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

Chapter 47

Richard's

pov.

It had started out simple, really. Just a couple of dinners here and there, an event or two where we both had to be for work.

Casual, nothing heavy. Sarah had made it clear, so many times, that we were just friends. I was just as tired as you are, but you know Sarah; she kept singing it anytime we were getting close. And I kept telling myself that I was fine with that. But the more time we spent together, the harder it became to ignore the growing connection between us.

We'd slip into these easy conversations, like we'd never been apart. I'd watch her laugh, really laugh, and I couldn't help but feel this warmth inside me.

It was a laugh I hadn't heard in years, and it was always genuine when we were alone. And yet, every time things got too comfortable, I'd see her pull back.

It was like there was a wall between us, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get past it.

One night, we were out at this industry event, surrounded by people we knew but didn't really care about.

Sarah was standing by the bar, looking effortlessly beautiful in a way that made my chest ache.

She always did that-just existing like she wasn't the most captivating person in the room. I made my way over, hoping to steal a moment away from the noise. "Need a refill?" I asked, gesturing to her empty glass.

She smiled softly. "Yeah, why not? But nothing too strong. I have meetings tomorrow."

I nodded and signaled the bartender. As we stood there, shoulder to shoulder, I couldn't help but feel how natural it was.

Like we were supposed to be doing this, sharing drinks, stealing quiet moments. It was easy, and that scared me. Because the easier it felt, the harder it was to pretend that I didn't want more. "So," she said, turning slightly to face me, "how's everything going with the new investments?"

"Good, actually. Thanks to you." I smiled at her, but she just shook her head.

"Don't put that on me, Richard. You've been doing the work."

"Maybe," I said, handing her the drink, "but you've been there. I haven't done this alone."

She looked at me, her expression softening. There it was again-that flicker of something more.

away, changing the subject

she said after a long pause, "I'm not sure if I'll stay much longer. These things

"We could leave now, if you want. Grab a late dinner, something casual.

thought she might say no.

***

Sarah. We found a quiet little place, tucked

did the same. It felt like

work, about life, about things that didn't really matter. But underneath it all,

it too. But every time I tried to push, even

her plate, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Think about

been dancing around it for too long, and I couldn't keep pretending everything was fine. "About

wasn't going to answer. But then she sighed, setting it

"I've been thinking about

didn't say anything, just waited for

Sarah. I know that now. I was...

been there before. "You hurt me, Richard,"

heavily between us. "I know. And I'm sorry. I

time, I blamed myself for that. I thought there was something wrong with me, something I wasn't doing right. But it wasn't

words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I couldn't argue with her.

was, she had always been more than enough. I

want you to know that I've changed. Losing you made me realize just how much I screwed

ward off a headache. "I don't know, Richard. It's not

I said quickly. "I'm not asking for everything to be okay. I'm just... I

me, and for the first time

to crack. But just as quickly as

go back, Richard," she said

said, leaning forward. "I'm asking to move forward. As friends, if that's

thought I saw her wavering.

don't know if I can trust you again," she admitted, her voice barely above a

table, my hand hovering over hers before finally resting on it. "I know. And I'll spend as