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.

guilty for lying, but I knew

his own stress, too distracted to notice

sit across from him, watching him work. His face was tense, his fingers

me something. Instead, he

in my chest. "Yeah. Just...

lingered on me, 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 his laptop,

wondered

back at the screen. "It's nothing, just work stuff. Some things... they don't add up." His voice

to meet his gaze. "Richard, you know you can

his eyes softening for a moment. But then he shook his head, his defenses going back up. "I know, Sarah. But... this isn't something I want to worry you

a sigh, frustration bubbling up inside me. Here we were, both keeping secrets,

was trying to shield me, just as I was doing the same for him. But instead of bringing us

words between us. "Just... if you need someone to talk

the distance in his eyes

I felt a pang of loneliness. I wanted to tell him about James, about the warning, about the fear gnawing

into the fire to protect me, even if

tight, ready to snap. Richard was lost in

But another part of me was grateful for the space, knowing that it kept him

going over the notes I'd scribbled down from

felt like a puzzle with missing pieces, each hint leading to more questions than answers. I couldn't help but wonder what