Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 64: Don’t Need To Know

Chapter 64: Don’t Need To Know

Edrick broke the silence first, his voice light and casual. "Hi, Mason," he greeted, giving a small wave as if they were just running into each other on the street. "I didn’t expect to be at the same table as you and Ellen tonight."

Mason’s expression didn’t change much—he remained calm, but there was a bit of a sharp tone to it. "Yeah," he said, nodding slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "Neither did I. It’s a small world, I guess."

Ellen glanced between them, picking up on something weird in their chat that she couldn’t quite figure out. It was subtle, but there was something in Mason’s tone that made her uneasy. The casualness of their exchange seemed almost too forced, as if they were both playing a part.

"It seems like you and Ellen have gotten close really fast," Mason added, his gaze resting on Edrick as he spoke. There was a hint of curiosity in his words, but also something else—something that made Ellen’s stomach tighten slightly.

Edrick didn’t hesitate to respond, his tone casual as he met Mason’s gaze with a calm confidence. "We’ve known each other for quite a while," he said, his voice smooth as silk, yet there was a subtle weight to his words that made Ellen’s heart race.

A flash of panic surged through Ellen at his words, and she immediately feared where the conversation might lead. The last thing she wanted was for Edrick to say anything that hinted at their past. Before Edrick could say more, she jumped in, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual. "We’re high school friends," she blurted out, the words tumbling from her mouth in a rush. "We went to the same school."

Edrick turned his head to look at her, his expression unreadable for a moment. There was something in his eyes—perhaps a flicker of amusement or something deeper—but it was gone before she could fully grasp it. His smile returned, this time smaller, more restrained. "Yeah, we’re high school friends," he echoed, his voice softer now, as if he was letting her take control of the narrative.

Mason nodded, seeming to accept the explanation without question. "That makes sense," he said, his tone understanding as he leaned back slightly in his chair. There was no suspicion in his gaze, just a simple acknowledgment, but the ease with which he accepted the explanation made Ellen feel a strange mix of relief and guilt.

Ellen’s eyes drifted back to Edrick, who had turned his attention away from her and Mason, focusing on something else across the room. He had a slight smile on his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes—it was more of a mask, a cover for whatever thoughts were running through his mind. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking, and why he had so easily gone along with her quick explanation.

For a moment, she was grateful that he hadn’t pressed the issue or revealed more about their past. But another part of her felt unsettled—why did she feel the need to hide it from Mason? It wasn’t as if they had done anything wrong, and yet, the thought of Mason knowing about her and Edrick’s history filled her with a sense of dread.

The room fell into a quiet hum as the sound of music faded, replaced by the soft clinking of glasses and hushed conversations. The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted as the double doors at the far end of the hall swung open.

All eyes turned toward the entrance, where the bride and groom appeared, hand in hand. The bride was radiant in her white gown. Her smile was wide and genuine, reflecting the joy of the occasion. The groom, tall and handsome in his sharp black tuxedo, looked equally delighted as he guided his new wife into the room. The guests erupted into applause, the sound echoing off the high ceilings as the couple made their way toward the center of the hall.

Ellen clapped along with everyone else, a smile spreading across her face despite the unease that still lingered in her chest. She glanced at Mason, who was also applauding, his expression warm and content. For a moment, the tension she felt eased, and she allowed herself to be caught up in the happiness of the moment.

As the bride and groom reached the center of the room, the groom signaled the start of the speeches. A couple of people, including the parents and close friends, stepped forward to speak, sharing stories and warm wishes. The room was filled with laughter and a few tears, but Ellen found herself more focused on her own thoughts than the words being said.

Once the speeches concluded, the music resumed, this time slower and more melodic. The bride and groom shared their first dance, moving gracefully across the floor as the guests watched in admiration.

As the first dance ended, other couples began to join them on the dance floor, the space filling with pairs swaying to the gentle rhythm of the music. Ellen watched as they moved together, some with practiced ease, others more hesitant but still enjoying the moment.

Ellen’s eyes scanned the room, watching the couples with a mix of admiration and longing. She hadn’t expected Mason to ask her to dance—it seemed impossible.

Just as she was about to turn her attention back to the table, Edrick’s voice cut through her thoughts. "Aren’t you two going to dance?" he asked, his tone light but with an edge of curiosity. His eyes flicked between Ellen and Mason, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Ellen felt her heart skip a beat at the question, and she quickly glanced at Mason, eager to see his response. She didn’t know what she was hoping for—maybe that he would surprise her, take her hand, and lead her to the dance floor. But Mason remained calm, his face showing nothing as he met Edrick’s gaze.

"I’m not much of a dancer," Mason replied with a small shrug, his voice casual. There was no hesitation in his answer, no hint of regret or second-guessing.

Ellen nodded, forcing a smile as she turned back to Edrick. "Yeah, Mason doesn’t really like to dance," she echoed. She hoped Edrick would leave it at that, but there was a gleam in his eyes that made her uneasy.

Edrick’s gaze lingered on Ellen for a moment longer before he turned his attention to Mason. "Hey, Mason," he called out, his voice was loud enough to make sure he got the man’s full attention.

Mason raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Edrick with mild curiosity. Edrick’s smile widened, his eyes flicking back to Ellen before settling on Mason once more. "Mind if I take Ellen for a dance?"