Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 104: Preparation

Chapter 104: Preparation

Ellen strolled down the aisle of the supermarket, a pleasant smile on her lips as she hummed a soft tune. Ellen’s attention was solely on the cuts of meat displayed in the refrigerated section. She moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the options before her, searching for the perfect choice. She had a bounce in her step and moved so lightly that didn’t escape Vivi’s attention.

Vivi trailed behind Ellen, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she observed the lady of the house. Ellen’s cheerful demeanor was infectious, and Vivi found herself smiling softly at the sight. It wasn’t often that she saw Ellen in such high spirits, and curiosity got the better of her.

"Mrs. Coldwell," Vivi began, her voice gentle but laced with genuine interest. "You seem so happy today. Is there a special occasion?"

Ellen paused in her inspection of a particularly fine cut of beef, turning to Vivi with a warm, almost secretive smile. "Yes, Vivi, there is," she replied, she spoke with a cheerful tone and a touch of enthusiasm. She turned back to the meat, selecting a package with care and placing it in her shopping cart. "We’re inviting some people over for dinner tomorrow, and I want everything to be perfect. A special dinner for special guests."

Vivi’s eyes widened slightly, her hands clasping together in front of her. "That sounds wonderful, Mrs. Coldwell. I’m sure they’ll appreciate all the effort you’re putting into it."

Ellen nodded, a satisfied expression crossing her face as she continued down the aisle, her cart rolling smoothly beside her. "I certainly hope so," she murmured, more to herself than to Vivi. Her thoughts drifted back to that morning when Mason had casually mentioned over breakfast that both Gerald and Aubrey had agreed to come to dinner. Remembering what he said gave her a fresh boost for her shopping, and she mentally ticked off the items she still needed to gather.

As they walked, Ellen’s mind buzzed with plans and details. The menu had to be perfect, not just for Mason, but especially because of who the guests were. Gerald, with his ever-watchful eyes and sharp mind, would notice everything, and Aubrey, well... Ellen knew she needed to make an impression on Aubrey, one that would linger long after the dinner was over.

Ellen’s hand hovered over a selection of vegetables before she picked up a bundle of fresh asparagus, placing it carefully in her cart. She could already envision the table, set with the finest china, candles flickering in the center, the aroma of a perfectly cooked meal wafting through the air. Yes, everything had to be just right.

Vivi watched Ellen with quiet admiration, noting the way she moved with such intent and grace. It was clear to her that this dinner meant a lot to Ellen, though she couldn’t quite place why. "It sounds like you’re really looking forward to this dinner, Mrs. Coldwell," Vivi commented softly, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Are these guests very close to you?"

Ellen gave Vivi a reserved smile, her expression thoughtful as she responded, "It’s Mason’s friend. We just want to make sure they feel welcomed. It’s not every day we have guests like this." Her tone was light, but there was a hint that there was more beneath the surface.

Vivi nodded, her curiosity momentarily satisfied, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story. They continued shopping in silence, Ellen carefully selecting the remaining ingredients while Vivi followed, ready to assist. Ellen’s couldn’t stop thinking about the upcoming dinner, each detail more crucial than the last.

After paying for their groceries, the two women stepped out into the warm afternoon air, the automatic doors of the supermarket closing behind them with a soft whoosh. The sun bathed the parking lot in a warm, golden glow as they headed to the taxi stand, their footsteps echoing lightly on the pavement. Ellen was still deep in thought, her mind half-focused on the dinner preparations, while Vivi quietly held onto one of the shopping bags.

As they waited for a taxi, Ellen’s phone buzzed in her pocket, but before she could check it, a voice called out, cutting through the quiet afternoon.

"Ellen!"

Ellen turned, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she saw Gerald approaching. He was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his tie loosened just enough to show he had been working, but his expression was far from casual. Gerald’s presence immediately put Ellen on edge, though she hid it well behind a polite smile.

"Gerald," Ellen greeted, her voice smooth and controlled. "What a surprise seeing you here."

Gerald’s eyes met hers with a mix of amusement and something more guarded. "Yeah, it’s quite the coincidence," he replied, a slight smirk playing on his lips, though his eyes remained unreadable.

Ellen tilted her head slightly, she was trying to piece together what Gerald’s sudden appearance could be about. "Indeed," she said, keeping her tone light. "I didn’t think I’d run into you here."

Gerald glanced at the shopping bags in Ellen’s hands, his expression thoughtful. "You know what’s funny?" he began, his tone deceptively casual. "I was just on my way to your place, but it looks like fate had other plans."

Ellen’s interest was piqued, but she remained cautious. "Oh? Really?"

The playful smile that had been on Gerald’s face faded as he looked at her more seriously. "I need to talk to you," he said, his voice low and steady, like he was trying to make his point seriously without drawing too much attention.

Ellen’s smile stiffened for a brief moment, her mind alert to the shift in his demeanor. She noticed the tension building, with something left unsaid hanging there. Despite the warmth of the day, the air seemed to cool, and Ellen had to suppress the unease that crept up her spine. "Is that so?" she replied, her tone neutral as she studied him.

Gerald nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yeah. It’s important."