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?"

he had been through a battle just to get here. "I have my

snorting at that. "Oh, look, Mr. Big Shot Private Investigator. Did you stalk

shot him a glare. "I asked around. Unlike you,

hand, trying to stop the bickering before it started. "Enough. Both of you. I can't believe this is happening right

feet like two boys caught in the principal's office. For a second, I almost laughed at the absurdity of

here?" I asked, my patience wearing thin. "What do you

spoke first, his tone softer than usual. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I really am.

his throat, looking down at his shoes. "I came to

raised an eyebrow at

quiet. "For

didn't let it show. "You should have told me the truth from the start, I would have convinced Grandpa to give you without us marrying." "I know," Richard

his lips. "Well, at least he

Wesley a look, and he immediately dropped the grin.

a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

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

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

standing here, apologizing, but it didn't change the fact that

being caught in

silence. "I'm done.

made mistakes. I've made my decision to move on. I'm focusing on my company and my life. You two need to figure out your own

of

them, one I knew all too

their apologies didn't mean they were

the other to say or do

Wesley started, stepping

I've always had your back. Richard...

Wesley? You're trying to turn this into a

his hands defensively. "No, no, that's not

step forward. "Of course, that's what you meant, Wesley. That's all you ever do. Twist things to make yourself look

snorted. "Please, like you're any better? You're the one who married

the frustration boiling inside me. "I can't believe this. Are you both

two children caught fighting in the playground.

my patience snapping. "I'm not doing this! I am not going to stand here while you two try to one-up each other

off, feeling the heat rising in my chest. "You both are. And I'm sick of it. I've been sick of it for

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 on both their faces,

softly, stepping closer. "I know I made mistakes, but

step back. "This isn't something you

I'm just trying to fix things. Don't I deserve a second chance? At

on. You really