Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 173

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 173**
**CONTENT: Chapter 173 Not Ugly**

“My back… these scars. They’re hideous, aren’t they?”

Sebastian stood there, his bathrobe hanging loosely, leaving his back completely vulnerable to her gaze.

The scars, thick and jagged, were remnants of a painful past, their once vivid colors now softened by time, yet they whispered tales of a childhood marred by relentless beatings.

Riley felt a lump form in her throat as she stared at the scars, her heart swelling with an overwhelming mixture of sorrow and fury.

No matter how many times she laid eyes on those marks, they struck her like a physical blow, igniting a fire of rage within her.

She couldn’t help but feel a deep regret for not having struck his father with more force. The thought of delivering a few more punishing blows, of making him truly feel the anguish he inflicted on Sebastian, consumed her.

“If you genuinely believe they’re ugly, then I’ll—”

Sebastian’s words were abruptly interrupted as Riley’s voice cut through the air. “They are not ugly.”

With determination, she stepped closer, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed over the scars etched onto his back.

He stiffened at her touch, a wave of uncertainty washing over him. “You really don’t think they’re ugly?”

“Well, if they are, then I guess I have a fair share of scars myself. Would you consider mine ugly?” she shot back, her tone defiant.

After all, she had endured her own battles, each scar a testament to her military missions and the dangers she faced.

“Of course not!” Sebastian exclaimed, the denial escaping him before he could fully process her words.

“See? Yours aren’t ugly either. The real ugliness lies in those who left these marks on you. These scars only deepen my resolve to treat you better.”

As she spoke, a wave of compassion washed over her, amplifying her desire to help him heal from the shadows of his past.

Riley leaned in, pressing her lips softly against the scars on his back, a silent affirmation that she saw beauty in his pain.

Sebastian froze, a rush of warmth flooding through him as her lips connected with his skin, the sensation igniting something deep within.

Slowly, he turned to face the mirror above the sink, his heart racing at the sight before him.

In the reflection, he saw Riley, her head bent low, showering his scars with tender kisses.

His heart faltered, a pang of guilt hitting him. He was aware of his own despicable behavior, manipulating her sympathy to draw her closer, all out of a desperate need for her affection.

What would she think of him if she could read the petty thoughts swirling in his mind?

“Riley, I…”

“Hmm?” She looked up, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Sebastian took a deep breath, grasping her hands firmly. “If you don’t mind me, then you have to promise to be kinder to me, okay?”

A laugh escaped Riley’s lips, light and melodic.

Here was Sebastian, the powerful head of the Torres family, acting like a lost little boy seeking comfort.

“Sure, I’ll be better to you!” she replied, her voice full of warmth.

His eyes brightened, and he could no longer contain the thrill surging through him.

In a swift motion, Sebastian pulled her closer, wrapping one arm around her waist and capturing her lips with his own.

His kiss was cool yet cautious, as if he feared that this moment might shatter if he pressed too hard.

It wasn’t until she reciprocated, kissing him back with equal fervor, that he fully surrendered to the moment.

When they finally emerged from the bathroom, Riley felt a delightful flush spread across her cheeks, her breath coming in quick, excited bursts.

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