Richard’s POV“Why now?”Sarah’s question had been haunting me ever since she asked it. I could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the pain from our past surfacing again. And honestly, I struggled to answer that question for myself.Why now? Maybe it was because I finally recognized what I had lost. Or perhaps it was the realization that I couldn't keep living in the shadows of my mistakes. But the truth was hard to face. I’d hurt her, and that guilt was a weight I carried every day.I sat at my kitchen table, staring at my phone, wishing for a message from her. I wanted to reach out, to remind her that I was willing to fight for us. But I knew better. She needed space, time to process everything. But the silence was deafening, and with each passing hour, my fear of losing her again grew louder.“Come on, Richard,” I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. “Just give her time.”The kiss... it felt real. But she still had walls up, and I couldn’t blame her. I needed to giv
Sarah’s povIf you’d told me a year ago that I'd be waking up to a message from her of all people, I’d have laughed in your face. Susan. Richard’s ex-lover. The woman I once called the devil in high heels. The same one who pranced into my life and nearly tore my marriage apart. And now, out of nowhere, she was texting me? Of course, my first reaction was to laugh. It was either that or scream.I’d barely had time to make coffee, and there it was, my phone buzzing from the kitchen counter. When I saw her name flash on the screen, I swear my stomach twisted into knots. I hadn’t heard from Susan since I came to Mexico, leaving me with the broken pieces of my life after Richard chose her over me. Yeah, Richard didn't love me, but it hurt the same. Now she had the nerve to message me?The first text was like a punch.“Hey Sarah. Long time.”I nearly dropped my mug. My heart pounded. Why was she even messaging me? After all these months, why now? I stared at the screen for a good minu
Richard’s POVI think the first sign something was wrong was when Sarah stopped giving me hell about the coffee machine. It’s been her favorite thing to complain about for weeks, saying it’s possessed because it always spills over whenever she tries to make a cup. But this morning, she just looked at it, sighed, and made her coffee in silence. No snarky comments, no rolling of the eyes—just silence.That’s when I knew.We’d had the kiss. That kiss that should have set us on the right path. I could feel it was something for both of us, a step toward fixing the mess I made. But since then, she’s been pulling away. Slower at first, then all at once. The warmth between us, the ease, all of it was slipping through my fingers like sand.“Are you mad at the coffee again?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.She barely smiled, more of a twitch at the corner of her lips. “It’s just a coffee machine, Richard. I’m fine.”Fine. The word people use when everything is definitely not fine.I wa
Wesley sat back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. His eyes were fixed on his phone, watching the screen as a message from Susan popped up. She was halfway across the world, but they were in perfect sync. They both wanted the same thing—to get back what belonged to them. For Susan, that meant Richard, her once-perfect prize. For Wesley, it was Sarah.He stretched lazily, his eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and anticipation. This was all coming together beautifully.“Alright, Susan,”!he murmured to himself, typing a quick reply. “Time to play.”It hadn’t been too difficult convincing Susan to get on board. Wesley knew she still had a score to settle with Richard. After all, Richard had left her too, in that spectacularly public way, right after Sarah had vanished to Madrid. Susan hated Sarah, hated the way Richard always looked at her, even when they were together. Wesley had exploited that hatred, planting seeds until Susan was willing to help. Susan was a
SARAH POV.The day started with a burnt piece of toast. That’s how you know things are about to go downhill. First, you burn your breakfast, then you burn your bridges. I stared at the blackened slice, smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling, and sighed.“Figures,” I muttered, tossing the toast into the trash. “Can’t even make breakfast without things falling apart.It wasn't just the toast, though. It was everything. My life has felt like a pile of burnt toast lately, and today, I was finally going to scrape it off my plate for good.Richard had to go. There was no point dragging this mess out any longer. I was done being the fool.The last few days had been a blur of confusion and hurt. After everything Wesley had said and Susan’s cryptic messages about Richard being the same liar he’d always been, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking back into a fire. Every time I tried to convince myself that Richard had changed, that we could somehow make it work, the old wounds
Sarah's POV.You know when Zoe handed me my coffee with a smirk? I instantly knew something was up.Usually, she would just plop it on my desk without a word. But today? Oh no, she had that mischievous glint in her eyes that usually meant trouble.“Okay, what did you do?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.Zoe feigned innocence, her hands raised. “Who, me? I just thought you might want a little extra sugar in your life today.” She gave me a wink and strutted off before I could say anything else.I took a sip. Ugh. She’d put way too much sugar in it. But before I could complain, my phone buzzed. Another message. From Richard.I hadn’t replied to him since our blowout. In fact, I was trying my best not to think about him at all. Easier said than done, though. My mind was a tangled mess, and no amount of sweet coffee was going to fix it.“Hey,” Zoe popped her head back in, leaning on the doorframe, “you look like a kicked puppy.”“Thanks for that,” I muttered.“You want to talk about i
Sarah’s POV.The day started like any other—mundane emails, phone calls, and a cup of lukewarm coffee that had gone cold while I was distracted by my spiraling thoughts. The office was unusually quiet, except for the distant clacking of keyboards from my employees, which only made me more restless.I grabbed my phone, scrolling through the endless stream of messages. One, in particular, caught my eye—a message from Wesley. He had been acting strange lately. Too friendly. Too apologetic. His last few gifts had crossed the line from thoughtful to downright uncomfortable. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something wasn’t right.But today, I needed a favor, and Wesley was the closest person who could help.With a sigh, I dialed his number.“Hey, Wesley. I need to ask you something about the project. Can we meet tomorrow?” I said, trying to keep the conversation as professional as possible.“Of course, Sarah,” he replied, his voice a little too smooth, too eager. “Anything for you.”
