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.

deeply, shaking my head. Clearing the air, my ass. It felt more like she was

the couch, her legs tucked under her as she stared blankly at the TV. The sitcom playing

her fingers tapped lightly against her

her, I nudged her gently. "Penny for your

small smile but didn't look at me. "Just...

keeping

"Marina, I guess. Some

frowned, setting my mug on the

she said quickly,

silly if it's

finally turning to face me. "She just made me feel like... like I'm not ready for

reached for her hand, wrapping mine around it. "Sarah, she's not right. Not

didn't pull away, but her eyes flicked down to her lap. "What if I mess up? What if I'm not as good at this as everyone thinks

"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 of the process." She looked at me, her eyes shiny

learning as you go, and that's all anyone can do. Marina's opinions? They don't matter. What matters is you, me, and

hard to brush off, you know? She said so much, and

to carry her words around. Let me do

at her lips. "You can't carry everything for me,

admitted. "But I

coffee and tea, I decided we needed to do something. Anything

we get out of here today?" I

mug, raising an eyebrow. "Out of

maybe? Or a walk by the lake? Just... something to clear our

considering it. "You think it'll

of other people's opinions