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 he'd only worry if he knew the

press me with questions, but lately, he'd been too wrapped up in his own stress, too

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

for a moment, I thought he'd ask me something. Instead,

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

he didn't press. Instead, he rubbed

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

wondered if he'd tell

at the screen. "It's nothing, just work stuff. Some things... they don't add up." His voice trailed off, and I saw

leaned forward, trying to meet his gaze. "Richard, you

back up. "I know, Sarah. But... this isn't something I

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

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

words between us. "Just... if

but the distance in his eyes was still

of loneliness. I wanted to tell him about James,

time I opened my mouth, I stopped myself. I knew Richard well enough to know that if he knew about James, he'd 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 balancing act. I tried to

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

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

in the kitchen, going over the notes I'd

than answers. I couldn't help but wonder what he had meant by "the