Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 189: Don’t Run Away

Chapter 189: Don’t Run Away

Gerald was sitting in his car, looking ahead with a blank expression. It had been a few days since he punched Mason, but since he landed a punch to Mason, but Mason’s words played in his mind. All this time, he thought he’d hidden it well—his love for Aubrey, buried deep beneath layers of jokes and playful banter. And yet, Mason had known. The whole time. He never confronted him about it, never even gave a hint that he was aware.

It left Gerald feeling... confused. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to feel. Should he be embarrassed that his feelings had been so obvious? Or should he just accept that Mason had known all along, maybe even understood? He rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a long sigh. None of that mattered now. What mattered was Aubrey.

Ever since he’d confessed, something between them had changed. Gerald had been relieved at first, like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He had finally told her how he felt after all those years. But the relief was short-lived. Aubrey had been distant ever since. She didn’t pick up his calls, didn’t reply to his texts. He couldn’t even seem to run into her at her workplace.

Gerald had tried everything—casual messages, dropping by her apartment, even calling the manager at her modeling agency just to check if she was alright. The answer was always the same: Aubrey was fine, just busy. But Gerald knew better. She was avoiding him.

"Is it because I confessed?" he muttered to himself, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "It wasn’t supposed to be like this."

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. It wasn’t just about him anymore. Aubrey was hurting, and whether or not it was because of his confession, he couldn’t let things stay like this. He needed to talk to her, face to face.

Without another thought, Gerald started the car and headed toward Aubrey’s photoshoot. He knew her schedule—knew where she’d be today. And today, he wasn’t going to let her slip away again.

**

The sound of cameras clicking filled the studio, bouncing around as the photographer yelled out directions. "That’s it, Aubrey! Hold that pose—chin up, eyes toward the light, perfect!"

Gerald stood by, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched Aubrey work. She looked stunning as always.

For a moment, Gerald just stood there, watching her, his chest tightening. He’d always admired her strength, How she carried herself so well, even after everything she’d gone through. But now, with her so emotionally distant, he was filled with doubt.

Had he made a mistake confessing? Had he ruined everything?

The session ended, and the photographer said that was a wrap. Aubrey stepped off the set, running a hand through her hair and taking a deep breath. When she looked up, her eyes met Gerald’s, and her expression immediately changed. It was clear she was taken aback, but soon enough, it turned into something more cautious.

She hesitated for a split second before turning on her heel and heading quickly briskly toward the dressing room. Gerald wasn’t about to let her slip away again. He moved quickly, catching up to her just before she disappeared through the door.

"Aubrey," he called, a bit pleading.

She paused, her back to him, but she didn’t turn around. Gerald reached out, gently grabbing her wrist. "Don’t avoid me," he said softly, holding on tight but not too hard. "Please, just... don’t."

Aubrey took a slow breath, her shoulders rising and falling as she stood frozen in place. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she turned to face him. She seemed guarded, with her lips pressed tightly, but Gerald could sense the emotions bubbling underneath—maybe confusion or even fear.

"I’m not avoiding you," she said quietly, but even she didn’t sound convinced.

Gerald shook his head, stepping closer, still holding onto her wrist. "You are, Aubrey. You haven’t answered my calls, my texts. You didn’t open up when I came over. You’re avoiding me."

Aubrey’s eyes darted to the floor, her lips trembling slightly as she tried to form words. "I just... I needed space."

"Why?" Gerald asked. "Is it because of what I said? Because I told you how I feel?"

She flinched at his words, and Gerald’s heart sank. He could tell she was uncomfortable, her jaw tightening and her eyes flashing with doubt.

"Gerald... it’s not that simple," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Then explain it to me," he urged, his hand still holding onto her as if letting go would mean losing her for good. "I didn’t mean to make things weird between us. I didn’t mean to put this kind of pressure on you. But I can’t stand this distance, Aubrey. Not when I know you’re hurting, and not when I..."

He came to a stop, feeling that tightness in his throat. He didn’t want to push her, didn’t want to make her feel more cornered than she already did, but he needed her to understand. "I don’t regret telling you how I feel. I can’t take it back, and I won’t. But I never wanted to lose you because of it."

Aubrey finally looked up at him, her eyes wide and shining with tears she hadn’t let fall. "It’s not about your feelings, Gerald," she said, her voice trembling. "It’s about everything. About Mason, about us, about... I don’t know."

The mention of Mason’s name hit Gerald like a punch to the gut, but he didn’t let it show. He just nodded, his eyes getting softer as he looked into hers. "I know you’re confused," he said gently. "But running away from me isn’t going to make it any easier. Please, Aubrey. Don’t shut me out."

"I don’t know what to say," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"You don’t have to say anything right now," Gerald said softly, taking a step closer. "I just need you to be honest with me. Whatever you’re feeling, just... don’t push me away."

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