The Billionaire's Widow

8

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Three Weeks Later

“Jason!” I called, but there was no response. I sighed and let myself into his room. “Seriously? You’re still sleeping?”

I shook him gently until he groaned awake.

“Paige... leave me alone, please.”

I rolled my eyes. “Wake up. Amy’s going to be here any minute, and I’m not letting you ruin our day by making us late. Get up.”

He groaned louder. “Why can’t you and Amy just go without me? I’m tired.”

“No. We’re going out as a family. No one’s staying behind.” I crossed my arms. “And if you’re not ready before Amy gets here, I’m not buying you those sneakers you wanted when I get paid.”

That got him. He jolted upright.

“Wait, are you serious? You were really going to buy them?”

I smirked. “Not if you’re not ready in the next twenty minutes.”

He dashed to the bathroom, and I heard the shower running seconds later. I shook my head, chuckling. “Kids.”

Of course, at seventeen, Jason was hardly a kid anymore—but he was still a teenager. And he reminded me so much of myself at his age. Focused on school, always pushing himself, barely making time for anything else. Unlike Amy—Amy loved fun. That’s how she met her fiancé.

Even though Jason and I were six years apart, while Amy and I were only three, I was always closer to him. He understood me the way Dad used to. Amy did too, in her own way, but she was more like Mom—always worried about appearances, about what people thought.

No wonder they were best friends.

Still, I love Amy. She was like a second mother during my college years. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. And as for Mom... well, how can you not love the woman who gave birth to you, who nursed you and raised you?

Family is family—no matter what.

I hadn’t realized how long I’d been standing in the kitchen until Jason walked in, looking fresh and smelling like expensive soap.

“Okay, I’m ready—and Amy’s still not here. That means I’m getting my sneakers, right?”

I laughed. “Yes.”

He jumped. “Yes!! Thank you, Paige! You’re the best sister ever!”

“Don’t say that in front of Amy—she’ll kill you.”

He laughed and zipped his lips shut with a grin.

Later That Day

“How is this even fun?” Jason muttered, clearly bored. “Girls are weird.”

“Jason, don’t call us girls,” Amy corrected. “We’re women. Or did you forget I’m getting married soon?”

I chuckled and sipped my mimosa.

“Fine. Women are weird,” he said with a sigh, pulling out his phone.

Amy turned to me. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” I steered the conversation away from the tension. “So, did you find a venue yet?”

Her smile lit up again. “Yup! And you have to see it, Paige. I absolutely love it.” She squealed in excitement.

I smiled. “I’m so happy for you, Amy.”

“Thank you.” She paused, then grinned. “Now, when are you settling down?”

I choked on my drink. “What? I just finished college. Why would I be thinking about settling down?”

She folded her arms. “Paige, I don’t understand why you’re still single. Are you that weird?”

I shook my head, chuckling. “Amy, stop. I’m just not interested in a relationship right now. I want to focus on work and bettering myself.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s not true. You’re avoiding relationships because you’re afraid of falling in love again.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re still stuck on that woman who left you,” she added.

Here we go again.

“You know that’s not true.”

“She’s just taking a break, Amy. What’s your issue with relationships anyway?” Jason suddenly said.

“Jason, stay out of this!” Amy snapped, her voice louder than necessary.

“Amy!” I warned.

“What?!” she barked, turning on me now.

“What’s wrong with you? Paige clearly doesn’t want to be in a relationship right now. Why are you forcing this whole ‘get a man’ idea on her? She’s never even been into guys.”

I sighed, facepalming. “Jason—”

“She doesn’t even like men, Amy. When are you going to accept that?”

Amy looked like she was about to explode.

“Oh, shut up! You think you're the perfect brother or something? If you really cared about her, you'd be encouraging her to grow up and settle down!”

Jason stood abruptly. “You’re unbelievable. I can't believe I’m supposed to call you my sister. You’re just as annoying as Mom.”

He stormed off. “I’m going home. I can’t stand this.”

Part of me wanted to stop him. But another part—maybe the louder part—was proud of him. For once, someone stood up for me. I’d spent so long avoiding conflict, brushing off questions about marriage and family just to keep the peace. Just to avoid this exact kind of drama.

“That’s it. He’s moving out of the apartment,” Amy snapped. “He’s going to live on campus.”

I turned to her, shocked. “What? Why?”

“He disrespected me! Didn’t you see that?”

I sighed. “Amy, come on. He was just looking out for me. He’s just a kid.”

“I don’t care!” she shouted, standing up and storming off.

“Amy!” I called, but she didn’t look back. down.

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