Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 112

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**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 112: Hearts in Knots**

Sebastian found himself enveloped in an unsettling silence.

When Riley uttered the words that pierced through him like a dagger—“I don’t love you”—a peculiar, indescribable ache unfurled in his chest, blossoming into a painful reminder of his long-buried fears.

**&**

**Lucky Draw**

In the distant past, after he had finally relinquished the hope of ever receiving love from his parents, he had built walls around his heart, shutting out the possibility of desiring anyone’s affection again.

Yet here he was, longing for her warmth, her smile, her love.

“What about later?” he ventured, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the delicate moment.

“Later, I…”

Before Riley could complete her thought, Sebastian gently placed a finger on her lips, silencing her with the lightest of touches.

“Don’t say it,” he implored, his tone almost desperate, as though he were pleading with the universe itself. The fear of her not reciprocating his feelings loomed over him like a dark cloud.

Better to leave the words unspoken than to confront a reality he might not be able to endure.

—

Riley stood frozen, her breath hitching in her throat. His cool finger pressed against her lips sent a shiver down her spine, yet where he touched her felt as if it were ignited with fire.

—

Bella and Bryce stepped into their hotel room, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension.

Since departing the banquet, Bryce had lapsed into a heavy silence, his quietness amplifying Bella’s growing anxiety.

“Bryce, this is getting out of hand,” Bella asserted, her voice sharp, tinged with irritation. “Riley is moving way too fast. She’s barely divorced and already clinging to Sebastian like a lifeline. Wren told me that ever since she arrived in Carmel, she’s been practically glued to him, as if she wants everyone to know they’re an item.”

Bryce’s gaze was fixed on the floor, his lips pressed into a thin line, offering no response.

“Bryce?” Bella’s voice rose, tinged with concern.

He snapped back to reality, his brow furrowing. “What did you say?”

Bella bit her lip, her eyes narrowing with frustration. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been completely zoned out since we left the banquet.”

“Nothing,” Bryce brushed off dismissively, though the weariness in his tone betrayed him. “I’m just… tired, I guess.”

“Are you thinking about Riley?” Bella pressed, her tone probing, as if trying to peel back the layers of his guarded heart.

Bryce remained silent, the weight of his thoughts heavy in the air.

“You were married to her for three years, so I understand why this is hard for you. I never imagined she’d move on so quickly, throwing herself at Sebastian right after the divorce. I used to believe she truly loved you. That’s why I hesitated to come between you two when I returned. But now? She’s clearly not the person I thought she was.”

As she spoke, Bella reached up, gently cradling Bryce’s face in her hands, her touch tender yet firm. “Bryce, if it were me, I would love someone with every fiber of my being, forever. I would never stray.”

Her eyes softened, radiating warmth, as she slowly closed them, leaning in, her lips inching closer to his.

Bryce’s body stiffened at the realization. He knew exactly what she was doing. This was her way of giving him the green light. If he kissed her now, it would naturally lead to something more profound between them.