Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 79: Some Alone Time

Chapter 79: Some Alone Time

Ellen lingered in the café long after Helga had left, sipping the last of her cappuccino while gazing out the window. The café was bustling with the crowd, but Ellen found comfort in the background noise of clinking cups and murmured conversations. It was nice to be around people, even if she wasn’t directly interacting with them. Being in this lively atmosphere was better than returning to the mansion.

She glanced at her phone, noting that it was already lunchtime, but she wasn’t hungry enough to eat a full meal. The little snacks she had with Helga earlier were enough for now. Instead, she decided to make the most of her day and do a bit of window shopping. Ellen took a deep breath, slid her phone into her bag, and stood up from the table.

The gentle breeze greeted her as she stepped out of the café, and she looked up and down the street, thinking of where she could go next. The idea of wandering aimlessly appealed to her, so she raised her hand and called for a taxi.

The ride was brief, and soon Ellen found herself on a bustling street lined with high-end shops and boutiques. It wasn’t quite as glamorous as Rodeo Drive, but it had its own charm—a diverse collection of designer stores, charming little cafes, and specialty shops.

Ellen wasn’t planning on buying anything. After all, she had just returned from Paris with more than enough clothes and accessories to last her for a while. She just enjoyed the simple act of browsing, letting her eyes wander over the beautifully arranged displays, admiring the latest fashions, and imagining the stories behind each carefully curated collection.

The first store she entered was a small boutique focused on shoes. The salesperson offered her a polite smile, but Ellen shook her head with a quiet "just browsing" and continued on her way.

As she moved from store to store, Ellen couldn’t help but think of Helga. It would have been nice to have her neighbor here, sharing in the experience, laughing over the absurdly expensive items, and offering opinions on what they would actually wear. The thought made her smile, and she promised herself that next time, she would bring Helga along.

The street was bustling with life, and Ellen found herself swept up in the energy of it all. She walked at a leisurely pace, occasionally pausing to take in the sights—a group of tourists snapping photos in front of a quirky storefront, a street musician playing a soulful tune on his violin, the distant hum of traffic blending with the chatter of pedestrians.

After an hour or so of hopping from one store to another, Ellen’s stomach began to growl, reminding her that it was time to eat. She glanced around, scanning the street for a place to have a late lunch.

She spotted a quaint restaurant just down the street, its outdoor seating area adorned with potted plants and bright, sunlit decor, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Ellen made her way over, her footsteps steady, blending in with the soft murmur of the city around her.

As she entered the restaurant, a waitress greeted her with a warm smile, her blonde hair tied back in a neat ponytail. "Good afternoon. Just one today?" she asked, her tone polite and welcoming.

"Yes, just me," Ellen replied, returning the smile.

"Right this way," the waitress said, gesturing for Ellen to follow. They made their way through the restaurant, passing groups of friends deep in conversation and couples enjoying intimate moments together. The restaurant was comfortably busy, lively yet not overcrowded.

The waitress led Ellen to a small table by the window, offering a view of the bustling street outside. "Here you go," she said, pulling out the chair for Ellen, who murmured a thank you as she took a seat.

The waitress handed her a menu, her smile unwavering. "I’ll give you a few minutes to decide. Let me know if you need anything."

Ellen nodded, her attention already shifting to the menu in her hands. She flipped through the pages, scanning the list of dishes. The options were tempting, from fresh salads to hearty pasta dishes, and she found herself torn between a few choices.

As she deliberated, a conversation from the table next to hers caught her attention. It wasn’t loud, but the voices were clear enough for her to make out the words. A woman’s voice said, "I’m sorry, but I have to go now. I hope you understand."

There was a pause, and then a man’s voice responded, low and calm, "I understand. Take care of yourself."

Ellen felt a twinge of curiosity. She wasn’t one to eavesdrop, but the tone of their exchange piqued her interest. Without thinking, she glanced up from her menu, her eyes flicking toward the source of the voices.

She saw the woman first—a petite figure with dark hair pulled into a sleek bun, her expression composed as she stood up from her chair. She gathered her things quickly, offering the man a small, polite smile before turning to leave the restaurant. The man remained seated, his back to Ellen, his posture relaxed, yet there was something about him that seemed familiar.

Ellen told herself to look away, to focus on her menu, but her curiosity got the better of her. As the woman exited the restaurant, Ellen’s eyes involuntarily followed her until they landed on the man’s face.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Edrick.

He was looking straight at her, a slow smile spreading across his lips as their eyes met. Ellen froze for a moment, caught off guard by the familiarity of the situation. She hadn’t expected to run into him again, of all places, and certainly not today. But here he was, seated just a few feet away, and now there was no avoiding the encounter.

The relaxed smile on his face suggested that he was equally surprised, though it was clearly not an unpleasant one.