Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 206

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 206: Stomachache**

A wave of anxiety crashed over Vince, overwhelming him with a torrent of troubling thoughts. If Riley truly was pregnant… what had Sebastian done to her before he left Carmel? Was she coerced into this relationship, against her will?

The questions bombarded him like a relentless storm, leaving his mind in disarray.

Sebastian’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and measured. He met Vince’s furious glare with an unsettling calmness. “If Riley is pregnant with my child, it’s because she desired it. Mr. Brunson, you’re overstepping your boundaries.”

Vince felt his blood boil at the audacity of Sebastian’s words. “What did you just say?!” he exclaimed, his voice rising with indignation.

“I’m in a relationship with Riley,” Sebastian retorted, his tone dripping with condescension. “And you—Mr. Brunson—are nothing more than a little brother to her.”

The impact of those words felt like a physical blow, landing hard against Vince’s chest. In a flash, he swung his fist, and just like that, the tension erupted into a flurry of fists in the private room.

“Guys, stop it!” Riley’s voice sliced through the air, her head pounding in response to the chaos around her.

And then, as if the universe delighted in sowing discord, Lara leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Riley, wait, are you really pregnant? When did this happen? You remember our agreement—your kid has to call me godmother!”

Vince’s punches quickened, fueled by a mix of rage and confusion.

Riley shot Lara a glare that was equal parts exasperation and disbelief, while Lara blinked back at her with an innocence that suggested she had no idea of the fire she just stoked.

“I’m not pregnant!” Riley asserted firmly.

With determination, she stepped forward, placing herself squarely between the two men, her hands pressing against their chests with a force that demanded their attention.

Both men froze, suddenly aware that any misstep could lead to her getting hurt.

“Have you two had enough?” Riley snapped, her voice laced with authority.

“I’m not pregnant—it’s just a lingering stomach issue. A couple of pills will sort it out. And—”

She paused, gathering her thoughts, feeling the weight of their concern pressing down on her. She was not a victim, nor would she ever allow herself to feel helpless. No one could force her into something she didn’t want.

“If I were pregnant, it would be because I wanted to be.”

The conviction in her voice shifted the expressions on both men’s faces, a mixture of surprise and contemplation flickering across their features in rapid succession.

“Alright, alright,” Lara interjected quickly, eager to diffuse the tension that hung thick in the air. “Let’s just eat.”

Reluctantly, they returned to their meals, the atmosphere still charged with unspoken words.

After a moment, Sebastian turned to Riley, his expression growing serious. “We’re going to the hospital later.”

Riley blinked at him, momentarily taken aback. “Are you not feeling well?”

She wondered if the effects of the perfume were still lingering in her system, clouding her judgment.

“You have a stomachache. We should get it checked out,” he stated flatly, his tone brooking no dissent.

“Vince!” Lara interrupted, her tone sharp. “Whatever you feel for Riley, the reality is that she likes Sebastian. She’s with him.”

Vince went still, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. A bitter smile crept onto his lips moments later. “So… I’m late again?”

Lara sighed, her heart aching for him. Who would have thought that the once-dominant figure in Washington could appear so wounded?

“That’s just how love works sometimes,” she said softly. “Who could’ve predicted Riley would end up with Sebastian?”

Vince’s gaze dropped to his open palm, the emptiness within him palpable. “Yeah… who could’ve guessed.”

He had wanted to hold on to Riley, to make her his, but now he found himself clutching at the remnants of what could have been.

—

After a thorough examination at the hospital for her stomachache, the doctor prescribed her some medication. Once they stepped outside, Sebastian’s demeanor shifted to one of concern. “Why didn’t you ever tell me you’ve been dealing with this chronic stomach issue?”

Riley shrugged, a hint of nonchalance in her posture. “It’s not a big deal. Most soldiers have some health problems. Do you mind?”

“Yes, I do,” Sebastian replied, his hand tightening around hers, a gesture filled with protective intent. “I want you healthy. No more getting sick. From now on, I’ll manage your diet and ensure your stomach gets back to normal.”

The sincerity in his voice, coupled with the worry etched in his eyes, drew a smile from Riley, despite her earlier frustration.

There had been a time—back when she was constantly running around for Bryce’s business—when her stomach issues had spiraled so out of control that she found herself in the ER in the dead of night. Bryce hadn’t even bothered to inquire about her well-being; all he cared about were the contracts signed and the plans finalized.

But now, standing beside Sebastian, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this time, things could be different.