Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 25

Richard's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the city lights outside the window. The penthouse was too quiet, too cold.

Susan had left hours ago, angry at me for not going to her stupid party. I couldn't focus on her anymore.

All I could think about was Sarah.

I don't know when it started, this gnawing feeling in my gut.

Maybe it was when I saw her in the news a few weeks ago, sitting next to Wesley. Smiling. Confidence. Happy.

And that's what twisted me up inside. Happy. Without me.

I shook my head, trying to push it away, but the thoughts kept coming back.

I thought being with Susan was the right thing. I thought she would fit into my life better, that she wouldn't ask for too much. But now, sitting here alone, it hit me like a slap in the face.

I had made the biggest mistake of my life.

I sighed and reached for my phone on the nightstand. My thumb hovered over Sarah's name in the contacts.

I hadn't deleted it yet, even after the divorce. Maybe I didn't think of it much. Maybe I hadn't cared.

I hit the call button. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt my mouth go dry as the phone rang once, twice. Then, a robotic voice cut through. 'The number you have dialed is no longer in service.'

Gone. Just like that.

I slammed the phone down, my hand shaking. "Damn it, Sarah."

Well. What was I thinking? Of course, it only made sense that she changed her sim. New life. New contacts.

How had I missed it? Why didn't I see it earlier? Well, I was either blind or pretended not to notice.

Everyone liked her more than Susan. And when they saw me with Susan, it felt as if they were pitying me-including my best friend.

Martin's words still echoed in my ear. 'Maybe they're right, Richard! You think hundreds of people are all wrong? You think it's just rumors?'

I ruffled my hair in frustration. Were they right? Was I wrong?

I was still sitting there, lost in my thoughts when I heard the door to the bedroom swing open.

heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

dress was tight, her makeup perfect. But

hips. "You didn't even bother to show up

People are asking

rubbing my temple. I didn't have the energy for this. Not tonight. "Susan, not

onto the bed. "That's all you ever say! You're

about us anymore?

I stood up slowly, trying to

say, Susan? That I'm sorry for not

you showing off

me at all!" she shot

always lost in your head! And don't think I don't notice when you look at me like-like you're

away, feeling my chest tighten. I didn't want to have this fight. Not now, not ever. "Susan,

"I know what's going on. It is Sarah

little world. I bet you regret letting her go, huh? I bet you wish she was

around to face her, my voice

She didn't understand this life-our life. She was weak, Richard.

a damn thing about her, Susan.

deep breath, my heart racing. "I should

that a

at me like I had just

quieter now, but still sharp. "So, that's it, then? You

how to answer that.

was clear, but saying it out loud felt like

don't know," I whispered.

first time, I saw real hurt there. "You're unbelievable," she spat, grabbing her bag and

guess what, Richard?

slammed behind her,

heavy blanket. I sank

didn't chase after her. I couldn't. Because deep down, I knew she was

now, I was losing everything

me, useless. I stared at it, hoping

that she'd forgive me, that everything would go back to the way it

was gone. And maybe, just maybe, I had lost the only

***

lights were dim, the music loud, and the

kind with leather seats that stick

my throat. I wasn't here

back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the stage. A group of girls danced, their bodies moving in sync with the beat. He smirked, his eyes glistening as he turned