Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 27: Enlightening

Chapter 27: Enlightening

Ellen and Aubrey sat face to face, the air between them thick with tension. From this close distance, Ellen could see just how beautiful Aubrey really was. Her flawless skin, her striking eyes, and her confident posture all combined to make her the kind of woman who turned heads wherever she went. It was no wonder that both Mason and Gerald had fallen for her. Ellen suddenly felt insecure, not to mention the realization that she was a supporting character in this world.

Aubrey broke the silence first, her tone serious and direct. "I just want to get to the point," she began. "I know this will hurt you, but you need to know the truth. Mason will never love you. I hope you won’t hope too much from him."

Ellen blinked, momentarily stunned by Aubrey’s audacity. She took a deep breath and steadied herself. "Thank you for your concern and warning," she said, her voice calm. "But I think I can handle it. And I would appreciate it if you didn’t meddle in our marriage."

Aubrey’s expression hardened. "I know Mason very well. I know what he likes and what he doesn’t. Unfortunately, you’re one of the many things he doesn’t like. Oh, and did I forget to mention that we used to date?"

Ellen maintained her composure, though inwardly she simmered with frustration at Aubrey’s predictable tactics. Typical, she thought, Aubrey and Gerald have never been the creative type. Always resorting to the same old card: Mason and Aubrey’s past. It was so transparent, so not creative.

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It was like Aubrey was following a worn-out script she’d seen too many times. They think they can shake me with this?

The thing was, she wasn’t Ellen Winters who would freak out and have a meltdown. "I know," she replied evenly. "Gerald just mentioned that to me. But so what if you used to date? That was all in the past."

Aubrey’s eyes narrowed, not pleased with Ellen’s lack of reaction. "We love each other very much, Ellen. Even to this day. Don’t forget that yours is an arranged marriage."

Ellen almost laughed out loud. The audacity was almost amusing. What’s with this ’we love each other’ nonsense? Poor Aubrey, living in an illusion she had crafted herself.

"If you know Mason so well," Ellen said, her voice growing firmer, "then you should know your position in his life now. For the record, everything has changed. What you think you know about Mason, forget it. Everything about him has changed—what he likes, what he doesn’t like, even his feelings for you. Mason doesn’t love you anymore. Think about it, if he really loved you, why would he agree to the arranged marriage in the first place?"

Aubrey’s expression turned pale, clearly not expecting Ellen to talk back to her like that. Ellen could see the shock in her eyes, followed by a flicker of anger. She had hit a nerve.

Ellen leaned back, her confidence growing. "Open your eyes, Aubrey," she said softly. "You and Mason are just friends now. Nothing more."

Aubrey’s face twisted with frustration and anger. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she sat there, her fists clenched on her lap, trembling slightly with emotion.

Ellen took a sip of her drink, maintaining eye contact with Aubrey. She could see the storm brewing inside the other woman, but she refused to back down. Aubrey tried to bring her down, but Ellen was stronger than she looked.

Aubrey finally managed to speak, her voice shaking with barely contained rage. "You don’t know what you’re talking about," she hissed. "Mason and I have a bond that you could never understand."

Ellen raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "If that’s what helps you sleep at night, Aubrey, then by all means, hold onto that thought. But the reality is different. Mason is my husband now, and we are building a life together. You can either accept that and move on, or you can keep living in your delusion. The choice is yours."

Aubrey’s anger was written all over her face, and for a moment, Ellen thought she might lash out. But before Aubrey could say or do anything, Mason came into view, heading straight their way. His presence immediately changed the dynamic. Aubrey’s angry expression softened into a smile when she saw him, her eyes lighting up as if he was the answer to all her problems.

"Mason," she greeted him, her voice sweet and welcoming.

Mason, however, only gave her a brief nod before turning his attention to Ellen. "Let’s go home," he said, his tone firm but gentle.

Ellen’s heart leaped at his words. She had been longing to leave, and hearing him say it filled her with relief. She couldn’t suppress the happiness that spread across her face. "Of course," she replied, her voice almost too cheerful.

As they turned to leave, Ellen thought to herself that if she didn’t go now, she didn’t know how long she could keep up this charade. Truth be told, she hated confrontations like this. Well, unless someone provokes her.

It was a bit of a reality check, and she felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She was mentally and emotionally drained, and the idea of continuing this verbal sparring match with Aubrey was almost unbearable.

She stood up, smoothing out her dress, and glanced at Aubrey with a triumphant smile. See, Aubrey? He doesn’t care about you.

Aubrey’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of sadness and frustration. Ellen could see the mix of emotions flicker across her face—hurt, disappointment, and a tinge of anger. Aubrey opened her mouth as if to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she watched in silence as Ellen and Mason prepared to leave.

Ellen turned to Aubrey, maintaining her polite demeanor. "Goodbye, Aubrey," she said softly. "It was... enlightening talking to you."