Sarah’s POVSometimes life throws curveballs at you when you're least expecting it. Like today, for instance. I had just gotten into my car to head over to Richard’s place for “the talk”—you know, the kind where you lay all your cards on the table, brace for the awkwardness, and hope to come out without a bruised ego. But of course, my car wouldn’t start.I tried turning the key again. Nothing. Just a pathetic click.“Really? You’re going to do this to me now?” I muttered, slapping the steering wheel. It wasn’t like I was already nervous about seeing Richard again or anything.After about ten more tries—and a quick but useless prayer to the car gods—I gave up and grabbed my phone. I wasn’t about to walk over there like a stray puppy. So I did what any grown woman would do.“Hey, Zoe?” I called my assistant. “I’m gonna need a ride. My car just decided to betray me.”There was a pause on the other end before Zoe’s voice crackled through, clearly trying not to laugh. “Oh no, not again.
Richard pov.The weeks that followed were like a dream, the kind of dream I never wanted to wake up from. Sarah’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She was her old self again—strong, radiant, and filled with the kind of joy that seemed to light up any room she entered. And our daughter? She was growing so fast, already wrapping us—and everyone else—in her tiny fingers. But the best part of it all? We were finally preparing for our wedding. Sarah wanted something small and intimate, just us and our closest family and friends. She’d always talked about having a garden wedding, surrounded by nature, with the sun setting in the background. And that’s exactly what we were going to do. The morning was a flurry of activity. Zoe was in charge of decorations, barking orders at Martins, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Martins, the flowers go on the left,” Zoe said, hands on her hips. “They look fine where they are,” Martins shot back, holding up a bouquet of
Richard pov.Weeks passed. Life felt like a blur of hospital visits, endless updates from doctors, and quiet moments spent in Sarah’s room. I was there every day, holding her hand, speaking softly to her, willing her to wake up. Zoe and Martins tried their best to keep things light whenever they visited, cracking jokes or telling stories, but even they couldn’t hide their worry. The NICU had become another constant in my life. Our daughter was thriving despite her premature birth, a tiny fighter who seemed determined to make it through. I’d visit her every evening after sitting with Sarah, watching her tiny chest rise and fall under the glow of the incubator’s lights. She was the only glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark time. “Hey, little one,” I whispered one night, my hand resting on the incubator. “Your mom’s going to wake up soon. She has to. She wouldn’t leave us like this.” It was a quiet morning when the miracle happened. I was sitting in Sarah’s room, flipping through
Richard pov.The morning of the trial felt heavy. I left the hospital earlier than usual, making sure Zoe would stay with Sarah. Despite the overwhelming dread, there was a part of me that felt strangely numb, as if my emotions had run dry after weeks of worry and anger. Martins met me outside the courthouse, impeccably dressed in his usual sharp suit. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding. “Today’s a big step forward,” he said. “Remember, this trial is about getting justice, not reopening wounds. You’re here to see Susan held accountable, not to punish yourself for her actions.”I nodded, though his words didn’t settle the unease churning in my gut. The courtroom was cold, and even though I’d prepared myself for this moment, seeing Susan seated across the room made my stomach twist. She didn’t look like someone riddled with guilt; she looked indifferent, like this was just another ordinary day. The prosecution opened with a detailed timeline of events, recou
Richard pov.The call from the police came just after dawn, jarring me awake in the cold, uncomfortable chair next to Sarah’s hospital bed. I fumbled with my phone, heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway to answer.“We’ve located Susan,” the officer said. “She’s in custody. We’d like you to come down to the station.”My grip tightened around the phone. The relief I felt was fleeting, quickly replaced by anger. “I’ll be there,” I said, my voice low.Zoe appeared beside me as I hung up. She had been sitting with Sarah through the night, taking turns with Martins to ensure I wasn’t alone. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her concern for Sarah mirrored my own.“Was that about Susan?” she asked.I nodded. “They’ve got her. I’m heading to the station.”“I’m coming with you,” she said firmly.“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Stay here. I need someone I trust to be with Sarah.”She hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. But keep me updated.”When I arrived at the police station, Martin
