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."

firmly. "She's pregnant, Marina. This is a sensitive

hands in mock surrender. "Alright, Richard. I'll keep my

of "keeping her thoughts to herself" often involved finding sneakier

had hoped Marina's promise to ease off would stick, but by lunchtime, it was clear

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

froze for half a second before forcing a polite smile.

when Charlotte was pregnant, her doctor recommended a much higher

tighten on her fork. I opened my mouth to step in, but Sarah gave

with similar comments. Marina couldn't outright argue with Sarah, but

eating, Sarah looked like she

I helped clear the table, I leaned in

"I'm

through the day."

I knew she

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

out a humorless

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

her voice low. "She acts like I'm

I said firmly. "You're doing an amazing job, Sarah.

see the tension still in her shoulders. That's when it hit me-she needed

suggested. "Just the two