THE RICH BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET

Natalie and Emma

She searched for her phone in her purse, digging it out triumphantly. Pacing around her penthouse, she dialed Emma’s number.

“What’s up, Natalie?”

“My asshole of a boss,” she responded as she entered her green and brown painted bedroom and threw herself down on her bed, landing heavily on her stomach.

Emma laughed. “I’ve had those days.”

“Yeah, well, I need you to help me with something.” Natalie rubbed her eyes and held back a yawn before finishing her thought. “Did you know that Daisy and Conrad slept together six years ago?”

“Would you be upset if I plead the fifth on that?” Emma asked, a false sense of innocence behind her words.

Natalie laughed. “I’ll be upset if you don’t convince Daisy to remain Conrad’s personal chef.”

There’s was a long pause. “What am I missing?” Emma sounded confused.

“Earlier Conrad accused Daisy of only coming back into his life with Leo to get his money. I need you to tell her that Conrad’s an ass,” Natalie explained, rolling over to continue. “He made a mistake when he accused her of being a gold-digger.”

Natalie listened to Emma sigh.

“Emma, can I tell you one more thing in confidence?”

“Yes,” Emma’s answer was immediate.

“Conrad used Leo’s DNA and verify his paternity. Emma, let her know that he’s a good guy and didn’t mean to hurt her.”

After a long pause, Emma finally responded. “I can’t make any promises,” before hanging up.

Natalie groaned, sitting up to take the clip from her hair. Well, I guess I’ve managed to soften the blow for Conrad. Now, he’ll just have to finish the rest.

The blistering wind echoed outside the apartment. Usually, since Daisy was home with Leo, Emma would be dancing and drinking at the latest nightclub with her boyfriend, Wolfgang. However, a rather dramatic break-up stopped that habit quickly, leading to a boring night in for Emma. They weren’t a match, and Emma knew that from the start. Wolfgang wanted to party rather than work, and he couldn’t understand how she, a twenty-seven-year-old, would prefer to work. I guess that’s what I get for dating a twenty-three-year-old man child, she thought, scowling in her dark bedroom.

Emma scrolled through her social media while resting on her bed, glancing at the time on her phone every so often. It was a quarter after one in the morning, and she still couldn’t sleep.

Her phone vibrated a second later with Natalie’s name popped on the glowing screen.

Should I ignore it? Nah, what else am I doing but wasting time?

“What’s up, Natalie?” she croaked, voice hoarse from disuse.

“My asshole of a boss.”

Emma laughed, hearing the frustration in Natalie’s tone. She placed her arm between her head and the pillow, settling under the covers. “I’ve had those days.”

“I bet. I actually need your help with something,” Natalie’s voice crackled, and Emma frowned. What could she need at this hour? “Do you know that Daisy and Conrad had slept together five years ago?”

Okay, where is this conversation going? Emma wondered nervously before steeling herself.

“Would you be upset if I take the fifth on that?” Emma sweetly inquired, crossing her fingers.

Natalie laughed, “I’d be upset if you didn’t convince Daisy to remain Conrad’s personal chef.”

What? Wait, what is happening? When I saw Daisy last night, she didn’t say anything. I mean, she was a little down, but…

There was a long pause.

“What am I missing?” Emma finally asked, admitting defeat.

“Apparently, Conrad accused Daisy of purposefully coming back into his life with Leo to get access to his money. I need you to tell her that Conrad’s an ass,” Natalie said with a disbelieving laugh. “He made a mistake and is very sorry for his horrible claims.”

Emma sighed.

“Emma, can I tell you one more thing in confidence?”

“Of course,” she said, straightening up in curiosity.

“Conrad found a piece of Leo’s hair, and we used it for a paternity test. It matched. Can you please, let her know that he’s a good guy and didn’t mean to hurt her. He’s just been through situations like this before and has been burned in the past.”

