Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart

Sarah's POV

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway sent a rush of relief through me. I glanced out the window and saw Zoe stepping out, her oversized sunglasses and bright red scarf making her impossible to miss. She waved enthusiastically at me before marching toward the front door like she owned the place.

When I opened the door, she didn't waste a second. "Sarah!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.

"You look... exhausted. Are they stressing you out here? Should I throw hands?"

I laughed despite myself. Zoe's energy was like a much-needed breeze on a suffocatingly hot day. "You don't know the half of it," I said, stepping aside to let her in.

She took a moment to look around, her nose wrinkling. "Nice place. But it feels like it's got tension baked into the walls."

I shut the door, already feeling lighter with her around. "Come on, I'll make us tea," I said, leading her to the kitchen.

Once we were seated, her vibrant personality filled the room. She didn't just talk-she commanded attention.

After a few jokes and stories about her chaotic flight, Zoe leaned forward, her expression softening.

"Alright, spill. What's going on? Pretend you're just telling me."

I hesitated. "It's a lot, Zoe," I admitted.

"I've got time," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

I drew in a deep breath. "There's this photograph," I began. "It showed up out of nowhere-surveillance photos of Richard and me, documents about his past deals. And it's not just that..." Zoe's eyes widened as I trailed off. "What else?"noveldrama

I hesitated, my hands fidgeting with my mug. "I'm pregnant."

Her gasp was loud enough to make me jump. "You're what?"

"Shhh!" I hissed, glancing toward the hallway. "No one else knows. Not even Richard."

Zoe's face shifted from shock to excitement, then to concern. "Wait. Why haven't you told him? He's the dad, right?"

"Of course he's the dad!" I snapped, then sighed. "I just... I don't know how to tell him. Things between us are already a mess. And with Isabelle here-"

"Hold up. Isabelle? As in the woman living in your house and messing with your marriage?" Zoe's voice was sharp now. "Sarah, this is insane."

As if I haven't told her before. But then Zoe is Zoe. "I know," I said, burying my face in my hands. "I feel like I'm losing control of everything."

Zoe reached over, placing a reassuring hand on mine. "First off, you're not losing control. You're overwhelmed, and rightfully so. But you can't keep this bottled up. You need to confront them-both of them." "I don't know if I can," I admitted.

"Yes, you can," she said firmly. "You're stronger than this, Sarah. You've built a life, a career-you're about to be a mom, for crying out loud! Don't let them walk all over you."

Her words lit a spark in me, one I hadn't felt in a long time.

Richard's POV

I didn't expect to see Zoe standing in the living room when I walked in. She turned, her bright grin immediately lighting up the space. "Well, if it isn't the famous Richard himself," she said, throwing her arms out dramatically. "You're taller than the last time I saw you."

"Zoe," I said, surprised but genuinely glad to see her. "What are you doing here?"

"Saving Sarah from losing her mind," she said bluntly, plopping down on the couch. "You're welcome, by the way."

Her honesty was refreshing, and for a moment, I felt the tension in the house ease.

Before I could respond, the front door opened, and Martins walked in. "Richard, you've got-oh, hello," he said, stopping short when he saw Zoe.

Zoe's eyes lit up, and she gave Martins an exaggerated once-over. "And who's this charming gentleman?"

"Martins," he said, grinning. "Friend, confidant, occasional lifesaver. And you are?"

"Zoe," she said, standing and extending her hand. "Friend, confidant, and professional mood booster."

The two of them clicked immediately, their banter filling the room with laughter.

"You know," Martins said, leaning against the armrest, "I'm starting to think you're what this house needs. Some energy, some spark."

"Well, someone's gotta keep this place from collapsing under all the drama," Zoe replied, winking.

As the evening wore on, I found myself relaxing for the first time in days. But that peace was short-lived. Isabelle's behavior had become increasingly strange. She'd linger in the kitchen, watching me more than usual, or make comments that felt... off. Tonight, she seemed especially tense.

"Richard," she said, stopping me in the hallway.

I turned, already bracing myself. "Yes, Isabelle?"

"I just wanted to thank you," she said, her voice soft. "For letting me stay. I know it hasn't been easy."

"It's fine," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "But we need to talk about finding a long-term solution soon."

Her face fell, and for a moment, I thought she might cry. "I understand," she said, looking down. "But I just-"

"Richard!" Zoe's voice interrupted, her tone cheerful. She appeared at the end of the hallway, her timing impeccable. "I'm starving. You in?" "Sure," I said, grateful for the distraction.