Home Sweet Home

Ellen stared out the window, the lights of the city blurring into streaks as the car sped along the highway. She quietly in the backseat of the car, the soft hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence. The driver navigated the city streets easily, while Mason sat beside her, staring out the window. The night was a blur of lights and shadows, and Ellen's thoughts drifted back to the reception they had just left.

The reception had ended in a haze. Ellen barely remembered the details because her focus had been on the main characters of the story: Mason and Aubrey. She could still see Aubrey's sad eyes, the forced smiles she offered to everyone. Aubrey had tried so hard to look happy, but it was clear to Ellen that she was struggling. Mason, on the other hand, had been indifferent, his demeanor cold and distant. He showed no care or interest in anything that was happening around him.

Ellen shifted in her seat, recalling the moment she finally met Aubrey. The encounter was brief but intense. Aubrey's sadness was palpable, and Ellen couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. But it wasn't just Aubrey who caught Ellen's attention that night. She had also met Gerald, Mason's best friend, a man who was deeply in love with Aubrey and determined to help her win back Mason's heart.

Gerald was a tall, broad-shouldered man with an easy smile and a kind demeanor. But behind his warm exterior, Ellen sensed a man deeply conflicted. His eyes followed Aubrey everywhere, filled with an unspoken longing and a fierce determination. Ellen made a mental note to keep an eye on him. Aubrey wasn't the only threat; Gerald's feelings for her could complicate things further.

Ellen glanced at Mason, who was still looking out the window, his face unreadable. The silence between them was thick and awkward, and Ellen felt a growing sense of unease. She wanted to break the silence, to find something to talk about, but nothing came to mind.

As the car turned onto a quiet street, Ellen noticed the surroundings becoming more and more secluded. The city lights faded, replaced by tall trees and large, gated properties. Finally, the car came to a smooth stop in front of a massive iron gate. Beyond it, she could see the outline of Mason's mansion. The gate slowly opened, revealing a long, winding driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges and trees.

Mason didn't wait for the car to fully stop before he opened the door and stepped out. Ellen hurried to follow, the cool night air hitting her face as she exited the car. She took a moment to look around, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the mansion before her. It was enormous, far bigger than anything she had ever seen in real life. She had been impressed by Ellen Winters' house, but this was on another level entirely.

Her tiny apartment back in the real world felt like a shoebox in comparison.

"Wow," she whispered to herself, her breath visible in the cool night air.

Mason was already heading towards the front door, his strides long and purposeful. Ellen snapped out of her daze and hurried to catch up with him, her heels clicking on the cobblestone path. She was half-running when she accidentally bumped into Mason's back as he stopped abruptly at the door.

"Ow," she muttered, rubbing her nose where it had collided with his shoulder. "Sorry, I didn't see you stop."

Mason turned and looked at her, his expression cold and unreadable. He didn't say a word, just opened the door and stepped inside. Ellen followed him, her eyes still wide as she took in the grandeur of the foyer. A massive chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the marble floors. A grand staircase curved gracefully to the upper floors, its banister adorned with intricate carvings. Rich tapestries and paintings lined the walls, adding to the opulent atmosphere.

Mason walked over to the couch and sat down, his posture relaxed but his expression still unreadable. Ellen stood there, unsure of what to do. Mason glanced at her and then pointed to the couch opposite him with a tilt of his chin. Ellen took the hint and sat down, her hands clasped nervously in her lap.

"I won't beat around the bush," Mason said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "Our marriage is nothing but an agreement between the Coldwell and Winters families. Nothing more."

Ellen nodded, her face calm even though her heart was pounding. "I'm on the same page," she said, meeting his gaze steadily.

Mason's expression didn't change. "Good. Don't ever hope for me to love you. I married you to honor the agreement, nothing more."

Ellen swallowed hard but nodded again. "Understood."

Mason continued, his tone still icy. "Now that you're married, there's no need for you to work anymore."

Ellen looked at him, her brow furrowing. "What should I do then?"

"You're part of the Coldwell family now," Mason said, his gaze unwavering. "I don't care what you want to do, but you must not tarnish the Coldwell name and reputation."

Ellen was silent, processing his words. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders. Mason's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Got it?" he asked, his tone low and menacing.

Ellen nodded quickly. "Yeah, of course."

Mason stood up, his movements smooth and controlled. He didn't wait for her to respond as he walked towards the grand staircase. Ellen followed him, her footsteps echoing in the large, silent house. They reached the top of the stairs, and Mason stopped in front of a door.

"This is your room," he said, his voice flat. He pointed to the door next to it. "That's mine. Don't enter it."

Ellen nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Got it," she said softly, unsure of what else to say.

Mason gave her one last look before turning and walking away, his footsteps fading into the distance. Ellen stood there for a moment, taking in the reality of her situation. She remembered this part from the novel. Mason and Ellen never shared a room. They were more like housemates than husband and wife.

This whole thing was not going to be easy for her...