Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 201

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 201: Never Break Up**
**+21 Bonus**

If wishes truly had the power to manifest, she found herself fervently hoping that hers would guide her directly to Samuel.

Vince stood beneath the imposing ancient tree, its branches sprawling like the arms of a guardian from another time.

Could it be possible that wishes could actually come true?

What if I were to make a wish right here, beneath this magnificent tree—one that would bind me to Riley, truly and eternally—would the universe conspire to make it a reality?

He let out a short, bitter laugh, the sound echoing slightly in the stillness around him.

What am I even contemplating? When did I start believing in such foolish notions?

His gaze drifted toward Riley, who remained blissfully unaware, her eyes still closed as if she were lost in a dream.

Why could she harbor feelings for Sebastian, yet regard him only as a younger brother? What on earth did Sebastian possess that I lacked?

Out of the corner of his eye, Vince caught sight of Sebastian standing beside Riley, his posture relaxed yet attentive.

Sebastian believes in this too? Huh… that’s unexpected.

In that fleeting moment, Riley’s eyes fluttered open, breaking the spell of silence.

“You made a wish, too?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine curiosity.

In her mind, someone like him had the world at his feet. Why would he need to resort to wishes?

Sebastian’s gaze softened, radiating warmth and unwavering steadiness.

“I wished that we could grow old together.”

Time seemed to freeze, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a delicate glass ornament.

Riley stood momentarily frozen, struck by the profound simplicity and gravity of his declaration.

Vince, unable to contain his skepticism, frowned from behind her. “You’ve only been dating for a short time. You really believe you can grow old with Riley?”

Sebastian, however, remained unfazed, his focus unwavering as he kept his eyes locked on Riley.

“Riley. There has never been anyone else for me, and there never will be.”

Vince couldn’t help but let out a sharp, mocking laugh, the sound tinged with disbelief.

“Ha! That sounds lovely in theory. But hearts are fickle. You’ve only known Riley for a few months, and now you’re declaring she’s the only one for you? What if she decides to break up with you one day? Are you seriously telling me you’ll never date another woman again?”

“There won’t be anyone else,” Sebastian stated firmly, his voice steady and resolute. “And Riley and I will never break up.”

The last words emerged with a conviction that was unyielding, as if they were etched in stone.

For him, the thought of parting from her was unbearable; every subsequent day would feel like a life devoid of purpose.

Vince opened his mouth, ready to retort, but Riley interjected, her voice cutting through the tension.

“Alright, that’s enough sightseeing for today. Let’s head back. Vince, I’ll be returning to Washington in a couple of days. If you want to stay in Carmel—”

“Yeah,” Riley continued, her tone steady. “I’ve pretty much wrapped up everything I needed to do here. Tomorrow, I’ll visit my great-grandfather at Anderson Manor, and then I’ll start preparing for my trip back.”

“Same as always,” Quinten replied, offering a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “When you grow old, that’s just how it is.”

Then he turned to Wren, his tone shifting. “Wren, could you step out for a moment? I wish to speak with Riley alone.”

Wren’s eyes flashed with reluctance, a storm of emotions swirling beneath her calm facade. Was it because Riley was Dominic’s daughter? Or was it due to her parents’ martyrdom?

Whatever the reason, it felt so incredibly unfair!

But she could only force a smile, murmur her agreement, and slowly exit the room, her heart heavy with unspoken words.

Outside, Wren overheard the servants casually mentioning that Sebastian was in the drawing room.

Her life had spiraled into chaos. Those once-fawning friends had turned cold, their flattery evaporating overnight after she lost the backing of the Torres family. Yesterday’s compliments had morphed into today’s mockery.

If only Sebastian would take her back, she could reclaim the luxurious life that had slipped through her fingers.

With that desperate thought fueling her, she hurried to the drawing room—and there he stood, as striking as ever.

She stepped forward, her heart racing.

“Sebastian, I’ve been longing to see you again. I know I was wrong at the restaurant last time. I shouldn’t have said—”

Sebastian’s gaze was as cold as ice, cutting her off with a finality that sent chills down her spine. “It’s over between us. There’s nothing to forgive.”

Wren’s jaw tightened, her resolve hardening.

No. It couldn’t be over.