The Billionaire's Widow

30

One Month Later

Hailey's POV

Losing someone you love isn't something you ever truly get over. The space they once filled in your heart never completely disappears—but one day, you wake up and it hurts a little less. The world doesn’t look so grey. The grief becomes quieter, softer. That's how I felt after five long years. Like I could finally breathe again.

I could never forget Xavier. He was a part of me. But now, when I looked at his photos, I didn’t cry—I smiled. The memories no longer stung; they brought peace.

I knew people at work were afraid of me. I’d overheard the whispers. I didn’t blame them. After Xavier's death, especially after giving birth, I was... hard. Closed off. Angry. But therapy helped. Just sitting with someone twice a week and talking—it really changed me.

"Look at you, smiling at a picture like an idiot."

Startled, I looked up. “Kiara?! Oh my God!” I jumped to my feet and wrapped her in a hug.

She laughed softly, “Hey, little one.”

“I can’t believe it’s really you!” I pulled back, eyes wide with joy.

“I told Mom and Dad not to tell you I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise,” she said, grinning.

“Well, mission accomplished. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, little one.”

“You do realize I’m twenty-eight now, right?”

She smirked. “You’ll always be my brother’s little one.”

Her eyes wandered to the large portrait of Xavier hanging on the wall. Her smile faded. “You still miss him.”

“I always will,” I said softly. “But I know he’s with me. Somehow.”

Kiara sighed, her voice a little shaky. “He didn’t deserve to die. I miss my little brother too.”

I nodded. “I know.”

She smiled faintly. “I remember when he first told me about you. He was terrified our parents wouldn’t approve of the age gap. He literally asked me if he should marry you before telling them.”

I laughed. “He really asked that?”

“Yeah. That’s when I knew you were special to him. Xavier never talked about marriage until you. I’m glad he got to live out that dream, even if it was short. I know he died happy—with you.”

She hugged me again, and for a moment, I saw a more vulnerable side of her.

"Thank you"

“You don’t have to thank me, Kiara,” I said gently after we pulled apart.

She gave me a warm smile. “I know.” Her eyes lit up again. “Now, where are my niece and nephew? I’ve missed those two so much!”

We moved to the living room and sat down. “They’re still at kindergarten. Should be back any minute now.”

“Oh right—school day. I completely forgot,” she said, chuckling.

“You look amazing, by the way. Australia’s treated you well.”

She laughed. “Thanks, Hailey, but I think you’re exaggerating.”

“I’m not. Seriously.”

“Well, you’re looking gorgeous too. I can see you’ve started taking care of yourself again.”

“It was time,” I said. “Five years is a long time.”

What I didn’t tell her was that there was someone else in my life now. Paige. Things between us were mostly physical, but there was something else too. She made me feel wanted again. But was it love? Or just comfort?

“Hailey?” Kiara’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just remembered a meeting I have tomorrow. My short break is officially over.”

“You’ve been taking a break?”

“Yes, I have an assistant now. So I take time off now and then—to spend with the kids, or just breathe.”

She beamed. “Mom told me the assistant helped you reconnect with them. I’m really proud of you, little one.”

I laughed. “That nickname is never going away, is it?”

“Nope. It stays,” she teased. “Oh, I brought gifts for the twins. They’re in my car.”

“That’s so sweet of you. Camilla will be thrilled.”

“And Gray?”

“He’s my little explorer. He’s happiest when we’re going somewhere new.”

“That’s still so him. Remember how he used to giggle whenever the jet took off?”

I laughed. “He still does. Jumps in his seat every time.”

Just then, a tiny voice echoed through the house.

“Mommy!”

Camilla burst into the room, running straight into my arms, giggling.

“Hey baby girl,” I said, kissing her forehead. “How was school?”

“Good! Miss Polly gave me a letter for you.” Bobby followed behind, carrying a sleepy Gray.

“What happened? Is he okay?” I asked quickly.

“He’s fine—just fell asleep on the way.”

Relieved, I reached for my son. He stirred and rubbed his eyes.

“Are we home?” he asked groggily.

“Yes. Mommy’s here,” Camilla answered before I could.

He looked up and spotted Kiara. His eyes widened.

“Aunt Kiara! Cammy, look! It’s her!” They both rushed to her, hugging her legs.

Kiara knelt down, arms wide open. “Hey my babies!”

I stood back, smiling as I watched them laugh and talk over each other in excitement.

They remembered her.

And maybe, just maybe, everything was starting to feel okay again.

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