Chapter 20
In “Hands Trembled Before Goodbye,” Vivian is confronted with the painful truth of Adrian’s commitment to his marriage. When Adrian admits that he loves her but cannot pursue a relationship due to his marital status, Vivian feels a profound sense of betrayal and heartbreak. She struggles with the realization that his love may not be enough to overcome the boundaries set by his existing commitments. Her emotional turmoil is palpable as she grapples with feelings of worthlessness and rejection, leading her to challenge his declarations of love.
Despite the tension, there is a moment of vulnerability between them. Adrian tries to reassure Vivian of her importance in his life, emphasizing that she is special to him. This interaction leads to a fleeting yet intimate kiss, symbolizing both a connection and the complicated nature of their relationship. In this moment, Vivian’s emotions shift from despair to a flicker of hope, as she allows herself to believe in the possibility of their bond, even if it is fraught with challenges.
The narrative then shifts to Adrian’s life with his wife, Amelia, highlighting the contrast between his domestic life and the emotional turmoil he shares with Vivian. As he engages in mundane activities, such as enjoying a meal with Amelia, the weight of his secret relationship with Vivian looms over him. The conversation about a mutual friend’s loss serves as a reminder of life’s fragility, amplifying the underlying tension in Adrian’s life as he prepares to leave for a funeral in Arizona.
As Adrian prepares to depart, Amelia’s reaction to the news of his trip reveals the strain in their relationship. Her concern and sadness reflect a growing distance between them, mirroring the emotional chasm that has developed due to Adrian’s hidden feelings for Vivian. The story encapsulates the complexity of love, loyalty, and the difficult choices that come with navigating relationships, leaving readers with a sense of impending change and unresolved emotions.
**Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 20 p>
Vivian felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her feet when those words escaped Adrian’s lips. For a fleeting moment, she was frozen in place, her gaze locked onto his, desperately searching for any sign of doubt, any hint that he might be reconsidering. But all she found was a steadfast resolve that chilled her to the bone. A scoff erupted from her, sharp and bitter, but it quickly morphed into a hollow laugh, echoing with a sadness that felt deeper than the ocean.
“Wow,” she managed to say, her arms instinctively folding tightly across her chest as if to shield herself from the emotional blow. “So… you don’t even love me p>
Adrian, with a heavy heart, let the neatly folded paper slip from his fingers, landing softly on the bed. He turned fully to face her, his expression calm yet resolute, each word deliberate as it left his lips.
“I love you,” he stated, the weight of his declaration hanging in the air. “But I’m a married man.” He emphasized ‘married’ as if it were a barrier, an unyielding wall that she could not breach. “There are certain boundaries I can’t cross p>
Vivian shook her head vehemently, her hair whipping around her shoulders with the force of her denial.
“Mm mm… no. You don’t love me enough. Because if you did, you wouldn’t make me feel like I’m nothing.” The words tumbled out, raw and unfiltered, as she turned away from him, her face hardening into a mask of defiance. Her shoulders stiffened, and her arms remained tightly folded, a fortress against the pain.
Adrian sensed the distance growing, the chasm between them widening. He stepped closer, closing the gap, his left arm wrapping around her waist with a gentle urgency. He pulled her back toward him, his hand finding its way to her hair, stroking it slowly, tenderly, as if trying to weave comfort into the tension that enveloped them.
“You are not nothing,” he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm against her turmoil. “You are special.” As he leaned in, his lips brushed against her cheek, hovering close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath. She rolled her eyes in exasperation, but he pressed on, his tone softening further. “But I’m a married man. We have to be careful. I don’t want to hurt anyone—neither her nor you p>
Turning her head to meet his gaze, she searched his eyes, her voice dropping to a whisper, sharp yet vulnerable.
“So… who am I p>
Adrian’s right hand lifted gently, caressing her chin with his fingertips, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. His voice lowered, almost conspiratorial.
“You are someone special… someone I care about… someone I don’t want to lose p>
In that moment, Vivian felt the walls around her heart begin to crack, the hard exterior softening into a tentative smile, one that she couldn’t help but wear. Before she could rein in her emotions, her lips leaned closer, brushing against his in a fleeting moment of connection. He met her halfway, and they kissed—a sweet, electric moment that felt like both a beginning and an end.
Pulling back slightly, Adrian smirked, a glint of mischief lighting up his face.
“I will get you that latest Samsung I saw screenshotted in your gallery p>
Vivian’s smile widened, illuminating her face with a warmth that seemed to radiate from within.
“Really?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and excitement.