Holding back an annoyed question about the legality of the test, and a flare of guilt at reconnecting Daisy back with this madness, Emma finally formed a response. “I can’t make any promises.”

There was another long pause.

Emma rolled onto her side and stared at the clock. It’s too late to knock on Daisy’s door. She sighed and turned on her back again. “I’ll see what I can do, Natalie.”

“You’re the best, Emma.”

Emma ended the call and set her phone on the nightstand, finally feeling the exhaustion of the day. Now, she was sleepy. She could talk to Daisy tomorrow and try to repair her fractured relationship with Conrad. However, she refused to compromise on Daisy or Leo’s feelings. Leo, her heart stuttered. What will happen to Leo?

****

Saturday morning was filled with the usual whimsical music, fits of laughter, and the occasional hollers from Leo. Emma stretched as she left the bathroom, dressed and ready for the day. She could still smell the pancakes and bacon Daisy had made earlier. She opted out for a mango and spinach smoothie, skipping what would have made the perfect hang-over breakfast.

Emma entered the living room, mind still whirring with the promise she had made Natalie last night. She saw Leo, dressed in his pajamas and sprawled awkwardly across the floor. Emma frowned.

“Leo, why don’t you sit up to watch television,” Emma told him as she stood in the doorway. Her back hurt just watching him.

He never acknowledged her or stopped staring at the screen. Instead, Leo did what he was told, and sat up, scooting directly in front of the television. He giggled and slapped his thigh. “Yes!”

Emma c****d her head to the right, watching for any indication of what he was excited about. After a few minutes, she gave up. Even when Emma was younger, she could never make sense of cartoons. She shrugged and ran her fingers through her short hair.

“Where’s your Mommy, Leo?” she asked, noticing the distinct lack of Daisy in the room.

He shrugged, still enraptured by the cartoon. “Uh, Mommy’s...here.”

Thanks, Leo, for that tidbit. Emma laughed, turning back down the hallway to Daisy’s bedroom. She knocked on the door but heard no response. Emma placed her ear against the wood, listening to see if Daisy was even in the room.

You’re sniffling, Daisy. Wait, are you crying? Emma struggled to hear. Did Natalie tell me the entire truth?

Emma decided against knocking. She turned the doorknob, half-expecting it to be locked. Yet, to her surprise, it creaked open, spilling the hallway light into the dark room. Emma gasped at what she saw. Daisy sat crossed legged on her bed, surrounded by a pile of tissues, sobbing.

Daisy glanced up at the intrusion, quickly wiping her face as if nothing had happened. She grabbed a book from her nightstand and flipped through it quickly. Snorting, she shook her head and said, “This book always makes me cry.”

Emma sat on the end of Daisy’s bed and studied her. “We’ve been friends for too long for you to pretend you’re sad over a book.”

Daisy set the book back on the nightstand. She looked back down at her sheets, her shoulders slowly shaking. “I messed up, big time,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “I don’t know how to get out of it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Conrad accused me of using him to have a child and then coming back into his life to get his money.” Daisy blew her nose. “You know I’m not like that.”

Emma sighed. “Conrad is Leo’s father. Was that the revenge s*x you had when James cheated on you?”

“Hmm, yeah,” Daisy said and shook her head. “I didn’t know he’d be my employer until I got there. By that time, it was too late, and I wasn’t about to pass up a job. Besides, he didn’t even remember me at first.”

“I was there, remember Daisy. It wasn’t your fault that he didn’t recognize you.” Emma wrung her hands. “I feel so guilty. If I had known he was Leo’s father, I would have never recommended this job for you.”

There was a long silence.

“Wait, he accused you of using him to get pregnant and manipulating him for his money,” Emma said with a frown. “Does that mean he fired you?”

Daisy shook her head and clarified. “No, I’m in this cycle of wanting to quit or wanting to pretend it didn’t happen. No matter what, Emma, I need this job.”

