Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 410

Chapter 410 Claiming What's Hers

"I'm sorry about last night—I got carried away. Is everything alright? If you're in pain, I'll take you to the hospital for a checkup after breakfast." Sebastian's voice was gentle, concerned.

Riley nearly choked on her coffee.

"No... no, I don't need a checkup." Her cheeks flushed crimson.

"Are you sure?" His worry was evident.

"I'm positive!" she said firmly. "I know my own body. I'm just... tired, that's all."

"If you don't want to go, then we won't. I'll have Marcus bring over some ointment." Sebastian's tone was matter-of-fact.

"Don't!" Riley quickly interjected. The thought of Marcus delivering that kind of ointment made her want to disappear. "I can pick something up at the pharmacy myself."

He studied her thoughtfully. "As you wish."

Riley exhaled in relief and continued eating. After finishing her toast, she looked at Sebastian, hesitating before asking, "Sebastian... does this mean we're back together now?"

His eyes met hers. "Do you really want us to be together again?"

She raised an eyebrow. "If I didn’t, would I still be here with you like this?"

Would I have slept with you again?

His lips pressed into a thin line. "I told you—when you love me the way I love you, then we'll be together again."

Disappointment flickered in her eyes. She'd thought his passion last night meant they were back together.

But thinking it through, she understood. The doubt in his heart couldn't be erased by words alone.

At least his attitude toward her had shifted. He wasn't cold and distant anymore.

She still had time.

As long as he still loved her, she had time to prove her love to him. Someday, she'd heal his insecurity and convince him to give them another chance.

"So... are you free today?" Riley asked. "I'd like to go shopping—I need some clothes."

Benedict had offered her mother's old wardrobe, but those gowns were too elaborate for her everyday style.

"Of course." Sebastian nodded.

"Ha!" Victoria laughed mockingly. "What, planning to make ridiculous demands? You should be grateful I even noticed you."

Sebastian's eyes grew dangerously dark.

Riley tensed, recognizing the warning signs. Sebastian was about to lose his temper—and with his injuries barely healed, a confrontation could reopen his wounds.

"Of course you can't give him what he wants." Riley stepped forward smoothly. "My boyfriend wants my love. How could you possibly provide that?"

Victoria's face twisted as she turned her hostile gaze on Riley. "He's your boyfriend?"

"That's right. My boyfriend." Riley slipped her arm around Sebastian's waist, resting her head against his chest. She smiled sweetly at Victoria. "Problem with that?"

Sebastian looked down at the woman in his arms.

They weren't actually back together.

Yet hearing her call him her "boyfriend" didn't irritate him—quite the opposite. It felt like something he'd been longing for, a wish finally granted.

So, had he been hoping all along that she would acknowledge him as her boyfriend again?