Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 76

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

**Chapter 76: Remove Her Shoes**

A shiver cascaded down Riley’s spine, an unexpected chill that caught her completely off guard. She had never anticipated that the history shared between Sebastian and Wren would be so haunting, so profoundly unsettling.

Despite her deep-seated disdain for Wren, Riley couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. What kind of hell had that little girl endured? It was a thought that lingered uncomfortably in her mind, yet her expression remained stoic, betraying none of the turmoil swirling within her.

“Aren’t you scared?” Sebastian’s gaze was sharp, dissecting her every reaction.

“Guess I’ve seen enough crazy stuff,” Riley replied, her voice steady. Memories of her childhood flooded back—those chaotic days spent alongside her parents in war-torn regions, witnessing humanity at its most brutal. Those experiences had etched themselves into her soul, shaping her resolve to safeguard the peace in her own homeland.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a faint, almost sardonic smile. “Aren’t you worried I might gouge your eyes out too? I’m not that eight-year-old weakling anymore.”

Riley shot back, her tone icy, “I’m not like poor Wren. If you ever try anything, I’ll knock you out cold before you can even think of hurting anyone.”

“Poor?” Sebastian chuckled softly, the sound dripping with mockery. “After that incident, many felt sorry for Wren, but no one ever thought to pity me.”

His admission hung in the air, heavy and charged. “Because I was the one who did it. I was the villain in that story.”

Riley’s brow furrowed in disbelief. “So you think you deserve pity? Why?” The incredulity in her voice was palpable, as she struggled to comprehend the self-pity that oozed from his words.

“I do,” he replied, his voice deepening as he looked up at her, sincerity flickering in his eyes. “That’s why your response disappoints me. I was hoping you would feel some pity for me…”

“Sorry, but that’s not happening,” Riley retorted, her resolve unyielding.

“No, you can’t just brush it off,” Sebastian sighed, his lips forming a tight line. His eyes were eerily still, reminiscent of a frozen lake, concealing depths of despair that no one would ever dare to explore. They seemed like ruins left behind in a forgotten corner of the world, abandoned and neglected.

Riley felt a shift in the atmosphere, a realization dawning upon her that there was more to this narrative than she had initially grasped. “Did something else happen… that year?” she ventured, curiosity piqued.

“Seems you’re quite interested in my childhood crimes,” he remarked with a hint of amusement. “I don’t mind sharing, but we’ve arrived at the hospital.”

“Hospital?” she echoed, confusion etched on her face.

“Get those injuries checked out. You took quite a beating at the airport,” he instructed, his tone firm yet caring.

Injuries? The thought had slipped her mind entirely. How did Sebastian even know…?

“They’re just scratches; I can manage on my own…” Riley began to protest, but the moment she met his unwavering gaze, her words faltered.

“Fine, I’ll get checked,” she muttered, stepping out of the car. To her surprise, Sebastian trailed behind her, his presence looming as he walked closely to the reception desk.

“Mr. Torres, don’t you want to go back first?” she asked, trying to regain some control over the situation.

“You’re my bodyguard. Of course I’ll stay with you,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Fine,” she conceded, if he wanted to tag along, so be it.

Riley registered and made her way to the surgical outpatient department. When it was finally her turn, she recounted the events of the airport, detailing the injuries she had sustained.

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