Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart
Chapter 66

Richard's

POV

I'd never been one to feel nervous, not like this. Standing by the window in my apartment, I stared out at the snowy street below, hands tucked deep into my pockets.

The apartment was calm, quiet, but inside, my mind was a whirlwind. Today felt different.

This wasn't just another step forward; this was everything.

For weeks, Sarah and I had been figuring each other out again. We'd laughed, stumbled through awkward moments, and come out closer each time.

I'd seen her smile like she hadn't in years and felt myself growing, too. In the quiet moments, when she'd look at me like she trusted me again, I felt something shift inside, something I wanted to hold on to. And now, I wanted to take that final step-to ask her, to be sure she was in this with me for good.

I'd spent the entire morning pacing, rehearsing what I wanted to say, how I'd bring it up.

I even called Martins, my best friend, for advice. He'd just laughed and said, "Man, just be real. You love her, right? Then show her that." Easy to say, harder to do. But it was good advice.

I looked over at the small table set up near the fireplace. Nothing fancy-just two plates, some candles, and a bottle of red wine.

I wanted tonight to feel like us. Real, simple. No grand gestures, just a quiet, honest proposal.

A light knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I took a breath, forcing myself to stay calm, and went to open it.

There she was, Sarah, wrapped in her coat, her cheeks pink from the cold, and a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Hey," she said, stepping in. "It's freezing out there."

"Hey," I replied, taking her coat and hanging it up. "Glad you made it through the blizzard,"

I teased, though really, I was glad she was here. Tonight was important, and I wanted it to go right.

She looked around the room, taking in the table and the candles. "What's all this?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Just thought we could have a quiet night," I said, hoping I didn't sound as nervous as I felt. "Something simple. Just us."

She smiled, and for a second, all my worries faded. I pulled out a chair for her, and we settled in, talking, eating, and laughing about the snow and all the little things we'd done together lately. It felt natural, comfortable, just the way I'd wanted it to.

After dinner, we moved to the couch, where the fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room.

I couldn't stop myself from reaching for her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine.

This was it. I had to say it, or I might never get another chance.

"Sarah," I started, my voice quiet but steady. She looked up, her eyes soft and patient, waiting.

"I know this might be... sudden. But it's something I've been thinking about, something I feel deeply."

She tilted her head, curious but not nervous. "Go on," she said, squeezing my hand slightly.

I took a deep breath. "I want us to start fresh, really build something new together. Not just here, but back in the States. I want to be with you-truly with you."

I paused, feeling my heart pounding. "Sarah, I'm asking you to come with me, to go back together as partners, as something more."

Her eyes widened slightly, and I saw the surprise and warmth there.

She opened her mouth to say something, but I kept going, feeling like if I stopped, I'd lose my nerve.

"I know I've made mistakes. I know I hurt you, and I can't erase that. But I've learned, and I promise I'll keep learning."

"I want us to be partners, to build something solid and lasting. I love you, Sarah. And if you're willing... I'd like you to be with me."

For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the gentle crackling of the fire.

Sarah looked at me, her eyes soft and searching. Her hand tightened around mine, and I could feel emotions in that simple touch.

"Richard..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I never thought I'd hear you say those things."

"For so long, I wanted to feel this-to feel like we were on the same page, like you truly wanted me in your life."

I swallowed, her words hitting me hard. I knew I hadn't always shown her how much she meant to me and hadn't been the partner she'd deserved. But now, I wanted nothing more than to give her everything.

"I do," I said, my voice steady. "More than anything."

She looked away for a moment, her gaze distant, as if she was gathering her thoughts.

When she looked back, her eyes were bright, and hopeful. "I believe you, Richard. And I want this too. I want us to move forward, to see where this goes."

My heart raced as I took in her words. She was saying yes. Not a perfect, fairy-tale yes, but a real one. One filled with hope and honesty.

I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her, feeling her in my arms. This was real. This was happening. And it was everything I'd wanted.

We sat like that for a while, just holding each other, the fire crackling softly in the background.

I could feel her heartbeat against mine, steady and sure, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly at peace.

After a while, she pulled back slightly, a soft smile on her face. "So, when do we start this new adventure?"

I laughed, relief and joy flooding through me. "As soon as you're ready."

She grinned, her eyes bright. "Let's do it. Let's go build this life together."

In that moment, everything felt right. All the doubts, the mistakes, the regrets-they faded away, replaced by a quiet, certain love that felt like coming home.