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

Richard

pov.

The call from the police came just after dawn, jarring me awake in the cold, uncomfortable chair next to Sarah's hospital bed.

I fumbled with my phone, heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway to answer.

"We've located Susan," the officer said. "She's in custody. We'd like you to come down to the station."

My grip tightened around the phone. The relief I felt was fleeting, quickly replaced by anger. "I'll be there," I said, my voice low.

Zoe appeared beside me as I hung up. She had been sitting with Sarah through the night, taking turns with Martins to ensure I wasn't alone.

Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her concern for Sarah mirrored my own.

"Was that about Susan?" she asked.

I nodded. "They've got her. I'm heading to the station."

"I'm coming with you," she said firmly.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "Stay here. I need someone I trust to be with Sarah."

She hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But keep me updated."

When I arrived at the police station, Martins was already there, leaning against a wall in the waiting area. He straightened when he saw me, his expression grim.

"This better be good," he muttered.

"Let's hope it gives us answers," I replied.

The officer led us to the interrogation room, where Susan sat handcuffed to the table. She looked nothing like the woman I remembered-the confident, polished ex who had once been a part of my life. Instead, she was disheveled, her hair tangled and her face pale. But her eyes still held that familiar glint of cunning, a reminder of why I had ended things with her in the first place.

"Richard," she said with a small, almost mocking smile as I entered. "Long time no see."

"Susan," I said coldly, taking the seat across from her. Martins stood beside me, his arms crossed.

The officer gestured for Susan to speak, and for a moment, she just sat there, staring at me. Then, she shrugged. "Well, I guess this is the part where I spill my guts, huh?"

"Start with why," I said, my voice hard. "Why did you do this? Why involve Isabella? Why target Sarah?"

Her smile faltered, and she leaned back in her chair, studying me. "You really don't get it, do you?" she said bitterly. "You think you can just toss people aside and move on without consequences?"

I frowned. "What are you talking about? We broke up a year ago. You were the one who couldn't let go."

moved on so quickly, parading your perfect little fiancée around while I was still trying to pick up

woman escape a psychiatric hospital. You gave her access to their home. You put Sarah and her unborn child in danger. Why, Susan?

her voice low and venomous.

beneath the surface. "So you manipulated Isabella?

with you, convinced you were her dead fiance. All I had to

sick," I said, my voice shaking

Look at you now. Your precious Sarah is lying in a hospital bed, your baby's future uncertain. And you're here, scrambling to put the pieces together. Tell me, Richard, how does it feel?" I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. Martins placed a hand on my shoulder, grounding me before I could say or do something I'd regret. "You've just confessed to orchestrating this entire mess," Martins said coolly. "That's

didn't resist, but as she passed me, she leaned in close enough for only me

whispered. "It's only a matter

to

***

Sarah was still unconscious, her face pale against the hospital pillows. The sight of

news is we have enough to bury

where she belongs, we can focus on Sarah and the baby." "Burying her isn't enough," I said, my voice

will," Zoe said gently. "But right now, you need to

of relief mixed with fury. I knew this was far from over, but at least

sound of the

held her hand gently, scared that even the slightest pressure might cause

involvement. The doctors assured me Sarah's condition was stable, but the word "coma" loomed

checking her vitals, adjusting the machines, and offering me sympathetic smiles, but

Martins were my lifelines. They stayed close, taking turns keeping

the other hand, was already in full lawyer mode,

the station to review the evidence. Martins came with

detective laid out what they

the psychiatric hospital," he said, pointing to a series of grainy security footage stills. One showed a

fake ID to gain access and posed as a nurse. We're still working to identify how she acquired the uniform

leaned forward, staring at the screen. "And the security

We found that the access code to your penthouse hadn't been changed in years, and

protecting Sarah that I hadn't thought to check something as

muttered, running a hand through my

is on her, not you. You

Fault or not,

and building a case so airtight that Susan wouldn't have a chance to

hospital cafeteria. Zoe had taken

claim diminished responsibility, but we have her confession on record.

Every waking moment was consumed by thoughts of Sarah-her pale face, the steady beep of the machines,

I said, shaking myself out of it. "Confession. Strong weapon.

get it. Your mind's with Sarah, and it should be. But this case is important. If we win, Susan

"I just... I can't stop

go there," Martins interrupted. "She's alive. The

said her body was