Chapter 123 Sarah's pov.
The late-morning sun poured through the wide windows of our kitchen, casting a golden glow over everything.
I sat in the cozy breakfast nook, my hands instinctively resting on my belly as I sipped the herbal tea Zoe had sworn by. "Calming properties," she'd said, though I wasn't entirely convinced. Still, it was nice to pretend I had my life together for a few moments.
Across from me, Zoe scrolled through her tablet, her polished nails tapping on the screen with laser-sharp precision.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe looked as composed as ever-sharp blazer, sleek ponytail, and the kind of confidence that made you feel like you should straighten your posture just being near her.
I envied that ease.
"So," she said, not bothering to look up, "now that you're on your feet again-and Richard's around to dote on you-I think it's tI head back to Mexico." Her words hit like a jolt. My teacup froze mid-air. "What? Why?" Zoe sighed, setting her tablet aside to giveher signature look-a mix of exasperation and affection.
"Because things at the office are stable, but not stable enough forto leave them with our half-witted staff much longer. Do you know what I've been dealing with? Someone actually tried to greenlight a campaign without my sign-off. It's like they want the place to burn down." Guilt crept up on me. Zoe had been my rock since I returned to the U. S., stepping in to manage the company while I cout with Richard.
She had taken the company like hers.
"I don't know, Zoe," I said, setting the teacup down. My voice was softer than I'd intended. "You've been such a huge help. Are you sure you want to go back so soon?" Her expression softened just enough to show a crack in her no-nonsense exterior. "Sarah, you don't needhovering anymore. You're in a good place now, and you've got Richard. Let him play caretaker for a while." She motioned toward the kitchen island, where Richard stood, pouring himself coffee with his usual easy grace. "I have an office to run." I hesitated, my thoughts swirling. It had been months since I'd walked the halls of my own company.
I'd left everything in Zoe's capable hands, trusting her to keep things afloat while I adjusted to this new chapter of my life. Now, the idea of returning-of reconnecting with my team, of feeling likeagain-was tempting. "I've missed Mexico," I admitted, my voice thoughtful. "And the company. It's been so long since I've seen it in person." I glanced at her, offering a sheepish smile. "No offense." "None taken," she said, though her raised brow suggested otherwise. "But if you cin and start rearranging my systems, I'm out." Richard chuckled from his spot by the counter, now spreading butter onto a piece of toast. "You want to go to Mexico, Sarah?" he asked, his voice warm.
I turned to him, smiling a little brighter. "I think it'd be good for us. A change of scenery, sfresh air... Maybe it'll helprelax." His gaze softened, his smile gentle. "Alright," he said after a moment. "Let's do it. A getaway sounds nice." Zoe clapped her hands together, looking triumphant. "Perfect. You two can play tourists while I whip the office back into shape. Everyone wins." Martins arrived just as Zoe was finishing her second coffee. Richard was still on a call, leaning against the counter with that casual elegance he always managed. Martins, meanwhile, swept into the kitchen in his usual style-sharp suit, tie slightly crooked, and an air of perpetual busyness.
"Your tie's off," Zoe said without looking up from her phone.
Martins paused, glancing down at himself. "Thanks, Zoe. What would I do without your keen eye for detail?" "Crash and burn, obviously," she replied, not missing a beat.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI laughed, motioning for Martins to take a seat. "We were just talking about heading to Mexico," I said, still grinning. "Richard's on board." "Mexico, huh?" Martins slid into the chair next to Zoe. "Letguess-Zoe's dragging you back to clean up soffice mess?" "Bingo," Zoe said, sipping her coffee. "And they're tagging along for moral support." "And sunshine," I added.
"And mangoes," Richard called from across the room, earning a mock glare from me.
Martins chuckled, shaking his head. "Must be nice. You all jet off whenever the mood strikes, while I'm chained to my desk," "You should cwith us," Richard offered, strolling over with his coffee. "Take a break from the grind."
Martins laughed, the sound dry but good-natured. "Yeah, because practicing law from a beach works so well. 'Your Honor, like to file a motion-hang on, there's a seagull on my laptop."" The room erupted into laughter. Even Zoe cracked a smile, though she quickly masked it with a sip of her drink. ***
By evening, I found myself standing in our walk-in closet, surrounded by clothes. Richard leaned against the doorfrarms crossed, his expression equal parts amused and exasperated. "You do realize it's a short trip, right? Not a permanent relocation," he teased.
"I know," I said, holding up a sundress in one hand and a blazer in the other.
"But what if I need to go straight from a meeting to the beach? Or what if there's a surprise dinner?" "Then you wear one of my T-shirts and call it a day." I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile. "Not everyone can pull off the 'effortlessly casual' look." "You manage," he said, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around me. "But seriously, don't overthink this. It's supposed to be fun." I sighed, leaning into him. "I just... I want to show Zoe I'm still invested. That I haven't let go of everything." "She already knows that," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "You don't have to prove anything." Before I could respond, Zoe's voice echoed from the hallway. "Are you two done being adorable? We have a flight tomorrow, and Sarah's about to pack the entire closet." "Not the entire closet," I called back.
"Most of it," Richard muttered, earning a playful swat on the arm.
As we laughed and bickered, I felt a flicker of excitement. Using a stone to kill two birds. We need the rest after Isabella's and I need to see my company.