“Listen,” Emma said, resting on her side, “you don’t need this job. You’re an incredible chef. You can go to any city in the Tri-state area and work at a five-star restaurant.”

Daisy laughed and shook her head. “Seriously, Emma? Have you seen this economy lately? I’d be lucky if I got a sous chef job.

“Stop that right now, Daisy. Yes, you’re in a tough spot, but you’re not destined for hardship and ruin.” Emma told her in a harsh tone. “If Conrad wants to think that, then let him. You can’t spend all your waking hours trying to win his acceptance.”

A pause blanketed the conversation as Emma studied Daisy. Why is this happening to you? You’re a great person, Daisy. You deserve happiness. Leo deserves a dad who isn’t a bastard.

“What is important,” Emma continued, “is raising Leo. Whether or not you remain working for Conrad Engel, you have to do what’s best for him. He can’t have a mom who is always stressed and crying over some bastard who is more worried about harassing his mom than spending time with his son.”

There was a long pause, and Emma could see Daisy thinking. Eventually, the tears stopped. Slowly, Daisy sat back, her posture improved as she wiped her face and rubbed her puffy eyes. With her vision focusing off in the distance, Emma figured it was the perfect time to give her a minute.

She walked to the door and stopped, glancing back one more time. Daisy slowly picked up the used tissues around her, wadding them into a large pile.

Clearing her throat, Daisy finally looked back at Emma. “It’s just that I...”

“You don’t love him, but you’re infatuated with him,” Emma said with a nod. “It happens, Daisy. That’s why it hurts so much. You’re mad at him, but you can’t help but care about him.”

“Yes,” Daisy remarked as she ran her fingers through her hair and looked at Emma. She flashed a shaky smile. “I don’t want to admit it, but when I’m around Conrad...”

Emma gripped the door handle, trying not to grimace at the hopeful look plastered on Daisy’s face. He may just be a bad guy, Daisy. If he’s going to accuse you of getting pregnant on purpose to get his money, then he’ll break your heart. Emma finally managed a sad smile. “Protect your heart, Daisy,” she warned her.

Daisy waved her hand and shook her head as she remarked, “Leo comes first, Emma. I don’t have time for romance. Conrad is Leo’s father, and if Conrad wants a relationship with him, it’s up to him."

There was nothing like waking up and knowing that you were the biggest jerk around. This morning, Conrad just so happened to be that jerk. He couldn’t even look in the mirror as he brushed his teeth, eyes downcast as he spit his toothpaste out. He’d spent the entire night tossing and turning, finally drifting off in the early hours of the morning. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Daisy’s wounded look and remembered her storming out of his house repeatedly. The reminder of what he had done was haunting him even in his dreams, and he had dark bags under his eyes to show.

He made quick work of his morning routine before heading out. Conrad passed through his favorite coffee shop to grab some essentials before going to Daisy’s place. Despite his lack of cooking skills, Conrad knew enough about food to pick out a suitable apology present. He just hoped Daisy would appreciate the gesture, and he wouldn’t put his foot in his mouth again.

He couldn’t remember the last time that he had stood in a line to order food, and the entire experience was a test of his patience. The place was busy, and the early risers of the city were already getting their caffeine fix before work. When his turn came, Conrad ordered three coffees and a hot chocolate for Leo, imagining the little boy’s smile when he saw the mountain of whipped cream on top. Had Daisy told him the truth already? He couldn’t blame her if he she had, but he also couldn’t blame her if she hadn’t. She probably wanted nothing to do with him after his outburst yesterday.

Conrad collected his order before making his way to a nearby shop to get the flowers that Natalie had recommended. The florist was helpful enough, and he soon had a gigantic bouquet of dozens of flowers, a beautiful rainbow he hoped would highlight his apologies.

