She Helped a Stranger Pay Her Bill… Then Discovered Who Her Son Really Was 

Lily had been searching [music] for work for weeks. Every rejection made her wonder if her life would ever change. >> Oh no, my wallet is missing. [music] I must have left it somewhere or forgotten it at home. >> Ma’am, please. I’m newly employed here. Please don’t [music] make things hard for me. >> I know my son is not what you think.

 I don’t [music] want to complicate things. It’s just that >> Excuse me, ma’am. Please [music] don’t worry. >> I’d be happy to pay for your meal. Don’t bother, ma’am. I heard [music] everything. >> It’s okay, my daughter. I think I can sort it out. >> Please, ma’am. I insist. >> Oh, sweetheart, you really don’t have to.

Thank you, dear. [music] I truly appreciate it. You have such a kind heart. What made [music] you help a complete stranger like me? My grandmother [music] taught me to always help when I can. Your grandmother raised you well. Never let the world take that kindness away. >> I [music] promise I won’t. What made you wander here? I’m in search of a job [music] and I’ve lost all hope.

 And to stay jobless that won’t last. You really think I’ll get a job? >> As soon as possible. I think one will [music] find you. >> You’re really funny, Ma. How can a job find me? I’m the one who has to find it. >> It’s true, my daughter. But yours will seek you. [music] >> That’s so flattering of you, Ma. I think I love you already.

[music] Lily walked home [music] feeling strangely different. For the first time in weeks, she wasn’t thinking about rejection. She was thinking about hope. >> Grayson, I met [music] the most wonderful young woman today. She helped me when I was in trouble. [music] >> Really? What happened? >> I forgot my wallet at home.

 After eating [music] at the restaurant, I didn’t have any money to pay. She seemed broke herself, but she still helped me. >> That’s awesome. But how sure are you she was broke. >> We had a little conversation. And after that, [music] I gave her your number. I think you two should talk. [music] This is hers. >> But mom, you gave a stranger my number.

>> She isn’t just any stranger. She’s special to me. [music] She saved me from embarrassment. I’ll try, Mom, but I don’t promise I’ll definitely call. >> He didn’t know why, but something about her name made him want to call. So, Grayson [music] finally decided to call. >> Hi, Lily. This is Grayson Cole.

 I hope I’m not calling too late. >> Grayson, [music] >> how did you get my number? My mother gave it to me. She told me what you did for her. >> Oh, Miss Eleanor is [music] your mother. Yes, she hasn’t stopped talking about you. >> Well, she was very [music] easy to like. >> Not everyone would have done what you did.

>> Well, I’m actually looking for a job right now. [music] I’ve been searching for months, but nothing. >> Maybe I [music] should get to know you, too. >> Are you sure about that? >> Very sure. My instincts [music] never lie to me. Wow, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. [music] >> Thank you.

 And you look very handsome yourself. >> And once again, [music] thank you for helping my grandmother. You really didn’t have to do that. >> It was nothing. Kindness [music] doesn’t cost anything. >> Not everyone would have done what you did. >> Well, I’m actually looking for a job right now. [music] I’ve been searching for months, but nothing.

>> Months? [music] That must be frustrating. >> It really is, but I’m praying I find something soon. [music] >> What about you, Grayson? What do you do? >> I’m a graduate, too. I have a small business I’m running for now, but I’m also [music] looking for another job. >> Really? I hope you find the right opportunity, too. Thank you.

>> Maybe we’ll both get lucky. >> You really think so? >> Yes. Life is fair. It always rewards effort and hard [music] work. >> Miss Eleanor, I got an interview. >> Oh, Lily, I’m so happy for you. >> Thank [music] you, Ma. I think your words were a prophecy. Grayson, you won’t believe what happened. [music] >> What? Lily, please tell me.

>> I got a big interview from a big company. >> Whoa. Congratulations to you. >> I don’t want to mess [music] this up. >> You won’t. Just be yourself. I have an interview tomorrow. I’m so nervous. >> You’ll do great. [music] I trust you, Lily. Just believe in yourself. [music] >> Thank you, Grayson. That means a lot.

You’re such a great [music] encouragement to me. Wait, you’re offering me an interview? >> Yes, we’d like to meet you tomorrow morning. >> Thank you. I’ll definitely [music] be there. >> Why do you think you’re the right person for this position? because I work hard, I [music] learn quickly, and I never give up.

Her qualifications [music] are impressive. >> Then what’s the problem? >> There isn’t one. She’d be an excellent addition. >> Then hire her. >> Are you sure? >> Absolutely. [music] You said her profile was excellent, isn’t it? >> Yes, sir. It really is. I got it. Yes, Lily. We’d like you to start on Monday. >> Oh my god, thank you.

