Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 81

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

**Chapter 81: She Didn’t Leave Me**

Riley felt a sudden tension in her body as she turned around, her heart racing. There stood Sebastian, his eyes wide open, already awake and watching her closely.

“Yeah, you were having a rough night. I heard something and came to check, and you just grabbed my hand,” she replied, keeping her tone light, though her mind was still swirling with thoughts. She added, “I never got in the bed. Just sat on the floor all night.”

A flicker of surprise danced across Sebastian’s features, his fingers still entwined around her wrist. The warmth of her skin against his was undeniable, sending a surge of comfort through him.

A rough night?

It dawned on him that he must have endured yet another nightmare. The memories were hazy, but he could faintly recall the chilling sensation of being whipped by his father, Gregory, during his childhood—a time when his cries for mercy echoed in the air, falling on deaf ears.

10:39

Gregory would relentlessly swing the whip, striking him again and again, each lash a reminder of his helplessness.

He had been plagued by this nightmare more times than he could count. In fact, he had sought help from a psychiatrist and had even taken medication for a while. Gradually, the torment had faded, and for years, he had been free from that haunting dream. Yet, last night, it had returned with a vengeance.

Did I have that nightmare again because she saw the scars on my back yesterday?

Despite the lingering dread of the nightmare, he found solace in the warmth of her hand, a stark contrast to the coldness of his memories.

This time, when he jolted awake from the nightmare, there was no wave of nausea washing over him, no sense of repulsion like before. Was it because he had been holding her hand the entire time?

Sebastian had even dared to think that he had enjoyed a relatively good night’s sleep.

Riley broke the silence, her voice soft yet firm, “Mr. Torres? Could you let go of my hand first?”

Her hand had been clasped in his grip for far too long, and it was beginning to feel numb.

He frowned slightly, a hint of playfulness in his tone. “We agreed you’d call me Sebastian, Riley.”

Riley fought the urge to roll her eyes, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Meanwhile, Felix stood nearby, utterly shocked, as if he had just been struck by lightning.

So… they really didn’t have anything going on?

Felix had never heard Sebastian speak so gently to any woman before, let alone invite one to call him by his first name!

Riley bit her lip, contemplating the weight of the name. “Okay, Sebastian, can you let go now?”

It was just a name, she reminded herself, even if it made her slightly uncomfortable.

Only then did Sebastian gradually release his grip, and Riley’s hand was finally free.

She flexed her wrist, eager to restore circulation, and said, “I’m heading back to my room. I’m going to the Anderson family’s memorial hall today, so I won’t have time to watch over you. You’ll have to count on your other bodyguards.”

After sharing her plans for the day, she turned and made her way back to her room.

Flanking the plaque were two solemn inscriptions that resonated deeply within her: [Honor the martyrs, and pave the way for future generations.]

The stately memorial hall exuded an air of profound solemnity, as if the very walls were whispering the stories of those who had come before.

Riley’s eyes misted over as she stood before it, feeling the weight of history pressing down on her. This was the hall her grandfather had fought for with his very life, a place that held the essence of her family’s sacrifices.

Just as she was about to step inside, a figure blocked her path. “This is Anderson family only. No outsiders allowed.”

“I’m Riley Anderson, from the fifth branch. My parents have passed, and according to family rules, their ashes will be placed here for three days, with their portraits hung up in the hall,” Riley explained, her voice steady despite the knot in her stomach.

“From the fifth branch?” The staff member guarding the entrance looked taken aback, a hint of disbelief coloring his expression. “But there should be no one left in the fifth branch.”

Riley took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. “My family’s been in Washington for a long time. I called Bob Anderson before coming. He knows about this. Could you fetch him?”

The staff member shifted awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. “He’s away on business today.”

The truth was, he was actually off playing poker—something all the staff knew, but they would never dare share that with Riley.

“What? He’s out?” Riley’s surprise was palpable, her heart sinking.

“I’ll try to contact him,” the staff member said, reaching for his phone. Just then, a voice interrupted from behind her.

“Uncle Bob isn’t here today. I’m running things. What do you need?”

Riley turned to see Wren—the woman from the restaurant yesterday—approaching with her crew, the same familiar faces from before.