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

Chapter 86

Sarah pov.

After that meeting with James, I left feeling like the air was heavier, clinging to me in a way I couldn't shake.

I should've known better than to think I'd get a straight answer from him, but the little he did share was enough to send my mind spinning.

Every word he said hinted at something deeper, something that could hurt Richard, and possibly, both of us.

I knew if Richard found out about this meeting, he'd go into protective mode, trying to shield me from all of it. But this time, I couldn't let him.

As I drove home, my mind kept replaying the conversation. James, calm and cold as ever, hinting at secrets and alliances, all while refusing to tell me anything that actually mattered.

But the way he looked at me, that smug look as he said, "Not everything is as it seems," sent a chill down my spine.

I knew there was more at play here, but what, exactly, I couldn't say. All I knew was that if James wanted something from us, he'd stop at nothing to get it.

The house was dark when I got in. Richard was still up, sitting in his office, tapping away at his laptop, the only light coming from the screen.

He looked up when I walked in, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "You're back late," he said, trying to sound casual, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

"Yeah, just went for a drive," I replied, hoping my tone sounded natural. My heart pounded as I hung up my coat, avoiding his gaze.

knew he'd only worry if he

lately, he'd been too wrapped up in his own stress, too distracted to notice the little things. Part of me was relieved, but

watching him work. His face was tense, his fingers tapping

for a moment, I thought he'd ask me something. Instead, he just offered me a tired smile. "Everything

in my chest. "Yeah. Just... thinking about

but he didn't press. Instead, he rubbed his eyes, looking

only one," he said, sighing. "Feels like I'm just going in circles with all of this." He gestured at

but my heart was pounding. I wondered if he'd tell me what

work stuff. Some things... they don't add up."

forward, trying to meet his gaze. "Richard,

moment. But then he shook his head, his defenses going back up. "I

both keeping secrets, both trying to protect each other, and

doing the same for him. But instead of bringing us closer, it was pushing

I murmured, feeling the weight of the unsaid words between us. "Just... if you need

the distance in his eyes was

I felt a pang of loneliness. I wanted

throw himself into the fire to protect me, even if it meant risking everything he'd worked for. The days that followed felt like a delicate

a string stretched too tight, ready to snap. Richard was lost in his own world, barely noticing

him to see that something was wrong. But another part of me was grateful for the space, knowing that it kept him safe,

I sat in the kitchen, going over the notes I'd scribbled down from my

more questions than answers. I couldn't help but wonder what he had meant by "the network's power." How far