Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 213

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 213**
**CONTENT: Chapter 213 Maybe She Already Had!**

Sebastian’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and in that fleeting moment, Riley felt an unexpected warmth envelop her heart, urging her to draw closer. The sight of his vulnerability was like a gentle tug, softening the edges of her resolve.

This time, it was Riley who took the initiative, leaning in to press her lips against Sebastian’s with a tender urgency.

“I think I’ll like you even more,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, as if sharing a precious secret.

At that moment, she was convinced that her feelings had blossomed, deepening far beyond the initial spark that had ignited their relationship. It was a realization that filled her with a mix of joy and trepidation.

Sebastian’s gaze fell, momentarily fixating on Riley’s abdomen, before darting away, as if he were afraid of what he might see.

Riley had yet to give him the assurance of a future together, the promise of marriage hanging between them like a fragile thread. Was it that her feelings were not strong enough? How could he possibly ensure that she would choose to remain by his side forever?

Would the prospect of having his child sway her decision? Just like his father had attempted to anchor his mother with the promise of family…

The thought sent a shiver down Sebastian’s spine, causing him to stiffen involuntarily.

“What’s wrong?” Riley asked, her intuition sharpening as she sensed the abrupt change in his demeanor during their kiss.

“N-Nothing,” he stammered, but the pallor of his face betrayed him.

Riley, ever perceptive, pressed on gently, “Sebastian, I’ve told you before. I don’t want any secrets between us. I want our relationship to be built on honesty and trust.”

A heavy silence fell between them, thick with unspoken fears, before Sebastian finally spoke, his voice laced with bitterness. “I just don’t want to end up like my father. I’m terrified that one day you’ll leave me too—just like my mother left him.”

What had overtaken him? The very notion of using a child as a means to keep her close was abhorrent, yet here he was, teetering on the edge of that dark thought, echoing his father’s mistakes.

Sebastian had always loathed Gregory’s actions, yet now he found himself dangerously close to repeating history. The realization churned within him, igniting waves of self-loathing that left him feeling nauseous.

Riley reached out, cupping his face with her hands, her touch grounding him. “Don’t worry. You will never be like your father, and I’m not your mother. I will never choose to end my own life!”

Sebastian stared at her, lost in the depths of her eyes. After what felt like an eternity, he managed a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, you’re not my mother. You’re much stronger than her!”

His words hung in the air, a fragile affirmation of hope.

“My mother didn’t like my father. She even hated him. But you like me, right? You’ll fall in love with me, won’t you?” Sebastian asked, searching her face for reassurance, his vulnerability laid bare.

“Yes, I like you, and… I will definitely fall in love with you,” Riley replied, her voice steady, filled with conviction.

Maybe, I already had.

Sebastian wrapped his arms around Riley, pulling her close, burying his face against the curve of her neck, inhaling her familiar scent. In her embrace, he felt a tumult of emotions—anxiety, comfort, and an unshakeable connection.

She clenched her fists, determination igniting within her. One day, you will all look at me with pure admiration.

Just then, her phone buzzed, and upon glancing at the caller ID, her expression hardened, a mix of anxiety and resolve flickering across her face.

Meanwhile, at a nearby café, Lara was seated across from Vince, tension palpable in the air.

“What? I wasn’t allowed to?” Vince replied lazily, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You know what my relationship with him used to be. Didn’t it occur to you that it might be awkward for me?” she retorted, irritation creeping into her tone.

“I figured you had thick enough skin not to care,” Vince quipped back, his nonchalance grating on her nerves.

Lara rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Anyway, did he say anything to you later?”

Vince raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “What should he have said?”

“Nothing,” Lara forced a smile, but inside, she was anxious. He’d better not say anything.

Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Lara caught sight of Bella slipping into a small motel across the street with a man, a sight that made her heart race with curiosity and concern.