Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 56

**Chapter 56: You’re Definitely Family**

**Lucky Draw**

Bryce shot Riley a look that could pierce steel, his frustration bubbling over like a pot left too long on the stove. “How can you speak to Bella like that? Our divorce has absolutely nothing to do with her!” His voice was taut, filled with an anger that felt both righteous and utterly futile.

“Sure, right. Nothing at all,” Riley replied, her tone dripping with nonchalance, as if they were discussing the weather rather than the wreckage of their marriage.

In that moment, Bryce’s fury felt as ineffective as punching thin air; he was left feeling utterly powerless, as if the ground beneath him had vanished.

That evening, Riley found solace at Lara’s place, seeking refuge from the storm of emotions swirling in her mind.

Vince arrived, a bottle of wine in his hand, his intentions clear. “I thought we could celebrate your impending divorce!” he announced, a grin spreading across his face.

The three of them settled on the patio, the warm evening air filled with the tantalizing scent of barbecue. They nibbled on grilled delights while sipping the rich, velvety wine, the atmosphere lightening with each passing minute.

“Hey, Vince, why are you so excited about Riley’s divorce?” Lara slurred, her words slightly sloshed as she leaned back in her chair, the alcohol already taking its toll.

“Shouldn’t I be thrilled that Riley’s finally getting rid of that jerk?” Vince shot back, his enthusiasm bubbling over.

“You’re spot-on,” Lara chimed in, her smile widening as the alcohol worked its magic, her speech becoming more slurred. “Remember when Riley secretly tied the knot? You were a complete wreck, crying like someone had stolen your favorite toy. Now you don’t have to be all weepy anymore!”

Vince’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, and he quickly shot out a hand to cover Lara’s mouth, as if that would somehow prevent the truth from spilling out.

But Lara, blissfully unaware of the chaos she was causing, continued her tirade, “Why are you so shy? I already told Riley! She knows everything!”

Vince’s flustered expression deepened, and he glanced at Riley, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You… know?”

“Of course! Lara mentioned it before. She even told me to pretend I didn’t know, but look at her now, spilling all the secrets!” Riley replied, a playful smile dancing on her lips. She couldn’t help but wonder if Lara would regret her loose tongue once the effects of the wine wore off.

When Lara was tipsy, she transformed into a relentless chatterbox. “Riley, you have no idea how much Vince cried back then. I mean, it was like watching a soap opera! His tears were flowing like a river, and anyone would have thought he was mourning a great loss!”

Vince was so exasperated that he felt like he could sew Lara’s mouth shut. But with Riley present, he found himself at a loss for words. His cheeks flamed hotter, a vivid shade of embarrassment.

“You…” Vince began, but the words caught in his throat, leaving him speechless.

“I’m really sorry. I should have told you when I got married. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Riley said, her voice softening with sincerity.

Vince’s eyes glistened with a mix of regret and nostalgia. “Yeah, it messed me up for real,” he admitted, the weight of his past feelings hanging heavy in the air.

It was in that moment that he realized he had developed feelings for her, but by then, she had already been someone else’s wife.

“But hey, I’m happy now!” Vince declared, his enthusiasm returning as he raised his glass high.

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