The Billionaire's Widow

77

Kim's POV

"Dad!!" I called out as I closed the door behind me, shivering from the biting cold. Damn, it's freezing here. I walked into the living room, dragging my bags with me. "Dad?! Stephanie?!"

The house smelled like turkey and cinnamon - comforting, familiar scents that tugged at my heart. I made my way to the kitchen, drawn in by the aroma. But no one was there.

I walked to the back door, and there he was.

Dad stood at the sink, humming some song with his AirPods in, completely in his zone. I giggled quietly as I watched him sway his hips to the rhythm, trying to dance - or something like it. He turned around with a bowl in his hand, and when his eyes landed on me, he froze. The bowl slipped from his hands and hit the floor with a loud thud. Thankfully, it was plastic.

"Kimberly..." he whispered, almost like he couldn't believe his eyes.

"Hey, Dad," I said softly, walking toward him.

He opened his arms and pulled me into a warm, trembling hug.

"You came back to me," he murmured, tears in his eyes.

"I came back home," I replied, holding him tightly for a second before pulling back. "How are you?"

"I'm good... for an old man," he said with a chuckle, making me giggle as I sat down. "How are you doing, honey? Who did you come with?"

"He's not here." I exhaled deeply. "Where is everyone?"

"They went out shopping. You just missed them."

I nodded.

"You hungry? Stephanie made something earlier."

"I'm not, but I'll eat. I've missed her food."

He grabbed a plate, but I stood and gently took it from him. "I know my way to the pots, Dad."

We didn't talk for a moment as I dished my food. But I could feel his eyes on me.

"You can talk, you know. I'm not mad at you," I said as I sat down again. "I let that go a long time ago."

"You should be mad. I mean-what kind of father lets his daughter marry the devil just to save himself?"

I stabbed at a piece of turkey.

"It's been three years, Dad. Relax. I'm just happy I'm finally close to being free from that man."

"Close?" He frowned. "You two are still married?"

"If you had bothered to check on me after I left, you would know."

He looked down, guilty.

"We're divorcing soon. He finally let me go."

"But why now?"

I sighed. "Can't you just be happy I'm back instead of worrying about Logan's reasons for anything?"

"Of course I'm happy. I'm just... worried. Logan is unpredictable. Dangerous."

"You don't have to worry about me."

Before he could answer, a familiar voice called from the hallway.

"Kimberly?! Oh my God! MOM! Kimberly's back!"

I laughed as Laura practically ran into the kitchen and threw her arms around me.

"Hey, you," I said.

Stephanie came in next, eyes wide. "Kimberly," she said warmly, pulling me into a motherly hug. "Where have you been?"