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.

then at me, a silent question in her eyes. I gave her a small nod, hoping it reassured her that we

pouring herself

replied, her tone

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," I said, breaking the silence, "what's next on your agenda? Any big plans once you're back

said, her tone vaguely

busy," I said, keeping my tone

nodded, her eyes briefly flicking to Sarah. "It's important to stay busy, don't you think? Especially with a baby on the way.

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

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

just hope you both know what you're doing. Parenthood

lingered on Sarah for

I couldn't let this

team, and we've been preparing for this together. I trust her completely to be an amazing mom,

aback. "I wasn't questioning her abilities," she said

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

to reply but seemed to think better of it. Instead, she

softening my tone just enough to

stiffly, avoiding eye contact with

closed it behind her with a deep

against the kitchen counter, her arms crossed. She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

"Marina crossed a line, and I wasn't going to