The Reluctant Billionaire The Hudson Brothers Series 1

I stared at the empty side of the bed, feeling a pang of loneliness. It had been three years since I lost my wife, Laura, in a car accident. She was the love of my life, the mother of my two kids, and the only woman who ever understood me. I missed her every day, but I had to be strong for our children, Lily and Leo. They were the reason I got up every morning and went to work at Harvard Industries, the family business that I ran with my brothers.

My brothers, Jones, Davidson, and Derickson, were all billionaires like me, but they had very different lifestyles. They were notorious playboys, always chasing after models, actresses, and socialites. They never settled down, never committed, never loved. They thought I was crazy for marrying Laura, but I didn't care. She was the one for me, and I knew it from the moment I saw her.

But now she was gone, and I was alone. I had no interest in dating or hooking up with anyone. I didn't think I could ever love again. The only woman in my life was Mary, our housekeeper and nanny. She had been with us for over a decade, and she was like family to us. She took care of the kids, the house, and me. She was always there for us, but she had her own life too. She had a husband, a daughter, and a grandson. She couldn't be with us forever.

"Jayden, breakfast is ready," Mary called from downstairs.

I got out of bed and put on a robe. I walked to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I was 35 years old, but I felt older. I had dark hair, blue eyes, and a strong jaw. I was tall, muscular, and handsome. I knew I could have any woman I wanted, but I didn't want any. I wanted Laura.

I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I headed downstairs and saw Lily and Leo sitting at the kitchen table. They looked so much like their mother, with her blonde hair and green eyes. They were both smart, sweet, and adorable. They were my pride and joy.

"Good morning, daddy," Lily said. She was seven years old, and the spitting image of Laura.

"Good morning, princess," I said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Good morning, dad," Leo said. He was five years old, and a mini version of me.

"Good morning, buddy," I said, ruffling his hair.

I sat down and Mary served me a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast. She was a middle-aged woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a simple dress and an apron. She smiled at me and said, "Good morning, Mr. Harvard. How did you sleep?"

"Not very well, Mary. You know how it is," I said.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Harvard. I wish I could do something to make you feel better," she said.

"You do enough, Mary. You're a blessing to us," I said.

She blushed and said, "Thank you, Mr. Harvard. You're too kind."

We ate our breakfast and chatted about our plans for the day. Lily and Leo had school, I had a meeting with my brothers, and Mary had to go to the doctor. She had been feeling unwell lately, and I was worried about her.

"Mary, are you sure you're okay?" I asked.

"I'm fine, Mr. Harvard. It's nothing serious. Just a check-up," she said.

"Are you sure? Do you need me to drive you?" I asked.

"No, no, Mr. Harvard. I can drive myself. Don't worry about me. You have enough on your plate," she said.

"Mary, you're not a burden to me. You're part of the family. If you need anything, just let me know," I said.

"Thank you, Mr. Harvard. You're very sweet. But I'm fine, really. I'll be back before you know it," she said.

She finished her coffee and got up. She cleared the table and said, "I'll be going now. Have a good day, everyone."

She kissed Lily and Leo on the forehead and said, "Be good, kids. I love you."

She hugged me and said, "Take care, Mr. Harvard. I'll see you later."

She grabbed her purse and coat and left. I watched her go, feeling a twinge of anxiety. I hoped she was telling the truth, and that there was nothing wrong with her. I needed her, more than she knew.