Struggling Dad Was Delivering Flowers To Luxury Condo, Not Knowing A Millionaire Would Fall For Him
Dreams Under Construction
He found himself following, heart pounding. Zayn had never seen Veta so instantly comfortable with someone.
She was usually shy for the first ten minutes. But with Tegan, it was as if she’d known her from preschool.
Veta was tugging at Tegan’s hand and asking questions. He kept a few steps behind, unsure of what to make of it.
Tegan Monroe didn’t act like she lived in a penthouse. She crouched down when Veta spoke.
She asked questions like she genuinely cared. She didn’t once look at her phone.
They stood in front of a touch pool. Tegan leaned over the edge with Veta.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” Zayn said under his breath. “I know,” Tegan answered.
“But I wanted to.” “You don’t even know us.”
She finally looked at him. “I didn’t think you’d come. I almost didn’t.”
“But you did,” she said. “That tells me more than anything else would have.”
Zayn didn’t respond. He was too busy trying to figure her out.
She wore clean white sneakers and a denim jacket. Yet, something about her screamed money.
They wandered toward the jellyfish tanks. Glass tunnels glowed with neon blue light.
“She’s amazing,” Tegan whispered. “She’s my whole world,” Zayn replied.
Tegan glanced at him. “Where’s her mom?”
Zayn’s jaw tensed. “She left before Veta turned two. Haven’t heard from her since.”
Tegan didn’t respond with pity. Instead, she said, “Then it’s her loss.”
They moved on to the penguins. Veta was practically vibrating by the time they reached the cafe.
Tegan insisted on treating them to pretzels and lemonade. “You don’t have to,” Zayn started.
“I know,” she interrupted, handing him a cup. “But I want to.”
He watched her help Veta wipe salt off her chin. “What exactly do you do?”
“I run an acquisitions firm,” she said. “Mostly tech and real estate.”
“Like you buy companies?” “Sometimes I save them, sometimes I dismantle them.”
“Depends on who’s asking and how much they’re offering.” He laughed under his breath.
“That’s intense.” She didn’t look away. “It is.”
“Doesn’t sound like someone who spends Saturdays at kid exhibits.” “Maybe I needed to remember the world.”
“Can we see the sharks now?” Veta tugged at Tegan’s sleeve. Tegan smiled. “Absolutely.”
Zayn followed them through the glass tunnel. The lighting dimmed as massive creatures glided above.
“She’s fearless,” Tegan said softly. Zayn nodded. “I try to teach her to be.”
“You’re doing a better job than you think.” He looked at her, really looked.
He noticed how tired her eyes were beneath all the polish. She kept checking on Veta.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked suddenly. Tegan didn’t pretend not to understand.
“I’ve spent years surrounded by people who only care about taking.”
“Then one day someone walked into my life who didn’t want a damn thing.”
“He just wanted to get home to his daughter.” Zayn stared at her.
“I notice the good ones,” she said. “Even when they don’t notice themselves.”
They ended the day at the gift shop. Veta picked out a small plush octopus.
“I don’t know what this is,” Zayn said outside. “Neither do I,” she admitted.
“But I know I want to see you again. Both of you.”
“I’m not someone who fits into your world.” She looked at him steadily.
“Then maybe it’s time someone from my world fits into yours.”
Tegan crouched down to hug Veta goodbye. “You’re my new favorite adventure buddy,” she whispered.
“Can we see the dolphins next time?” Tegan looked at Zayn. “That’s up to your dad.”
“I’ve got the next weekend off,” he called out. She smiled. “Good.”
Zayn didn’t expect a rooftop garden with fairy lights. He didn’t expect live jazz or a private table.
The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out with Veta. Tegan stood by the railing.
“It looks like a castle,” Veta ran ahead. Tegan leaned down.
“Then you, my lady, have arrived at the royal banquet.” Zayn let out a breath.
“I didn’t realize we’d be eating in the clouds.” “I like that you didn’t dress for anyone but yourself.”
“I own this building,” she replied simply when he asked if she rented it.
Dinner was quiet at first. They ate roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes.
“Do you ever think about doing something else?” Tegan leaned in.
“I used to sketch custom bike designs,” he hesitated. “Never had the capital or time.”
“I’d like to see them,” she said. He shook his head.
“They’re not worth showing.” “I’ll be the judge of that.”
“Why are you doing this?” “Because I see something rare in you, Zayn.”
“You’re not just surviving. You’re still dreaming. That’s hard to find.”
Zayn stood beside Tegan. “She’s going to remember this night for the rest of her life.”
“That was the idea.” “She’s never had anything like this.”
“Maybe it’s time she did.” Tegan turned to face him.
“This is me telling you I want to know you. Not just the parts you let people see.”
“I’ve only ever dated people who wanted something from me.”
“I want someone who doesn’t flinch when I close a multi-million dollar deal.”
“I want someone with integrity who remembers birthdays and builds things with their hands.”
“And you think that’s me?” “I know it is.”
“I don’t have a trust fund,” Zayn’s voice was quiet. “I’m not asking for a resume.”
Next time, she said, he should pick the adventure. “You sure about that?”
“Completely.” “That’s dangerous.” “I’m counting on it.”
