The Billionaire's Widow

1

Five years later

Hailey’s POV

“Brook, please don’t start—I seriously don’t have time for this. I’m late for work.” I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

“Come on, Hailey. You need to relax. As your best friend, it’s my job to make sure you’re okay and happy.” Brooke’s tone was gentle but firm.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue. “And I am happy. I have two beautiful kids I live for every day, and you always make me laugh. So please, stop worrying about me. Honestly, I don’t even know why you keep thinking I need to see a therapist again.”

She sighed. “I know the twins bring you joy, but I still feel like you need someone to talk to, Hailey.”

I sighed dramatically. “Okay, okay. But answer me this—do you think you’ll ever be able to move on and find someone else?”

Her question caught me off guard. I hesitated, the words heavy on my heart. The thought of being with another man felt like betraying Xavier. I still loved him—even after all these years since his death.

“Brooke, I don’t know. Whenever I think about it, it feels wrong. I still love him. I can’t just erase what we had.”

She pulled me into a hug. “It’s okay. I understand.”

I pulled back, clearing my throat. “Thank you. I’ll see you later—I have to go now.” She nodded, and I stepped out of the mansion.

Part of being married to Xavier Anders meant living lavishly in a ginormous New York mansion. I just never imagined living here without him.

“Good morning, Mrs. Anders.” Bobby, my driver, greeted me as he opened the car door.

“Good morning, Bobby,” I replied, slipping inside. He started the engine, and we pulled away.

Paige’s POV

I emerged from the closet holding twenty outfits I planned to try on for today’s job interview.

Of course, I’d be more excited if the interview matched my degree, but in New York, you take what you can get.

After trying on ten outfits, I finally settled on a black pencil skirt and a long-sleeve black turtleneck bodysuit. I slipped on my favorite heels—handed down from my older sister Amy on my graduation day—and applied minimal makeup.

“Okay, Paige, you look good,” I told myself in the mirror. I grabbed my lucky necklace—a gift from my grandmother before she died—and pulled my hair into a bun. Then I rushed out the door.

I wasn’t far from the company; I lived in what people called a “fancy neighborhood.” I could never afford this place myself, but Amy used to live here with our cousin Wendy. Wendy moved to California two years ago, and Amy’s getting married soon, so she left the apartment to me. This was my last month without paying rent, so I needed a job fast.

Amy is my role model—confident, smart, beautiful, kind-hearted, and humble. She has a successful career as a journalist, and I hope to be successful too. At least in my career—I’m still unsure about marriage. It seems complicated, and looking back at my past relationships, I realize I can never b—

“Ma’am!” The cab driver’s shout startled me. “We’re here.”

“Sorry,” I said quickly, paying him and stepping out. I took a deep breath and headed toward the huge building with “AC” in bold letters on top.

Hailey’s POV

“Good morning, Mrs. Anders.” My secretary, Darsie, greeted me with a smile and closed the door behind her.

“Morning, Darsie. What do you have for me?”

She handed over a file. “The accounts you requested, ma’am.”

I nodded and glanced through it. “How about the vacancy I asked you to post last week? Any applicants?”

“Yes, ma’am. HR selected three finalists. They’re here now.”

“Perfect. Send them in after ten minutes. Let me review this first.”

“I will.” She smiled and left the room.

Paige’s POV

I checked my watch again for the hundredth time. Time seemed to drag, torturing my nerves. I’d been waiting in the lobby for minutes, already impatient and anxious.

My phone rang—I smiled seeing Amy’s name.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Paige! Sorry I didn’t call earlier to wish you luck. Please tell me you got the job!” she giggled.

“Still waiting to be called in,” I said, just as the elevator opened and the secretary returned to her desk.

“Oh, good. You’re not late! Listen, you’re strong and intelligent. You’ll get the job because you’re awesome. Anyone who doesn’t see that is a fool.” Amy giggled. “So whatever the boss says, remember it’s not the end. Keep pushing.”

I nodded as if she could see me. “Thanks, sis.”

“I love you, little PG. Good luck!” I giggled at the nickname.

“I love you too.” The secretary approached. “Okay, the boss is ready. Follow me.”

We rode the elevator to the fiftieth floor. The lobby there had an empty desk.

“Cynthia Wills?” the tall blonde said. “Go through that door. The boss is waiting.” Cynthia stood and went in.

“Abigail Matthews, you’re next.” Abigail stood.

“Paige Carson, last one,” the secretary said.

I took a deep breath as we sat in the waiting area. This was going to be a long day.

____________________