Chapter 11
In “Hands Trembled Before Goodbye,” Vivian finds herself emotionally tethered to her phone after a heartfelt conversation with Adrian, who has expressed that he misses her. Despite the warmth of their exchange, a sense of sadness envelops her as she grapples with the reality that Adrian is not hers, but belongs to another—his wife, Amelia. This internal conflict leads her to impulsively scroll through her phone gallery, where she confronts images of Amelia that evoke feelings of jealousy and resentment. Each photo serves as a painful reminder of the love she cannot claim, intensifying her longing for a relationship that feels just out of reach.
Vivian’s emotions are further complicated by her fierce desire for Adrian, which ignites a storm of thoughts within her. As she studies Amelia’s pictures, she feels the weight of her own unfulfilled desires and the bitterness of being an outsider in a love story that she desperately wants to be a part of. The contrast between her feelings for Adrian and the reality of his commitment to Amelia creates a palpable tension within her. She recognizes that despite their intimate moments, he remains bound to another, and this realization fuels her resolve to change her circumstances.
As the narrative unfolds, Vivian’s determination solidifies into a fierce vow. She refuses to remain in the shadows of Amelia’s life, recognizing that she has invested too much in her feelings for Adrian to simply walk away. The chapter captures her emotional turmoil as she grapples with love, jealousy, and ambition, ultimately leading to a resolution that she will not be sidelined any longer. With a newfound sense of purpose, she acknowledges that Amelia is merely an obstacle in her pursuit of Adrian, and she is prepared to confront whatever it takes to claim him for herself.
Meanwhile, the scene shifts to a luxurious restaurant where Adrian and his friends indulge in their own brand of excess. Their conversation reflects a world of privilege and entitlement, where relationships are often treated as casual encounters. The arrival of a striking woman captures their attention, revealing the casual objectification of women within this elite circle. This juxtaposition of Vivian’s emotional struggle with the carefree attitudes of Adrian’s friends highlights the complexities of love and desire, setting the stage for a potential confrontation between Vivian and the world Adrian inhabits.
Ultimately, the chapter leaves readers with a sense of anticipation as Vivian prepares to assert herself in a situation that feels increasingly precarious. Her journey is one of self-discovery and determination, as she resolves to break free from the constraints of her current reality and fight for the love she believes she deserves.
**Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 11 p>
VIVIAN found herself transfixed by her phone long after the conversation with Adrian had concluded. Her fingers hovered over the screen, hesitant to sever the connection, as if the mere act of letting go might erase the warmth of their exchange. Just moments ago, her face had been illuminated by a radiant smile, laughter bubbling forth as Adrian confessed he missed her too. His voice had wrapped around her like a soft blanket—casual yet infused with a charm that made her heart flutter. But now, with the call ended, the light in her eyes dimmed, her smile fading into something inscrutable, concealing an emotion buried beneath layers of practiced restraint.
Sadness flickered in her gaze, a faint but undeniable presence lurking just beneath the surface, like a shadow that refused to dissipate. She detested this feeling, the bittersweet ache that clawed at her chest each time she remembered that Adrian wasn’t truly hers—not entirely, not openly.
In a moment of impulse, her hand twitched, and she tapped her phone back on. The screen illuminated her face with a cool glow, casting a soft light on her features. With a sense of determination, she navigated to her gallery, scrolling through the images until she found what she was searching for—photos she had saved from her social media, snapshots of Amelia, Adrian’s wife.
The moment Amelia’s face appeared on the screen, Vivian’s heart tightened, a wave of emotions crashing over her, nearly overwhelming her composure. Jealousy surged within her, accompanied by a bitter resentment and an aching longing she fought desperately to suppress. Her expression darkened, the corners of her lips pressing together as if each image taunted her very existence.
“Perfect little Amelia,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, cracking under the strain of her emotions. She zoomed in on one particular photo: Amelia at a charity gala, radiating elegance, her smile effortless and her posture poised. Amelia possessed a beauty that demanded admiration without effort, a magnetism that drew people in without uttering a single word. Vivian was acutely aware of this, and so was Adrian.
Her grip on the phone tightened as a storm of thoughts raged within her. Why did it have to be Amelia? Why her of all people?
Vivian’s eyes glimmered, not with tears, but with a fierce fire, sharp and consuming. She reached for the wine glass beside her, her manicured fingers curling around the stem, lifting it slowly as if performing a ritual. She took a long sip, her gaze fixed on the glowing screen, the red liquid swirling within the glass, mirroring the turmoil rising in her chest.
Each picture felt like a dagger, Amelia’s smile a cruel reminder of all that Vivian could not claim. Adrian belonged to another woman; he returned home each night to another bed. No matter the sweet whispers shared in the dark, no matter how tightly he held her, he still wore another woman’s ring on his finger.
Vivian exhaled shakily, leaning back into the plush velvet chair that cradled her. The apartment was silent, the faint hum of the city outside muffled by the thick curtains she had drawn hours ago. The air was tinged with the scent of wine and expensive perfume, yet it felt suffocating.
Her mind drifted back to Adrian’s voice, the promise that he would see her soon. But promises… promises felt hollow. She yearned for more. She deserved more.
Setting the glass down gently, she fought against the urge to hurl it against the wall. Her nails tapped rhythmically against the back of the phone as she scrutinized Amelia’s picture once more. Slowly, almost reluctantly, a bitter smile crept onto her lips.
“You think you have won,” she murmured softly to the image, her tone laced with venom. “But you don’t even realize how close you are to losing p>
With a deliberate motion, she let the phone slip from her fingers onto the table, the screen facing up, Adrian’s name glowing like a lifeline she was too afraid to sever. She stared at it, her heart caught in a tumult between love and fury, devotion and desperation.
