Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 143

Richard pov

The hum of the kettle filled the kitchen as I leaned against the counter, waiting for it to boil. It had been a peaceful morning-no sharp comments, no awkward silences-just Sarah and me enjoying the calm. But as my phone buzzed on the counter, the name flashing on the screen made my stomach twist: Marina.

I hesitated for a second before picking up. "Hey, Marina," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Richard, hi! I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time," she chirped. Her voice was overly sweet, the kind of tone people use when they're about to dive into something uncomfortable. "No, it's fine. What's up?" I replied, keeping my voice even.

"I just wanted to check in after I left. You know, make sure there's no hard feelings. I feel like things got... tense while I was there."

I gripped the counter, reminding myself to stay calm. "It's been fine. We're good."

She sighed, a dramatic sort of sigh that made my eye twitch. "Look, I know Sarah can be a bit... sensitive. I honestly didn't mean to upset her. I was just trying to help."

Help? My jaw tightened. I ran a hand through my hair, forcing myself not to snap.

"Marina, you made a lot of comments that probably didn't come across the way you intended. Maybe it's best we all take a step back and let things settle."

There was a pause, just long enough to make me think she might actually take it on board. But then she spoke again, her voice softer but no less condescending.

"I just didn't expect her to take things so personally. It's not like I was attacking her, Richard. You know that, right?"

I pressed my fingers to my temple, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Marina, I think we just need to move on. Sarah and I are figuring things out together, and that's what matters." Her laugh was light but carried an edge. "Of course, of course. Well, I won't keep you. Just wanted to clear the air."

"Appreciate that," I said, though the words felt hollow.

soon as I hung up, I exhaled deeply, shaking my head. Clearing the air, my ass. It felt

her as she stared blankly at

see the faint crease in her forehead, the way her fingers tapped lightly against her mug. She was in her head,

I nudged her gently.

small smile but didn't look at me.

I prompted, keeping my tone

"Marina, I guess.

mug on the

silly," she said quickly,

silly if it's bothering you," I

like... like I'm not ready

hand, wrapping mine around it. "Sarah, she's not right.

"What if I mess up? What if I'm not as good

wanting to respond carefully. "You know what I think? I think you're already doing great. And you're not supposed to have all the answers right now. That's part

all anyone can do. Marina's opinions? They don't matter. What

with emotion. "It's just hard to brush off, you know? She said so much, and I

carry her words around. Let me do that for

her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "You can't

I admitted. "But I can

our coffee and tea, I decided we needed to do something. Anything to shake off the

about we get out of here

raising an eyebrow.

"Somewhere peaceful. A drive, maybe? Or a

considering it. "You

of other people's opinions for a while. Let's