The Billionaire's Widow

40

Hailey’s POV

“She did what?!” Brooke barked, her footsteps pounding the floor as she paced the living room. “She called us nobodies? Is she serious right now?”

I sat on the edge of the couch, shoulders heavy, watching her unravel.

“If I see that girl’s face again, Hailey, I swear… a slap will be the least of her problems.”

I exhaled slowly, rubbing my forehead. “This is all too much, Brooke. I’m confused, overwhelmed… I don’t know what to do.”

She stopped pacing and dropped down beside me, concern replacing her anger. “Have Karen and Tony called?”

I nodded.

“And… have you spoken to them?”

I hesitated. “I haven’t found the courage.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “You’ve been ignoring them?”

Again, I nodded.

“Why?”

“What do you want me to say?” My voice cracked a little.

She sighed. “Even if you don’t have the right words, they do. That’s why they’re calling, Hails. They care.”

“We both know what they’ll say.” I looked up at the ceiling, blinking back tears. “They’re disappointed too.”

“You don’t know that.” Her tone softened. “Karen’s not like Kiara. You told them you were ready to move on, before Kiara reappeared, and they were genuinely happy for you. They didn’t fight it.”

I chewed my lip. “I don’t know… I’m scared.”

Brooke pulled me close. “I know, baby. But trust me—Karen and Tony might surprise you. They might just be the understanding voices you need right now.”

The next morning

I stood outside the door, heart pounding. It was early—barely past 6—but I couldn’t wait anymore. I had to face Karen.

The door creaked open.

“Hailey?” Karen blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. “What a surprise.”

“I’m sorry for waking you.”

“Nonsense,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “Come on, let’s go sit in the garden. It’ll help settle your nerves—you’re trembling.”

We walked together, the morning breeze cool against my skin. As we sat down, every word I had rehearsed vanished.

“Are you okay?” she asked gently.

I shook my head, eyes already stinging. “I’m so sorry…”

“Don’t be,” she said at once. “You did nothing wrong, sweetheart.”

“But Kiara thinks I did. She says I should’ve waited longer…”

Karen chuckled softly. “She’s struggling to accept that you’re no longer in mourning. But she’ll come around.”

“I don’t think so,” I whispered. “Brooke and Kiara had a fight at the hospital. She said it wasn’t over…”

Karen looked stunned. “Wait—she went to Brooke’s workplace?”

I nodded. “She’s furious with me. I thought you would be, too.”

Karen reached for my hand. “Hailey, I’ve been preparing myself for this moment for years. You loved my son. You mourned him deeply. You gave yourself time to grieve, to heal. Most people wouldn’t last that long without companionship. Thank you for loving him—and for honoring his memory the way you did.”

Tears fell freely as I threw myself into her arms. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Of course. And don’t let Kiara’s anger steal your peace. She’ll come to understand—she has to. Just promise me something.”

I pulled back and looked into her eyes.

“Promise me you’ll always be a part of this family. I’m still your mother.”

“I promise,” I whispered. “You’ve been more than a mother to me. I could never turn my back on you.”

She smiled, wiping my tears. “Thank you.”

“What about Tony?” I asked. “Is he okay with all this?”

Karen chuckled. “He’s happy that you’re happy.”

I smiled through my tears. “Really? Is he still asleep? I’d love to talk to him.”

“Why don’t you wait in the living room? I’ll go check.”

I sat on the couch, checking my phone. It was just past six—only the staff were awake, moving quietly through the house. I thought about skipping work today, but after that talk with Karen, I felt lighter. I needed to see Paige, too—her smile always helped ease the ache.

Then I heard the footsteps.

“Oh, so you finally came to apologize,” Kiara’s cold voice rang out.

I looked up. She stood on the stairs in a white robe, arms crossed.

“Good morning, Kiara,” I said calmly.

“That’s it?” she snapped, brow furrowed.

I turned back to my phone, unwilling to play her game.

“You’re still stubborn, I see. Let me be clear then—end that pathetic relationship before I find out who he is. Because once I do, I’ll make his life miserable.”

I let out a soft, dry laugh. “Are you finished?”

She looked taken aback.

“Do whatever you want,” I said, voice steady. “But you don’t control me. I’m not your puppet.”

Her eyes darkened. “Hailey, are you challenging me?!”

“Enough!”

Tony’s voice cracked through the room like thunder. We both turned.

He stood near the hallway, face red with anger.

“Kiara, what the hell is wrong with you? Why are you treating her like this?”

“Dad, don’t tell me you’re taking her side. Xavier was your son!”

Tony stepped forward. “I lost my son, Kiara. And it still hurts. But that doesn’t give you the right to punish Hailey for trying to move forward. She’s been through hell. She deserves peace.”

Kiara’s mouth opened, but no words came.

“Back off, Kiara,” he warned. “Or you’ll answer to me.”

She glared at him, then turned to me, eyes burning. “You might all have forgotten him—but I haven’t. You said you’d love him forever. So you’ll honor that—whether you want to or not.”

Then she stormed off, leaving the room in stunned silence.

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