Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 200

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 200: Don’t Leave Me**

Britney let out a scornful laugh, her voice dripping with disdain. “Wren, do you honestly believe that we spend our time with you because of your charm? You’re merely an illegitimate daughter. The only reason we ever respected you was because Sebastian was in your corner. But now that he’s cutting ties, how can you still have the audacity to be around us?”

Her words sliced through the air, and laughter erupted from the small group surrounding them, echoing in the dimly lit room.

Wren stood there, the remnants of wine staining her clothes, feeling utterly humiliated. In that moment, she resembled a jester, the laughter of her so-called friends ringing in her ears like a cruel melody.

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In a different corner of the room, Riley’s gaze was focused intently on Sebastian. She examined the swelling on his cheek and the gash on his lip with a mix of concern and frustration. The aftermath of Vince’s punch was evident, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for him despite the circumstances.

“Sebastian,” she said, her tone firm yet caring, “next time someone decides to throw a punch at you, for heaven’s sake, don’t just stand there and take it. At least try to dodge!”

11:27

Sebastian, wincing as he touched his lip, replied with a smirk, “Well, if it’s you throwing the punch, I won’t dodge. I’ll just let you have your fun.”

Riley chuckled, the tension easing slightly. “Why on earth would I ever hit you?”

00

**Lucky Draw**

“Maybe… because I did something wrong?” he ventured, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Like what exactly?”

His eyelashes fluttered nervously. How could he possibly confess the truth to her?

Suddenly, with an impulsive motion, Sebastian wrapped his arms around Riley’s waist. Sitting on the couch while she stood, his face nestled against her abdomen, he felt a wave of vulnerability wash over him.

“Riley,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, “if I ever mess up, if I do something that makes you angry, you can punish me however you wish. Just please, promise me you won’t leave me.”

Riley’s heart fluttered at his words. “If you know it’s wrong, just don’t do it in the first place,” she replied, her voice steady but gentle.

Sebastian fumbled for words, his thoughts racing. “But what if… I’ve already done it? What if I didn’t even realize it was wrong at that moment? Before I met you, I wasn’t exactly a model citizen. I didn’t care about anything or anyone.” He paused, the weight of his past hanging heavily between them. “But…”

11:27

**Lucky Draw**

He hesitated, gathering his thoughts, then added, “From now on, I promise to be a better person. So… despite my past, will you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Riley’s eyes locked onto Sebastian’s, and she could see the unease etched across his features. The nervousness and rare vulnerability he displayed were palpable, as if her response held the power to shape his future.

But why did it matter so much to him whether she could forgive his past?

“Damn it! You’ve got some nerve bringing up the law firm. Wasn’t it all those chaotic issues at the firm your doing?” Vince glared at Sebastian, irritation radiating from him.

“If you can’t manage such trivial matters, then maybe it’s time to consider shutting the law firm down,” Sebastian replied, his words sharp and unyielding.

While the two men engaged in their “lively” banter from the backseat, Riley focused on the road ahead, steering the car toward their next destination.

Initially, both Sebastian and Vince had been eager to take the wheel, but she had firmly insisted they both sit in the back, choosing to drive herself to avoid the bickering.

The car soon came to a halt in front of the ancient city wall, a popular tourist attraction in Carmel.

As they stepped out of the vehicle, Riley turned to her companions, excitement lighting up her eyes. “There’s a wishing tree here! Many people come to make wishes under it. They say it’s pretty effective,” she explained, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Sebastian and Vince exchanged intrigued glances, their expressions shifting as they contemplated the idea.

“Let’s go!” Riley exclaimed, her excitement infectious as she led the way toward the ancient city wall.

Sebastian and Vince followed her, their earlier banter momentarily forgotten.

After exploring the wall, they finally arrived at the wishing tree.

Riley stepped beneath its sprawling branches, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes, her heart filled with hope as she made a wish.