Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 151

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 151**
**Chapter 151: Shadows of Secrets**

In the midst of the charged atmosphere, Sebastian gently took Riley’s hand—the same hand that had struck Bella just moments earlier—and asked with a tenderness that surprised even him, “Does it hurt?”

The silence that enveloped them was palpable, thick enough to cut through. It was as if the air itself held its breath. The onlookers exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and concern. If there was anyone in pain at that moment, it was Bella, not Riley.

Wren, observing the unfolding drama from a distance, felt a surge of frustration ripple through her. She clenched her jaw, her emotions a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

Later that evening, Sebastian immersed himself in his study, surrounded by the comforting chaos of papers and the soft glow of his desk lamp. Meanwhile, Riley sprawled on a plush sofa nearby, her attention divided as she engaged in a voice chat with Lara, her enthusiasm evident.

“Sweetie, I desperately need your help! If you don’t log in and assist me with this quest tonight, I swear I’ll lose my mind!” Lara’s voice crackled through the speaker, laced with urgency and a hint of panic.

“But I’m still on duty protecting Sebastian,” Riley replied, her tone a blend of loyalty and reluctance.

Sebastian, who had been lost in thought, suddenly approached, curiosity piqued. “What’s going on?”

“Lara wants me to help her in the game, but I don’t think I can right now,” Riley explained, glancing between her phone and Sebastian.

“Why not? There’s no reason you can’t help her,” Sebastian countered, a playful glint in his eyes. “I mean, sure, I’d love to have you guarding me every second of the day, but you’re not the only bodyguard in this house. Go ahead and play. Actually, mind if I join?”

Riley blinked, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected suggestion. “What do you mean?”

Ten minutes later, as Lara focused on the game, she noticed a new virtual character standing beside Riley’s avatar in the game interface. The figure was clad in basic gear, unmistakably a novice.

“Who’s this?” Lara inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Sebastian,” Riley replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Lara’s surprise was palpable. “You brought Sebastian into the game? Why’d you drag him along?”

“He insisted,” Riley said, her tone resigned, as if she had little choice in the matter.

“Girl, I’m trying to finish a serious quest here. Can he keep up?” Lara’s skepticism was evident. After all, Sebastian was a newcomer to this digital realm.

“Probably… I guess he’ll just stick close to me. It won’t mess up your quest,” Riley assured her, casting a glance at Sebastian, who was watching the exchange with a bemused expression.

“Alright then,” Lara said, visibly relieved. “But seriously, why’s he even here? It’s so weird.”

Sebastian, ever the enigma, was the head of the Torres family and the chairman of the Torres Group. How could a man of his stature find time for something as trivial as a video game?

“Is it weird for a boyfriend to join his girlfriend in a game?” Sebastian interjected, his voice cutting through the conversation unexpectedly.

Lara nearly dropped her phone in shock. “Sebastian’s right there with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Since when is he your boyfriend?” Lara pressed, her curiosity unabated.

“A few days ago,” Riley replied, a hint of pride creeping into her voice.

The voice channel erupted with a squeal that resembled a startled groundhog.

“Riley! This is monumental, and you didn’t tell me? Back when we were in school, we hit up bars together to scout for hot guys, and now you’re keeping this from me?”

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