Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 10

**TITLE: Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 10**

The boutique buzzed with its familiar, soothing rhythm of activity. The name “Satin & Sage” shimmered in elegant gold cursive across the glass doors, captivating the attention of women strolling by. Inside, racks adorned with exquisite dresses sparkled under the warm glow of strategically placed lights, their luxurious fabrics whispering tales of sophistication and grace.

In the women’s section, Amelia stood with one of her sales representatives, a clipboard firmly in her grasp. Her gaze, calm yet discerning, swept over the displays as she issued instructions in a voice that was both gentle and authoritative.

“Move the emerald gowns closer to the front. They’ll catch the sunlight better that way. And please ensure the mannequins are dressed in complete outfits, accessories included. Presentation is everything,” she said, her tone imbued with a quiet confidence.

The sales rep nodded vigorously and hurried off, leaving Amelia to meticulously adjust a delicate lace sleeve on one of the mannequins. Just then, the soft, rhythmic click of heels approached, prompting Amelia to turn around with a welcoming smile.

“Look who we have here,” she greeted warmly, her eyes lighting up.

It was Claire, impeccably dressed as always, her form enveloped in a chic beige pantsuit that accentuated her figure. Her pointed stilettos clicked against the polished floor, and a designer purse dangled effortlessly from her wrist. The scent of her perfume wafted through the air, announcing her presence before her lips even parted.

“Hello, big sister,” Claire replied, her smile polished yet her eyes betraying a hint of distance. She glided over and settled gracefully into a nearby velvet sofa, crossing her legs with an air of ownership.

Amelia, however, radiated joy.

“How is Mom doing? I’ve been meaning to call her,” she inquired, genuine concern lacing her voice.

Claire tilted her head slightly, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

“You mean, ‘your’ mom?” she teased, her tone light but pointed.

“Oh, stop,” Amelia laughed, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “She is both ours, no matter how much she plays favorites.”

Claire chuckled softly but chose not to elaborate, instead pulling a compact mirror from her purse to check her lipstick, her focus shifting momentarily.

The sisters exchanged pleasantries for a while, discussing everything from the state of the house to Hazel’s latest school escapades, and even the boutique’s latest arrivals. But soon, Claire leaned forward, her expression sharpening with curiosity.

“So, what’s going on with Adrian?” she asked, her tone casual, as if it were a trivial matter.

Amelia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation.

“What do you mean? We’re fine. Everything is good,” she replied, attempting to maintain her composure.

Claire let out a short, knowing laugh, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“Oh please. Don’t give me that happy-home performance you’re so adept at. Adrian called Mom this morning before I left the house.”

Amelia’s frown deepened, confusion etching itself across her features.

“What?” she questioned, disbelief coloring her voice.

“Yes,” Claire continued, relishing the moment. “He told her you were angry with him. So, spare me the polished look, sis. Spill the beans. I’m not a stranger. I’m family.”

Amelia sighed deeply, setting her clipboard aside as frustration bubbled to the surface.

“Adrian, always running to Mom for every little thing,” she muttered under her breath, irritation seeping into her words.

Claire raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Well? What’s the issue?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Amelia hesitated, her mind racing, but Claire’s unwavering gaze compelled her to relent.

“It’s nothing serious. Just… the dinner we planned. He didn’t show up,” she confessed, the disappointment evident in her tone.

Claire leaned back, her amusement evident.

“Just that? Amelia, the man is busy. Don’t make mountains out of pebbles,” she chided lightly, though her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Amelia’s tone softened, yet her face revealed the hurt she still harbored.

“Hazel was involved, Claire. It wasn’t just about me. She wanted that dinner more than anyone else. He should have at least considered her feelings,” she explained, her words tinged with a protective edge.

Claire waved her hand dismissively, as if brushing away the concern.

“Hazel will understand too. She’s smart. She’ll see that Daddy is a very busy man, working himself to the bone so you and Hazel can enjoy this—” she gestured around the boutique, “—this good life.”

Amelia stared at her sister, momentarily speechless. The words lodged in her throat, but she couldn’t find the strength to voice her thoughts. Instead, she swallowed hard, lowering her gaze and folding her arms tightly across her chest.

Claire’s faint smile indicated her satisfaction at Amelia’s silence.

“This isn’t something you should hold against him. Loosen up a bit. Talk to him. Don’t be ungrateful, Amelia. The man is doing what men do—providing,” she advised, her tone almost patronizing.

Amelia closed her eyes for a brief moment, attempting to steady her swirling emotions. When she opened them, she decided to shift the topic.

“How is your boyfriend, Claire?” she inquired, curiosity piquing her interest.

He sighed, letting his shoulders relax slightly, the tension easing just a bit.

“Babe, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy,” he explained, though the words felt inadequate.

“Busy?” she echoed, incredulous. “Busy for your Vivian?”

“Ahh, Vivian, it’s work.” His voice carried a hint of exasperation.

But her words poured out like a dam bursting.

“No, no. Don’t do that. Don’t dismiss me like that. It’s been two weeks already. Two whole weeks since your birthday. I haven’t seen you, Adrian. I haven’t held you close. I haven’t kissed you. I haven’t felt your touch, I—”

“Vivian, please,” he interrupted, his tone firm, though a small part of him was stirred by her desperation.

“I miss you, baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling, low and sultry. “I miss you so much. Don’t you miss me?”

Adrian swallowed hard, staring blankly through the windshield. Her words coiled around him, evoking memories he had tried to bury in the chaos of the past few days.

“I miss you too,” he admitted finally, his voice quieter now. “But I need time with my family. After what happened the last time… I need to spend time with them. With Hazel. With Amelia.”

“Baby, please,” she cut in, her voice softening, pleading, filled with that sweetness that always pulled at him. “Don’t do this to me. Don’t push me away. You know I can make you feel alive. You know what we have. Come on, Adrian. Just an hour. Just us.”

Her tone curled around him like smoke, tempting, familiar, and dangerously enticing. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, battling the conflicting emotions within him.

There was a long pause before he finally spoke.

“Okay. Fine.”

“Really?” Her voice brightened instantly, a spark of hope igniting in her tone.

“Yeah. I’ll be out with the boys. Usual place, usual time. Come meet me there,” he relented, guilt already gnawing at the edges of his conscience.

She clapped her hands in excitement, the sound spilling through the line like music.

“Great! Thank you, baby. I’ll be there.”

He pressed his lips together, the guilt intensifying as he hung up the call before she could say anything more.

For a moment, he sat in silence, staring at his reflection in the darkened screen of his phone, the weight of his choices pressing down on him. Then, with a sharp exhale, he tossed the device onto the passenger seat and started the car, the engine roaring to life as he pulled away from the curb, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.