He drove himself to Daisy’s apartment while listening to some classical music, the quiet instrumentals helping him to calm his frayed nerves. Natalie had walked him through this morning, making it seem so much easier than it was turning out to be. But then again, she had never discovered that she had a secret child only to accuse the mother of said child that she was only after the child support. There was no apology strong enough to make that hurt go away, but he was damn willing to try.

He checked his watch as he swung into the parking lot. It was still so early in the morning, and he had the urge to turn around and head back home. But with the bouquet resting on his passenger seat, he realized there was no backing out now. He was here to say what he needed to say, and hopefully Daisy would listen. It was a long, freezing walk to the apartment door, but Conrad took his time to. He walked much slower than his usual pace, practically dragging his feet across the pavement until he reached the buzzer.

Conrad checked himself a million times, desperately trying to gather the courage to knock on the door. He had put on some simple jeans and a t-shirt, trying to offer a casual look to avoid intimidation. He didn’t want to draw attention to his wealth while they talked, figuring it would only remind her of their completely different worlds. Maybe he was overthinking this, but he couldn’t help it. He was fumbling around in untested waters here, and he was certain he had never done something so nerve wrecking in his life. The multi-million-dollar business deals were, for him, a piece of cake. He already thought of everything in terms of business and strategy. People’s emotions, however, were so much more complex than signing his name on a piece of paper or closing a deal. There were so many more variables when it came to the human heart.

What would he say to Daisy when he finally saw her, after he had so royally screwed up? He was the last person she would want to see right now. Natalie had told him in a flurry of curse words just what a jerk he had been, and after getting over his initial anger, he felt ashamed of the way he had treated her. He may have been feeling hurt and confused at the time, but his mother had taught him better than that. She had always warned him against saying things in the heat of the moment. Like accusing the mother of his child of trying to use him for money, Conrad thought, wishing he could go back in time and tape his own mouth shut.

His cheek still showed the evidence of Daisy’s anger, a pink imprint in the shape of a hand. She had let him off easily, and he was tempted to offer up his other cheek in penance. He took a deep breath and finally buzzed next to the nametag for Daisy’s apartment, wondering if he should have brought some flowers for Emma too.

He straightened his tall form as the door opened a few minutes later, revealing a sleepy looking young woman who looked at him in confusion. He had really tried to wait until a much more reasonable time, but every second that went by without him speaking to Daisy felt like an hour. Luckily for him, he had brought just the right ingredients as well to make up for his early morning visit.

“Good morning,” He began, then waited for her reaction.

He wouldn’t be surprised if she slapped him too. If the glare she was now giving him was any indication, Daisy had likely told her everything that happened the previous day.

“Well, if it isn’t daddy’s spoilt brat,” she said, narrowing her eyes and he bit back a wince at the insult. “Go. Away.”

She annunciated both words before moving to close the door. He was quick to stop her, shoving his foot in the opening and pushing back with his hands. He hadn’t come all this way to have the door slammed in his face. Not that he deserved any special treatment after yesterday, but he was determined to at least get his apology out.

“Please, I just need a minute.” He begged, feeling the pressure of the door on his toes.

“You can have the whole day, at your own damn house.” Emma replied, glaring at him.

“I need to talk to Daisy, please.” He tried again, at a loss for how to proceed. He had imagined Daisy slamming the door in his face, but never had he anticipated being stopped before he could even see her.

“We are way past caring about what you need or want, Mr. Engel. You had your chance to talk, and you’ve said your piece, more than once from what it sounds like. Now, go back to your fancy apartment, and stop pestering Daisy. You don’t have to worry about her asking for money, because she will never be talking to you again.”

Daisy had obviously told her roommate everything that he had said in anger, and Emma was taking a jab at him for thinking this was all about money. He knew he deserved her frustration, but it would take more than a guilt-inducing retort to get him to leave.

“Even if I’m here to apologize?” Conrad tried the saddest smile he could muster, pressing his mouth in such a way that depressed his dimples just the right amount.