>> For the [music] first time in months, Lily walked into a workplace believing her life was finally [music] changing, and she was determined to give it her very best. You’re the new girl? >> Yes, Lily Monroe. It’s nice [music] to meet you. We’ll see how long you last. By doing this, [music] we will increase our profit by 20% and the workload will be less on each [music] department.

>> A brilliant idea. Who came up with this? >> I actually [music] came up with that idea. Actually, that was my proposal we were discussing. There’s a [music] woman at work who seems to hate me. >> Who? >> Her name is Denise. >> Don’t let her make you [music] doubt yourself. Promise me you’ll keep your head up.

>> I’ll try. [music] I’ve never even met our CEO. >> Would you like to? >> Honestly, I’d love to. I wonder [music] what he’s really like. >> I’m sure you’ll find out soon. >> I hope so. [music] Thank you, Grayson. You’re such an encouragement to me. Lily had no idea [music] that the man she trusted on the phone was the very CEO she wanted to meet.

 [music] Denise, I’m sorry. Your employment has been terminated. >> What? Please, you can’t do this. But why? [music] I haven’t done anything. Why the sanctions? >> I can’t [music] really tell, but the CEO said he no longer needs you on the premises. I can’t believe [music] this is happening. I really lost everything. >> Denise, wait.

 Please don’t leave like this. [music] Why would you care? Because I don’t want to hate you. What happened doesn’t have [music] to define who we become. After everything I did, you can forgive me. [snorts] I don’t deserve [music] your kindness. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do next. Thank you, Lily. She forgave [music] Denise.

For the first time, Grayson realized Lily wasn’t just kind. She was extraordinary. [music] She was all a man needed. She was the lady who could bring up a child that could be the next able CEO of his company. She was all a man will ever want. >> Lily, I’m back. I heard. I’m glad you’re here.

 After everything, I didn’t expect this. [music] Let’s forget the past and start again. I’d really [music] like that. Then welcome back, friend. [music] I never thought we’d actually become friends. Neither did I. You really are [music] different, Lily. Maybe we both are now. [laughter] Grayson, [music] you’ll never believe it.

 Denise and I are actually getting along. >> I’m really happy for you. >> She [music] seems completely different now. You know, Grayson, [music] you’re becoming really important to me. >> You have no idea how happy that makes me, Lily. >> I think [music] I’m starting to trust you. I feel safe, free, and valued when I’m around you. >> I’ll take that as [music] a compliment and add it to my CV.

Lily thought she’d found a new job, a new [music] friend, and a kind stranger named Grayson. She didn’t know [music] his biggest secret was still waiting. This partnership gives you exactly what you need. You get results and security. You’ve made a convincing case, Lily. [music] Then let’s make it happen. >> Lily, you’ve convinced us.

 We have a deal. >> Thank you. I [music] promise you, you made the right decision. [music] After weeks of negotiations, Lily had secured the biggest contract of her career. Grayson, I [music] finally secured that huge deal at my company. >> Seriously, that’s amazing. I’m really proud of you. You’re such a great and hardworking [music] lady.

>> I’m sure my boss will be happy. I worked so hard to make it [music] happen. >> I’m sure he will. Who knows? He may even promote you. >> Grayson, send me your CV. [music] I can submit it at my company. >> You’d really do that for me? >> Of course. Maybe they’ll give [music] you a chance, too. >> That means a lot to me, Lily.

>> I’ve never even met the CEO, [music] but I’m sure he’ll hear about this deal. >> Maybe one day I’ll finally get the chance to meet him. By [music] the next morning, Lily’s incredible achievement had spread throughout the company. [music] Everywhere, people spoke about her and her name. >> Denise, [music] did you hear? Lily closed the biggest deal of the year.

 A celebration was announced for Friday [music] night. I am so happy for her. Hi, Lily. [music] Everyone is talking about you. I was just doing my job. No, girl. You made history. Lily, congratulations. [music] You’ve been invited to our anniversary gala this Friday. Me? Yes. Great girl. You at the company gala.

 You earned your place there. Thank you so much [music] for your support, Denise, for believing in me. I am the one to thank you, Lily. You have such a good heart. You have such a [music] good heart. Grayson, I got invited to this huge company gala. I don’t even know what to wear. >> Just be yourself, Lily.

 I trust you and your [music] fashion. >> Grayson, you can’t keep hiding forever. Lily deserves the truth. >> I know, Mom. I’m just afraid of losing [music] her. I love her so much already. >> Then tell her before the truth tells her for you. Grayson knew the gala would finally bring Lily face [music] to face with the truth, but he kept mature and kept it for himself.

[music] On the night of the gala, Lily stood before her mirror, nervous but hopeful. >> I just hope everything goes well tonight. Lily, you look absolutely beautiful. You really [music] think so? >> Absolutely. Tonight is your night. Go enjoy it. >> The ballroom glittered with chandeliers, elegant guests, [music] and music.

