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

Chapter 35

Sarah's POV.

The afternoon sun warmed my skin as I stood outside on the lawn, staring at nothing in particular.

My thoughts kept drifting back to Richard. He had married me for his inheritance.

I always wondered why he went through with the marriage when it was clear he didn't love me. But now, I had my answer.

It hurt. It hurt more than I wanted to admit. All those times I hoped he'd see me, really see me, were wasted. I was just a pawn in his game for money.

I took a deep breath and shook my head. I couldn't dwell on this. I needed to focus on what mattered now-my work, my company.

If Richard married me for money, that was his problem, not mine.

My company was my future, and I wasn't going to let it be dragged down by Richard or anyone else.

I had made sure that my business no longer competed directly with his. I wanted success on my terms, not by playing dirty.

I would rise without cheating, without making enemies. That was how I would win.

Just as I was mentally preparing myself to head back inside, I heard the sound of a car pulling up.

I frowned and turned around, and sure enough, there was Wesley, climbing out of his car with a sheepish expression on his face.

My chest tightened. I wasn't in the mood for whatever game he was playing today.

"Sarah," Wesley said, holding up a hand like he was surrendering. "I know you're mad, and you have every right to be."

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "You think?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just thought you deserved to know the truth."

I shook my head. "You didn't tell me out of concern. You did it to mess with Richard."

Wesley's face fell a little, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Okay, maybe that was part of it. But I didn't think it would blow up like this. I didn't think you'd-" "That I'd what?" I cut him off, my voice sharper than I intended. "That I'd be angry? That I'd be hurt?"

Wesley opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, another car pulled up behind his.

My stomach dropped when I saw Richard stepping out, looking almost as surprised as I felt.

"Richard?" I asked, my voice full of disbelief. "How did you even get my address?"

look, as if he had been through a battle just to

"Oh, look, Mr. Big Shot Private Investigator. Did you stalk her or

shot him a glare. "I asked around. Unlike you, Wesley, I don't barge into people's

a hand, trying to stop the bickering before it started. "Enough. Both of you.

the

patience wearing

first, his tone softer than usual. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I really am. I didn't mean for things to go

his throat, looking down at his shoes. "I

raised an eyebrow at him.

nodded, his voice quiet. "For marrying you for

the start, I would have convinced Grandpa to give you without us marrying." "I

lips. "Well, at least he admits it. That's a step,

look, and he immediately dropped the grin. "Sorry," he

of irritation crossing his

hands in surrender. "I'm just saying... it's not often you

my temples. "I'm not here to referee whatever this

They were both standing here, apologizing, but it didn't change the fact that they had both hurt

caught in the middle of

the silence.

made my decision to move on. I'm focusing

of them shift awkwardly

tension between them,

their apologies didn't mean they were ready

for the other to

Wesley started, stepping

way things went down. But you know I've

You're trying to turn

held up his hands defensively. "No, no, that's not what I

course, that's what you meant, Wesley. That's all you ever do.

You're the one who

believe this.

like two children caught fighting in the playground. Richard tried to speak, his voice lower. "Sarah,

try to one-up each other over who cares more or

are. And I'm sick of it. I've been sick of it for years! I'm

this whole back and forth. You both hurt me in your own ways, and I'm not going to let you keep dragging me through this." There was a stunned silence. I could see the guilt

please," Richard said softly, stepping closer. "I know I

said firmly, taking a step back. "This isn't something you can just apologize

get that you're angry, but I'm just trying to fix things. Don't

a look. "Oh, come on. You really think this is about second