Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 19

**TITLE: Hands Trembled Before Goodbye — Ryan Ellis 19**

The bar was aglow with soft amber lights that flickered like fireflies, casting a warm ambiance over the familiar corner table where three friends had gathered. The atmosphere buzzed with life, yet it was not chaotic; a soothing melody floated from hidden speakers, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the laughter of a group of young men who were animatedly chatting at the far end. The waiter approached their table, his tray balanced expertly, and set down a bucket of ice alongside three tall, glistening glasses.

“Your usual?” he inquired, already reaching for a bottle of scotch that glimmered enticingly in the dim light.

“Yeah, line them up,” Jakes replied, loosening his tie as he leaned back in his chair, a casual grin spreading across his face. Adrian offered a slight nod, his attention momentarily captured by the screen of his phone before he placed it face down on the table, signaling his readiness to engage. Leonard, on the other hand, was already drumming his fingers on the polished wood, his anticipation palpable as he awaited the first round.

The waiter poured the scotch generously, the golden liquid catching the light and reflecting it like liquid sunshine, before stepping back with a polite smile, leaving the trio to their revelry.

“Ah,” Leonard sighed contentedly, lifting his glass high. “Finally, something to wash away the stress of this week.”

“To the weekend,” Jakes chimed in, clinking glasses with his friends, their camaraderie palpable.

As they sipped in unison, the warmth of the alcohol settled into their veins, and conversation flowed effortlessly, shifting from business matters to light-hearted anecdotes from their lives. But then, out of the blue, Jakes leaned forward, his expression shifting to something more serious.

“Did you guys hear? Kenny’s mum finally passed.”

The jovial atmosphere at their table evaporated instantly. Adrian placed his glass down slowly, the weight of the news sinking in.

“She had been sick for quite some time,” he said, his voice tinged with a somber undertone.

“Yeah,” Jakes replied, running a hand over his chin, a sigh escaping him. “Hospitals, treatments… it’s been a long road. I think, in a way, it’s a relief for her. She’s finally at peace.”

Leonard shook his head, swirling his drink thoughtfully. “Sad, but you know Kenny, right? Nothing in his life is ever understated. If there’s a funeral, you can bet it’s going to be a full-blown event.”

Adrian and Jakes exchanged knowing glances, chuckling softly at the thought.

“You’re right,” Adrian agreed. “The man has no concept of low-key. Even his grief will be loud.”

“Loud?” Jakes leaned in, a grin spreading across his face. “He’s already said it himself: it’s not ‘gone too soon,’ it’s a celebration of life. He wants the after-party to be buzzing. Music, drinks, the whole shebang.”

Laughter erupted around the table, Leonard slapping the surface with delight. “That’s Kenny for you! Trust him to turn mourning into champagne and a dance floor.”

“Still,” Adrian said, his tone softening, “we should be there for him. Show him he’s not alone. Our presence, our support, even financially if it comes to that. That’s what friends are for.”

“Count me in,” Jakes declared without hesitation, raising his glass. “I’ll clear my calendar for him.”

“Same here,” Leonard affirmed. “No excuses.”

Just then, another waiter approached, this time with a tray of fresh cocktails, sliding them onto the table to replace their empty glasses. Adrian nodded in gratitude.

“Well,” he said, picking up a tall glass of rum punch, “once he sets a date, I’m booking a suite immediately. I won’t risk any last-minute arrangements.”

Jakes grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Good call. I’ll do the same. And trust me, I’m not going solo. I know you’ll be at that after-party with Vivian.”

At the mention of her name, Adrian’s lips twitched slightly, a hint of something unspoken flashing in his eyes, but he maintained his composure, nodding calmly.

“Fair enough. You know me, though; I stick to one mistress.”

Jakes chuckled knowingly, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Mr. Loyal, in disguise.”

Laughter filled the air once more.

“Women,” Leonard lifted his glass, a mischievous grin on his face. “I don’t need to worry; I know there will be plenty at that party, side by side with booze,” he added with a laugh.

“Ahh! Leonard, ahh!” Jakes lamented dramatically, while Adrian merely shook his head, laughter bubbling up inside him.

Leonard scoffed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Speaking of women… guess who has snagged a new catch?”

Both Adrian and Jakes groaned in unison.

As soon as they wrapped up their time at the lounge, Adrian drove straight to his girlfriend’s place. In the dim light of her bedroom, he perched on the edge of the bed, his back slightly hunched, his eyes tracking her every movement. Vivian, already clad in soft silk pajamas, moved across the room with an air of grace. She opened her closet, reaching inside to retrieve a slim envelope. Her expression was unreadable as she returned and sat beside him, close enough that the faint scent of her perfume enveloped him.

Wordlessly, she extended the envelope toward him.

Adrian’s brows knitted together, his lips tightening as if bracing for a blow. He took the envelope, glancing at her for some sign of reassurance, but she offered none—no words, no emotion, just that calm, inscrutable gaze.

With a quiet exhale, he tore it open. Inside lay a single folded sheet of pristine white paper. He pulled it out, unfolding it slowly, his fingers deliberate, his eyes scanning the lines with the practiced courage of a man accustomed to preparing himself for unwelcome truths.

The silence in the room grew thick and heavy. Vivian remained motionless, simply watching him.

When Adrian finished reading, he closed his eyes momentarily, then folded the paper back with careful precision. Turning toward her, he finally spoke, his voice low yet steady.

“It’s nothing serious,” he said, releasing a small sigh. “Just typhoid and malaria… you’ll be fine.”

Vivian tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into something that resembled a smile but didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Hmm,” she murmured. After a brief pause, she asked, “What if I was pregnant?”

The words froze him in place. Adrian’s hand stilled midway through folding the paper, his gaze snapping back to hers. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, simply holding her gaze. Then, with a deliberate calmness, he replied,

“Vivian, don’t get pregnant.”

Her eyes widened, as if his words struck a nerve deeper than she anticipated. She scoffed lightly, a sharp sound breaking the tension in the quiet room. “Oh!” she exclaimed under her breath, almost mocking.

“What if I am pregnant?” she pressed, her voice firmer this time, a challenge hanging in the air.

Adrian turned fully toward her, locking his gaze with hers. His answer came with a finality that left no room for doubt:

“The only person allowed to get pregnant is my wife,” he declared.