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

Chapter 73

RICHARD POV.

I pulled her close, letting her rest her head on my shoulder. "I'm not letting her ruin what we have," I said firmly.

Sarah lifted her head, her eyes meeting mine. "Neither am I. We've been through too much to let her-or anyone-come between us."

I kissed her forehead gently. "Exactly. This is our life now, and no one gets to dictate how we live it."

She smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "I like the sound of that."

"Well," she said, breaking the silence and tapping her fingers on the side of her leg, "I think this calls for a drink, don't you?"

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "Perfect idea."

We made our way into the kitchen, and I pulled out a bottle of champagne that I'd kept stashed away for a special moment.

This felt like just the right time. I poured us each a glass, and as I handed hers over, I could see the sparkle in her eyes that reminded me of why I'd fallen for her in the first place.

"To new beginnings," I said, raising my glass.

She raised hers too, clinking it lightly against mine. "To not letting anyone get in our way."

We took a sip, and she leaned back against the counter, looking more at ease than I'd seen her in a long time.

back beside her, "after all we've been through, I don't think anyone could get between us now." I

new plan, thinking she can throw us off. But honestly,

I lifted my glass again, but this time I held it out toward her. "Here's to

a grin, and we both drank to that. But as I watched her, I felt the gravity of the

the past-it was about building a future with her, one that wasn't tainted by old mistakes

wanted us to start fresh,

for her hand.

me, her expression shifting to something

want you to hear it again... I'm all in. No more doubts. I don't want anything else but you, here, now, and every day after that." I squeezed her hand. "I'm ready to make a real life

across her face, and I could see that my words had touched her. She didn't say anything at first, just wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight

warmth of her embrace, the steadiness of her

that reminded me why I was willing to fight for us, to

Richard," she whispered against my shoulder. "And I'm all

her eyes. "You have no idea how much

her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I

in the quiet of the kitchen, wrapped in the comfort of each other, until the shrill ring

I reached for it on the counter, already knowing who it was before I even looked

asked, a knowing look

muttered, my tone tinged with frustration.

a reassuring pat on the arm. "Take your time. I'll be

the usual business-related issue, something about a deal needing my immediate attention. I handled it as quickly as I could,

she was seated at the island, her fingers tapping absently on her glass. She looked up as I entered, offering a

"Everything okay?" she asked.