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."

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

concern, Marina," I said finally, my voice

course, dear.

for an

coming along, claiming she needed the fresh air. I'd hoped the

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 autumn

deterred. "You really should. And don't even get me started on the importance of proper footwear. Those shoes

the heat rise in my

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 a mixture of pity

anyone nearby to hear. "Sarah, you're not planning to do everything yourself after the baby

bench glanced over, their conversation stalling. I

I said,

sighed dramatically. "Well, I hope so. But it's a lot of work, Sarah. You don't want to burn

ahead, hoping to put some

home, I shut the bedroom door behind me and sank onto the bed, my head in my hands. The tears came fast and hot, spilling down my cheeks before I could

I wasn't doing enough, like I

me, his hand resting

my face, embarrassed to be caught crying. "It's Marina," I admitted, my voice shaky. "She's-she's just too much, Richard. I can't take it anymore. Every comment, every suggestion...

been overstepping. I've been trying to