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

Chapter 57

Sarah's POV

Sometimes life throws curveballs at you when you're least expecting it. Like today, for instance. I had just gotten into my car to head over to Richard's place for "the talk"-you know, the kind where you lay all your cards on the table, brace for the awkwardness, and hope to come out without a bruised ego.

But of course, my car wouldn't start.

I tried turning the key again. Nothing. Just a pathetic click.

"Really? You're going to do this to me now?" I muttered, slapping the steering wheel. It wasn't like I was already nervous about seeing Richard again or anything.

After about ten more tries-and a quick but useless prayer to the car gods-I gave up and grabbed my phone.

I wasn't about to walk over there like a stray puppy. So I did what any grown woman would do.

"Hey, Zoe?" I called my assistant. "I'm gonna need a ride. My car just decided to betray me."

There was a pause on the other end before Zoe's voice crackled through, clearly trying not to laugh. "Oh no, not again. You and cars just don't mix, do you?"

I groaned. "Just get over here, please."

When I finally arrived at Richard's house, courtesy of Zoe's overly chipper mood-she wouldn't stop making jokes about how my car was trying to "save me from heartbreak"-I stood outside his door for a good minute, just staring at it. I wasn't ready.

Was I ready?

The door swung open before I had the chance to knock. Richard stood there, looking slightly disheveled but handsome in that effortless way that always annoyed me.

His hair was a little messy, and he had that half-smile on his face like he was amused by something.

day?" he teased, leaning against the doorframe. "Maybe," I shot back. "Keeps

stepping aside to let me in. "Come on

it, I couldn't ignore the knot in my stomach. Richard sat down on the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees,

still standing, my arms crossed like they could shield me from the emotions bubbling up

agreed quietly. "We

hair. "I've thought a lot about what's happened. About

also thought about the mistakes I made... the times I let you down. And I just-" He looked up at me, his eyes soft and full of something I hadn't seen in a long time. "I don't want to hurt you again." I swallowed hard. This was it. The moment I had been dreading, but also hoping for. Richard was giving me an

I want

I know you've really changed? How do I know you won't just...

second, and then he stood up, slowly walking over to where I stood. He didn't

I've learned from my mistakes. I'm not the same guy who messed up before. And I won't pretend to be." I looked at him, really looked at him, trying to

there too, like he was just as afraid of losing me

voice barely above a whisper. "Do we just...

to do with it. I can't change what I did, but I can promise

my hand. His touch was warm, comforting, and suddenly,

continued. "Whatever you decide, I'll respect it. Even if you don't want to give me another chance, I'll understand.

my chest as I looked down at his hand holding mine. His words hung in the air like a challenge, daring me to face the truth I

still

Could I forgive him?

I did know was that standing there with

idea of losing him-again-made my chest ache in a way that no amount of fear could

I could stop myself, I closed the distance between us

I couldn't say were poured into that kiss. For a moment, Richard seemed surprised, but then he kissed me back,

voice

heart racing. "I'm ready to try again," I said, my voice stronger now. "But you better not