Pouring herself another glass of wine, the sound echoed sharply in the stillness of the room. As she brought the glass to her lips, a silent vow formed in her mind. One way or another, she would not remain in the shadows. She had invested too much, sacrificed too much, waited far too long. If Amelia believed her position was secure, she was gravely mistaken.
With another sip, her eyes narrowed, her heart racing with the weight of her resolve. She didn’t know how or when it would happen, but one thing was clear: Adrian would be hers. Completely hers.
And Amelia? Amelia was merely an obstacle in her path.
The restaurant was a hidden gem, a place that only those in the know could find. Nestled in a quieter part of the city, it maintained an air of exclusivity, devoid of flashy signs or raucous crowds. Its reputation was its currency. A soft, warm glow spilled from the frosted chandeliers, reflecting off the polished marble floors. The air was infused with the scents of high-end colognes, fine wines, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted duck wafting through the space. Every chair was upholstered to perfection, every table adorned with crisp, white linen, crystal glasses glimmering like stars in the dim light. This was a sanctuary for the elite, where wealth was as commonplace as the air they breathed.
In the heart of the restaurant, nestled in a private VIP corner, three men sat, effortlessly commanding their own atmosphere. Their laughter was low, their glasses filled with rich whiskey and scotch. Bottles chilled in silver buckets on the table’s edge, condensation trailing down like delicate beads of sweat.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his suit tailored to perfection, exuding an understated wealth. He swirled his drink, watching the liquid dance within the glass as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered. Across from him, Leonard wore a smile that suggested a man who believed the world owed him nothing, for he had already taken everything he desired. Next to him, Jakes, broad-shouldered and exuberant, poured himself another glass, his gold wristwatch glinting with every movement.
They were friends bound by comfort, power, and excess. They had families, yes, but their appetites—especially for women—often spilled beyond the confines of their homes. It was a topic that flowed easily among them, spoken of without hesitation. It was evident in the way they assessed passing women, the way their laughter softened when a woman brushed too close, and in the satisfied confidence of men who understood that indulgence was not a guilty pleasure, but a right.
Their conversation ebbed and flowed, drifting over the Premier League—Arsenal’s chances, City’s precision, Chelsea’s luck. Voices rose and fell, arguments forming and dissolving in the haze of laughter.
Then, the atmosphere shifted.
From behind them, a striking figure emerged. A voluptuous woman, her silhouette exaggerated in all the right ways, drew every eye in the room. Her tight, short gown clung to her like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. Her curves were accentuated, her hips swaying with each confident step. Heads turned in her wake, but it was Jakes who first caught sight of her.
“My God,” he breathed, his eyes narrowing with a hunger that had nothing to do with food. He nudged Adrian’s arm lightly, drawing his attention without uttering a word.
Adrian remained composed, tilting his head with the casual elegance of a man well-versed in restraint. He looked, and then a low laugh escaped him. “Yo! That… is… massive,” he murmured, setting his glass down to take in the view.
Leonard’s smile broadened into a grin, his eyes now locked on the woman.
“Gentlemen… this seems like a new catch for me,” he declared, pushing back his chair and smoothing down his jacket as if the act itself sealed his fate. “Let me go try my luck. I’ll be right back p>
The other two erupted into knowing laughter, raising their glasses in a mock toast to his impending adventure. Leonard strode confidently toward the woman, words already forming on his lips, charm oozing like honey.
Back at the table, Jakes and Adrian exchanged glances, shaking their heads with amused approval. Their laughter still hung in the air when another figure approached, this time heading directly toward them.
Vivian.
Her steps were deliberate, her gaze fixed firmly on their table, determination radiating from her every move.
As Vivian approached the table, a whirlwind of emotions surged within her, intertwining determination with a hint of defiance. She had spent too long in the shadows, nursing feelings that had transformed from innocent affection to a fierce obsession. The laughter of Adrian and his friends echoed around her, but she was no longer just an outsider peering in; she had made the decision to step into the light, to confront the reality of her desires head-on. The images of Amelia, once a source of torment, now fueled her resolve. With each step, she shed the layers of hesitation, embracing the fierce fire ignited by her longing for Adrian. In that moment, Vivian was not merely a woman caught in a web of unrequited feelings; she was a force determined to claim her space.
As she reached their table, the atmosphere shifted once more, a palpable tension crackling in the air. Adrian’s gaze met hers, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos of her emotions. She was ready to challenge the status quo, to disrupt the comfortable lives that had kept her at bay. The bitterness that had once threatened to consume her began to transform into something more potent—an unyielding strength. Vivian’s heart raced, not just with desire but with the conviction that she would no longer be defined by her love for Adrian or overshadowed by Amelia. This was her moment to rise, to assert her presence in a world that had always felt out of reach. With a steady breath, she prepared to speak, ready to turn the tides of her fate.
In the next chapter, readers can expect the simmering tension between Vivian and Adrian to reach a boiling point as Vivian steps into the exclusive restaurant, her intentions cloaked in a veil of confidence and determination. The atmosphere, thick with anticipation, will crackle as she confronts not only Adrian but also the world he inhabits—one filled with temptation and excess. As she navigates the dynamics of the elite circle, her resolve to claim Adrian will be tested, leading to unexpected confrontations and revelations that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Vivian’s emotions as she grapples with her jealousy towards Amelia while plotting her next move. Will she be able to charm her way into Adrian’s heart, or will she find herself entangled in a web of deceit and rivalry? The stakes will rise as Leonard’s flirtation with the striking woman adds a new layer of competition, forcing Vivian to confront not only her feelings for Adrian but also the lengths she is willing to go to secure her place in his life. Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions, strategic maneuvers, and the intoxicating allure of desire as Vivian’s story unfolds in ways that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.
Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.