Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 19: Change

Chapter 19: Change

Mason was sitting at his desk, buried in work. His desk was cluttered with papers, reports, and a laptop. The large window behind him offered a panoramic view of the city skyline, but Mason’s focus was entirely on the screen in front of him. He typed furiously, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Just then, Philip knocked and entered the room, holding a stack of documents. "Here’s the report you asked for," he said, placing the papers on Mason’s desk.

Mason glanced at the report briefly, then returned his attention to his work without a word.

Philip hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You know, I don’t think you need to stay late in the office tonight."

Mason’s head snapped up, and he glared at Philip. "Are you chasing me out of my own office now?"

Philip sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Isn’t it you who told me about Ellen just getting into an accident?"

He remembered the conversation with Philip yesterday after he back to the office. Mason knew that if he didn’t satisfy Philip’s curiosity, he’d be harassed non-stop. So, he had ended up telling Philip everything. From Aubrey asking him to go to the ice cream place, to the accident, to Ellen’s heroic act of saving the little boy.

Mason’s eyes narrowed. "What does it have to do with my work?"

Philip looked at Mason, exasperation evident in his expression. "Gosh, Mason, Ellen is your wife. You’re supposed to be with her right now, care for her."

Mason leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I told you, She is fine. It was just a few bruises and scratches. Nothing serious."

Mason’s mind drifted back to this morning. Ellen had walked downstairs by herself, her steps steady and her face calm. She had moved around the kitchen with ease, making breakfast like she always did. She didn’t grimace in pain or show any sign of weakness. She ate her meal with a good appetite, just as she was supposed to. There was really nothing to worry about.

If she could move around and function normally, what was the issue? Mason, as her husband, wasn’t worried. So why was Philip the one who seemed so concerned?

Mason’s thoughts were interrupted by Philip’s voice. "You really don’t get it, do you, Mason?"

Mason looked up, his face turning all serious. "Get what? That she’s fine? I saw her this morning. She can walk, she can cook, she can eat. There’s nothing to worry about."

Philip shook his head, a look of frustration crossing his face. "So many people would throw hate at you if they heard what you just said. It’s not just about physical injuries. She needs emotional support too. She needs to know that you care. It’s one of a husband’s duties to take care of his wife when she’s unwell. You’re married now, Mason. You need to fulfill your role and responsibility as a husband."

Mason was silent, his eyes drifting away from Philip’s earnest gaze. The weight of Philip’s words seemed to hang in the air.

Philip continued, his voice softer now. "You’re really lucky to have a wife as kind as Ellen, who would sacrifice herself to save a little child."

Mason’s lips tightened into a thin line. "Or stupid," he muttered.

Philip managed a small, weary smile. "Just go back early, Mason. Spend time with your wife. Give your marriage a chance."

With that, Philip turned and left the office, leaving Mason alone with his thoughts. Mason stared at the door for a long moment, feeling the weight of the conversation settle heavily on his shoulders. He let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Philip’s words echoed in his mind. He looked at the papers on his desk, but the numbers and words seemed to blur together. His mind kept drifting back to Ellen—how she had looked so vulnerable in the hospital, the determination in her eyes, and the frustration in her voice when he told her he was going back to the office.

He couldn’t focus on his work anymore.

***

Ellen lay on her bed, phone pressed to her ear as she spoke to Colleen. "Ok, bye-bye, Colleen. Talk to you later," she said, ending the call with a sigh. The conversation had been intense. Colleen had demanded to know why Ellen had abandoned her at lunch, her voice filled with concern and a hint of irritation.

Ellen, feeling like she could become a master at lying, had spun a believable story. She told Colleen that she had to stop by Mason’s office to have lunch with him and didn’t want to miss the chance. She explained it was important for their relationship, something Colleen couldn’t argue with. There was just no way she could tell Colleen the real reason—that she had been trying to stop Aubrey and Mason from rekindling their old love.

Of course, she left out the part where she had gotten into an accident trying to save a child. The last thing she wanted was to make any fuss or get an earful from her father and sister about putting herself in danger. She had already gotten it from Mason.

Sitting up, Ellen ran a hand through her hair, feeling the weight of the day’s events pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering stress, and stood up.

She walked out of her room and headed downstairs. Talking about Mason, he had left her again, as usual, alone in this big mansion. She guessed that was bound to happen. What was she supposed to expect anyway? Mason caring for her just because of a little accident? Please...

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she entered the family room and froze.

Mason was sitting on the couch, casually watching TV!

For a moment, Ellen stood like a mannequin, her eyes wide with surprise. Was she seeing things? She glanced outside—the sun was still bright, but Mason was already home. What was going on?