Kimberly’s POV
I made my way to Logan’s room later that evening, after work. I needed answers. I knocked first, because Logan was one of those people—“Always knock before you enter”—and I knew better than to ignore his rules.
“It’s open,” he called.
I stepped in.
“Oh, Kimberly. What a pleasure to see you,” he said with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. “Logan, why did you hire Paige?”
He sighed and stood slowly. “Do we always have to argue before we talk like normal people?”
“Couldn’t you have hired anyone else? Why her?” I folded my arms, glaring.
He walked closer. I instinctively stepped back.
“And why not Miss Carson?” he asked in a low, taunting tone. “Does she still make your heart race?”
I stiffened. “You know I left her.”
He let out a mocking chuckle. “Then why are you so upset? Scared you’ll end up back in her apartment like you did a few months ago?”
My breath caught. My eyes widened. “W–what are you talking about?”
He tilted his head. “You know what I’m talking about.”
I forced myself to stand tall. “Clearly you won’t tell me the truth, so I’ll go.”
I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm—hard.
“Logan,” I hissed, trying to pull away. “You’re hurting me.”
His grip tightened. “You don’t walk out on me, Kimberly.”
“I said you’re hurting me,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.
“You say you’re sorry every other day, but nothing ever changes,” he growled. “Do I need to demote you to cleaning toilets for you to take me seriously?”
Tears welled up in my eyes. “Please, let go.”
“Elaine already complained about you. One more time, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”
I yanked my arm free as soon as he loosened his grip and held it close, silently crying.
“And you think this is fair?” I said, voice trembling. “You think this is okay?”
“You’re not leaving,” he said flatly. “You’ll work until I say you're done. And if you act out again, you’ll do it unpaid. I’ll cut your allowance too.”
“You bastard!” I shouted, tears streaming. “I hate you!”
He smirked. “I know.”
My breathing turned shallow. “You don’t own me.”
“You keep telling yourself that,” he said. “But deep down, you know you belong to me. Behave, and maybe I’ll let you quit that pathetic job. Maybe even move back in.”
“NEVER!” I screamed and ran out of his room.
Paige’s POV
I woke up in the middle of the night to my phone vibrating. I picked it up and saw an unknown number. I rolled my eyes, tossed it aside, and turned on Do Not Disturb.
In the morning, I saw the message:
I’m sorry. I just needed someone to talk to. Hope I didn’t wake you.
Sorry… forgot we’re not together anymore.
I sighed deeply. “Kim.”
Why couldn’t she just let go?
Was she okay? No. Don’t go there. She’s done this before. Manipulative. Calculated. This is just another trap.
“Come in,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Kim walked in. She looked like hell. Eyes puffy. Hair unkempt. She sat down without saying a word.
“I don’t even know where to start,” she said with a dry laugh.
“If this is about last night, I’m not interested,” I said bluntly. “You don’t get to dump emotional baggage on me when you’re drunk.”
“It’s the only time I can say what I actually feel.”
“Kim, you’re single. There are other women out there. Why not find someone new and leave me alone? I’ve moved on. I’m in love with someone else.”
She let out a humorless laugh. “You wouldn’t understand, Paige.”
“Try me.”
She looked down. “Maybe I just needed to hear your voice.”
I sighed. “How did you even get my number?”
She smirked. “Your CV, Paige. Everything’s on there.”
I shut my eyes and took a breath. “You know, it’s sad. I used to love you. But now… I barely recognize you. Or maybe I never knew you at all.”
“Still worried about me?” she asked, tilting her head. “Does Hailey know about that?”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“Get back to work, Kim,” I said firmly.
“Yes, ma’am,” she said with a sarcastic salute. Her tone was light, but I could feel the pain behind it. She stood to leave, and for a moment, it felt surreal—me giving her orders, knowing she’s older than me. Things really had changed.
Hailey’s POV
I walked into the hotel carrying lunch for Paige and me. The receptionist kindly pointed me toward her office.
“Mrs. Anders—oh, sorry, Miss Finley!” someone called.
I turned.
It was her.
“Kimberly,” I said, recognizing her face.
“Yep. We met at your company,” she smiled.
“Right… Paige’s ex.”
She smiled faintly.
“Well, it’s nice seeing you again, Kimberly. But I’m late for lunch with my girlfriend.”
I started to walk away.
“You must really love Paige,” she said behind me.
I paused, turned around.
“I do. She’s an incredible woman.”
Kim’s lips curved into a wicked smile. “Yet she left you… to come work with me.”
My heart clenched.
“Enjoy your lunch, Hailey,” she said with a mocking grin and walked off.
I stormed toward Paige’s office, her words echoing in my head. She left you to be with her ex.
I burst in, slamming the door behind me.
“Well, that’s dramatic,” Paige said, rising from her chair. “What happened?”
But I couldn’t speak.
Because suddenly… I wasn’t so sure anymore.
_________________________
YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Widow
RomanceHailey 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...
