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

Chapter 102

Sarah

pov.

I wasn't sure what to expect when Richard suggested a hike. Hiking wasn't really my thing; I usually liked my exercise in a nice, controlled environment-like a gym or a quick run.

But seeing his excitement, I couldn't resist. There was something about Hawaii that made me feel open to anything, like there was no room for complaints or doubts here. So, I laced up my shoes, determined to give it a shot.

"Ready?" he asked, flashing me that grin that always made my heart skip a beat.

I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but inside, I was as excited as he was. "Lead the way, mountain man."

As we started up the trail, the forest around us was lush and alive, thick with towering trees and the scent of wet earth.

Birds chirped somewhere above us, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, making the path ahead look like something out of a storybook.

I glanced over at Richard, wondering if he felt the same thrill, that quiet amazement that made you want to just... be still and take it all in.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said, as if he could read my mind.

I nodded. "I've never seen anything like it. Everything feels... I don't know, like it's alive in a way I've never noticed before."

"Yeah," he said, smiling down at me. "Nature's got a way of doing that."

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, just soaking up the peace around us.

Every so often, I'd feel his hand brush against mine, and each time, it sent a small thrill up my spine. It felt good to be close to him like this, without a care in the world.

Eventually, we reached a small clearing, where we could see the ocean far below, a stretch of blue that seemed to go on forever. I leaned against a tree, catching my breath and taking in the view. "Reminds me of home, in a way," he said, his voice quiet.

"Home?" I asked, curious.

"Yeah," he replied. "Well, not exactly like this, but Grandpa lived near the water, so it's kind of... comforting, I guess."

I smiled, imagining a younger Richard, maybe running along the shore or watching the waves like he was now.

when you were younger." I said, turning to face

it wasn't until middle school before our fathers became friends and we knew each

to be honest.

trying to picture it. "I can't imagine

trust me," he said, smirking. "I had

I guess it's good to know you've got a bit of a rebellious side," I teased, poking him playfully. "Might come in handy

feeling a pang of insecurity rise up. I'd always tried to keep things

I said quietly. "I guess I've always felt like I had to be. I've always wanted to

me, his gaze softening. "Enough? Sarah, you are more than enough. More than

up, but I couldn't help smiling. "It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm always

his eyes. "You don't have to prove anything

before, not even myself. But here, in this place, with him, it felt safe to

pulled me into a hug, holding me close. "You deserve the world, Sarah. And if I have to spend the rest of my life showing you that,

don't know what I'd do without you," I murmured, my voice barely

have to find out," he replied, kissing the top of my head.

***

softer. It was as if we'd crossed an invisible line, one that brought us closer, and made everything between us

the zoo and cried for an hour, the way

with his friends,

troublemaker," I teased, bumping him with my

admitted, grinning. "But I turned out

lighter than I had in ages. "Yeah,

island

just... hold him, to pull

you," I said, my voice soft.

looked at me, his eyes full of warmth. "You don't have to thank me, Sarah. I'm just glad we're

pouring every feeling I

wrapping around me, holding me close. It was like the world faded away, leaving just us, suspended in this perfect, beautiful moment. When we finally pulled apart, I felt a bit breathless, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked up at him,

of hair from

still holding hands, both of us a little lost in our own

was floating, caught in the afterglow of that kiss, of everything

as I was about to say something, my foot slipped on a loose rock, and I felt a sharp pain shoot up my

I gasped, stumbling