He was not above using everything he had in his arsenal to get Emma to lower her guard. He almost smiled as he thought of just how great a bodyguard Emma was. Maybe he should hire her as head of security. She narrowed her eyes at him again, as if she could read his thoughts. Instantly regretting the attempt to use his charm, he cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to the tray of coffee in his arms.

“I brought donut and coffee,” he said, gently shaking the objects before him. “It’s from the best shop in town.”

Emma mumbled something he didn’t quite catch, and he braced himself for whatever was coming. He could take a few more insults from Emma, if it meant she would step aside and let him talk with Daisy.

He remembered the time when he had shaved his sister’s eyebrow as she slept. She had been making fun of him for something at school, and he had reacted in anger. Her scream had woken up everyone in the house, likely even the neighborhood. Their mother had given him a look of such disappointment, that the two-week grounding hadn’t been enough. Conrad had given himself his own punishment and locked himself in his room for a while, intent on removing the look of anger from his mother’s face. When his mother finally broke his self-imposed time out, her only words had been to always think before he spoke or did anything.

That was child’s play compared to what he had done now, but he knew his mother’s advice still applied. He hadn’t stopped to think through his words before spitting them at Daisy, and he had hurt someone yet again.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to gain Daisy’s forgiveness,” he said earnestly, “and if she really doesn’t want to see me, then I promise that I’ll leave her in peace.”

That was the last thing that Conrad wanted, but again, this wasn’t about him. It was a tough lesson to learn, but he was trying. This was not some business deal, and he didn’t have to win just because his name was Conrad Engel. This was Daisy’s entire world, and he had been foolish to not see that. Not after he’d seen the way she loved Leo more than herself. Every schedule, every job, every decision was made with her son in mind.

“Promise?” Emma asked, drawing Conrad out of his thoughts.

Conrad nodded and gave his word. “I promise.”

“You better not make her upset,” Emma warned, her voice softening despite the veiled threat. This conversation had revealed just how deeply she cared about her friend. “You couldn’t deserve that woman in there even if you lived two lifetimes trying.”

Conrad could only nod, and he knew he deserved that. He tightened his grip on the flowers and the paper bag, impatiently waiting for Emma to move and finally allow him to come in.

Emma walked down the hallway, determined to catch up on some work, when the buzzer rang in time with her phone. She squinted, trying to make sense of Natalie’s words as she quickly scanned the paragraph before her.

She passed the utility room door, watching with wide eyes as Daisy struggled under a laundry basket full of clothes.

Emma opened her arms and rushed to her. “Let me take some of those for you.”

However, Daisy shook her head with a smile. “I’ve got it. Get the door.”

“Are you expecting someone?” Emma asked as she shoved her phone in her back pocket.

Leo raced from the kitchen area with a loud giggle. “I’ll get it, Mommy,” he screamed, and both Daisy and Emma winced from the volume.

“Leo,” Daisy scolded.

Emma caught up with him and grabbed him by the shoulder. “Remember, you’re not allowed to open the door by yourself.”

“Of course,” he jumped up and down.

“Then why are you running?” Emma asked as Daisy disappeared back into the utility room, Leo following much more subdued.

Daisy popped her head into the hallway and laughed as she told Emma, “Maybe it’s Wolfgang here to plead his case. I bet he has a job now and hates partying.”

Emma glared at her as a grin teased her lips. “You’re free now. You can answer it.”

She hurriedly went into the utility room. “I’m doing laundry,” she called

Emma made her way out into the main apartment complex, running down the steps to get to the door. She opened the door, and her smile quickly faded.

“May I help you?”

“I’m Conrad Engel.” He shifted in his stance as he nodded.

Emma stepped back and pulled the door closer to her. She kept her hand on the doorknob and stared up at him. Finally, she answered. “Well, if it isn’t daddy’s spoilt brat.” Followed by, “Go. Away.”

He cleared his throat.

