20 Two Too Many Seats At The Breakfast Table
1009 Words
Edward and Cosette's first course arrived shortly after they ordered it. They had both ordered the same thing, and Edward was delighted that Cosette enjoyed the food as much as he did. "This is my favorite restaurant," he said. Cosette told him that she could see why, and when they were about halfway through their meal, she excused herself so that she could visit the Ladies Room.
Cosette walked into the bathroom, washed her hands and face with cold water, fixed her make-up, and returned to the table, only to find that Leyla had taken the seat beside Edward, and Ethan was sitting across from her.
When Leyla saw Cosette, she greeted her with a smile and said, "Hey, Cosette, since we are all friends, why don't we all sit down together?"
Cosette smiled awkwardly, nodded to Ethan, and then she sat down beside him. "I know that Edward likes to have breakfast at this restaurant," Leyla continued. "Do you like it too?"
Before Cosette could reply, Edward said, "This is the first time she's been here, but she is enjoying it just fine."
The smile on Leyla's face was a bit stiff. She looked at the porridge and the sandwich in front of her and clenched her fists. She said, "When I saw your car outside, I came straight in. I didn't expect Cosette to be here."
Cosette smiled indifferently and took another bite of her breakfast. She picked up a piece of toast, but suddenly, her body trembled, and the bread fell out of her hands. Everyone turned to look at her, and Ethan asked her if she was okay. She nodded that she was, but she was unable to speak.
Cosette was wearing a knee-length dress, and at the moment that she'd begun to tremble, Edward had begun to rub her ankle with his foot. But while she had been rendered speechless, Edward gave no sign that he was doing anything untoward.
Leyla turned to Edward, smiled, and said, "I think that Cosette and Ethan would make a great couple. What do you think?"
Edward glanced at Leyla first, and then he looked at Cosette. Although Cosette's face was calm, her eyes revealed to him that she was somewhat annoyed. Before he could reply, Cosette scowled at Leyla and said, "Leyla, do you actually think every man would be a good match for me or are you intentionally trying to piss me off?"
Leyla: "I was just kidding. Don't take everything so seriously."
Cosette's scowl deepened, and she said, "Oh, you're joking. Whatever." Suddenly, she turned to look at Ethan and asked, "Ethan, who do you think, between Leyla and I, would be more suitable for your uncle?"
Ethan shrugged indifferently, and he said, "Neither of you is well-suited to him. He is better suited for a life of being alone." Cosette chuckled, but Edward gave Ethan a sharp look. As for Leyla, she was speechless. Ethan's words had, unexpectedly, been a little mean.
After they were done eating, Ethan was the first to stand up. Cosette followed his example, and after a moment, she said, "Ethan, can you take me to the hospital, please."
Ethan nodded that he would, and Cosette walked out of the restaurant, oblivious of the curious looks the others were giving her behind her back.
Leyla reached out and tried to hold Edward's arm, but he pulled away from her. He looked her in the eyes and said, "Leyla, if you ignore my warnings and hurt Cosette again, I will ruin your family. I built your status, and I can tear it apart just as easily."
Leyla's face turned white, and after a moment of awkward silence, Ethan stood up wordlessly and followed after Cosette.
**********
Inside Ethan's car – Cosette stared out of the window.
As Ethan climbed in beside her, he said, "If you have any questions, just ask."
Cosette: "Why were you and Leyla here?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow and said, "Why not? Did we bother you and Edward?"
Cosette's cheeks turned red, and she glared at Ethan. She said, "As a matter of fact, you did."
Ethan frowned and said, "Leyla's car broke down not far from here. I came to help her, and we were both hungry. I didn't know you guys would be here, and it was Leyla's idea to sit at your table."
Cosette said nothing. She wasn't sure if Leyla's car had actually broken down, but that didn't matter to her. What mattered to her was that Leyla should have known that if Edward were there, she would be there too, and she should have gone to eat somewhere else.
"I am surprised that you aren't filming today?" Cosette asked in an attempt to change the subject. "Was Elliot disappointed when he heard the news about my resignation?"
Ethan looked at Cosette with a shocked look on his face. He said, "I am surprised that you didn't hear about our film's shooting schedule being postponed for another month?"
"Why is it being postponed?" Cosette asked.
Ethan looked at Cosette and sneered. "You should know!" he hissed. "Your lovely Edward spent hundreds of millions of dollars to have it postponed – and how dare Elliot disagree with our plans? He needs to learn how to mind his own business!
"One month is enough for you to take care of your brother's affairs, though. By the time we're ready to begin shooting again, Stuart's treatments in Canada should be finished. I didn't tell Elliot about your resignation. I don't think he will take it well. Cecilia's role is intended for you, and there is no one that can adequately fill your shoes."
As Ethan was talking, Cosette's mind began to wander. She hadn't realized that Edward had spent hundreds of millions on her behalf and couldn't fathom why he'd done it. Cosette's heart began to beat faster, and she felt a strong impulse to rush to him and ask him why he had done what he did. Cosette thought that Edward hated her and felt that she was a heartless person – so why did he do it?
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