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

Chapter 135 Richard pov.

The doorbell rang earlier than expected, cutting through the quiet of the morning.

I glanced at the clock on the microwave-9:30 a. m. Marina wasn't supposed to get here until noon. I was in sweatpants, barely awake, and halfway through making tea. "Must be Marina," I muttered, setting the kettle down.

Sarah looked up from the couch, where she'd been scrolling through her phone. Her face immediately shifted, her smile tightening in a way only I could catch. "Already?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She's early," I said, trying to keep my tone casual, though I felt a twinge of guilt. Marina always had a knack for surprising us, and not always in a good way.

I headed for the door, taking a deep breath. Marina and I had always been close, but I knew how she could cacross-especially to Sarah.

She had this way of making her opinions feel like lectures, delivered with just enough condescension to make you question every decision you'd ever made. "Richard!" Marina exclaimed as soon as I opened the door, her arms outstretched. She engulfedin a hug that smelled like perfand hairspray, her usual combination. "Marina," I said, forcing a smile. "You're early." "I wanted to surprise you!" she chirped, stepping inside before I could invite her. Her suitcase clattered against the floor as she looked around the room. "Where's Sarah?" "Right here," Sarah said, standing up from the couch. Her voice was friendly, but I caught the slight edge beneath it.

"Sarah," Marina said, drawing out her nlike she was trying it on for size. She smiled brightly and gave Sarah a once-over. "Look at you! Glowing already. I can see it." Yeah. I told her about Sarah's pregnancy and all the of the past and I made her promise not to bring those up in Sarah's presence.

Sarah's hand moved instinctively to her stomach, even though there wasn't much to show yet. "Hi, Marina. It's been a while." "Too long!" Marina said, sweeping pastto claim the armchair. "I've been dying to catch up. And what perfect timing. Early pregnancy is so important, you know. Every little decision makes such a difference!" And there it was-the opening volley. I glanced at Sarah, hoping she wouldn't take the bait, but her polite smile toldshe was already gritting her teeth.

By mid-morning, Marina had made herself completely at home. She sat cross-legged in the armchair, sipping her tea like she owned the place, and had already transitioned into full-on pregnancy consultant mode. "So," she said, setting her mug down with a decisive clink, "what are the doctors saying about your diet, Sarah? I hope they've told you to cut out caffeine entirely. It's awful for the baby." Sarah's grip on her mug tightened ever so slightly. "They said small amounts are fine," she said, her tone even but clipped.

"Hmm," Marina said, tilting her head in that way she always did when she disagreed. "Well, I wouldn't risk it. And sugar-are you avoiding that too? Empty calories. Not good for the baby's development." I cleared my throat, jumping in before Sarah could respond. "Hey, Marina, did you catch the match last night? I know you're always rooting for your team." Marina waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, I didn't bother. Football feels so trivial compared to raising a child, don't you think? But back to the topic-Sarah, are you taking those supplements with folic acid? They're a lifesaver, truly." Sarah forced a smile. "Yes, Marina. The doctor already prescribed them." "Good, good," Marina said, nodding as if she were personally responsible for the prescription. "And exercise! Light yoga is excellent. Helps keep the baby in the right position later on." I caught Sarah's eyes over the rim of her mug. She looked like she wanted to scream, but instead, she just took a long, slow sip of her tea.

By the tMarina finally stepped out to "get sfresh air," Sarah and I were left alone in the living room. She sank back onto the couch, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Well," I said cautiously, sitting down next to her. "That wasn't so bad." Sarah shota look that could've melted steel. "Not so bad?" "Okay," I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. "It was... intense." "She's been here for four hours, Richard. Four. Hours. And she's already questioned everything I'm doing." "She's just excited," I said, though I didn't entirely believe it. "You know how she is. She means well, in her own... special way." Sarah shook her head, leaning back against the cushions. "It doesn't feel like 'well-meaning.' It feels like she's waiting forto fail so she can swoop in and save the day." I reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. "Look, if she crosses a line, I'll step in. You shouldn't have to deal with this alone." Sarah sighed, her fingers lacing with mine. "I just want this to be a happy time, you know? I don't need someone second-guessing every choice I make." "And it is a happy time," I said, my voice firm. "We're going to have a baby, Sarah. Don't let Marina-or anyone else-take that joy from you." She nodded slowly, her expression softening. "You're right. It's just... hard." "I know," I said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "But we'll get through it. Together." Later that night, after dinner, Marina joined us in the living room for what she called "family bonding time." "Do you have a birth plan yet?" she asked, looking directly at Sarah.

Sarah froze mid-sip of her chamomile tea. "We're... still figuring that out." Marina nodded sagely. "Well, you should really decide soon. Hbirths are all the rage these days. Much more personal than a hospital." I saw Sarah's jaw tighten. "We're comfortable with the hospital, Marina."

"Of course, of course," Marina said, waving a hand. "I just think it's worth exploring all your options. Oh, and don't forget to look into doulas. into They're lifesavers. I'll send you the nof the one my friend used-she was amazing." "Thanks," Sarah said tightly, setting her mug down with more force than necessary.

I decided to intervene before things why don't we escalated. "Hey, Mad a long day call it a night? You've You've of traveling, and we've got a busy day tomorrow." Marina glanced at her watch and nodded. "You're right. Rest is crucial for everyone, especially expectant mothers." She stood and stretched, giving Sarah a pointed look. "Remember, every decision you make now affects the baby's future."

As she headed upstairs, I turned to Sarah, who was staring at the empty armchair like it had personally offended her. "You okay?" I asked. She shook her head, letting out a frustrated laugh. "Is it bad that I already want her to leave?" I smiled, pulling her into my arms. "Not at all. But don't worry-I'll make sure she doesn't overstay her welcome." "You promise?" "Promise," I said, kissing her hair.

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