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.

lying, but I knew

screen. Normally, he'd press me with questions, but lately, he'd been too wrapped up in his own stress, too distracted to notice the little things. Part of me was relieved, but another part of me longed for him

across from him, watching him work. His face was tense,

he'd ask me something. Instead,

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

lingered on me, but he didn't press. Instead,

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

to sound casual, but my heart was pounding. I wondered if he'd tell me what was weighing on him,

work stuff. Some things... they don't

meet his gaze. "Richard, you know you can tell me anything,

at me, 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

were, both keeping secrets, both trying to protect each other, and yet, it was like we were

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

unsaid words between us.

in his eyes was still there.

wanted to tell him about James, about the warning,

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

could feel the tension building, like a string stretched too tight, ready to snap. Richard was lost in his own world, barely

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

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

missing pieces, each hint leading to more questions than answers. I couldn't help but wonder what he had meant by "the network's power." How far did it go? And how much did Richard