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?"

gave me a tired look, as if he had been through a battle just to get

look, Mr. Big Shot Private Investigator.

"I asked around. Unlike you, Wesley,

bickering before it started. "Enough. Both of

stood there awkwardly, shuffling their feet like two boys caught in the principal's office. For a second, I almost

I asked, my patience wearing thin. "What do you both want from

I really am. I didn't mean for things to go this

down at his shoes. "I

raised an eyebrow at

voice quiet. "For marrying you

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

glanced at Richard, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Well, at least he admits it. That's a step,

a look, and he immediately dropped the

at Wesley, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "You

I don't," Wesley said quickly, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm just saying... it's not often you admit when

here to referee whatever

They were both standing here, apologizing, but it didn't change the fact

of being caught in the middle of their

finally breaking the silence. "I'm done. I'm done being

I've made my decision to move on. I'm focusing on my company and

watching both of them shift

strange tension between them, one I

wanted to admit it, but their apologies didn't mean

waiting for the other

Sarah," Wesley started, stepping

sorry about the way things went down. But you know I've always had your back. Richard...

Wesley? You're trying to turn this into

defensively. "No, no,

him, taking a step forward. "Of course, that's what you meant, Wesley. That's all you ever

you're any better? You're the one who married her for

me. "I can't believe this. Are you both seriously doing this right now? Here?

caught fighting in the playground.

to stand here while you two try to one-up each other over who cares more or who's sorry. This

I cut him off, feeling the heat rising in my chest. "You both are. And I'm sick of it. I've been sick of it for years! I'm not some trophy to be fought over in your little rivalry." Richard opened his mouth to say something, but I

done!" I yelled, throwing my hands up. "I'm done with 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

stepping closer. "I know

step back. "This isn't something you can

angry, but I'm just trying to fix things. Don't I deserve a second

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