The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 451

On the other end of the line, Sally said, "Ms. Haselwood, are you talking to someone? If you're busy, I'll hang up."

A series of beeps followed, signaling the end of the call.

Cordelia stood at the door for a moment until Petra emerged. "Let's go," she said to Cordelia.

With a nod, Cordelia climbed into Petra's car.

The journey was eerily silent.

Petra was lost in thoughts about her conversation with Ronan. His masculine presence was comforting, like a strong hand to a widow. Once stagnant, his presence was like a stone breaking the surface of a still pond, causing ripples of change. She knew that his heart belonged to Cordelia. The way he subtly served food to Cordelia at the dinner table gave it away. As long as Cordelia was at Birchwood College, even the slightest wind could bring Ronan running.

Leaning against the car window, Cordelia thought that she needed to invite Janice over. That way, she could stop Harold from doing foolish things. Even though a campus romance was romantic, there was a lack of practicality. She had long outgrown her longing for such a thing.

"Thank you, Cordelia," Petra said as they approached the school.

"Thank me? For what?" Cordelia asked.

Petra just smiled cryptically.

Back home, Cordelia received a message on her phone. It was from Harold. [It's almost the Fourth of July. Fancy a hike?]

In Harold's eyes, Cordelia was already half-accepting his advances. After all, she had joined him for dinner with Ronan. The “half” refusal might’ve been due to the student-teacher relationship and the age gap; she didn't want to lose face.

Ronan put down his phone, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Harold messaged Janice, [Mom, our school's basketball team just won the championship under my leadership. Don't you want to come and see me?]

Janice had always been concerned about her son. Intrigued by his change of attitude and invitation to his school, she considered paying him a visit.

Given Ronan and Callum's absence, Janice had time to spare from the Evans family's home, Pearl Palms. However, she still had to request leave from Ronan.

[Mr. Evans, my son wants me to visit him at school. Could I take a few days off? And with Callum now at Birchwood, I could watch over him. This could free you up for work, right?]

[Come over. Tomorrow.] Ronan's response was quick.