjoy spending time with you and Lucy.”

“But why? I mean, you clearly move in different circles than a construction worker and his daughter.”

Eliza set down her fork. “When I’m with you, I don’t have to be anyone but myself.”

“Do you know how rare that is for me?” Ben’s expression softened. “I think I’m starting to understand.”

After dinner, they sat on his worn couch talking late into the evening. The wine had loosened them both.

Ben hesitantly put his arm around her shoulders. Eliza leaned into him without hesitation.

“I haven’t felt this way about anyone since Sarah,” he admitted quietly. “It scares me a little.”

“It scares me too,” Eliza whispered. “But in a good way.”

When he kissed her, it was soft and questioning at first. Then it continued with growing confidence.

Eliza felt something crack open inside her. It was a wall she hadn’t even realized she’d built.

As November turned to December, their relationship deepened. Eliza found herself scheduling business meetings around their weekend plans.

She met Lucy’s teachers at a school function. She sat beside Ben during the children’s holiday performance.

She felt a lump in her throat. She watched him beam with pride at his daughter.

For Christmas, Eliza struggled with what gifts to buy them. She could afford anything, but she knew Ben would be uncomfortable with extravagance.

She settled on a telescope for Lucy. It was expensive but not ostentatiously so.

For Ben, she chose a leather-bound edition of architectural drawings by his favorite designer. Ben invited her to spend Christmas Day with them.

Eliza canceled her usual appearance at the Turner Enterprises holiday gala. Her assistant was very dismayed.

Sitting on the floor of Ben’s apartment, Eliza watched Lucy excitedly open presents. They were wearing matching Christmas pajamas Ben had insisted on.

Eliza felt a happiness so complete it almost hurt. “This is the best Christmas ever,” Lucy declared, hugging her new telescope.

“It really is,” Eliza agreed. She caught Ben’s eye over Lucy’s head.

The moment was perfect until Eliza’s phone buzzed with a text. It was from her CFO about an emergency regarding the Tokyo merger.

Reality intruded, as it inevitably would. “I’m sorry,” she said, standing up. “I need to make a call. It’s work.”

Ben nodded understandingly. But as she stepped into the hallway, Eliza felt the weight of her secret.

She couldn’t keep pretending to be just an ordinary woman. Eventually, Ben would discover who she really was.

What would he feel? Would he feel deceived?

Would it change everything between them? She resolved to tell him after the holidays.

He deserved to know the truth before their relationship went any further. New Year’s Eve arrived.

Ben surprised her with an invitation to a rooftop party. It was at his friend’s apartment building.

It wasn’t the gala at the Plaza that Eliza usually attended. But celebrating with Ben under the stars sounded perfect.

She wore her simplest black dress and minimal jewelry. She was conscious of not standing out too much among Ben’s friends.

When he picked her up, his appreciative gaze made her feel beautiful. It meant more than any compliment from a fashion designer.

“You look amazing,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek. The party was lively and unpretentious.

Ben’s friends welcomed her warmly. They treated her as Ben’s girlfriend rather than as someone noteworthy.

It was refreshing to talk about normal things like neighborhood gossip and Netflix shows. They discussed upcoming vacations instead of stock prices and corporate takeovers.

“They like you,” Ben said as they stepped onto the rooftop. They were alone for a moment before midnight.

“I like them too,” Eliza replied honestly. “They’re good people.”

Ben took her hands in his. “Eliza, these past two months have been the happiest I’ve had in years.”

“I know it might seem fast, but I’ve never been more certain of anything.” Her heart raced.

“What are you saying?” “I’m saying I love you, and I think you might love me too.”

Eliza felt tears spring to her eyes. “I do love you, Ben. So much that it terrifies me.”

“Why does it terrify you?” This was her moment to tell him everything.

Before she could speak, the door to the roof burst open. People poured out for the countdown to midnight.

“10, 9, 8…” Ben pulled her close. “We’ll talk after, okay?”

“7, 6, 5…” Eliza nodded, momentarily relieved by the reprieve.

“4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!” Ben’s kiss was tender and full of promise.