Chapter 23
In “Hands Trembled Before Goodbye,” Amelia finds herself in a moment of tranquility, preparing for bed while her daughter Hazel sleeps peacefully beside her. The calm of the night is interrupted by a phone call from her mother, Mrs. Harlow, who expresses her pride and happiness for Amelia’s life with her husband, Adrian. The conversation, however, quickly shifts to the subject of Amelia’s sister, Claire, whose lack of stability and relationships becomes a point of contention. Amelia feels the weight of her mother’s expectations and the pressure to conform to a standard that she believes is unfair.
As Mrs. Harlow criticizes Claire’s life choices, Amelia tries to defend her sister, reminding her mother that everyone has their own pace in life. This leads to a painful reminder of their father’s death, which adds an emotional layer to the conversation. Amelia’s heart sinks as her mother’s frustrations spill over, revealing deep-seated fears and comparisons that have haunted their family dynamics. Despite Amelia’s attempts to reassure her mother that Claire will find her way, Mrs. Harlow remains unconvinced, reflecting a cycle of worry that Amelia wishes to break.
The narrative transitions to Vivian and Adrian, who are in a different yet equally tense situation. Vivian expresses her discomfort with Adrian’s friend Leonard and the women he associates with, fearing that Adrian might be influenced negatively. Their conversation reveals underlying insecurities and trust issues, as Vivian struggles to assert her feelings without pushing Adrian away. Adrian’s attempts to reassure her that he is committed to their relationship highlight the tension between love and jealousy, creating a complex emotional landscape.
Despite their disagreements, the couple shares moments of laughter and affection, which serve as a balm to their earlier worries. Vivian’s playful banter with Adrian softens the tension, illustrating the delicate balance between love and insecurity in relationships. The chapter concludes with a sense of unresolved emotions, as both Amelia and Vivian navigate the complexities of familial expectations and romantic relationships, leaving readers with a poignant reflection on love, loyalty, and the challenges of personal growth.
**TITLE: Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 23 p>
The night enveloped Amelia’s room in a serene stillness, punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic whir of the ceiling fan lazily swirling above her. She stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting her silk bonnet over her hair, smoothing it down with meticulous attention. In the corner of the room, Hazel lay peacefully asleep, curled up on the bed, her gentle, steady breathing creating a soothing backdrop. Hazel had insisted on spending the night with her, and Amelia couldn’t help but feel a warmth in her heart at the sight.
As Amelia prepared to slip under the covers, her phone suddenly rang from the dresser, cutting through the quiet like a sudden gust of wind. The screen illuminated the dimness of the room, casting a soft glow. She walked over, her heart skipping a beat as she saw the name flashing on the screen.
Mom.
A smile crept onto her lips as she swiped to answer.
“Hello, Mommy,” she greeted, her voice a tender melody in the stillness.
“Amelia, my dear,” came Mrs. Harlow’s voice, imbued with warmth and that familiar note of pride that always made Amelia feel cherished. “Were you already asleep p>
“Not yet,” Amelia replied softly, casting a glance toward Hazel. “I was just about to p>
“Good, good,” her mother continued, the relief evident in her tone. “I thought I would check in. How is my son-in-law? Adrian must be treating you well; I can hear it in your voice. You sound happy, Amelia. You sound cared for p>
Amelia chuckled lightly as she perched on the edge of the bed, her heart swelling with affection.
“He is, Mommy. He takes wonderful care of both Hazel and me. You know how Adrian is p>
“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Harlow responded, a small sigh of contentment escaping her lips. “You are truly blessed to have him. A husband like that is a rare find. I tell the women at church, not everyone is fortunate enough to discover a man who provides, protects, and creates a warm home. You’ve got it all, Amelia. And I thank God for that p>
Amelia let out a soft laugh, her cheeks warming at her mother’s praise.
“You will make me blush, Mommy. Adrian isn’t perfect, but he is good to us. That’s what truly matters p>
“And Hazel? How is my granddaughter doing? She must be growing taller with each passing day. You know I miss her giggles echoing through this house p>
“She is doing just fine,” Amelia said, her gaze softening as she looked at Hazel’s sleeping figure. “Still brimming with energy. We went to the park today, and she played on the see-saw until I had to practically drag her away p>
Mrs. Harlow laughed lightly, but the sound was short-lived. A sigh escaped her, and her tone shifted, becoming laden with concern.
“Hmm. Unlike Hazel, some people seem to meander through life without growing into anything useful at all p>
Amelia felt her heart sink; she recognized the familiar path this conversation was taking.
