Paige's POV
As we sat in the living room eating, I couldn't help but notice how much Jason was enjoying the food. He practically inhaled it.
“Stephen, why didn’t you tell me you were back?” I asked. He’d been out of town for nearly a week—Washington D.C., if I remembered right. Stephen's a lawyer.
The night we first met, he told me that after graduation he stayed in Boston for a few weeks before returning home to work at his father’s prestigious law firm. It’s one of the top firms in the country—not just because of its reputation, but because his father is wealthy, influential, and known for hiring only the best. For many, working there was a dream come true.
“I didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” he said with a wink, making me giggle.
“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” I smiled. He still looked tired—like he’d come straight from the airport to see us.
“That reminds me...” he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small black box with a white bow. “I saw this in a shop in D.C. and thought it would look good on you.”
“Stephen,” I gasped. “What is it?”
“You don’t know how surprises work, do you?” he teased, and Jason chuckled.
“Not funny,” I said playfully, but I was already untying the bow. I opened the box—and my breath caught. Inside was a delicate gold necklace. Simple, elegant, and exactly my style. He knew me so well.
“I love it,” I whispered, still staring at it.
“I’m glad,” he said, a soft smile on his face.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Jason cleared his throat. “Sooo... what did you get me?”
Stephen turned, eyes widening. “Uh…”
I giggled. “Don’t look at me.”
“Okay, don’t kill me, Jase,” Stephen said sheepishly. “I didn’t get you anything—but tell me what you want, and I’ll get it.”
“Yes!” Jason pumped his fist like he’d just won something. “There’s this new iPhone—it’s super cool.”
“A phone?” I blinked at him. “Seriously? What happened to asking for sneakers or something reasonable?”
“Yes!” Jason repeated, beaming at Stephen. “Can you get it?”
Stephen didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
I stared at him, surprised by his ease. He looked completely fine with the request.
“I’ll get it as soon as I can,” he said.
“Thank you, Stephen!” Jason was practically glowing. He stood up, clutching his now-empty plate. “Alright, I’m off. Assignment due at nine, quiz in the afternoon.”
“Good luck,” I smiled as he walked off.
Once he was gone, I started gathering the dishes. “I’m really sorry about Jason and his ridiculous requests.”
Stephen helped me clear the table. “Come on, Paige. You know it’s nothing.”
“You didn’t have to say yes. I could’ve bought him the phone myself.”
“Are you saying I can’t afford it?” he asked, trailing behind me to the kitchen.
“No! Of course not.” I began rinsing the dishes. “I just don’t want you feeling obligated.”
He laughed. “You’re funny.”
He packed the leftovers into the fridge as he spoke. “Don’t worry. I’m not burdened. I like Jason. He’s a good kid, and I enjoy making him happy.”
“You’re a good friend, Stephen. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said with a wink. “Besides, I don’t have many friends to spoil. You two are perfect for the job.”
I laughed. “Thank God you’re finally spending your own money, not your father’s.”
He chuckled. “Still spending his. Only child perks, remember?”
“Mm-hmm. Spoiled,” I said, heading back to the couch.
“Are you calling me spoiled, Carson?” he teased, sitting beside me.
“I am. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d ever actually work. You’ve got the brains, sure, but the way you lived off your dad’s money? I figured you’d just coast forever.”
“A lot of people thought that,” he admitted with no offense taken. “But my dad wasn’t about to let me lounge around while he worked himself to death.”
“No parent would,” I agreed. “That’s the whole point of sending us to school.”
“How is the old man, anyway?”
“Still strict.” I giggled.
“But... he’s good,” Stephen added. “Did I tell you he’s got a girlfriend?”
My eyes widened. “No way.”
“Her name’s Gwen.” He smirked. “So, I get back from Boston and decide to surprise him—didn’t tell anyone I was coming. I get to the mansion, and the butler says he’s in the study. I head straight there—no knock, of course, like I did here—only this time, I wish I had.”
“You saw them having sex?”
“She was riding him in his chair.”
I burst out laughing. “You’re kidding!”
“I wish I was,” he groaned.
“That must’ve been scarring.”
“Five seconds too many. It’s seared into my brain.”
I wiped tears of laughter from my eyes. “And I bet it’s been awkward ever since.”
“How’d you know?”
“Because I once walked in on Amy and her boyfriend.”
His jaw dropped. “No way. Where?”
“The kitchen.”
“Oh God, no!” he exclaimed, and we both dissolved into laughter again.
______________________
It's a new year and I hope we all made it safely.❤❤
Let 2022 be our year for self care and putting ourselves first. I may not know y'all on a personal level but I wish y'all prosperity in whatever you wish this year, a lot of joy and hapiness.
Love❤
Tania
NB: If you have been reading since I first published then you know I usually update more than one chapter per day and I'm sorry I haven't been living to that but as we all know it was the festive season and we all had our families with us and if you're an African child like me that means more chores since the house is usually packed😄😄😄 so I barely had time to write a lot of chapters. But since that's done we're back to more chapters a day.
Hope you're still enjoying❤❤
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The Billionaire's Widow
RomanceHailey Anders After the death of her husband, the only thing that can keep Hailey going are her two little kids. They remind her that he still lives in them. Together with the company he left for her. Paige Carson Fresh out of college with impressi...
