Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 4

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

**Chapter 4: The Divorce Papers**

**Riley’s POV**

The funeral home was enveloped in a heavy hush, the kind that follows a downpour, where the air is thick with unspoken words and lingering memories.

The staff, immersed in their tasks of managing the storage paperwork, seemed almost robotic—numb to the profound weight of life and death. Their expressions were vacant, their movements mechanical, as if they had witnessed the spectrum of grief too many times to count.

“Mom, Dad, I promise I’ll find Samuel. I’ll bring him back to see you,” I murmured softly, my voice steady yet tinged with an undercurrent of determination. “He’s out there somewhere, probably finishing up some mission we can’t even begin to imagine.”

It had been five long years since my brother Samuel had disappeared without a trace. I had pulled every string, chased every lead, but it felt as futile as tossing stones into the vast ocean—no ripples, no response, no sign of life.

Once my parents’ ashes were finally laid to rest, I would make my way to the border, a journey fueled by the hope of finding him.

Raindrops cascaded down the car window, distorting the glow of passing streetlights into streaks of light.

At last, my parents had a proper resting place, and I owed a significant part of this moment to my old professor, James Reed.

As I dialed his number, a number I hadn’t used in years, the sound of his gentle voice sent a tightness through my throat.

I kept my explanation succinct, merely requesting his assistance in locating a respectful resting spot for my parents.

He didn’t pry for more details; instead, he simply agreed, his tone grave, and swiftly utilized his connections to arrange everything in record time.

His unexpected kindness moved me more than I had anticipated. To convey my gratitude, I decided to invite him to dinner at an upscale private restaurant downtown, a place that promised an ambiance as refined as the food.

Upon entering, the waiter guided me to a secluded table by the window, where I could gaze out at the rain-soaked streets.

As I waited, my mind wandered, lost in a sea of thoughts.

For the first time in what felt like ages, I experienced a sense of lightness, as if a heavy burden had been lifted after confronting Bryce.

“Bryce, heard you’re finally free? About time! Congrats!”

But that moment of peace shattered like fragile glass.

I spotted a familiar group at the entrance and let out a resigned sigh.

What a small world it was, indeed.

“Bet we’ll be toasting at your wedding soon. Riley Anderson? Please. She’s a nobody. Who even knows what no-name college she graduated from?”

The words struck me like a slap across the face. The voice belonged to Kieran Foster, one of Bryce’s closest friends, and his disdain was palpable.

“Exactly. What makes her think she’s good enough for you? No family, no skills, always moping around like she’s better than everyone. Where’s she get that attitude?” another guy chimed in, his laughter ringing harshly in the air.

“But Bella? Harvard grad, total campus beauty, Cloud Airlines’ youngest female captain! That’s history in the making!”

“Haha, maybe Riley only married Bryce by being a total pest,” Kieran sneered.

Just then, Kieran turned his gaze toward the window and locked eyes with me.

He froze for a moment, then broke into a mocking grin, raising his voice deliberately. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Mrs. Murphy. Eating alone? Figures. Bryce has better things to do than waste time on you.”

His words drew the attention of the entire group, and I could feel their eyes boring into me.

Bryce glanced over, his brow slightly furrowed in confusion.

Bella stood beside him, a faint, satisfied smile curling her lips, as if she relished the moment.

I looked up, allowing my gaze to sweep over the group before landing on Bryce. “Your friends could use some manners,” I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

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