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.

suitcase and then at me, a silent question in her eyes. I gave her a small

morning," Sarah said politely, pouring herself a cup

replied, her

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

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

busy," I said,

busy, don't you think? Especially with

grip on her teacup tightened, but she said nothing. I could see her debating whether to respond or let it

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

and me. "I just hope you both know what you're doing. Parenthood is a lot of responsibility, and

Sarah

it. I couldn't let this

said, my voice firmer than I expected, "I think we've got it covered. Sarah and I are a team, and we've been preparing for this together. I trust her completely to be an amazing mom, and honestly, she doesn't need your approval-or anyone else's-for

questioning her abilities," she said defensively. "I

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

her mouth to reply but seemed to think better of it. Instead, she simply nodded and picked

just enough to leave the door open

avoiding eye contact

her with

turned back around, Sarah was leaning against the kitchen counter, her arms crossed. She looked at me with a mixture

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