>> Wow. I’ve never seen anything like this. Grayson. Oh my gosh, you came. >> I wouldn’t miss it. >> This is such a great surprise [music] from you. How did you find out? >> It’s a [music] long story, but thank God I arrived safely. >> I am so glad to have you here. >> Wow, look at you. You [music] clean up nice.

>> I could say the same about you. >> Thank you. I’m really glad you came tonight. [music] It feels good having a friend here. >> You’ll always have me. >> Are you [music] sure? >> 100%. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? Please welcome the CEO of the company, Grayson Cole. [applause] [music] The moment Lily heard the name, everything around her [music] seemed to stop.

The secret was finally exposed. >> It’s been you [music] this whole time, >> Lily. I can explain. >> Explain what? That you are [music] the CEO. >> Lily, please let me explain. >> Explain what exactly? >> Why I never told you? >> You let me believe you were just my friend. >> I never wanted [music] to hurt you.

>> But you lied to me. I told [music] you everything about my life, my struggles, and my dreams. >> I know. And I wanted to tell you so many times. >> Then why didn’t you? I was afraid that if you knew who I was, [music] everything between us would change. >> It already has. >> Before Grayson could say another word, [music] Lily turned and walked away.

Lily, please. I should have told her the truth from [music] the beginning. For the first time, Grayson feared he had lost the woman [music] he loved. He did not know what to do next, but he still [music] had hope. You know the CEO? I didn’t know he [music] was Grayson. Lily, are you okay? I honestly don’t know what to feel anymore.

You don’t have to [music] figure it out tonight. Have a shower and a rest. I think everything will be fine. >> She won’t even look at me, Mom. >> Give her time. >> What if she never forgives me? Don’t give up on her. >> Mom, are you really sure this will really work? >> Trust me, [music] my son. All you have to do is keep loving and calling her.

She loves you just that. [music] Sweetheart, what’s wrong? >> The man I trusted. He’s been lying to me this whole time. >> Oh, Lily. Sometimes people hide the truth because they’re afraid of losing [music] what they love. >> But how do I know if I can trust him again? You’ll know when [music] your heart is ready.

You can’t shut him out forever, Lily. Talk to him. [music] Scared of him or scared of loving him again. I don’t just know. [music] That evening, Grayson stood outside Lily’s door, unsure whether she would let him in. I have to tell her everything. >> What are you doing here? >> I couldn’t stay away.

 Please, Lily, just hear me out. Please. >> Why? You want to tell me another lie to deceive me, [music] >> Lily? Because you deserve the whole truth. >> Because I was jobless. >> From the moment I met you, I was drawn to you. No, because of who you [music] are. >> Then why did you keep it a secret? >> Because you liked me for me.

 Not my name, not my money. [music] I was afraid I’d lose that. Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve any of this. Not the [music] job, not success, and not someone like you. >> Lily, don’t say that. You earned everything you have through hard work. But that’s not why I love you. [music] I love your heart, your kindness, and the way you care about people.

Lily [music] searched his eyes and finally saw the truth she had been afraid to believe. She was worthy of love. I’ve loved you for a [music] while now, too. >> You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear that. >> Really? You’re such a coward. >> In [music] that moment, the secrets, doubts, and fear finally disappeared.

All that remained was [music] the love they had been afraid to admit. >> That morning, Lily returned [music] to the office, but everything felt different. Now everyone knew she was connected to the mysterious CEO. So you didn’t tell me you knew Mr. Cole. [music] I didn’t know either. I swear, Denise, I had no idea.

 I had no idea he was the CEO. >> Lily, Mr. [music] Mr. Cole would like to see you in his office >> right now. >> Yes, he said it was important. >> Lily’s heart began [music] racing as she walked toward the executive floor. For the first time, she wasn’t walking toward a stranger. She knocked softly [music] before stepping inside.

 Behind the desk sat Grayson, the man she’d known as a simple friend and nothing more. Lily, once more, I’m sorry [music] I didn’t tell you sooner. I wanted you to know me for who I am. >> I understand, Grayson. I’m just [music] surprised. Give me a little time. >> Let me make tonight a little easier. Come somewhere with me after work.

>> Where? >> It’s a surprise. >> Okay, [music] I’ll go with you. >> That evening, Grayson drove Lily across the city. She had no idea where they were going. She didn’t know the greatest [music] event of her life awaited her. Tonight, I [music] brought you here because you mean everything to me. I have planned this moment carefully [music] and I hope you love it.

[applause] I have loved you through every season and today I want to build my future beside you. Will you marry me and share forever? [music] >> Yes, I will. I choose you [music] today, tomorrow, and always. And I cannot wait for our future.