Paige’s POV
“I know I should have told you earlier, Dad, but I’m sorry. I just need—”
“Paige, stop apologizing. It’s okay. You’re no longer a little girl. You’re old enough to make your own life decisions. I’m not mad at you for that.”
I sighed in relief. “Thank you, Dad.”
Just then, my apartment door opened. I already knew who it was.
“Dad, Amy’s here. I’ll call you later. Love you.”
“Love you too, honey.”
I hung up just as Amy walked in.
“Hey, sis.” I smiled and hugged her.
“You’re showing already.” I smiled and bent down to kiss the little bump.
“I know, right?” she giggled, sitting down beside me. “You said it was urgent—what’s wrong?”
“I want to tell you something before you find out from the internet. It’s about my girlfriend.”
“Did you say the internet?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh. Okay…” She sat up straighter, focusing.
“I, um—” Her phone pinged. Then again. And again. Maybe four or five times. “You should probably check that.”
She looked at her phone. Her eyes widened. “Oh my goodness! Paige Carson!” she gasped. “You kissed Hailey Anders?!”
“What?” I grabbed her phone. “Shit.” I looked at her, panicking. “This is what I was trying to tell you. Hailey is my girlfriend.”
Amy gasped again. “I can’t believe you weren’t more careful. Kissing her right by a window? Paige!”
“I should’ve known Kiara had people watching.”
“Holy shit. Paige!”
I shrugged. “What?”
“Please tell me I’m dreaming. You and Hailey Anders?!”
I handed her phone back. “You’re not dreaming. Who sent you those pictures?”
“I don’t know if she took them herself, but it was Melanie White. You know, the famous journalist. We’ve met a few times through work.”
I nodded slowly. “If she took those pictures herself, then someone paid her big money.”
“Then I’m sure it was Kiara.”
I immediately called Hailey.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Babe, we’ve got a problem,” I said quickly.
“What is it?”
“Someone took photos of us kissing by your office window today. It was Melanie White.”
“What?! That woman doesn’t know when to quit!”
“You know her?”
“Of course. She’s always in someone’s business. Wouldn’t shock me if Kiara hired her.”
“I think so too.”
“It’s too late to release my statement now,” she sighed.
“Not if Kiara hasn’t said anything yet. I think you should go live on IG—before she does.”
Amy glanced at me, surprised, as another message came through on her phone.
“It’s Melanie again,” she whispered.
“Do I really have to? My vacation offer still stands, you know,” Hailey teased, making me giggle.
“Hailey, be serious for once.”
She laughed. “Fine. But only if you’ve told your family. I’m not going live unless they know.”
“I have. Amy’s with me right now. She’s the one Melanie sent the photos to.”
“Oh. Good. At least they know. I’ll go live. I’ll call you after.”
“Okay.” I hung up and turned to Amy. “What does the message say?”
“She hasn’t sent the photos to the person who hired her yet—because she realized the other woman kissing Hailey is my sister. She figured she’d give me a heads-up first. She says you should tell Hailey to call her ASAP.”
“Aghhh!” I groaned and leaned back. “Why is this happening now?”
“I still can’t believe you’re dating your boss. The Hailey Anders! And to think everyone thought she was straight.”
“You sound like Mom.”
“She knows?!” Amy grabbed me dramatically.
“Stop,” I laughed.
“I can’t believe she didn’t tell me.”
“Well, we were caught up in your wedding—and then your honeymoon.”
She put her phone away. “What do you think Melanie wants from Hailey?”
“To cut a deal. She’s known for uncovering secrets. Before journalism, she was a private investigator.”
“A female PI? Wow.”
“I know, right? Honestly, I think Hailey going live and telling the truth was a smart move. There’s no guarantee Kiara won’t get the photos, even if she pays.”
“You’re right,” I nodded. “Let’s watch her.”
I opened Instagram, and Amy sat next to me, both of us watching the screen.
Hailey’s POV
“I still think you should’ve talked to me before going live,” Brooke said, pacing around my bathroom.
I was taking off the makeup I’d put on for the livestream. I always liked to look polished in public.
“You would’ve talked me out of it.”
“Maybe—but only because this whole thing makes me uncomfortable. You’re about to be the talk of the city. Maybe even the country.” She hit the wall in frustration.
“Ever since Kiara turned my life into hell, I have been the talk of the city. This won’t be new.”
“I just hate it.”
“I know. We all do.” I wiped my face with a towel. “But I have an early morning, so I need to sleep.”
I kissed her cheek and walked to my bed. “Goodnight.”
“Okay,” she sighed, giving me a hug. “Goodnight.”
Paige’s POV
I woke up late. Like, really late.
Then I remembered—I left my phone in the living room last night after Amy left. No wonder my alarm didn’t go off. If Jason hadn’t called me, I’d probably still be asleep.
I threw on clothes, grabbed my bag, keys, and phones, and pressed the button for the lobby. I would’ve gone straight to the garage, but Jason said Ron needed to see me first about new building security updates. Amy said it only takes two minutes.
I glanced at my watch. I still had a few minutes before I’d officially be late. I could skip breakfast or have it delivered to AC.
The elevator doors opened—and my blood ran cold.
A mob of reporters stood there, cameras flashing, all of them shouting my name at once.
“Miss Paige! What do you have to say about Hailey Anders’ video last night?”
“I don’t have time for this. Excuse me.” I pushed through them, heart racing, heading straight for Ron.
_____________________
Thank you so much to everyone who is voting and adding my story to their reading list. Thank for even reading. I love y'all😘
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The Billionaire's Widow
RomantikHailey 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...
