The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 563

Riley sighed dramatically, directing her words to Alora. "Sweetheart, Winona is mad. Let's not get in her way. Mommy will take you to your room to play." She began to pull her daughter's hand away, making a show of getting up.

"Why are you like this? Can't you at least try to beg a little?" Winona grabbed Riley's sleeve.

Riley smiled. "I was just messing with you." Her expression shifted, softening with sincerity. "I wasn't trying to hide it. You didn't ask, so I didn't bring it up."

"I thought everything was fine between you two once the online rumors died down. If I hadn't visited Eleanor at the estate tonight after her discharge, I never would've known you split up. Why did it happen?"

Riley looked down, tracing circles on her daughter's palm. "We just weren't meant to be."

"Not meant to be? You guys were perfect together."

Instead of answering directly, Riley asked, "What about that guy you liked? You two seemed perfect together too, but did it work out?"

"That was different. He moved out of the country, and I couldn't leave Statenbury. It was out of our control."

"You had things out of your control, and so did I."

"Like what?"

Riley stayed silent for a moment before offering a faint smile. "Just assume I chickened out. I just wanted a peaceful life."

Winona looked at her friend. Despite the smile on her lips, there was no light in her eyes. It broke her heart to see Riley putting on such a brave face.

She dropped the interrogation, her tone turning fiercely loyal. "You're not a chicken. As far as I'm concerned, you're the strongest, bravest woman I know."

A wave of warmth spread through Riley's chest. "Thank you, Winona."

Thank you for believing in me.