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

Chapter 66

Richard's

POV

I'd never been one to feel nervous, not like this. Standing by the window in my apartment, I stared out at the snowy street below, hands tucked deep into my pockets.

The apartment was calm, quiet, but inside, my mind was a whirlwind. Today felt different.

This wasn't just another step forward; this was everything.

For weeks, Sarah and I had been figuring each other out again. We'd laughed, stumbled through awkward moments, and come out closer each time.

I'd seen her smile like she hadn't in years and felt myself growing, too. In the quiet moments, when she'd look at me like she trusted me again, I felt something shift inside, something I wanted to hold on to. And now, I wanted to take that final step-to ask her, to be sure she was in this with me for good.

I'd spent the entire morning pacing, rehearsing what I wanted to say, how I'd bring it up.

I even called Martins, my best friend, for advice. He'd just laughed and said, "Man, just be real. You love her, right? Then show her that." Easy to say, harder to do. But it was good advice.

I looked over at the small table set up near the fireplace. Nothing fancy-just two plates, some candles, and a bottle of red wine.

I wanted tonight to feel like us. Real, simple. No grand gestures, just a quiet, honest proposal.

A light knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I took a breath, forcing myself to stay calm, and went to open it.

There she was, Sarah, wrapped in her coat, her cheeks pink from the cold, and a small smile tugging at her lips.

stepping in. "It's freezing

taking her coat and hanging it up. "Glad you made it through

though really, I was glad she was here. Tonight was important, and I wanted it to go

room, taking in the table and the candles. "What's all this?" she asked, an

said, hoping I didn't sound

I pulled out a chair for her, and we settled in, talking, eating, and laughing about the snow and all the little things we'd done together lately. It felt natural, comfortable, just the way I'd wanted it

we moved to the couch, where the fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over

stop myself from reaching for her hand, feeling the warmth of her

it, or I might never

my voice quiet but steady. She looked up, her

it's something I've been thinking about, something I feel

but not nervous. "Go on," she

build something new together. Not just here, but back in

come with me, to go

slightly, and I saw the surprise

but I kept going, feeling like if I

made mistakes. I know I hurt you, and I can't erase that. But I've learned, and I promise I'll keep

us to be partners, to build something solid and lasting. I love you, Sarah. And if you're willing... I'd like

broken only by

and searching. Her hand tightened around mine, and I could feel emotions

started, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I

feel like we were on the same page, like you truly wanted me in

swallowed, her words hitting me hard. I knew I hadn't always shown her how much she meant to me and hadn't been the partner she'd deserved. But now, I wanted nothing more