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.

silent question in her eyes. I gave her a small

Sarah said politely, pouring herself a cup of

Marina replied, her

might throw her way next. I decided to step in and

tone vaguely disinterested. "Work, family...

I said, keeping my

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

she said nothing. I could see her debating whether

comments came, of course, right as she was zipping up her suitcase. She

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

lingered on Sarah for

I

a team, and we've been preparing for this together. I trust

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

helpful," I said, keeping my tone steady but unyielding. "We

but seemed to

added, softening my tone just enough to

said stiffly, avoiding eye contact with Sarah as she

closed it behind her with

the kitchen counter, her arms crossed. She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "You didn't have to do that,"

of her. "Marina crossed a line, and I wasn't going to let her keep doing