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

Chapter 79

Sarah's

pov.

The evening started with a quiet, tense mood that I was determined to shake off. Richard had been distracted ever since his old associate, James, had shown up out of nowhere with some vague warning. I could see it in his eyes-a darkness, a worry that gnawed at him, even though he tried to hide it behind a calm face. I wanted to pull him out of it, just for a while. "Let's play a game," I blurted out, grinning and hoping he'd get into the spirit.

He looked up, confused. "A game?"

"Yes, a game. Something simple, fun." I grabbed a stack of cards from the living room drawer. "Come on, when was the last time we played anything? Besides, I'm feeling pretty competitive tonight." Richard's mouth quirked into a small smile. "You're challenging me to a game night?"

I leaned in, waggling my eyebrows. "Scared?"

He chuckled, finally giving in. "Alright, bring it on. What are we playing?"

Half an hour later, we were knee-deep in cards and dice, with the coffee table covered in snacks.

I could see his tension melting away, replaced by that playful side of him I loved. I held my breath, ready to roll for my turn, when I noticed him sneaking a look at my cards.

"Hey! No peeking!" I smacked his hand, laughing.

"I was just... assessing my opponent," he said, shrugging innocently.

I rolled my eyes. "Assess all you want. I'm still going to win."

We played round after round, laughing and tossing playful insults back and forth. It felt like we were two teenagers again, just enjoying each other's company, with no one else in the world.

his warning. But every so often, I'd catch Richard glancing toward the door or out the

me," I said softly, reaching

up at me. "Sorry," he muttered,

said, squeezing his hand. "But

gave a small nod, and I could see a bit of the worry fade from his eyes. "Thanks, Sarah. I... I

his hand back, smiling.

and the game night turned into one of those endless nights of laughter. Richard had relaxed completely by now, his laughter filling the room as we wrapped up yet

and happy, watching him like this. The tension from earlier was gone, replaced

making the victory speech?" I teased, stretching and trying to suppress a

putting away the cards. "I'll let you have this one. I don't think I

up, feeling a surge of affection. "Maybe we'll do

you're prepared to lose next time," he shot back, his

seriousness.

my lap. "We'll see about

down and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead. "Thanks, Sarah. For distracting me." "Anytime," I murmured, feeling a flutter

bed, I couldn't sleep, and I found Richard tossing

work. Zoe had been such a darling, she had achieved more than I have her credit

be honest, I've missed Madrid. But my life is

and handsome in

did Rochard look so worried

fallout and nothing else. I finished up with the work

***

drifting back to last

way to the kitchen,