“Mommy p>
“Yes, I’m talking about your sister,” Mrs. Harlow pressed on, her voice tightening as if bracing for a storm. “Claire. Still no man in sight, no stability, no seriousness. What kind of woman her age doesn’t even have the sense to keep one p>
“Mommy,” Amelia interjected gently, “it’s just a matter of time. Everyone’s journey unfolds differently p>
“Time?!” her mother snapped, incredulity lacing her voice. “How much time does she need? Claire has always been late to everything. Learning to walk? Late. Learning to speak? Late. Starting to eat proper meals? Late. Graduating high school? Late! Getting into college? Late! And when it comes to men? Oh dear God, help her! After school, she stepped into her first relationship two whole years later, and even that didn’t last. None of them do! She can’t seem to keep a man longer than five months. Five months, Amelia p>
Amelia pressed her lips together, releasing a soft sigh as she tried to maintain her composure.
“Mommy, please. Don’t be so hard on her. Everyone grows at their own pace. She will find her way p>
“No,” Mrs. Harlow replied sharply, her tone resolute. “With you, it was different. Everything fell into place perfectly. You finished school, you met Adrian, and within just one year, he proposed. Today, you are his wife. You gave me a granddaughter. You embody everything a woman should aspire to be. Tell me, is that such a difficult standard to achieve p>
Amelia felt her smile waver, and she rubbed her temple, feeling the weight of her mother’s expectations.
“Mommy, it’s not like that. My life isn’t perfect either p>
“You don’t understand!” Mrs. Harlow’s voice cracked suddenly, as if an old wound had been reopened. “Twenty-two years ago, your father died. My husband died. Do you remember how p>
Amelia closed her eyes, the memories flooding back. She knew this story all too well.
“He died in an accident,” Mrs. Harlow whispered fiercely, her voice trembling with emotion. “He was trying to get her those ridiculous fries she loved at an ungodly hour. That girl isn’t just late in everything; she brings misfortune! Misfortune p>
“Mommy,” Amelia murmured softly but firmly, “please. Don’t say that. It’s not fair p>
But her mother continued, her grievances spilling forth as they always did, circling back to the same comparisons and frustrations. Amelia listened quietly, offering soft hums of acknowledgment, waiting for the storm to subside.
Finally, when Mrs. Harlow’s voice grew weary, she sighed heavily.
“Anyway. I just don’t know what will become of her p>
Amelia forced a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“Mommy, everything will be fine. Claire will be fine. Let’s just leave it in God’s hands, hmm p>
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a quiet hum of acceptance.
“Goodnight, Amelia. Kiss Hazel for me in the morning p>
“Goodnight, Mommy. I will p>
The call ended, and Amelia lowered her phone slowly, staring at the darkened screen as if it held the answers to her unspoken questions. She exhaled a long breath, one she hadn’t realized she was holding. This conversation wasn’t new; it wouldn’t be the last. Setting the phone back on the dresser, she turned off the light and slipped beneath the sheets beside Hazel.
Her eyes fluttered closed, but sleep eluded her for a while longer.
The suite was tranquil, its golden lamps casting a warm glow over the polished furniture and soft sheets. Vivian sat before the dresser, her reflection staring back at her as her thumb scrolled absently over her phone. The faint hum of the city pulsed through the windows, muffled behind the heavy curtains that draped like a comforting embrace.
Adrian lay sprawled comfortably on the king-sized bed, his phone in hand, the light from the screen illuminating his sharp features. He looked entirely at ease, perhaps too much so for Vivian’s liking.
“Babe?” Vivian’s voice broke the silence, soft yet edged with an underlying tension.
“Yes, babe?” he replied, not bothering to lift his eyes from his phone.
Vivian hesitated, her thoughts swirling, then sighed heavily.
“Honestly… that lady Leonard brought to the party,” she shook her head slowly, her earrings swaying gently with the movement, “I do not like her p>
Adrian smiled knowingly, the kind of smile that suggested he had heard this refrain many times before.
“Babe, you don’t like any of the ladies Leonard associates with p>
“Yes, because he keeps changing them like audition tapes,” she shot back, her tone sharpening, “and it’s disgusting p>
Adrian chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes at her bluntness.
But Vivian wasn’t smiling. Her lips tightened, and she tilted her head slightly, narrowing her gaze as she continued.
“Plus… I saw the way she was looking at you during dinner. I don’t like it p>
He scoffed, finally lowering his phone to meet her gaze.
“Baby, she wasn’t looking at me p>
“Mmm.” Vivian folded her arms, unconvinced.
“She wasn’t,” he insisted firmly.
“Okay,” she replied, looking away, her tone flat and unyielding.
Adrian shifted upright on the bed, studying her intently.
