**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 30: I Could Sue You**
“Well, he got out not long after your wedding, didn’t he? Don’t you think that might have something to do with you?” Lara said, a teasing lilt in her voice that hinted at playful mischief.
Riley felt a wave of surprise wash over her. She had always believed that the Brunson family had high hopes for Vince, wanting him to carve out a distinguished military career and ascend through the ranks.
“He went overseas for three years and only returned recently,” Lara continued, her tone light yet insistent. “We should definitely plan a reunion with Vince. That guy has been nursing a grudge for far too long. It’s high time he moved on.”
“Absolutely,” Riley replied, a small smile creeping onto her lips as memories flooded back. She could vividly recall the spirited young soldier who had affectionately nicknamed her “Rye” with such enthusiasm and warmth.
Reflecting on the past, she felt a twinge of guilt. It didn’t seem right that she had obtained her marriage license without informing anyone, as if she were hiding a part of her life from those she cared about.
Just then, the door swung open, and Bryce stepped into the laundry room. Riley’s smile faded slightly, and she instinctively tucked her phone away, feeling a sense of unease settle over her.
“What’s going on here?” Bryce asked, his voice tinged with concern as he caught sight of the blood-stained clothes soaking in the sink. “Are you hurt?”
His eyes widened in alarm as he took her hand, scanning her for any signs of injury. “Where are you hurt? Have you seen a doctor?”
Riley stared at him, taken aback by his sudden concern. The look on his face mirrored the way he had cared for her three years ago, a time when his affection felt genuine and unwavering.
Back then, it was that very care, combined with her parents’ expectations, that had led her to say “I do” to him.
But after their wedding, that warmth had gradually dwindled, replaced by an obsession with his first love, a shadow that loomed over their relationship.
Perhaps for some men, the allure of the unattainable always sparkled brighter than what they already possessed, while what came too easily was often taken for granted.
“I’m perfectly fine. The blood on these clothes belongs to someone else,” Riley replied, her voice flat as she gently pulled her hand away from his grasp.
“Someone else’s blood? What do you mean by that?” Bryce asked, confusion etched across his features.
“While I was shopping at the mall, someone got hurt, and I accidentally got some of their blood on my clothes.” She waved it off nonchalantly, not wanting to delve into the chaotic events that had unfolded at the mall.
“I’m just relieved you’re okay,” Bryce said, exhaling a sigh of relief.
“What about you? Why are you home so early? I thought you were with Bella?” Riley inquired casually, her curiosity piqued.
At the mention of Bella, Bryce’s demeanor shifted slightly. “Bella and I are just friends. You’re my wife, after all. I know I’ve put you through a lot recently, and I promise to spend more time with you from now on.”
“From now on?” Riley scoffed internally. There felt like no future left for them, a sense of finality that weighed heavily on her heart.

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