The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 447

Cordelia's eyes were red-rimmed as she stared out the window. In spite of everything she had been through - her mother's death, being threatened - she was now the one being ridiculed. What had she done to deserve this?

Perhaps noticing Cordelia's vulnerability, Ronan's heart softened.

"Did Petra refer you to Birchwood College?" Ronan remembered Cordelia mentioning that someone had recommended the college to her.

"Yes."

"Where are you heading for dinner?" He asked.

"Um, I'm not sure yet. I'll let Petra know once you agree." Cordelia reached for her phone, preparing to message Petra. Her actions reminded him of a middleman arranging a deal.

"I haven't decided yet if I'll go. You can ask Petra where she wants to eat." Ronan's tone was slightly softer.

[I'm at Empower Operations today to sign a contract, and I ran into Ronan. He's asking where you want to have dinner.] Cordelia messaged Petra.

When Petra saw the message, she was in the middle of a lecture. Her phone was on silent mode and was placed on her desk to check the time, as it was generally considered disrespectful to use your phone during class.

But seeing the message, Petra's mind went blank. Instantly, her lecture came to a halt, and she was unable to utter a word.

He had never agreed to any of her requests before, but this time, he was asking where she wanted to have dinner.

She knew it was all thanks to Cordelia, but Petra didn't care. Her hand was trembling as she told her students, "You guys read on your own for a bit."

Ronan was a man of piercing insight. He saw through everyone, even knowing what Petra was thinking, yet he never said anything, nor did he acknowledge Petra's feelings.

After sending the message, Petra resumed her lecture, her voice trembling.

Seeing Petra's message, Cordelia frowned slightly, thinking, “Does Petra have social anxiety? Why does she insist on having me join them for a meal with an old classmate?”

"Is there something bothering you?" Noticing Cordelia's furrowed brow in the rearview mirror, Ronan asked.

"Petra is asking if the bistro across the building works for you, and also…" Cordelia hesitated.