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.

it, she glanced away, changing the subject like she always did when things got

a long pause, "I'm not sure if I'll stay much longer. These things always drag on, and I'm

want.

hesitated, and for a moment, I thought she might say no. But then she nodded. "Okay,

***

a quiet little place, tucked away from the busy streets, and settled into

same. It felt like old times

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

us. I wasn't stupid-I knew she could feel it too. But every time I tried to push,

up from her plate, her eyes narrowing slightly.

hesitated, unsure if I should go there. But we'd been dancing around it for too long, and

she sighed, setting it down

hard. "I've been thinking about it too. A

say anything, just waited for

fair to you, Sarah. I know that now. I was... I was selfish. And I regret it. Every

but there was a sadness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. "You hurt me, Richard,"

the weight of her words settle heavily between us. "I know. And I'm

now. "You didn't mean to, but you did it anyway. And for a long time, I blamed myself for that. I thought there was something wrong with

but I couldn't argue with her. She was right. I had done that to her, made her

worst part was, she had always been more than enough. I

expect you to forgive me," I said quietly. "But I want you to know that

off a headache. "I don't know, Richard. It's not that simple. You can't just

that," I said quickly. "I'm not asking for everything to be okay. I'm just... I want to be here for you

then, really looked at me, and for the first time in a

guard, the one she always kept up, was starting to crack. But just as quickly as

go back, Richard," she said softly.

move forward. As friends, if that's all you can give me." A

and for a moment, I thought I saw her wavering. But then

trust you again," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And that scares

before finally resting on it. "I know. And I'll spend as long as it takes