The Billionaire's Widow

38

Of course, Tania. Here’s a refined version of your scene, preserving your storytelling voice while tightening the flow, emotions, and dialogue:

Paige’s POV

A warm wave brushed across my face. Oddly comforting—though it made sense, considering it was late October and winter was already creeping in. I shifted slightly, only to hear a soft giggle to my left.

My left arm felt numb.

Wait a minute...

I opened my eyes slowly.

This wasn’t my room.

Shit.

Don’t tell me I crashed at some random woman’s place. Seriously, Paige? You just started a relationship—and now this?

Damn it.

"Good morning, beautiful," a familiar voice teased.

I winced, lifting my head, and instantly regretted it. A sharp pulse throbbed behind my eyes. But when I looked over...

It was Hailey.

I almost laughed in relief.

Okay. Crisis averted. I didn't cheat.

I smiled sheepishly. "Good morning." I kissed her forehead gently.

Note to self: Never, ever get wasted again. You always wake up confused and panicked. What if it hadn’t been Hailey? What if I'd woken up beside a stranger?

"You’re adorable when you’re dreaming," she giggled.

"How do you know I was dreaming?"

"Because you kept smiling like an idiot," she grinned, heading into the bathroom.

I chuckled and grabbed my phone. “Babe, it’s almost eight. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

"You looked too peaceful. I couldn’t bring myself to ruin it," she called back.

"Aren’t you going to invite me for a morning shower?"

"You wore me out last night. I can’t even move." I smirked, still sore in the best way.

She laughed. “Now you’re being dramatic.”

I giggled, tossing off the blankets and standing up slowly. "Well, we’re gonna be late for breakfast."

As her assistant, I knew exactly what time her family liked to eat—weekday or weekend.

"Being late isn’t exactly new for you," she teased, disappearing into the shower.

This woman will be the death of me.

At Breakfast

"Paige, Mommy said you were at a wedding yesterday. Does that mean you're married now?"

I choked on my tea, blinking at Gray while Hailey giggled beside me.

“No, Gray,” I said after clearing my throat. “My sister was getting married, not me.”

“Oh.” He shrugged and went back to eating like he hadn’t just given me a heart attack.

I stared at him, baffled. Is this what parenting would be like? Random, out-of-nowhere questions with zero warning?

If I ever planned to have kids, I was definitely going to need thicker skin.

I glanced over at Hailey, watching her calmly sip her juice.

How does she handle this so well?

Hailey’s POV

After Paige left that afternoon, I decided to get some work done. Kiara had sent her driver a few hours earlier to pick up the twins—she was taking them to the park with her kids and husband. She promised they’d be back before dinner.

“Mrs. Anders!”

I laughed before I even turned around. I knew that voice anywhere.

“Someone’s in a good mood,” I said as Brooke flopped onto the couch beside me.

“I always tease you when I’m happy. That’s how you know I’m the best best friend ever.”

“Not even close,” I smirked.

She rolled her eyes. “I barely see you these days. Are we still roommates or what?”

“You were gone for a week,” I reminded her. She grinned. “I hate your man.”

She raised a brow, but she laughed knowing I was joking.

“Where are my babies?”

“With Kiara and the crew. They’re having a park day.”

She nodded. “And you? Work, I assume?”

“Just a little. I was productive for a few hours,” I said, closing my laptop. “You missed breakfast with Paige.”

Her face lit up. “Wait... have you two made things official?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

She squealed. “Finally! Finally, she lets someone in again!”

“Did you really have to scream?”

“Yes! The whole world should know you’re happy. I’m so proud of you.” She grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

“You’re insane, you know that?”

“But you love me,” she winked. “Seriously though… I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. But I’m not ready to go public yet. Not just yet. I don't even want to start with all the judgement that will come once they find out about my new relationship.”

She nodded in understanding.

"What?! A new relationship?!"

We both turned to see Kiara standing in the doorway, eyes wide.

“Hailey, are you in a relationship? Already?” she asked, stepping inside slowly.

Of course. Kiara and Justin were the only ones who didn’t know.

I hesitated. It should’ve been a simple yes or no. But the words caught in my throat.

“You should probably tell her,” Brooke murmured.

Kiara’s face tightened. “Oh, so it’s true. You’ve already forgotten my brother?”

“Excuse me?” I stood up. “Kiara, I loved your brother. I mourned him for five years.”

“Then why does it feel like you’re replacing him so easily? When was the last time you visited his grave?”

I stared at her, stunned.

“Don’t you dare,” Brooke snapped. “You don’t know how many mornings and nights she sat crying at that grave.”

“And who are you again?” Kiara shot back. “Just a visitor, right?”

“Kiara, that’s enough.”

“No!” she yelled, making me flinch. “You don’t get to tell me what’s enough. I’m disappointed in you, Hailey.”

I stood tall, even as my chest ached. “What exactly disappoints you? That I chose to move on? That I let myself be happy after five years?”

Silence.

“You should’ve waited a little longer,” she muttered.

I blinked, unable to believe she actually said that.

“What?” Brooke exploded. “She almost lost her mind in that house! She was drowning in loneliness. She barely had a relationship with her kids! This relationship—it’s helping her heal. She’s smiling again. She’s showing up for her children again. And you—you’re too selfish to see it.”

A tear slid down my cheek.

Brooke grabbed my hand. “You don’t deserve this. Come on.”

She pulled me toward the stairs, away from the storm.

_______________________

And that's how the family feuds began.

Honestly sometimes I think in laws are annoying.😂😂 Don't mind me that's just my opinion.