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

Chapter 139

Richard

pov.

Marina had always been the type to speak her mind, but over the past few days, her words had become more than just opinions-they felt like subtle daggers aimed at Sarah. I watched Sarah carefully over breakfast that morning, noting the way her shoulders sagged every time Marina opened her mouth. It wasn't fair.

I waited until Sarah went upstairs to rest before I approached Marina. She was sitting in the living room, flipping through a magazine like she didn't have a care in the world. "Marina," I said, my voice steady but firm. "Can we talk for a moment?"

She glanced up at me, raising a brow. "Of course, Richard. What's on your mind?"

I sat down across from her, leaning forward with my hands clasped. "Look, I appreciate you coming to visit and all the advice you've been giving, but I think it's starting to overwhelm Sarah. She's doing her best, and I think it would help if you could give her a bit of space."

Marina's expression didn't change much, but I saw the slight narrowing of her eyes. "Richard, I'm only trying to help. First-time mothers can be so naive. They don't always realize how much they need guidance."

"I get that," I said, keeping my tone calm. "But Sarah isn't naive. She's cautious because she wants what's best for our baby. Your advice, while well-meaning, is starting to feel like criticism to her."

Marina leaned back, crossing her arms. "If she can't handle a little feedback, how is she going to handle being a mother? Babies don't come with instruction manuals."

I bit back the urge to snap. Instead, I took a deep breath and tried again. "I'm not saying she can't handle it. I'm saying she doesn't need to feel judged every time she makes a decision. We're her support system, Marina. That means encouraging her, not second-guessing her every move."

For a moment, she didn't say anything, her gaze fixed on me as if she were trying to decide whether to argue or concede. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. I'll try to back off. But I still think she's overreacting to a lot of things."

is

mock surrender.

thoughts

stick, but by lunchtime, it

table, enjoying a simple salad Sarah had prepared. Marina took a bite, then tilted her head in that way she always did when she was about to say something she knew would rub someone the wrong way. "This is lovely, Sarah," she said, her tone almost too sweet. "But you know, you should be eating more protein. A salad like this isn't

second before forcing a polite smile. "Thank you,

when Charlotte was pregnant, her doctor recommended a much higher protein

opened my mouth to step in, but Sarah gave me

of the meal was filled with similar comments. Marina couldn't outright argue with Sarah, but she made her disapproval clear

finished eating, Sarah looked like

I helped clear the table, I leaned in and whispered,

nodded tightly. "I'm fine. Let's

through the day."

I knew she wasn't

Sarah in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a cup of tea in her hands. She looked exhausted. "Hey," I said softly, stepping up beside

let out a humorless laugh. "You could

her arm gently. "I know Marina's been... a lot. I tried talking to her, but

"She acts like I'm clueless, like I'm

firmly. "You're doing an amazing job, Sarah. Don't let her

I could see the tension still in her

here tomorrow?" I suggested. "Just the two of us. I'll