“And even if she was, I only have eyes for two women. My wife—” he gestured casually into the air, “and you p>
Vivian’s brows knitted together. That wasn’t the reassurance she was seeking.
“Still,” she pressed, “Leonard is a bad influence. He is reckless, Adrian. And if you’re not careful, he will drag you into his mess p>
“Okay.” Adrian leaned back lazily, running a hand through his hair, his demeanor relaxed. “He is Leonard p>
“Mhm p>
“I am me, okay? We are not the same p>
“Really?” She arched a brow, skepticism evident.
“Yes. What kind of statement are you even making about me, babe?” His voice had hardened, becoming more defensive.
Vivian dropped her phone onto the dresser with a faint thud and rose, her silk robe swaying gracefully as she walked across the room toward the bed.
“I’m just saying,” she stood before him now, arms folded defiantly, “I hope that one day you won’t just wake up and join him in his foolishness. Babe, listen p>
Adrian finally set his phone aside, shifting forward, his full attention fixed on her.
“I am not one of your options. I am here because I love you, and because I care p>
He sighed, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
“You are never an option. Of course, I do love you,” he assured her, his tone sincere.
Vivian’s expression softened, but only slightly, her defenses still partially raised.
“Then control your friend. Because the next time I see one of his mistresses flirting around you, honestly—” her voice sharpened, “I would embarrass all of you p>
Adrian threw his hands up in mock surrender, half-amused and half-pleading.
“Baby, baby, baby, please. You are stressing for nothing. Okay? Come here p>
“Come where?” she snapped, though her lips betrayed a twitch of a smile. “Listen, I’m just protecting my territory. I don’t share, and you know that p>
“Baby,” he said, lowering his voice playfully, “come to daddy p>
Vivian burst into laughter despite herself, the tension dissipating momentarily.
“Come to what? Come to what?” she sang teasingly as she climbed into the bed, still giggling.
“Come to me,” he whispered, pulling her closer, their laughter mingling in the air.
“I want sugar,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around him as they both sank back against the pillows.
“You want what?” he teased, feigning confusion.
She laughed again, shaking her head.
“Well… I do not share my sugar. I do not share my sugar p>
Their laughter tangled in the air, a playful rhythm that masked the seriousness of her earlier concerns.
“You are just being jealous,” Adrian said finally, placing a gentle kiss on her temple.
Vivian closed her eyes, her laughter fading into a comfortable silence.
“Maybe,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “But jealous women don’t lose their men p>
As the night deepened, both Amelia and Vivian found themselves navigating the complex tapestry of love and familial expectations. Amelia, cradled in the warmth of her mother’s affection yet burdened by the weight of comparisons, realized that her own journey was uniquely hers, separate from Claire’s struggles. The conversation with her mother echoed in her mind, not as a condemnation but as a reminder of the fragility of familial bonds and the unspoken pressure to conform to ideals that may not resonate with her heart. In that stillness, she embraced the love that surrounded her—Adrian’s steadfastness and Hazel’s innocent laughter—understanding that her worth was not defined by her sister’s choices or her mother’s expectations, but by the love she cultivated in her own life.
Meanwhile, Vivian’s playful banter with Adrian served as a balm to her worries, revealing the depth of their connection amidst the chaos of external influences. Their laughter became a fortress against the insecurities that threatened to creep in, reminding her that love flourishes not only in moments of joy but also in the willingness to confront fears together. As she nestled into Adrian’s embrace, she understood that jealousy, while a fleeting emotion, could be transformed into a catalyst for deeper intimacy. In the quiet of their shared laughter, Vivian found solace, recognizing that their love was a sanctuary built on trust and understanding, allowing them to weather any storm that came their way. Together, they would navigate the complexities of their lives, hand in hand, fortified by the unyielding bond they shared.
In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding family dynamics and personal insecurities. Amelia’s internal struggle with her mother’s expectations will come to a head, forcing her to confront not only her own feelings about her sister Claire but also the weight of familial comparisons that threaten to overshadow her happiness. As tensions rise, Amelia may find herself at a crossroads where she must decide whether to stand up for her sister or to align with her mother’s critical perspective. This pivotal moment could lead to unexpected revelations about love, loyalty, and the true meaning of success.
Meanwhile, Adrian and Vivian’s relationship will be put to the test as the simmering tension with Leonard escalates. Vivian’s protective instincts will clash with Adrian’s laid-back attitude, leading to a confrontation that could either strengthen their bond or create a rift between them. As the night unfolds, secrets may surface that challenge their trust in each other, prompting both characters to reevaluate what it truly means to be committed in a world filled with temptations. Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how these intertwining narratives will unfold and what choices each character will make in the face of their fears and desires.
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.