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

Chapter 138 Sarah pov The morning sunlight spilled into the kitchen as I stood by the counter, slicing strawberries for breakfast.

I could hear Marina in the dining room, chatting away as if she'd been living here for years.

Her voice carried that snote of authority it always did, like she was the oracle of all things life-related. It madegrip the knife a little tighter.

I took a deep breath. You've got this, Sarah. Be polite but firm. Don't let her steamroll you again.

Carrying the fruit bowl to the table, I put on my best neutral expression. Marina glanced up from her coffee, smiling that patronizing smile of hers. "Good morning, Sarah! Did you sleep well? I hope you're keeping an eye on your sleep schedule-it's crucial at this stage, you know." "Yes, thank you, Marina," I replied, setting the bowl down. "I've been following the doctor's advice." "Oh, doctors," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "They mean well, but they don't see the whole picture. When my sister was pregnant, she had this incredible herbal tea that helped with everything. I can send you the recipe if you want." I slid into the chair across from her, willing myself to stay calm. "I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I'll stick with what the doctor recommended. It's what feels right for me." Marina raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering. "Well, of course, it's your choice. I just hope you're not being too rigid. Flexibility is key when you're growing a baby. You don't want to look back and regret not doing enough." I felt the sting of her words more than I cared to admit. "I don't think I'm being rigid. I'm just... cautious." "Cautious is good," she said, leaning forward as if sharing a secret. "But too cautious? That can be harmful too. You've got to let go a little, Sarah." Let go? I bit the inside of my cheek. Wasn't it enough that I was trying my best every day? Did she really think I needed her unsolicited advice to parent my own child? "Thanks for your concern, Marina," I said finally, my voice tight. "But I think we've got it under control." She smiled again, unbothered. "Of course, dear. Just trying to help." By the twe left the house for an afternoon walk, my nerves were already frayed.

Marina had insisted on coming along, claiming she needed the fresh air. I'd hoped the outing would ease the tension, but I should've known better.

As we strolled through the park, Marina kept up a steady stream of commentary. "You know, walking is good, but have you thought about swimming? It's much gentler on the joints. I bet there's a prenatal class around here somewhere." "I'll look into it," I said flatly, wishing I could evaporate into the crisp autumn air.

Marina wasn't deterred. "You really should. And don't even getstarted on the importance of proper footwear. Those shoes you're wearing don't look very supportive." "They're fine," I muttered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

We passed a couple of women sitting on a bench, chatting with toddlers playing at their feet. Marina slowed her pace, eyeing them with what I could only describe as a mixture of pity and judgment.

She turned to me, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. "Sarah, you're not planning to do everything yourself after the baby comes, are you? You'll need a proper support system. You can't just rely on Richard for everything." I froze, mortified. The women on the bench glanced over, their conversation stalling. I wanted to disappear.

"I think we'll manage just fine," I said, forcing a smile that felt brittle.

Marina sighed tically. "Well, I hope so. But it's a lot of work, Sarah. You don't want to burn out before the baby even arrives." I didn't respond. My throat felt tight, and my hands were trembling. I walked ahead, hoping to put sdistance between us, but Marina kept up, oblivious-or maybe indifferent-to the impact of her words.

Back home, I shut the bedroom door behindand sank onto the bed, my head in my hands. The tears cfast and hot, spilling down my cheeks before I could stop them.

Why did she have to makefeel like this? Like I wasn't doing enough, like I was already failing as a mother before I'd even started? I didn't hear Richard cin until he sat beside me, his hand resting gently on my back. "Sarah?" he said softly. "What's wrong?" I wiped at my face, embarrassed to be caught crying. "It's Marina," I admitted, my voice shaky. "She's-she's just too much, Richard. I can't take it anymore. Every comment, every suggestion... It's like she's pickingapart." He sighed, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles on my back. "I know she's been overstepping. I've been trying to keep her in check, but maybe I haven't done enough." "It's not your fault," I said quickly. "She's your cousin. I know you don't want to upset her." "But I don't want you upset either," he said, his voice firm. "You're my priority, Sarah. If she's making you feel like this, she needs to leave." I shook my head, fresh tears spilling over. "I don't want to cause a fight. She'll twist it around and makelook like I'm overreacting."

"You're not overreacting," Richard said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "She's out of line, and I'm going to talk to her. This is our baby, our life, and she doesn't get to dictate how we handle it." I looked up at him, his blue eyes steady and full of determination. "You really mean that?"

"Of course I do," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Im handle it, Sarah You just focus on taking care of yourself and our little one, okay?" I nodded, a small smile breaking through the storm of emotions. "Okay."

He kissed my forehead, his lips warm and reassuring. "Now, why don't you take a bath or something? Relax. I'll keep Marina occupied for the rest of the evening." "Thank you," I whispered, leaning into his embrace.

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