The Billionaire's Widow

49

Paige's POV

"Paige, that's huge!" Amy's eyes widened.

I nodded slowly. "I know... but I still have my current job. How do I even tell Hailey I want to quit?"

"Do you really want to quit?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer. I'd been sitting with this for a while.

"If you asked me a month ago, I would've said no without a second thought. I love my job, Amy. I love being around Hailey-she's my girlfriend and my boss. But since Kiara started making my life miserable, I've started questioning everything, including whether I belong at AC anymore."

Amy nodded quietly, listening.

"My whole life feels different now. My colleagues whisper and stare like I'm the office scandal. I thought once everything came out, things would go back to normal. But it hasn't-it's just gotten harder." I let out a breath. "They're nosy, judgmental... and honestly, it's exhausting."

"I can imagine."

"I've thought this through, Amy. I made a list of pros and cons. If I take this new offer, I get to move-closer to Jason's school, into a luxury neighborhood where I'll have space to breathe. No gossiping neighbors or people with cameras lurking around. Peace. Privacy."

"Luxury neighbors mind their own business," she smirked knowingly.

"Exactly. And the offer itself?" I paused for effect. "They're not just offering me a manager role, Amy. They want me as their Director of Operations. At one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the country."

Amy's mouth dropped open. "Wait, what?!"

"It's true," I smiled. "I'd be leading a full team, running operations, answering only to the CEO. And the package? A penthouse, luxury car, travel benefits, elite memberships... and a salary of $550,000 a year."

Amy nearly choked. "Paige! That's almost double what you make now."

"I know. It's more than I ever dreamed of. But honestly? One of the biggest reasons I'm even considering this is Hailey."

"Hailey?" she blinked. "How so?"

"Amy, since we've been together, I haven't even been able to take her out properly. The places I can afford aren't what she's used to. She doesn't mind, I know that. But I want to spoil her too. I want to book us a five-star getaway, take her to a rooftop dinner, surprise her like she surprises me."

Amy softened. "And with this job... you can."

"Exactly." I smiled sadly. "She deserves that. We both do. We've been through hell these past few weeks."

"So what's the con?"

I looked down. "Hailey. She's the only con. I'm scared she'll feel like I'm running away. That I'm abandoning her... or us. And that fear? It's enough to make me hesitate."

Amy reached for my hand. "That's tough, sis. I can't lie. But it sounds like this opportunity could change everything for you."

"I only have until Sunday to decide."

"Wait... why are they offering you this now? Didn't you apply months ago?"

I laughed. "Amy, come on. I'm the most talked-about woman in the country right now. Hiring me? That's free publicity. And you've always said my CV was impressive."

She groaned, "Ugh, smart ass."

I grinned. "Shut up."

She chuckled. "Well, they're smart to want you. Even after the spotlight fades, you're brilliant. They'd be lucky to have you."

"You think so?"

"I know so. But Paige... this is your life. You have to do what makes you happy. You've always trusted your gut, and it's never failed you."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest. "You're right. I just need to trust myself."

"And whatever you choose... I'm behind you, always."

"Thank you, Amy."

"You don't have to thank me, little sis. That's what I'm here for."

Hailey's POV

"Camilla, stop running with your eyes closed! You're going to fall!" I called from the couch.

She just giggled and kept darting around the house.

The front door opened and closed.

"Let her play a little," Brooke said beside me.

I sighed. "I don't mind her playing, Brooke, but she's going to get hurt."

"Cammy!" a familiar voice called.

Camilla gasped. "Paige!"

I smiled at the sound of her excitement.

"Is that really Paige?" Brooke asked beside me.

"Yeah," I nodded. "She's spending the night. We're both off tomorrow."

"You haven't visited in forever," Cammy said with a pout. "Don't you like us anymore?"

"Oh no, sweetheart. I love you and Gray more than anything. Where is he, anyway?"

"Sleeping upstairs."

"It's late, missy," Paige said playfully. "Why are you still up?"

Cammy giggled, and I could already tell Paige was tickling her.

"You're such a bad girl for staying up!" she teased.

"Stop! No tickling!" Cammy squealed, laughing uncontrollably.

Brooke smiled. "She's so good with your kids."

"It makes me love her even more," I whispered.

Then Paige's voice rose again. "Guess what, Cammy?"

"You brought brownies?"

We both laughed quietly as Paige chuckled.

"Nope-but we'll make some tomorrow morning. I'm here for the whole weekend!"

"YAY!" Cammy squealed. "I have sooo many toys to show you!"

"We'll play with them tomorrow, okay? Right now, I need to find your mommy."

"She's with Aunty Brooke."

Seconds later, I heard the click of her heels and the soft patter of slippers. Cammy came skipping in.

"Mommy! Paige is here!"

I smiled up at her just as Paige walked in behind her. She looked tired but happy.

"Hi, Brooke," she said warmly.

"Hey, Paige. How are you doing?"

Paige sat beside me, Cammy climbing into her lap like she never wanted to let go. Paige leaned over and kissed me gently.

"I'm good. Thanks for asking."

"Hey," I whispered.

She grinned. "Hey."

Brooke stood. "I'll leave you two alone. Come on, Cammy, let's go to bed."

"But I want to stay with Paige..."

"It's okay," Paige said softly. "I'll put her to bed in a little while."

"Yes!" Cammy beamed, snuggling against her.

"Okay then. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Paige and I said in unison.

"Goodnight, Aunty Brooke!" Cammy called out.

As Brooke left, I noticed Paige's eyes lingering on my silk pyjama set. She leaned closer to whisper in my ear.

"You look so sexy in that."

I giggled, nudging her playfully. "Stop... Cammy's right here."

She laughed, low and warm, and I couldn't help but smile.

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