Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 98

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 98: Warning**

**Lucky Draw**

The air was thick with tension as Lara and Vince stood on the periphery, their eyes locked onto the unfolding drama.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Vince surged forward, a protective instinct coursing through him like wildfire. But Lara, quick to react, seized his arm with a firm grip. “Vince, wait! Today is Riley’s parents’ funeral. You can’t go stirring up trouble now,” she implored, her voice laced with urgency.

He halted abruptly, his fists clenching tightly at his sides, a storm of emotions raging within him.

“I can’t help but wonder if Sebastian has feelings for Riley,” Lara mused aloud, her brow furrowing in thought. The scene before them—Sebastian’s unusually tender demeanor—felt out of place, a stark contrast to the man she knew. Perhaps the flicker of jealousy she had glimpsed in his eyes earlier was not a figment of her imagination after all.

Vince scoffed, his tone icy. “Him liking Rye? Don’t make me laugh!”

“Why? Are you worried he’ll steal her away from you? Relax. Riley just got divorced; she’s hardly in the mood for romance right now,” Lara countered, her voice steady yet softening.

Vince remained silent, his gaze fixed on the somber gathering. Deep down, he knew Lara was right—he was afraid.

Years ago, he had lost his chance with her, discovering her marriage only after it was too late. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. He had left the country in a fit of frustration, believing he could bury his feelings for her beneath the weight of distance and time.

But upon returning home, seeing her again had shattered that illusion. The truth was undeniable; he was still hopelessly in love with her.

He felt a mix of fury toward Bryce for never truly valuing Riley, yet a part of him felt a twisted sense of relief. If Bryce had appreciated her, she might never have divorced, and he would have lost any chance of rekindling what they once had.

Now, on this mournful day, with Riley freshly divorced and grappling with her grief, he had hoped to bide his time, to slowly reveal his feelings. But Sebastian’s sudden appearance had thrown a wrench into his plans.

As the funeral service drew to a close, Riley turned to Sebastian, her voice steady but firm. “I won’t be going back to the villa with you. I need a little more time here to be with my parents.”

Sebastian, ever the gentleman, offered, “Would you like me to stay with you?”

“No, that’s alright. I want to talk to them alone,” Riley replied, her heart heavy yet resolute. Today had been overwhelming; so many had come to pay their respects, and now that the crowd had dispersed, she craved solitude with her thoughts.

Sebastian studied her for a moment, his expression softening before he nodded. “Alright,” he said quietly, turning away and leaving her alone beside her parents’ tombstone.

Riley stood in silence, her eyes tracing the black-and-white photograph engraved on the stone. Her parents’ smiles radiated warmth and strength, a testament to their unwavering beliefs.

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