Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 404

Chapter 404 The Weight of Promises

She met those deep, dark eyes—like looking into an endless ocean. The surface was calm, but she could sense something churning underneath, as if he'd learned to bury everything he felt behind that quiet exterior.

"It's not pity," she said softly. "It's heartbreak. Because I love you, and when you hurt, I hurt."

She leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of his eye. "Sebastian, I'm sorry. I made you feel insecure, afraid of losing what we have. But that stops now. No more secrets, no more lies. And I'll spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you."

His expression suddenly darkened. He reached up and gripped her neck with one hand, his fingers firm against her jaw. "Don't ever say you'll 'spend your life' showing me. Do you understand? You can prove your love any way you want—but never by risking your life. Never."

Riley froze. Sebastian's face was pure panic barely held in check.

"Do you hear me?" he demanded, his voice rough with fear.

He's terrified I'll die. Riley blinked, seeing the desperation in his eyes. "I... I understand."

Only then did his grip loosen, and he exhaled shakily.

"I will stay alive," she said softly, her voice suddenly close to his ear. "No matter what happens, I'll fight to keep living. I'll outlive you."

His body went rigid with shock. The next moment, her warm hands were cradling his face.

"Sebastian, I promise I'll outlive you," she said firmly. "So you don't have to be afraid of me dying before you do."

Something inside him—that restless, anxious thing that had been clawing at his chest—finally began to settle. She understood. She knew exactly what terrified him most.

"You promise?" His eyes searched hers.

She smiled. "I promise."

Then she held up her hand and raised her pinky finger. "Want to pinky swear?"

He stared at her outstretched pinky for a long moment. Finally, he hooked his own pinky around hers.

"Riley, since you're making a pinky promise, you have to keep your word."

"I will." She pressed the pad of her thumb against his, sealing the promise.

It was an oath between them.

She understood how much this man loved her. If she died first, he might not be able to go on living.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify