Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 77

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

**Chapter 77: A Show for Riley**

“Looks like my hands have captivated you. Can’t seem to take your eyes off them, can you?” Sebastian’s voice sliced through the stillness of the car, a teasing lilt dancing in his words.

Riley coughed, a sudden rush of embarrassment flooding her cheeks as she quickly diverted her gaze. “Uh, thanks for that shoe thing earlier, Mr. Torres,” she managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course you should thank me! I don’t just go around helping everyone with their shoes, you know,” he quipped, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Riley found herself momentarily speechless, the air thick with an uncomfortable silence that enveloped them like a heavy blanket.

After a brief pause, Sebastian leaned back, his expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. “So, how exactly are you planning to thank me?”

Riley blinked in bewilderment, a frown creasing her brow.

Didn’t I just express my gratitude?

“Or were you just throwing out a casual ‘thanks’ without any real intention behind it?” he pressed, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Riley licked her dry lips, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “Well, how about I take off your shoes and tie your laces then?” she suggested, attempting to deflect the conversation with a hint of sarcasm.

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. “Forget about that. I think we can drop the ‘Mr.’ and ‘Ms.’ business. It just makes us sound like we’re strangers to one another,” he said, his tone light yet firm.

Riley stared at him, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her mind. The truth was, she wasn’t eager to forge a closer connection with him.

“Then… what should I call you?” she asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

“Just call me Sebastian. ‘Mr. Torres’ sounds too formal for what we’re about to endure together,” he replied, his voice smooth, as if he were sharing a secret.

Caught off guard, Riley hesitated. That was how everyone else referred to him, and it felt strange to shift the dynamic so easily.

“Look, we’re going to be stuck in each other’s company for three months. If you call me Sebastian, it’ll ease the tension. After that, if you want to revert to ‘Mr. Torres,’ be my guest,” he said, his tone lightening the mood.

Taking a deep breath, Riley finally relented. “Fine, Sebastian it is!”

Just three months, she reminded herself. After that, she could return to her usual life.

“Then I’ll call you Riley,” he responded, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Riley was too drained to argue further. “Sure, whatever you want,” she said, her voice lacking enthusiasm.

“Riley,” he murmured, the name rolling off his tongue like a soft melody.

At that moment, Riley felt a jolt of tension shoot down her spine. His voice, so cool and smooth, sent a shiver through her.

Many had called her name before—her parents, her brother, classmates, friends, even comrades—but no one had ever pronounced it quite like Sebastian just did. There was something dangerously alluring about it.

She shook her head slightly, attempting to dispel the unsettling sensation that had settled over her.

Before long, the car came to a stop in front of a stunning villa that seemed to rise from the earth like a dream.

Stepping out, Sebastian gestured grandly. “Welcome to the Torres family villa in Carmel. This is where I stay when I’m in town,” he announced, his pride evident.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify