Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 62

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

**Chapter 62: Being His Bodyguard**

“Ms. Anderson has saved my life on multiple occasions. I have complete faith in your ability to handle this assignment,” Sebastian stated, his voice steady yet persuasive.

Riley stood there, momentarily rendered speechless. A rush of understanding washed over her, illuminating the mystery behind Nicolas’s decision to accompany Sebastian.

“Mr. Torres, if you’re in need of protection, I assure you there are far more qualified individuals within the unit than I am,” Riley replied, her tone firm but tinged with concern.

“But you’re the only one I trust,” Sebastian countered, his gaze unwavering and intense.

Riley felt the weight of his words. “I’m leaving for Carmel tomorrow to attend my parents’ funeral and manage their estate. I’m afraid I won’t have the bandwidth for bodyguard duties,” she explained, her heart heavy with the impending loss.

“What a coincidence! I’m heading to Carmel as well. You can attend to your parents’ affairs while keeping me safe. I don’t require constant protection—just your company when you’re available,” Sebastian suggested, his voice smooth and confident.

Riley frowned, her frustration bubbling to the surface. *Why does he insist on having me protect him?*

Was it simply his interest in her, or was there a deeper motive lurking beneath the surface?

Nicolas pulled Riley aside, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Listen, you’ve moved on from military life. I didn’t want to drag you back in, but the guys in the unit insisted I at least run this by you. That’s the only reason I’m asking. You can absolutely say no—I’ll figure something else out,” he urged, concern etched on his face.

Riley could sense Nicolas’s genuine intent, his desire to look out for her. But if she chose to walk away, he would be left to navigate this complicated situation alone.

She stole a hesitant glance at Sebastian, who was watching her with an expression that was both expectant and earnest.

“I only need Ms. Anderson to protect me for a brief three months. During that time, I can solidify my position as the head of the Torres family and uncover the individuals behind the assassination attempts,” Sebastian explained, his tone calm but urgent.

Riley looked up at him, weighing his words. “And what if you can’t achieve all that in three months?” she questioned, her brow furrowing in skepticism.

“Then I’ll accept whatever bodyguard the military assigns to me,” he replied matter-of-factly. “After those three months, Ms. Anderson, you’ll be free to stay or leave as you wish.”

In the end, Riley found herself agreeing to the mission, albeit reluctantly.

She didn’t want Nicolas to shoulder the burden of this mess alone, and besides, three months was a blink in the grand scheme of things. Time would slip away faster than she anticipated.

Just before she departed, Nicolas looked her in the eye, his expression serious. “Riley, you’re retired now. Your life is the priority, no matter what happens out there. If things get too dangerous, just focus on getting yourself out alive. That’s all that truly matters. Do you understand?”

Riley could see the genuine concern etched in his features. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” she assured him, trying to calm the storm brewing in his heart.

Nicolas let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his worries evident. He understood that even though she had officially retired, the soldier within her would always prioritize the mission. It was an instinct ingrained deep within her very being.

Of course she would accept the task. She was the daughter of Dominic and Bianca, after all. That fierce loyalty and duty were woven into her DNA.

“Just promise me you’ll return alive. That’s what I want, and I know it’s what your parents would have wanted too,” Nicolas said, his voice thick with emotion.

Riley felt her eyes welling up, the tears threatening to spill over. After a long, poignant moment, she managed to whisper, “I know.”

He had purchased them during their wedding preparations, a modest investment of two hundred dollars.

Back then, he had promised Riley, “One day, when I’m making real money, I’ll buy you a proper diamond ring!”

She had smiled softly, slipping one of the rings onto her finger without a hint of disdain, her faith in him unwavering.

Bryce picked up the two rings, their significance weighing heavily on his heart.

Their vows echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of the promises made. Even though he was now financially secure, capable of splurging on extravagant diamond rings, here they were—on the brink of divorce, and he had never given her a real ring.

A wave of deep remorse washed over him at that realization.

After searching the room for what felt like an eternity, Bryce found nothing else of Riley’s, save for those two wedding bands.

It struck him suddenly that, throughout their years of marriage, they had never even taken wedding photos.

Initially, they had intended to save money, planning to capture those moments later, when they were more financially stable. But as time slipped by, they had forgotten about it altogether, eventually deciding it was no longer necessary.

The knocking outside the bedroom had grown louder, more insistent.

With a heavy heart, Bryce finally walked to the door and opened it, bracing himself for whatever awaited him on the other side.