Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 40: Torturous Dinner

Chapter 40: Torturous Dinner

Ellen and Mason arrived at the fancy restaurant, its shiny exterior sparkling in the city lights. Ellen felt a knot tighten in her stomach as they walked towards the entrance. It would be great if she didn’t have to see Aubrey so often. Ellen had no idea what plans Gerald and Aubrey were up to to invite her and Mason to dinner like this, but she had a feeling their intentions weren’t great.

With a heavy heart, Ellen walked slightly behind Mason as they entered the restaurant. A smiling waitress greeted them and led them to the VVIP room. The door opened to reveal Gerald and Aubrey already seated and waiting. Gerald stood up and embraced Mason, while Aubrey flashed a beautiful smile at him.

"I’m so happy you could join us," Aubrey said, clearly putting on an act.

"Thanks for inviting me," Ellen replied, forcing a polite smile.

They all took their seats around the table. Truth be told, the dinner was awkward from the start. Gerald barely acknowledged Ellen, directing all his attention towards Mason and Aubrey. Not that she needed his acknowledgment, but basic manners would have been nice. Ellen told herself it was fine. It really was.

Trying to ease the tension, Ellen said, "I think it’s a great idea to have a double date like this."

Both Aubrey and Gerald looked at Ellen as if she had said something utterly ridiculous. Ellen met their stares with a calm face.

"What? Isn’t it right? It’s good for bonding," Ellen said, maintaining her smile.

Aubrey’s smile faded as she replied, "Gerald and I are not a couple."

Ellen put on a surprised look and threw in a fake apology. "Oh, you’re not? I apologize. I just thought you two would make a great couple. What a shame."

She gave a sweet smile, fully aware she was throwing shade. Gerald cleared his throat just as the waitress arrived with their food, a perfectly cooked steak. They began to eat, with Gerald and Aubrey initiating a conversation about their high school memories, tales filled with laughter and shared experiences. Mason occasionally responded with short, simple answers, but they ignored Ellen completely.

"I remember that time we snuck out after the game and drove to the lake," Gerald laughed, clapping his hand while laughing. "You were the one who suggested it."

Mason smiled faintly. "Yeah, that was a good night."

"Remember when I caught you two kissing in the gym?" Gerald said again with a laugh, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Gerald was probably telling this story to make Ellen jealous, but why should she care? She took a deep breath and tried to focus on her meal.

"Yeah," Mason replied. "You made such a big deal out of it."

Gerald chuckled. "Well, it was a big deal back then. The whole school was talking about it."

Ellen felt her patience wearing thin. She poked at her steak in annoyance. She could understand if Aubrey and Gerald ignored her; they didn’t like her, and that was clear. But Mason ignoring her too? What a jerk. If she had known it would be like this, she would have stayed home.

The conversation continued without her. Gerald suggested they all take a holiday together, and Ellen knew by "together," he didn’t mean to include her.

"That sounds like a good idea," Aubrey agreed. "Mason, when can you get some free time?"

Ellen tried to tune out their conversation. She mentally reminded herself to bring earplugs next time so she wouldn’t have to hear their noise and could eat in peace.

She couldn’t wait for the night to be over. She glanced at her watch, mentally calculating how much longer she had to endure this.

"Hey, Ellen, are you okay?" Mason’s voice broke through her thoughts.

Ellen looked up from her plate, surprised to hear her name. She could see how Gerald and Aubrey were looking at her with disdain. Their gazes were so intense, it was like being in the spotlight and it made her feel even more uncomfortable.

Mason leaned in slightly, his expression softening. "You haven’t eaten much. Are you sure you’re alright?"

Ellen opened her mouth to say something, but only a hesitant "Um..." came out. She didn’t realize Mason had been paying attention to her.

She needed a quick plan to escape this torturous dinner. Ellen glanced around the table, her mind racing. She needed an excuse that would get her out of there.

"I, um, I don’t really have much of an appetite," Ellen said, trying to sound convincingly unwell. She put her hand to her throat and started to fake a cough. It felt exaggerated, but she hoped it would work.

Gerald squinted his eyes at her, clearly skeptical, while Aubrey turned her face away. Ellen knew they probably saw through her act, but she wasn’t a pro at this.

Mason said again. "Let’s go home then."

Ellen had to suppress the urge to clap her hands in relief. She knew she shouldn’t be acting like this, but Gerald and Aubrey were really testing her patience tonight. She wanted a little revenge.

"Yeah, I think that’s a good idea," Ellen said, faking another cough for good measure. She stood up, wobbling slightly to sell the act.

Ellen glanced at Gerald and Aubrey, their expressions a mix of disbelief and irritation. "I really am sorry," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

The second they turned away from Gerald and Aubrey, her fake tired expression dropped, replaced by a grin of triumph. Their sour faces had been worth it.

How about that, huh?

As they walked together toward the car, Ellen glanced at Mason, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I’m sorry for cutting the dinner short," she said softly.

Mason brushed it off with a wave of his hand. "Don’t worry about it. It was boring anyway."

A slight smile crept onto her face when she heard him.

She couldn’t agree more, the night was just plain bad.

Well, at least they agreed on one thing.

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