She glared at him, hoping that he would get the message. I hope you understand that I won’t believe a word you say. Do you get that, huh? The way you treated Daisy is bullshit. Bullshit. She’s a nice person, and you don’t deserve her. James didn’t deserve her, either, but I’m here with you. How did Leo end up with a man like you as a father?

“Please, I just need a minute,” He begged, and Emma saw red.

“You can have the whole day, at your own damn house,” Emma ground out, and she finally realized his foot was propping the door open.

“I need to talk to Daisy, please.” Emma’s jaw was clenched tightly, and she bit back the urge to laugh in his face.

“We are way past caring about what you need or want, Mr. Engel,” Emma snarled, still pushing the door into his foot. “You had your chance to talk, and you’ve said your piece, more than once from what it sounds like. Now, go back to your fancy apartment, and stop pestering Daisy. You don’t have to worry about her asking for money, because she will never be talking to you again.”

If Conrad was surprised by her knowledge, he didn’t show it.

“Even if I’m here to apologize?” Conrad gave a pitiful look, and Emma was instantly on edge. She could tell he was trying to gain sympathy from her and she tensed, warning herself not to fall for his tricks.

“I brought donuts and coffee,” he offered, the box and tray wiggling in his arms. “It’s from the best shop in town.”

Emma was tempted to throw the box down and cause a scene, hoping he would finally leave, when the bouquet caught her eye. Even after James had cheated on Daisy, he had only sent a barrage of texts offering excuses. Conrad had already taken a bigger step than James ever had, coming to her door with an abundance of gifts as well as an actual apology.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to gain Daisy’s forgiveness,” he said earnestly, “and if she really doesn’t want to see me, then I promise that I’ll leave her in peace.”

It was ultimately Daisy’s decision. And if she wanted to hear Conrad out, or even just take the coffee and slam the door, Emma would not stop her.

“Promise?” she asked, biting her lips in worry.

“I promise.” The two words sent a small wave of relief through Emma, and she steeled herself to go grab Daisy.

“You better not make her upset,” Emma said, already turning to run back up the stairs. “You couldn’t deserve that woman in there even if you lived two lifetimes trying.”

As soon as the door gently shut, she was racing back up the steps, meeting Daisy right outside their apartment door. She had a guilty expression, and Emma could tell she had been trying to eavesdrop.

“So,” she said, an aura of excitement bubbling out of her, “Wolfgang is back. Yes?”

Emma shook her head and frowned, unsure of how to broach the subject.

Daisy frowned, crossing her arms as she nervously shifted her weight. “Is something wrong?”

“Your boss is here,” Emma nodded towards the building’s front door, before correcting herself. “Or your ex-boss, I suppose.”

Pointing down the stairs, Daisy looked at the front door. “Conrad’s out there?”

Daisy’s reaction tugged at Emma’s heart. Her curious, amused expression shifted to one of sorrow. “I need to start dinner,” she said, taking a step back from the staircase.

Emma touched her arm and squeezed it. “You make dinner, and I’ll… handle him.”

She looked at Emma and flashed a grateful smile. Emma was ready to go downstairs and yell at Conrad again, but Daisy had other plans. “Wait,” she sighed, resignation clear in her voice. “I know I need to... he’s Leo’s father.”

Emma took a hesitating step forward, following only when Daisy took the lead, slowly descending the staircase. Daisy hesitated when faced with the door handle, and Emma took pity, yanking it open to reveal Conrad, still waiting with his arms full. She glanced back and saw Daisy peering over her shoulder, staring in bemusement at the oversized bouquet.

“Flowers?” Daisy asked in a questioning tone, taking in the

Conrad shrugged and flashed a lopsided grin. Then, he sheepishly added, “It’s what Natalie says a man gives to a woman when we need to apologize.”

There was a long pause as Emma glanced from Conrad, who was making googly eyes at Daisy, to Daisy herself, who was looking at the flowers with a ghost of a smile on her face.