The Billionaire's Widow

17

Paige’s POV

"Kim, I swear to God, if you don’t leave, I’m going to lose it," I snapped, gathering my things for work. Kim had shown up uninvited and decided to seduce me—at seven in the morning. I walked out of the bathroom only to find her naked on my bed. I won’t lie—she had a gorgeous body.

"I’m not leaving until we fix things," she said, settling back onto the bed.

I glanced at my watch. I was going to be late if I kept entertaining this.

"You know what? I don’t care anymore. I have work to get to, and I won’t let you delay me any further." I grabbed my phone and walked out.

In the lobby, I approached Ron at the front desk. He was watching something on his computer but looked up when he saw me.

"Good morning, Ron."

"Good morning, Paige. I thought you’d be gone already."

"I wish," I muttered. "Listen, I have a problem. There’s a woman in my apartment who refuses to leave. I asked her nicely, but she wouldn’t listen. Could you make sure she’s gone—and next time she shows up, don’t let her go upstairs."

He looked surprised. "What?"

"It’s just... I’ve never seen you this upset. You’re usually so sweet," he said.

I laughed dryly. "She’s annoying. Trust me." I adjusted my bag. "Anyway, I’ve gotta run. See you later."

"Okay. Have a great day."

I waved and stepped outside. Thankfully, a cab was pulling up just as I exited. I got in and closed the door quickly.

"You’re late today," the driver noted. I looked up and recognized him—it wasn’t my first ride with him.

"Oh, thank God it’s you. Listen, I’ll pay double if you can drive fast. I need to be there by 7:50, tops."

He smiled through the mirror. "Buckle up, then."

I clicked my seatbelt in. "Already done."

Hailey’s POV

There was a knock at the door before Paige stepped in. She was dressed in a red suit with a black turtleneck bodysuit and black stilettos. Her hair was up in a sleek high ponytail.

"Good morning, Hailey," she said, walking toward my desk with a file in hand.

"Good morning. Are those the minutes I asked for?"

"Yes, ma’am," she replied, handing them to me with a smile.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

Our eyes met for a moment. It felt like time paused. I couldn’t look away. She cleared her throat.

"Do you need anything else?"

I shook my head. "I’ll call you if I do."

She nodded and walked out.

Amy’s POV

"Mom, please stop. I don’t want to pressure her anymore. Paige is old enough to make her own choices," I said calmly.

She sighed on the other end of the call. "Amy, do you realize my reputation is at stake? All my neighbors' children are getting married and starting families, and mine—"

"Mom, I am getting married. Isn’t that enough?"

"But Paige doesn’t want to be like you. Why is she so stubborn?"

"She gets it from you."

"Me? What did I do?"

I rolled my eyes. "You keep pushing her away. I’m done trying to fix it. I need her now more than ever."

"What do you mean?"

I sat on the couch and exhaled. "I’m pregnant."

She gasped. "Oh my goodness. Amy—you mean I’m going to be a grandmother?"

"Yes. Please don’t tell Dad yet. I was planning to tell you both soon. Paige agreed we’d come home together."

"I can’t believe my baby is having a baby," she said, tearing up. "I’m so happy."

"Then can you please give Paige a break now?"

"But—"

"Please, Mom. I don’t want any drama when we visit. This back and forth has to stop. Don’t you agree?"

Silence.

"Promise me."

She finally let out a breath. "Amy, have you ever seen a lesbian couple happily married, with kids, and successful? Why does she want to go through the shame people will throw at her? Everyone will crucify her," she cried. "I just don’t want her to suffer."

This was the first time she admitted the real reason behind her disapproval. All along, she’d claimed it was simply “wrong,” but now I understood—she’d only ever been trying to protect her. Her love for Paige never went away. We just didn’t see it.

"Mom, it’s okay. Please stop crying."

"I’m a bad mother. She barely calls me anymore. She calls her father instead."

"You’re not a bad mother. In fact, I think you’re one of the best. We just misunderstood you. You were trying to protect her."

"But look what it did. I should’ve been supportive, not quick to judge."

"I know. But she’s strong, Mom. She doesn’t care about what people say. She’s really strong."

"I know. I see that now. And I’ll stop pushing. I want to start listening to her. Okay?"

"Okay, Mom."

"And I’m sorry I ruined your moment. Congratulations."

I laughed softly. "It’s okay. Thank you."

The doorbell rang.

"I have to go. Someone’s at the door."

"Alright. Bye."

"Bye."

______________________

Sometimes we think our parents are not being fair when they are being hard on us but SOMETIMES it's for our own good. They are only trying to protect us. It's all about communication and understanding but Paige's situation is an exception I know.

Merry Christmas to everyone out there!😘😘