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

Chapter 141

Richard

pov.

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the kitchen table.

Marina was seated there, her coffee cup cradled in her hands as she scrolled on her phone. For once, there was silence-a brief reprieve after days of subtle jabs and unsolicited advice.

I noticed her suitcase by the door and felt a flicker of relief. Marina's departure was imminent, but as much as I wanted to celebrate the end of this stressful visit, a part of me wanted to ensure we ended things on good terms. She was still family, after all, even if she had an uncanny knack for pushing Sarah's buttons.

"Heading out soon, Marina?" I asked casually, leaning against the counter with my own coffee.

She looked up and gave a tight-lipped smile. "Yes. I should be on the road in about an hour. It's a long drive back."

I nodded. "Safe travels. Do you need anything for the trip? Snacks? Water?"

She waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, no, I'm fine. You and Sarah have been... accommodating."

The pause before "accommodating" wasn't lost on me, but I chose to let it slide. It wasn't worth starting something so close to her departure.

Sarah walked in then, looking fresh but cautious. I could see the tension in her shoulders-the same tension that had been there since Marina's arrival.

Marina's suitcase and then at me, a silent question in her eyes. I gave

pouring herself a cup

replied, her

atmosphere was awkward, like walking on eggshells. I hated seeing Sarah like this-guarded, bracing herself for whatever comment Marina might throw her way next. I decided to step in and keep the peace. "So, Marina,"

her tone vaguely disinterested. "Work, family... the

busy," I said, keeping

to stay busy, don't you think? Especially

I could see her debating

was zipping up her suitcase. She stood in the

just hope you both know what you're doing. Parenthood is a lot of responsibility, and not everyone is cut

on Sarah for a beat

was it. I couldn't

"I think we've got it covered. Sarah and I are a team, and we've been preparing for this together. I trust

wasn't questioning her abilities," she said defensively. "I was just making

my tone steady but unyielding. "We appreciate that you care, but what we

felt heavy with my words. Marina opened her mouth to reply but seemed to think better of it. Instead, she simply

just enough to leave the

you," she said stiffly, avoiding eye contact with Sarah as she walked out the

with

I turned back around, Sarah was leaning against the kitchen counter, her arms crossed. She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "You didn't have

stand in front of her. "Marina crossed a line, and I