Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 52: A Smile

Chapter 52: A Smile

Aubrey held her breath, her fingers crossed under the table, hoping Mason might have some free time today.

"I’m busy," Mason finally replied, his tone flat.

Aubrey pretended to sulk, her lips forming a small pout. "Mason, you’re always busy. Can’t you spare some time to explore Paris with me? Just for a little while?"

Mason’s expression didn’t soften. "Aubrey, I’m here for work, not for holiday like you. I have responsibilities."

She sighed, trying to keep her disappointment in check. "I know, Mason. It’s just a shame to be in such a beautiful city and not do anything."

Mason resumed eating his breakfast, doing it all with smooth moves. Aubrey watched him, admiring the way he carried himself with such confidence. He was so handsome, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy thinking about Ellen, who got to see him every day. Aubrey’s mind raced with thoughts. If only she could be the one to share those daily moments with him. If only she could be the one he turned to.

She snapped back to the present and tried to shift the conversation. "I tried to meet you last night, but you were so busy. Did your meetings run late? You need to remember to rest too."

A flicker of a smile crossed Mason’s face, catching Aubrey off guard. She saw it, even if it appeared for just two seconds. "Is there something funny?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Mason shook his head, the smile lingering. "Nothing," he said, but the corners of his mouth twitched again.

Aubrey’s eyes lit up, sensing a rare opportunity to break through his stoic demeanor. "Come on, Mason. Tell me if anything interesting happened at your meetings last night. You seem like you have a fun story to share."

Mason’s smile widened for a brief moment before he composed himself. "Just the usual business, Aubrey."

"Usual business doesn’t make you smile like that," she teased, leaning in slightly. "Come on, spill it. What happened?"

Mason remained tight-lipped, his focus returning to his plate, but Aubrey could see he was holding back a grin. For Aubrey, it had been a long time since she had seen Mason smile. She couldn’t even recall the last time she saw that smile. Seeing that flicker of a smile cross his face, even if only for a moment, had given her a glimmer of hope.

It must have been something truly interesting to make Mason smile like that. What a shame that he wouldn’t tell her what it was. She craved to be the one to make him smile again, to bring that light back into his eyes. If only she could find a way to be part of that world.

As she watched Mason finish his breakfast, her mind wandered back to their coffee date. She had felt a connection, a hint of the old Mason who used to care for her, who used to be her world. She longed to rekindle that connection, to remind him of what they once had.

"Mason," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, "I just miss spending time with you. Paris is a beautiful city, and it feels like such a waste not to enjoy it together. Just for a little while."

Mason looked up from his plate, his eyes narrowing as he fixed her with a sharp gaze. "Which part of ’I’m busy’ don’t you understand, Aubrey?" His tone was cutting, and it made her flinch.

Aubrey felt her heart sink. She hadn’t meant to push him, but her longing to reconnect had made her forget how firm Mason could be when it came to his work. She didn’t say anything, afraid that anything she might say could anger him further. She should have known better than to press him to do what she wanted. That would only ruin her chances to rekindle their relationship.

"I’m sorry," she murmured, looking down at her plate.

Mason sighed and returned to his breakfast, but Aubrey’s mind was spinning. She glanced at his face and noticed a little bit of something at the corner of his mouth. Without thinking, her hand reached out to help him get rid of it, an instinctive gesture from their past when such small acts of care were second nature.

Before she could touch him, Mason’s hand shot up, dismissing hers. "Don’t," he said sharply, grabbing a napkin and wiping his mouth himself. He looked at her with a stern expression. "Aubrey, you need to know your place and never cross my boundaries again."

The sting of his words cut deep, and she could only nod, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Mason stood up, adjusting his jacket with a brisk motion. Aubrey’s heart pounded, a mix of shame and sorrow clouding her mind.

Mason looked down at her, his expression still stern. "You can go explore Paris by yourself, Aubrey. You don’t need to wait for me or anything. It’s not my responsibility to show you around. No one asked you to come here."

His words felt like a slap in the face. Aubrey’s eyes widened, and she struggled to keep her composure. She wanted to argue, to tell him that she came because she missed him, because she wanted to be part of his life again. But no words came out. She felt her throat tighten, her lips parting slightly, but nothing emerged.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Aubrey alone at the table. She watched him go, the pit in her stomach growing heavier with each step he took away from her.

Aubrey stared down at her barely-touched breakfast, her appetite completely gone. She felt a mixture of shame and sadness wash over her. She had hoped for a pleasant morning with Mason, but now it felt like she had pushed him further away.

At least Ellen wasn’t here to see this, Aubrey thought, letting out a heavy sigh. The thought brought a small, ironic smile to Aubrey’s lips. That was the last thing she needed.