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

Chapter 55

Sarah's

POV.

You know when Zoe handed me my coffee with a smirk? I instantly knew something was up.

Usually, she would just plop it on my desk without a word. But today? Oh no, she had that mischievous glint in her eyes that usually meant trouble. "Okay, what did you do?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

Zoe feigned innocence, her hands raised. "Who, me? I just thought you might want a little extra sugar in your life today."

She gave me a wink and strutted off before I could say anything else.

I took a sip. Ugh. She'd put way too much sugar in it. But before I could complain, my phone buzzed. Another message. From Richard.

I hadn't replied to him since our blowout. In fact, I was trying my best not to think about him at all.

Easier said than done, though. My mind was a tangled mess, and no amount of sweet coffee was going to fix it.

"Hey," Zoe popped her head back in, leaning on the doorframe, "you look like a kicked puppy."

"Thanks for that," I muttered.

"You want to talk about it? Or do you want to sit there in silence, staring at your phone, hoping it'll give you answers?" Zoe raised her eyebrows.

I sighed. There was no escaping her, and maybe, just maybe, I did need

someone to talk to.

"Richard," I said simply, not bothering to explain the rest. She already knew enough about my chaotic love life.

"Ah, the infamous Richard," she said, walking in and sitting on the chair opposite me. "Okay, spill. What's he done this time?"

"He hasn't done anything... not recently anyway," I admitted.

"It's just-every time I think maybe things could be different, that maybe he's changed, something happens. And it all comes crashing down. Like, I want to trust him, Zoe, but I can't shake the past." Zoe crossed her arms, studying me for a moment. "Is it Richard you don't trust, or is it the fear of getting hurt again?"

moment, heavier than I expected. "I mean... it's both, I guess.

he's also trying now, isn't he? You've said that much," Zoe pointed

all some game, and I

you're running away because you're scared? Scared of being vulnerable, of opening up, of giving

what she was saying. Was it really that? Was I just too afraid to let

I could answer, Zoe added, "I mean, Sarah, look-if you think

there's even a part of you that thinks maybe, just maybe, he's being real this time, don't run before you've given it a chance. Don't let fear make

protecting

took a deep breath. Maybe she was right.

Richard's POV

at his phone, waiting for the video call to connect. The spinning circle

thoughts were already spiraling, and the last thing I needed was more

I muttered

Martin's face appeared,

lounging on his couch, looking like he'd just

up?" Martin asked,

hand through my hair. I hadn't shaved in days, and the exhaustion was visible on my

she's pulling away again. And this time, I think it's

time we talked, you were all high on that kiss, and

I haven't changed,

hand. "Don't go digging your own grave just yet. You've put in the work, haven't you? You're not the same

problem," I said, exasperated. "I don't think she'll ever see it. She's holding onto the past, and I don't blame her. I was awful to her, Martins. I can't

Don't let one fight send you spiraling into 'I'm a bad guy' mode. You've changed, Richard. I know

can't force her to trust you. You can't make her forget the past. All you can do is be there, prove to her with every action that you're

what if it's

until then, don't give up. The old Richard would've walked away by now. You're not that guy

back in my chair, mulling over his words. Maybe he was right. Maybe I

Sarah of that... that was going

Sarah's POV

staring at the wall. Zoe's words echoed in my mind-"Don't

wrong, but what if protecting myself meant

that he would hurt me again, that I was being naïve

in work to avoid thinking about it, my phone buzzed. Another message, but not from Richard this

him in a while, not since he bought