Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 137

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 137: Congratulations**

Why was Riley uttering those words? And why did her voice, imbued with warmth, intertwine with the hazy form of a figure from a long-forgotten past? Who was it that had truly rescued him during those tumultuous days?

Riley cradled the boy gently, her presence enveloping him like a soft blanket, easing the fear that had gripped his small heart. Gradually, the boy’s wails diminished, his breathing slowing as he succumbed to the soothing rhythm of sleep in her embrace.

With utmost care, Riley laid him back on the hospital bed, her fingers delicately tucking the thin blanket around him. The room, filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic, felt strangely comforting in that moment.

“Thank you so much for today,” the orphanage director expressed, his voice thick with gratitude, almost choking on the weight of his appreciation. “You saved his life, and now you’ve offered him solace. I truly don’t know how I can repay you for this.”

Riley offered a gentle smile, shaking her head in modesty. “It’s simply what I’m meant to do. There’s no need for thanks,” she replied, her voice calm and steady.

Even though she had stepped away from her military life, the oath she had taken still served as her guiding star, illuminating her path in moments like this.

“If anything arises with him, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” she added, her tone serious yet warm.

—

As Riley concluded her conversation with the director, she stepped out of the infirmary, the heavy door clicking shut behind her.

To her surprise, she found Bryce lingering by the entrance, his posture tense and his expression unreadable.

What is he doing here? she wondered, a flicker of unease stirring within her.

Determined to bypass him, she took a step forward, but Bryce shifted, blocking her way with an intensity that made her heart race.

“Why would you say that to that kid?” he demanded, his voice taut with an uncharacteristic urgency.

Riley’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion. “Say what?” she replied, genuinely puzzled.

“You told him you’d save him. That you’d definitely save him. Why would you make such a promise?” Bryce’s voice quivered, panic creeping into his chest like a cold shadow.

Her response was measured, cool as ice. “Why? Am I not entitled to say that?”

“No, it’s just… why would you…” Bryce stumbled over his words, frustration spilling over as he continued, “Riley, I don’t know where you got that from, but why do you keep mimicking Bella? We both know—”

Sebastian stood there, his displeasure evident. “You and Riley are divorced. You don’t have the right to pull her around like that anymore.”

Annoyance flickered in Bryce’s eyes as he recalled the moment at the beach when Sebastian had wrapped his arms around Riley. He shot back, “And I suppose Mr. Torres has that right?”

Sebastian’s gaze turned steely, unwavering. “If it were me, I wouldn’t have been foolish enough to divorce Riley. So what happens between us is none of your concern. And congratulations on your new relationship with Ms. Sinclair. When you two tie the knot, I’ll be sure to send you a grand gift.”

Bryce felt a lump form in his throat, rendered speechless by the unexpected confrontation.

Turning to Sebastian, Riley asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I was concerned something might have happened. I just wanted to check in,” Sebastian replied, his tone softening slightly.

“It’s alright. The kid got frightened, but he’s asleep now,” Riley reassured him. “Let’s go.”

“Alright,” Sebastian nodded, relief washing over his features.

Just as they were about to leave, Bryce couldn’t help but call out, “Riley!” His voice, laced with desperation, lingered in the air, a plea hanging between them.