Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart
Chapter 72

Sarah's POV.

It was early afternoon the next day when the doorbell rang. I was in the kitchen, my hands deep in a bowl of flour and water, trying to figure out Richard's mother's famous bread recipe.

Cooking wasn't exactly my strong suit, but for some reason, trying to get the house to feel like home again made me want to give it a try.

I wiped my hands on a towel and headed to the door, assuming it was one of the decorators or a package delivery. But as soon as I opened it, I felt the air go stale.

There stood Susan, looking immaculate and icy in a perfectly tailored coat and heels that must have cost more than an airplane.

She didn't wait for an invitation; she swept past me, heels clicking against the floor, bringing with her an attitude I hadn't missed.

"Well, isn't this cozy," she said, glancing around the house with a smirk. "A bit... rustic, though, don't you think?"

I raised an eyebrow, closing the door slowly behind her. "Susan," I said, giving her a steady look, "to what do I owe this... surprise visit?"

She tilted her head, her gaze hard and assessing. "I thought I'd see for myself what you were up to, Sarah. After all, you've made quite the scandal, haven't you? First the divorce, then the public re-engagement," she sniffed. "It must be exhausting trying to keep up."

I held back a laugh. "Actually, it's been pretty relaxing. You know, focusing on my own life and not worrying about other people's business." I walked around her casually, refusing to let her see me sweat. "Can I get you a coffee before you run back to yours?"

Her face tightened, and she took a step closer, her voice dropping to a low, mocking tone. "Oh, don't pretend, Sarah. We both know Richard will get tired of this little charade soon enough." She smiled, trying to press a nerve. "It's just a matter of time."

I nodded thoughtfully, as if considering her words. "You're right, Susan. It is a matter of time." I met her eyes. "It's only been a matter of time until Richard saw the real you. Lucky for both of us, he already did." Susan's smirk faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, tossing her hair back as she looked at me with thinly veiled contempt.

"You're just a phase for him, Sarah," she said coldly. "A distraction from the kind of life he deserves."

"Deserves?" I repeated, letting out a low laugh. "And who decided what Richard deserves? Because if I remember right, he's the one who asked me to come back. Not you."

Susan's eyes blazed, her mask of sophistication cracking. "Oh, Sarah, you're so naive. This life isn't for everyone. You think you'll fit in?" She gestured around the room, scoffing at the decorations I'd been setting up. "It's almost tragic, really." I folded my arms, leaning against the wall and giving her a casual smile. "What's tragic is thinking money and a fancy lifestyle makes up for a lack of character. But then again, that might be hard for you to understand."

The flush on her cheeks deepened, her mask slipping more by the second. "Don't push me, Sarah. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

I shrugged. "Threats are fun, Susan, but I've been through worse than someone throwing insults and half-hearted threats. And let's be real... you've got nothing."

She took a step back, narrowing her eyes. "Mark my words, Sarah," she hissed. "You'll regret ever thinking you could come between us."

I raised an eyebrow. "Come between us? I was here before you, Susan. And it looks like I'll be here after you too. So really, you were the one in the way. But I'm sure you'll find someone else who appreciates your... particular charms." There was a flicker of uncertainty in her gaze. "Richard and I..."she began, but her voice faltered.

I stayed silent, just watching her, until finally, she let out an exasperated sigh and turned on her heel. I followed her to the door, opening it and waiting as she stormed out, her pride visibly wounded.

"Oh, and Susan?" I called after her, my tone light. She turned, giving me one last glare. "Next time, call first. Wouldn't want you to waste your time."

She shot me a withering look before stomping away, her heels clicking angrily down the driveway.

I closed the door with a calm, satisfying click and let out a deep breath. As the adrenaline began to fade, I realized I'd been holding my ground without even a hint of fear.

There was something liberating about standing up for myself. It felt... strong.

Just then, Richard walked into the room, raising an eyebrow as he took in my expression. "Was that... Susan?"

I nodded, trying to keep my face neutral but failing to hide a smirk. "Yep. Just a little... surprise visit."

He looked concerned. "Are you okay? What did she say?"

I shrugged, smiling. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

He looked at me, a grin breaking through his worry. "I bet she didn't see that coming."

"She looked like she might explode at one point." I laughed, feeling the tension melt away as he pulled me into a hug.

Richard chuckled, holding me close. "I'm proud of you. Really. That couldn't have been easy."

I leaned against him, sighing. "It wasn't. But I'm tired of letting her have the upper hand. She needed to know her place."

His hand ran up and down my back soothingly. "Well, she does now. I'd say you handled that like a champ."

There was a pause as I looked up at him, my smile fading into something more serious. "Do you think she'll actually leave us alone?"

He considered this, frowning slightly. "She might make some noise, but... I doubt she'll be back here again. At least, not anytime soon."

I nodded, relieved. "Good. I'd rather she keep her drama somewhere else."

"Agreed." He took my hand, guiding me to sit down on the couch with him. "And if she does come back, we'll handle it together."

I looked at him. "Together," I repeated softly, leaning my head on his shoulder.