Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 1

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 1: Broken Promises**

**Riley’s POV**

I never imagined I would find my husband, Bryce Murphy, at an auction, of all places. The sight of him sent a jolt through my chest. But it was the woman beside him, her arm intertwined with his, that truly stole my breath away. Bella Sinclair. She radiated a light that seemed to draw all attention, especially his.

A wave of bitterness rose in my throat, and I quickly averted my gaze, desperate to shield myself from the painful reality before me. Yet, as if he could sense my distress, Bryce turned his head. Our eyes met, and in that instant, the world around us faded into oblivion.

It was just one fleeting glance, but it spoke volumes. He looked away, cold and unfeeling, as if my presence meant nothing to him. There was no remorse, no explanation—just silence.

Three years of marriage had transformed us into mere shadows of what we once were, total strangers navigating this life together.

I took a deep breath, forcing my emotions to settle, and stepped into the auction hall. I chose a seat as far from them as possible, my heart pounding in my chest. I was here for a singular purpose: to reclaim a ruby necklace that belonged to my mother.

This necklace was not just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of her love and sacrifice. During the war, she had traded it for essential supplies, saving the lives of fifty orphans in the process. To me, it was a treasure filled with memories—every laugh, every embrace. And now, it was finally up for auction. I had to bring it back home.

As the necklace appeared on the screen, my breath hitched in my throat. The deep crimson ruby, encircled by a halo of sparkling diamonds, glimmered under the bright lights, radiating warmth reminiscent of my mother’s love.

“Starting bid is three million,” the auctioneer announced, his voice booming through the hall.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I raised my paddle high, my heart racing.

“Three million five hundred thousand,” a sweet voice chimed in, slicing through the air like a knife. It was Bella’s voice, and I felt my heart drop. She leaned in, whispering something to Bryce, who nodded at his assistant to raise their paddle.

A tight knot formed in my chest. Was Bryce truly going to bid against me for this necklace?

What followed was an intense exchange, a relentless back-and-forth that left me breathless. Each time I gritted my teeth and increased my bid, his side matched it effortlessly, as if he had no limits.

The price soared, surpassing ten million in mere moments. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and I could feel every pair of eyes darting between us, caught in the spectacle of our silent war.

I knew Bryce well; when he set his sights on something, he never backed down. With trembling hands, I sent him a text, desperation lacing my words.

[Bryce, let me have the necklace. It’s my mom’s keepsake.]

I watched him steal a glance at his phone, his expression as unreadable as a stone wall. He slipped the device back into his pocket, ignoring my plea.

I sent another message, my heart racing.

[Please, it matters more than anything to me.]

But he merely switched off his screen, his focus unwavering. Bella sat beside him, a small, self-satisfied smile dancing on her lips, as if she were an audience member enjoying a performance that had nothing to do with her.

When the price climbed to eighteen million, I felt the weight of defeat settle heavily upon my shoulders. The Murphys had an endless supply of wealth. Yes, I was Mrs. Murphy, but I had barely touched Bryce’s fortune since our marriage. His riches felt like a distant world, completely separate from mine.

“Twenty million,” Bryce declared, his voice ringing out clear and confident, as if he were announcing a victory.

The auctioneer counted down.

Five, four, three, two, one.

The gavel came down with a resounding crack.

“Sold for twenty million! Congratulations to Mr. Murphy!” the auctioneer exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Applause erupted around us, but I felt hollow. I watched as the staff carefully took the necklace away, while Bryce’s face remained an inscrutable mask.

I clenched my fists, a whirlwind of emotions crashing inside me. Why? Why would he do this?

After the auction, I cornered Bryce in the hallway, my heart racing with a mix of anger and desperation.

“Bryce, this is the first and last time I’ll beg you,” I said, my voice trembling. “That necklace is all I have left of my mom. Please, can you let me have it? I’ll give you every penny I’ve saved over the years. Just please, let me have that necklace.”

He paused, frowning slightly.

“Riley, Bella’s mom loves that necklace too. I promised I’d buy it for her a long time ago. You know her mom’s sickness isn’t improving. Bella’s just trying to make her happy.”

My lips moved, but no words emerged. What was he saying?

Trying once more, I found his phone switched off.

Taking a deep breath, I felt the cold air sting my lungs, yet it cleared the fog clouding my mind.

He wasn’t coming. I was certain of it.

I bit my lip, frustration bubbling inside me.

He had promised me yesterday, with his own lips. Why did he keep his promises to Bella but disregard mine?

A voice in my head echoed, relentless.

“Pathetic, Riley Anderson. You’ve given him everything, and he still doesn’t care. Is he truly worth it?”

Tears pricked at my eyes, sharp and sour, but I refused to let them fall.

I couldn’t cry, not here. My parents were watching from above, and they shouldn’t see their daughter crumbling over a man who didn’t deserve her.

I wiped my face roughly, adjusted my thin jacket, smoothing out every wrinkle.

Standing tall, I straightened my spine like a poplar tree against the wind.

I took a step forward, raising my right hand, fingers together, and saluted sharply, embodying perfect military form.

Even if I stood alone, I would bring my parents home.

Bravery and determination surged within me as I opened my mouth, pouring every ounce of strength into my words.

“Former Eagle Strike Special Forces veteran Riley Anderson, reporting to escort home the remains of former peacekeeping officer Dominic Anderson and military medic Bianca Anderson!”

My voice, though trembling slightly, carried a firmness that sliced through the air above the base.

As soon as the words left my lips, the gates of the base slowly swung open, welcoming me into the embrace of the past.