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

Chapter 109 Sarah pov. That morning, I woke up hoping Isabelle would be on her way. Maybe she'd slip out with a polite thank you and let us have our life back.

I knew it was a long shot, but I needed things to feel normal again, especially since Richard had completely dismissed my worries last night.

When I walked out to the living room, though, I stopped dead in my tracks. Isabelle was sitting at the kitchen table, chatting with Richard over breakfast like she'd lived here for years.

She didn't even seem like she was getting ready to leave.

"Good morning, Sarah!" Isabelle called, smiling like we were best friends.

I forced a smile back, grabbing my coffee mug and pouring myself a cup. I could feel a knot of irritation forming in my stomach. How long did she plan to stay? "Sarah, you wouldn't believe what Isabelle's been dealing with," he said, shaking his head.

"She tried checking in at a budget motel nearby last night, but apparently, there was a break-in the night before. They warned her it wasn't safe, especially for a woman alone in the city. So she was thinking she might stay here another night." "Oh... really?" I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"And I was thinking of checking her in the best hotel, but she refused." The story felt too convenient, too perfect. I didn't know if I was being paranoid, but every part offelt on edge, like Isabelle was twisting things to her advantage.

But when I looked at Richard, I could see he was hooked.

"Yes," Isabelle chimed in, nodding solemnly. "I don't want to intrude, Sarah, but after everything, I just... I don't have anywhere safe to go. But really, if it's too much, I can still look for somewhere else." She gave a faint smile, looking to Richard for reassurance.

Richard put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Nonsense, Isabelle, it's no trouble at all. You're welchere until you feel safe and have a plan." I felt my mouth drop open. I was hoping Isabelle would be gone this morning, and now he was inviting her to stay indefinitely? I took a slow breath, reminding myself to keep calm.

"Richard, don't you think she'd be more comfortable finding a temporary place?" I suggested, trying to keep my tone even. "I mean, it would give her more privacy." Richard waved it off like it was no big deal. "It's no trouble. Besides, she's been through enough. Let's just let her rest here a few days." I glanced at Isabelle, who looked away, but not before I caught a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. She knew she'd won him over. I gave Richard a tight smile, but inside I felt like I was simmering.

As the days went on, Isabelle made herself more and more at home, always finding ways to insert herself into our lives.

I'd be talking to Richard, sharing something important, and she'd jump in with her own story, pulling his attention away. I tried to ignore it at first, but the more it happened, the harder it became. "Hey, Sarah, did you know Richard used to go cliff diving?" she asked one afternoon, as if she were tellingsomething about my own boyfriend that I didn't know.

I gritted my teeth, forcing a smile. "Yes, actually. I know about it." Richard laughed, brushing it off like it was nothing. "Oh, Isabelle, I told Sarah that story ages ago." But the way Isabelle laughed and leaned in closer madefeel like she didn't care. She was too comfortable, too confident.

I could feel the tension between us growing, even if Richard didn't seem to notice.

Later that day, I found myself washing dishes, scrubbing a plate harder than I needed to as I listened to Isabelle sharing yet another story with Richard.

I had refused to let the maids do it. I glanced over my shoulder, watching as they laughed together. I knew I should just let it go, but it was hard when she kept monopolizing his attention. After dinner, when Richard left to take a call, Isabelle and I were alone in the kitchen. She turned to me, her face neutral but her eyes sharp.

"You know, Sarah, you're lucky to have someone like Richard," she said, her tone casual but somehow condescending.

I set down the dish I was holding, turning to face her. "I know that, Isabelle. And I'd like to keep our relationship strong. We don't really need any... disruptions." She tilted her head, givingan innocent smile. "Of course not. I'm just here for support. He's been so kind to me." Her words were sweet, but I could feel an edge to them, like she was trying to get under my skin. And I hated that it was working.

As much as I wanted to brush it off, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was pushing boundaries on purpose, testing how far she could go.

One night, as I was heading to bed, I heard Isabelle talking in the guest room, her voice low and a little too familiar. I slowed my steps, catching bits and pieces.

"... I'm sure Richard will understand... no, he's been amazing... Yes, he's always been so generous."

I felt a prickling at the back of my neck as she said his nin a way that felt too possessive, too familiar. I clenched my jaw, trying resist the urge to confront her right then and there. When I got to our bedroom, Richard was already lying in bed, looking relaxed and oblivious. I crawled beside him, turning off the light, but my mind was racing. "Hey, Richard," I started, keeping my voice calm. "Have you noticed how Isabelle... I don't know, seems a bit... close to you?"

He sighed, turning towardwith a soft laugh. "Sarah, con. She's just grateful know it's a a bit awkward, but she's going through a hard time. Let's just let her be." I bit back my frustration, forcing a smile. "Yeah, maybe I'm just overthinking it." But as I lay there, listening to Richard's breathing slow as he fell asleep, I couldn't help but feel my unease.

Isabelle was weaving her way into our lives in a way that felt too intentional, and top calculated. And NO Richard's constant dismissal of my concerns only madefeel more isolated. The next morning, I passed by her room on my way to the kitchen and caught a glimpse of her suitcase-still packed but tucked in the corner as if it were meant to stay.

I swallowed hard, determined to keep my distance. Maybe if I ignored her long enough, she'd get the hint and finally leave us alone.