Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 12

**TITLE: Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 12**

The lounge was a vibrant tapestry of life, filled with the gentle strains of music that wrapped around the guests like a warm embrace. Golden lights danced playfully against crystal glasses, casting a soft glow that illuminated the laughter bubbling from nearby tables. Adrian leaned back in his chair, his fingers rhythmically tapping against the armrest, engaged in light-hearted banter with Jakes, who sat across from him, a bemused smile on his face.

Suddenly, the distinctive click of high heels echoed through the space, drawing both men’s attention. Adrian’s heart skipped a beat as his gaze fell upon her—Vivian. She glided toward their table with an effortless grace, her designer gown shimmering under the ambient lights, each step a testament to her poise. The pink purse she held seemed to be an extension of her, perfectly complementing her ensemble, while the scent of her expensive perfume wafted through the air, intoxicating and alluring.

Before he could rein in his enthusiasm, a broad smile broke across Adrian’s face, a reflexive response to her presence. Vivian met his gaze, her own smile soft and inviting, an expression that seemed to light up the room.

“Baby,” she breathed, her voice sweet as honey, leaning in to plant a delicate kiss on his cheek before gracefully taking the chair Leonard had just vacated.

Jakes offered her a polite nod, lifting his glass slightly in acknowledgment. “Evening, Vivian.”

“Good evening, Jakes,” she replied, her voice warm and inviting, before her attention shifted back to Adrian, her gaze lingering on him with a softness that made his heart race.

“You look… absolutely breathtaking tonight,” Adrian said, his tone rich with admiration, each word carefully chosen to convey his awe.

Vivian’s lashes fluttered, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks as she lowered her gaze, a charming modesty that made her even more captivating.

“You flatter me,” she replied, a playful lilt in her voice.

“Not nearly enough,” Adrian countered, his fingers gently wrapping around her delicate hand. He brushed his lips against the back of her palm, lingering just long enough to elicit a soft giggle from her, a sound that felt like a delightful secret shared between them.

“I see someone is in a charming mood tonight,” she teased, her delight barely concealed.

“Only because someone walked in and stole the night,” he said, still holding her hand, feeling the warmth radiate from her skin.

Vivian’s giggle transformed into a light laugh before she pulled her hand back, her eyes darting to the table. “So… what are we drinking here?”

“Whiskey,” Adrian replied, lifting his glass slightly as if to toast to the moment.

“Scotch,” Jakes added in his usual understated manner, his voice calm and steady.

Vivian wrinkled her nose, her expression playful. “Hmm… too strong for me.” A mischievous smile curled her lips. “I will take champagne.”

Adrian nodded, still grinning, the warmth of her presence enveloping him. “Alright, my lady, champagne you shall have.” He snapped his fingers lightly, turning his head to scan the room for a waiter.

Vivian watched him with a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, tilting her head slightly, her elbow resting on the table. “I must admit, Adrian, you always know how to make a lady feel special.”

“And you,” he replied, signaling to the approaching waiter, “always know how to light up a room without even trying.”

The waiter arrived, bowing slightly in respect. Adrian gestured toward Vivian. “A glass of your finest champagne, for the lady.”

“Yes, sir,” the waiter responded promptly, hurrying away to fulfill the order.

As the moment stretched, Vivian leaned closer to Adrian, the delicate scent of her perfume enveloping him. “I could get used to this, you know,” she whispered, a sly smile dancing on her lips.

Adrian’s grin widened, his gaze locked onto hers, filled with a warmth that spoke volumes. “Good. Because I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

Amelia studied him for a long moment. His eyes, those same dreamy eyes that once looked at her with vow-bound certainty on their wedding day, still held that same spark. His handsome features softened, vulnerable in a way that reminded her of that moment they pledged forever. Slowly, her lips curved into a smile, small at first, then fuller and brighter.

Adrian noticed immediately, his own lips spreading into a grin. Just like that, the air in the room seemed to lighten. It wasn’t the lamp; it was them. The glow between two souls finding one another again, even through cracks.

He pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around her as though he never wanted to let go. Pulling back, he lifted the white bag from the floor and pressed it into her hands.

“I got this for you.”

She glanced at it and then back at him, her smile softer now, filled with warmth. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing across her skin with a tenderness that made her heart swell. “No… thank you. Thank you for forgiving me, for staying, for still being here.” His lips trailed to her forehead, pressing tender kisses, one after another, a cascade of remorse and devotion that filled the room with a sense of hope.

She placed the bag on the dresser, leaning back slightly, her expression turning serious. “You know you shouldn’t go running to Mom every time we have issues, right?” Her tone was firm, but her eyes sparkled with gentleness.

Adrian chuckled sheepishly, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his demeanor. “I didn’t know what else to do, baby. I panicked. I’m sorry.”

“Stop it,” Amelia said, shaking her head, though a smile played at her lips. “You are married to me, not her. Stop washing our dirty linens in public. If you truly want us to stop having issues… then you already know what to do.”

He grinned, nodding slowly, understanding dawning upon him. “I know, baby. I know.”

He leaned in again, kissing her forehead, her cheek, and then brushing his lips softly against hers. And for the first time in days, the heaviness between them began to lift, replaced by something warmer, stronger—the promise of love rekindled, blooming anew amidst the shadows.