He nodded, his eyes sparkling with quiet assurance, and she could feel the joy bubbling up inside her.
“Aww,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “I love you.” Their lips met again, this time lingering longer, the earlier sadness dissolving into the warmth of his embrace, their connection rekindling the flickering flame of hope.
Adrian sat at the dining table, the soft light from his tablet casting a gentle glow on his face, illuminating the features that had once drawn Vivian in. His fingers glided effortlessly across the screen, absorbed in whatever task demanded his attention, his focus sharp yet calm.
Amelia entered the room, carrying a pack of juice and a glass cup, her movements fluid and graceful. She paused beside him, pouring the juice with practiced ease, the sound of liquid filling the glass punctuating the quiet atmosphere.
“Here,” she said, sliding the glass toward him with a smile that seemed to brighten the room.
He looked up, his handsome features breaking into a genuine smile that reached his eyes, a warmth that felt familiar yet distant.
“Thanks, babe. The meal… it was amazing,” he said, his voice rich with appreciation.
She lowered herself into the seat next to him, her expression softening.
“You enjoyed it?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“I really did. Best chef in the world,” he replied, lifting the glass to his lips and taking a sip, savoring the taste.
Her smile deepened, a reflection of their shared moments, the laughter and love they had built together.
“Thank you,” she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.
Setting the cup down, he leaned back, the atmosphere shifting as he broached a more somber topic.
“Um, did I tell you Kenny’s mum passed?” he asked, his tone growing serious.
The change in Amelia’s expression was immediate, concern washing over her features.
“Kenny? Who is Kenny?” she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“Oh, you don’t remember him? Kenny from uni?” he clarified, hoping to jog her memory.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, recognition dawning on her. “Yeah. Oh, that’s sad. His mom passed p>
He nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him.
“Yeah, she did,” he confirmed, his voice laced with sorrow.
“Oh my!” she sighed, her hand brushing across the tablecloth as if trying to grasp the weight of the news.
“Life,” Adrian muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as he continued, “And the days for the funeral have been set. The funeral is on Friday, and there will be a party, an after-party on Saturday. The old boys have decided to attend, to support him p>
Amelia fell silent, allowing the weight of his words to settle between them. Adrian continued, his voice steady but tinged with sadness.
“So I will be leaving for Arizona on Thursday. I have already booked a flight p>
As the reality of his departure sank in, her face fell, the light in her eyes dimming as she processed the implications of his words.
In the wake of their bittersweet exchange, Vivian stood at the precipice of hope and heartbreak, her emotions swirling like a tempest within her. The kiss they shared had ignited a flicker of possibility, a momentary escape from the painful reality of their situation. Yet, as Adrian’s commitment to his wife loomed over them like an unyielding shadow, she felt the walls she had just begun to soften harden once more. The warmth of their connection was a fleeting balm, but the truth of their circumstances loomed larger than any moment of tenderness could dispel. Adrian’s impending departure for Arizona served as a painful reminder that their love, while real, was ensnared in a web of obligations and unfulfilled dreams.
As Adrian prepared to leave, the weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air, each glance exchanged between them laden with the gravity of what could have been. Vivian’s heart ached with the knowledge that their paths were diverging, and the sweetness of their stolen moments would soon be overshadowed by the stark reality of separation. In that quiet space, she resolved to cherish the memory of their love, however brief it may be, while grappling with the bittersweet understanding that sometimes, love alone is not enough to bridge the chasms of life. As Adrian walked away, a part of her remained tethered to him, hoping that their paths might cross again, even if just in memory, as she faced the uncertain horizon ahead.
In the next chapter, readers can expect the emotional stakes to rise as Vivian grapples with the implications of Adrian’s impending departure. With the revelation of Adrian’s commitment to attend Kenny’s mother’s funeral and the subsequent party, Vivian is left to confront her feelings of uncertainty and fear. Will she stand by quietly, or will she take a bold step to express her true feelings before it’s too late? This looming separation will force her to reflect on the nature of their relationship, pushing her to question if their fleeting moments of connection are enough to withstand the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, Adrian’s internal conflict will deepen as he prepares to navigate the complexities of his life with Amelia while trying to maintain his bond with Vivian. As he faces the pressure of his responsibilities, readers will witness the tension between his loyalty to his wife and his undeniable attraction to Vivian. Will he find the courage to confront the boundaries he has set, or will he allow fear to dictate his choices? The chapter promises to unravel the intricate dynamics of love, loyalty, and the heart’s desires, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how these characters will navigate the tumultuous waters of their intertwined lives.
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.