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.

at me, a silent question in her eyes. I gave her a

morning," Sarah said politely, pouring

Marina replied, her tone

I decided to step in and keep the peace. "So, Marina," I said, breaking the silence, "what's next on your agenda? Any big plans once

her tone vaguely

busy," I said,

briefly flicking to Sarah. "It's important to stay busy, don't you think? Especially

tightened, but she said nothing. I could see her debating whether to respond

course, right as she was zipping up her suitcase. She stood in the

glancing between Sarah and me. "I just hope you both know what you're doing. Parenthood

on Sarah for a beat too

was it. I couldn't

and I are a team, and we've been

questioning her abilities," she said

very helpful," I said, keeping my tone steady but unyielding. "We appreciate that you care, but

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

just enough to leave the door open

contact with

with a

She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "You didn't have to do that,"

crossing the room to stand in front of her. "Marina crossed a line, and I wasn't going