The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 417

Cordelia made a point of taking the stairs. She knew Ronan, with their kid in tow, would surely opt for the elevator. Even as she rounded the corner, she didn’t glance back, fearing it would arouse Ronan’s suspicion.

She didn’t want Ronan to be privy to her circumstances, but it was only a matter of time before he found out. Emerson would tell him about her job at Empower Operations, and the company would have her records, too.

But when Ronan asked Callum to greet her, she felt an odd sense of relief. After all, their past was just that – a past.

Afraid of bumping into them on her way down, she hailed a cab as soon as she stepped outside.

“Where to, miss?” The driver asked.

“Anywhere,” Cordelia replied absent-mindedly. She really didn’t know where she wanted to go.

……

Ronan strolled along in the warm afterglow of the summer sun, hand in hand with his son, Callum.

“Dad, are we going to eat at the university where Grandpa used to work?” Callum asked Ronan.

“Yes.”

Callum looked up at his father, sensing his less-than-cheerful mood.

“Dad, do you like that lady?”

“What?” Ronan looked down at Callum.

“Come on, Dad. We’ve had plenty of ladies over like Deanna and Tabitha, but you’ve never acted like this before. If you want to get married again, tell me. I should have a say too, right?” Callum patted his chest confidently, as if he could handle his father’s affairs.

“Just focus on not spilling your food!” Ronan scolded.

Callum’s head drooped a bit in disappointment.

Harold had reserved a private room on the second floor of the Eden Restaurant. He was already there, waiting for Callum and Ronan.

“Cool, thanks. I heard from Janice that you can also paint. You’re so talented!” Callum looked up at Harold, admiration clear in his eyes.

“Thanks, kiddo.” Harold laughed heartily, ruffling Callum’s hair.

“Your mom mentioned you’ve got a crush. How’s that going?” Ronan couldn’t help but indulge in a bit of gossip. Mostly, he was curious. For a young guy like Harold, what kind of girl would be his match? Just like back in the day, when people wondered what kind of woman would be worthy of Ronan himself.

“Don’t listen to my mum. It’s early days yet. My crush is not easy to win over,” Harold answered, absentmindedly stroking Callum’s hair.

“With your looks and your prospects, you can’t win her over?” Ronan could see it in Harold's eyes, that determination to get what he wants. He knew well that Harold was stuck somewhere between a man and a boy, with the steadiness of a man and the vitality of a boy. He must have been irresistible to women. He was curious about the woman who had caught Harold's eye.

Harold just laughed it off. “Mr. Evans, you’re teasing me. Let’s eat.”

As Harold was busy serving the dishes, he glanced out the window. From his seat by the window, he had a clear view of Unity Hall. It was past seven, but the sky wasn’t dark yet. The setting sun elongated Cordelia’s shadow as she walked past. Her long hair was braided, and her long dress fluttered in the wind with her brisk pace, like a scene straight out of an oil painting.

A smile crept up on Harold's face.