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

Chapter 112

Richard's POV

Living with Sarah and Isabelle under one roof felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of fire. No matter what I said or did, someone was bound to get burned. Sarah's mood had soured over the past few weeks, her usual warmth replaced by sharp glares and clipped words.

Isabelle, on the other hand, wore this perpetual mask of sweetness that was starting to feel... off.

"Richard," Sarah said one morning, her voice low but edged. She was standing by the sink, her hand gripping the counter like it was the only thing keeping her upright. "Can we talk?" I can keep count of the "can we talk?" from her.

I sighed, setting my coffee down. Here we go again. "Sure. What's wrong now?"

She flinched at my tone, but her expression hardened. "It's Isabelle. I can't do this anymore. She's too... involved."

"Involved?" I echoed, frowning. "She's just trying to be helpful."

Sarah's laugh was bitter, humorless. "Helpful? Richard, she knows things about us that we never told her. She's always around you, always watching. Don't you think that's strange?" "She's just observant," I said, though even as I said it, I felt a flicker of doubt. Isabelle had been unusually attentive lately, but I wasn't ready to turn that into something sinister. Sarah shook her head. "You're blind to it because she acts so sweet around you. But I see her for what she is. She's not some poor woman down on her luck-she's manipulative." I ran a hand through my hair, trying to stay calm. "Sarah, you're tired. This whole situation is stressful for you, I get that. But Isabelle's not the enemy here." Her eyes narrowed. "You're defending her. Again."

"I'm not-" I stopped myself, realizing that raising my voice wasn't going to help. "Look, I'll talk to her, okay? If something she's doing is bothering you, I'll handle it."

"You won't," Sarah said, her voice soft now but full of disappointment. "You're too busy trying to be the good guy."

The tension didn't let up. If anything, it got worse.

Isabelle's behavior, which I'd written off as friendly, started to feel more calculated. She had this way of stepping into my personal space, touching my arm when she spoke or handing me things I didn't ask for. "Your coffee, Richard," she said one morning, setting a mug in front of me.

the drink, perfectly made-just the right amount of cream and no sugar. "Thanks, but how did

I noticed how you take it," she said with a shy smile, like it was no big deal. "I like paying attention

but it left me

the room moments later, she stopped in her tracks, her gaze darting

standing up and moving away from

the same sweet smile

Sarah didn't respond.

***

becoming impossible to ignore. She'd been pale and sluggish lately, and every time I asked if she was okay, she brushed it off. "I'm

stepping closer. "You've been off

a moment before the steel returned. "I don't need a doctor, Richard. I need Isabelle out of

this right now? You're tired, and honestly, I don't have the energy for another argument." Sarah stared at

didn't say that," I said quickly, though the look on her face told me I might as well

away. "Clearly, I can't get through

in her lap. Her hands were trembling, and her face

up. "We need

Yet again.

down

could answer, Isabelle appeared in the doorway, her expression wide-eyed and innocent

she set the papers down. "No.

room. "I was wondering if you two wanted me to make dinner tonight. I have this amazing recipe

into a thin line. "That sounds great," I said,