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.

in her eyes. I gave her a small nod,

pouring

her

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

she said, her tone

I said, keeping my tone

stay busy, don't you think? Especially with a baby on the way. Idle hands and

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

right as she was zipping up her

she said, glancing between Sarah and me. "I just hope you both know what

lingered on Sarah for a beat too

was it. I couldn't

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

shot up, clearly taken aback. "I wasn't questioning her abilities," she said defensively. "I

tone steady but unyielding. "We appreciate that

seemed to think

tone just enough

she said stiffly, avoiding eye contact with Sarah as

closed it behind her with a

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

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