Richard pov.The cold, sterile environment of the police station did nothing to settle the unease that had been gnawing at me since Sarah’s fall. Sitting across from Isabelle in the small interrogation room only amplified it. She looked different—disheveled, almost feral—but her eyes still held that same unhinged intensity I remembered from before. Martins sat beside me, arms crossed, his body language radiating skepticism and disgust. The officer standing by the door had warned us to keep the conversation civil, but I wasn’t here to trade pleasantries. “Why, Isabelle?” My voice was steady, but my hands clenched into fists under the table. “Why did you hurt Sarah?” She tilted her head, a slow, deliberate movement that made my skin crawl. Then, she smiled—a twisted, almost childlike grin. “She wanted to take you from me,” she said, her tone eerily calm. I blinked, the sheer absurdity of her words momentarily robbing me of speech. “Take me from you? Isabelle, how many times
Richard pov.Morning came soon. The soft hum of the machines in Sarah’s room provided a false sense of calm, but every beep reminded me she was hanging on by a thread. My chest felt heavy with every passing second, waiting for her to open her eyes, to tell me everything would be okay. Zoe and Martins stayed close, their presence quiet but steady. Zoe would occasionally bring coffee or attempt to distract me with updates on the baby, but my focus stayed on Sarah.Martins had taken over the logistics—coordinating with hospital staff, keeping everyone updated, and ensuring the security team outside wasn’t slacking. It was just after 7 a.m. when my phone buzzed in my pocket, the vibration snapping me out of my daze. I saw the caller ID and immediately stepped out of the room to take the call. “This better be good,” I snapped, my voice low but sharp. “Mr. Wright,” a familiar voice responded—it was Derek, head of my security team. “We’ve apprehended Isabelle.” The words didn’t re
Richard povThe living room buzzed with life—laughter, the clinking of glasses, and warm chatter filled the air. Guests had arrived, carrying brightly wrapped gifts and wide smiles. It should have been a joyful day, a celebration of new life. But all I could feel was unease twisting in my gut like a knot that wouldn’t come undone. Martins nudged me as I stood by the window, eyes darting to the security guards stationed discreetly outside. “Hey, CIA,” he joked, his tone light. “You might wanna dial it down before Sarah figures out you’ve turned the baby shower into a covert operation.” I managed a thin smile. “Just being cautious.” Martins chuckled. “Yeah, cautious is your middle name. You’re so tense, you might scare the baby into coming early.” His humor didn’t land. I couldn’t shake the image of Sarah falling down those stairs from my mind—a thought that had no basis but still felt like an omen. Isabelle was out there. I didn’t know where, and that made her a threat.
Sarah pov.I woke up feeling like I was floating on air. Memories of last night flooded back—the soft glow of fairy lights, Richard’s face as he knelt before me, the ring that sparkled on my finger. I glanced at my hand, letting the sunlight catch the diamond, and smiled. It still felt surreal. The baby stirred, a gentle nudge reminding me she was there. “Good morning, little one,” I murmured, rubbing my belly. She responded with another kick, and my heart swelled. Today was going to be beautiful, filled with friends and laughter at the baby shower. But as I climbed out of bed and pulled on a robe, a faint unease settled in the back of my mind. Something I couldn’t quite place. When I reached the kitchen, the smell of coffee and the sound of laughter greeted me. Zoe was sitting at the counter, holding a steaming mug, while Martins leaned back in his chair, mid-joke. “Ah, our glowing bride-to-be!” Martins said with exaggerated flair, waving his hands like a magician. I roll
Richard pov.It had been a month since our trip to the nearby town. Sarah was now in her eighth month, and every day, I marveled at how gracefully she handled the ups and downs of pregnancy. But today was about more than just her strength—it was about giving her a moment to remember forever. I had planned a re-engagement surprise for her, one that would let her know how much she meant to me, now and always.“Martins, hurry up with the banner!” I called out as my best friend tried to figure out which end of the ribbon went where. He muttered something about not being a decorator, but I ignored him.The house was chaotic, but the good kind. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself as I rushed from one end of the living room to the other, adjusting balloons and making sure the decorations didn’t look like a Pinterest project gone wrong. I wanted everything to be perfect for Sarah. After everything we’d been through, she deserved that—and more.“Richard, mate, you need to chill,” Ma