The Billionaire's Widow

59

"Paige, how could you do something so serious without telling your family?" Mom’s voice was filled with worry over the phone. I sighed.

"Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to think it through," I said quietly.

Flashback

After lying in the hospital bed with Hailey and the nurses checking on me, the door suddenly burst open. Amy rushed in, looking terrified.

"Paige! Oh my God, are you okay?" She hurried to my side while Hailey took a seat nearby. I gave Hailey a questioning look.

"She called you while you were unconscious. I told her what happened," Hailey explained with a small smile.

"Paige, why didn’t you tell me?" Amy’s voice was soft but urgent.

"I’m sorry. I made the decision quickly because my only concern was Kiara’s daughter. There wasn’t time to talk to family," I answered.

"So you almost died because of the same Kiara who made your life hard? Paige!" Amy’s eyes filled with tears. "What if I lost you?"

"Amy, don’t say that. I’m alive, and Kiara’s daughter is too. That’s what matters," I said, blinking back tears.

"I was scared when Hailey told me. Mom’s been worried sick too." I froze.

"You told Mom?" Oh no, she’s going to be mad.

"Yes. She said you weren’t answering, so I told her everything," Amy said.

"Is she mad?" I asked nervously.

"What parent wouldn’t be?" Amy sighed. "But she’s mostly just worried. You have to call her." I nodded.

"I will."

Amy’s phone rang. She glanced at it and quickly silenced it.

"I’ll come back after work, okay? I left without telling anyone when I heard you were here." She kissed my forehead.

"Okay, bye."

"Oh, and Jason’s coming after class."

"You told him too?" I asked, surprised.

She rolled her eyes. "Of course." Then she left.

End flashback

"Paige, I know you want to help, but please think about how we feel as your parents. I was so worried." Her voice cracked. "I prayed you’d wake up because your sister said your girlfriend told her you were still unconscious."

I sighed. "I’m sorry, Mom. I won’t do this without telling you again."

"I love you, baby. I don’t think I could ever heal if I lost you."

"I know, Mom. I love you too." Just then, the doctor came in with Hailey. It was later in the day, and I was feeling better.

"Mom, I have to go now."

"Okay, sweetie. I’ll call later to check on you."

"Okay." I hung up.

"Miss Carson," the doctor said, checking my arm, "how are you feeling?"

"Much better. Can I go home?"

He chuckled. "Yes, you’re free to go. Miss Finley already signed your discharge papers."

Jason walked in with my favorite chips. I smiled.

"Thanks," I said.

The doctor checked my injection site for infection. All was fine. After he left, I turned to Jason.

"Took you long enough."

"They don’t have these here, so I had to leave the hospital to find them." I tore the bag open and started eating.

"Babe?" Hailey called.

"Yeah?"

"Kiara and her husband want to talk to you. You’ve been unconscious for hours, so they couldn’t see you, but they’d like to before we go."

Hailey also said they came while I was asleep. Maybe just to say thanks, I thought.

"Sure." I smiled.

"We’re not going to the penthouse, right?" Jason asked.

"No, we’re spending the night at Hailey’s." He nodded. "If you need anything from the penthouse, I can ask Hailey."

"I don’t have class in the morning, so it’s fine."

"Better that way." My phone buzzed.

Amy: Looks like I’ll be late. Austin and I need to visit his mom, then I’ll come check on you.

Me: I’m discharged.
Me: Feeling much better. Don’t worry.

Amy: Are you sure?

Me: Promise.

Amy: I won’t drive to your place and back if you’re not at the hospital.
Amy: Lunch tomorrow on my break?

Me: Spending the night at Hailey’s.
Me: Lunch sounds good, I’ll be working.

Amy: Perfect. See you tomorrow.

I put my phone away and looked at Jason. We talked while waiting for Kiara and her husband. After a while, the door opened. First, her husband—whose name I still didn’t know—then Kiara, and Hailey.

"Hi," her husband greeted before sitting.

"Hey." I cleared my throat. "I hope your daughter is doing okay."

"Much better, thank you," he said. "Thank you, Paige, for everything."

"It’s nothing. I’m just glad she’s okay." Kiara looked up, tears in her eyes.

"Paige, I… I know we didn’t start off well. I want to say I’m sorry. I feel ashamed now. My daughter could have died if I hadn’t stopped being selfish. I’m sorry to both of you. I realize I was unfair, especially to you, Hailey."

She wiped tears away.

For a moment, I was speechless. I hadn’t expected an apology from Kiara.

"If I’m honest, Kiara, I hold no grudge. I understand—you loved your brother and it hurt to see his wife move on. You made mistakes, but it’s the past now.
"You’re forgiven."

My grandmother always said forgiveness helps you heal, not just them. I wanted to let go and move on.

"Thank you," Kiara whispered.

_________________________