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

Chapter 138

Sarah pov

The morning sunlight spilled into the kitchen as I stood by the counter, slicing strawberries for breakfast.

I could hear Marina in the dining room, chatting away as if she'd been living here for years.

Her voice carried that same note of authority it always did, like she was the oracle of all things life-related. It made me grip the knife a little tighter.

I took a deep breath. You've got this, Sarah. Be polite but firm. Don't let her steamroll you again.

Carrying the fruit bowl to the table, I put on my best neutral expression. Marina glanced up from her coffee, smiling that patronizing smile of hers. "Good morning, Sarah! Did you sleep well? I hope you're keeping an eye on your sleep schedule-it's crucial at this stage, you know."

"Yes, thank you, Marina," I replied, setting the bowl down. "I've been following the doctor's advice."

"Oh, doctors," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "They mean well, but they don't see the whole picture. When my sister was pregnant, she had this incredible herbal tea that helped with everything. I can send you the recipe if you want." I slid into the chair across from her, willing myself to stay calm. "I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I'll stick with what the doctor recommended. It's what feels right for me."

Marina raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering. "Well, of course, it's your choice. I just hope you're not being too rigid. Flexibility is key when you're growing a baby. You don't want to look back and regret not doing enough."

I felt the sting of her words more than I cared to admit. "I don't think I'm being rigid. I'm just... cautious."

"Cautious is good," she said, leaning forward as if sharing a secret. "But too cautious? That can be harmful too. You've got to let go a little, Sarah."

was trying my best every day? Did she really think I needed her unsolicited advice to

my voice tight. "But I think we've got

smiled again, unbothered. "Of course, dear. Just

time we left the house for an afternoon walk,

claiming she needed the fresh air. I'd hoped the outing would

up a steady stream of commentary. "You know, walking is good, but have you thought about swimming? It's much gentler on the joints. I bet there's a prenatal class around here somewhere." "I'll look into it," I said flatly, wishing I could evaporate into the crisp

And don't even get me started on the importance of proper

I muttered, feeling the heat

couple of women sitting on a bench, chatting with toddlers playing at their feet. Marina slowed her pace, eyeing them with what I could only describe as

loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. "Sarah, you're not planning to do everything yourself after the baby comes, are you? You'll need a proper

bench glanced over, their conversation

think we'll manage just fine," I said, forcing a smile that

hope so. But it's a lot of work, Sarah. You don't want

to put some distance between us, but Marina kept up, oblivious-or maybe indifferent-to the

sank onto the bed, my head in my hands.

did she have to make me feel like this? Like I wasn't doing enough, like I was already failing as

sat beside me, his hand resting gently on my back. "Sarah?"

I admitted, my voice shaky. "She's-she's just too much, Richard. I can't take

moving in slow, soothing circles on my back. "I know she's been overstepping. I've been trying to