Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 10

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 10: Find Another Doctor**

“Who was that?” Lara’s voice cut through the tension, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

“Bryce’s sister. Don’t pay her any mind,” Riley replied, her tone dismissive, though a knot twisted in her stomach. She had long grown accustomed to the complex dynamics of Bryce’s family, a web of emotions that often ensnared her.

Yet, only thirty minutes later, her phone buzzed with urgency. It was Bryce.

“Riley, you need to get to the hospital right now. If anything happens to my mom, I swear I’ll never forgive you!” His voice was a mix of desperation and anger, each word laced with the weight of unspoken fears.

Riley’s brow furrowed as she processed his words. A part of her wanted to argue, to remind him of their situation, but the thought of leaving him to face this alone gnawed at her conscience. They weren’t officially divorced yet, and she had no desire to create more chaos. With a resigned sigh, she made up her mind to go.

*****

As soon as Riley stepped into the sterile environment of the hospital, she was met with a storm. Claire, Bryce’s sister, charged toward her, her face flushed with indignation. “You actually blocked my number? I tried calling a dozen times, and nothing went through!” Claire’s voice was sharp, slicing through the air like a knife.

“I did block you,” Riley replied, her voice steady and devoid of any sugarcoating. She felt no need to sugarcoat her actions.

Claire’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’ve got some nerve!”

Earlier that day, Claire had taken Amanda to the doctor’s office, only to be met with the cold, unyielding policy of the staff—no appointment meant no exceptions. The humiliation of being turned away, coupled with the stares of onlookers, had ignited a fire within her. In her frustration, she’d bombarded Riley’s phone, but each call had met with silence.

Riley crossed her arms, leaning slightly back as she faced Claire. “And why shouldn’t I? Are you some big shot? Why must I jump when you snap your fingers?”

Claire opened her mouth to retort, but words failed her, leaving her sputtering in shock.

At that moment, Bryce intervened, stepping between the two women. “Whatever issues we have, that’s between us. You shouldn’t take it out on my mom’s health,” he stated, his voice firm yet tinged with concern.

Riley let out a cold, humorless laugh. “And what exactly did I do to her?”

Bryce’s voice turned stubborn. “You always took her to checkups. Now you’re bailing. Obviously, you’re trying to cause trouble.”

Riley’s gaze was unwavering as she shot back, “Oh, so you do remember it was always me. Well, your mom raised you and Claire, not me. Taking her to the doctor isn’t my job. I did it out of kindness before, but that doesn’t mean I owe her anything now.”

Bryce’s frustration flared. “Fine. Say you won’t help anymore. But why couldn’t she get an appointment? Don’t tell me you didn’t sabotage it!”

From the exam room, a tall figure in a white coat emerged, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What’s going on out here… Wait, Riley?” he exclaimed, recognizing her instantly.

“Dr. Gellar,” Riley began, but Amanda cut in, her voice dripping with venom.

“Dr. Gellar, she’s evil! Told me to see some regular doctor, but I only trust you! Thank God my son’s divorcing her soon. He’s finally going to marry someone who deserves him.”

Bryce shifted uncomfortably, pulling Amanda back gently. “Mom, I told you Bella and I are just friends.”

Amanda clutched his hand tightly. “Friends? Please. You’ve always liked Bella. Now that she’s back, you two belong together.”

Her gaze turned back to Riley, filled with disdain. “What does Riley have to offer? She’s just an orphan; how can she compare to Bella? For heaven’s sake, Bella’s Cloud Airlines’ first female pilot!”

Ryan’s expression darkened, the atmosphere thickening with tension.

He turned to Amanda, his voice firm. “You’ll need to find another doctor. I only agreed to treat you out of respect for Riley’s parents. Since you clearly don’t respect her, there’s no reason for you to come here anymore.”

“What?” The Murphys froze, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief, as the weight of Ryan’s words hung heavily in the air.