The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 500

Cordelia's beauty and talent drew many suitors her way, but Cordelia was dedicated to her studies and found the attention bothersome. Eason remarked, "In my eyes, you've always been remarkable. Don’t you think so? They're not a nuisance. They're just discerning. You shouldn't feel so overwhelmed."

Often, she would sit for hours, her thoughts consumed by Ronan and their child. And when she missed Callum, tears would fall, a quiet pitter-patter against her cheeks. Eason would then pull her into his embrace, whispering, "Don't cry. Absence only makes the heart grow fonder."

Each time she woke from this hypnotic state, she felt a bit more healed. At those moments, she would reach out and call, "Eason."

He would take her hand and help her up.

In her dreams, Cordelia would find herself back in the past, whispering, "Eason."

Ronan heard her from outside and entered her room. "What is it?" he asked.

"Eason."

Ronan thought she was calling for him. "I'm here."

Feeling that something was off, Cordelia slowly awakened from her dream, sweating profusely. Looking up to find Ronan standing by her bed, she felt momentarily disoriented. She couldn't remember calling out for Eason. She was confused.

"You haven't left?" she asked Ronan.

"No. If you plan to take them out to see the city at night, I'll drive you." Ronan's voice was unexpectedly gentle, perhaps affected by being called his name in Cordelia's dream. He had planned to leave, but now he had a change of heart.

Cordelia thought about it. Having a young child around, it would indeed be more convenient to have a car. And most importantly, it was what Ronan wanted. Once Ronan made a decision, it was difficult for others to change it.

Cordelia nodded in agreement. She got up to prepare for the day's lessons.

From his parking spot not far from the fireworks, Ronan kept his gaze fixed on Cordelia. He noticed her pull out her phone, and her fingers flying across the screen. Her quiet focus on her phone contrasted sharply with the excited crowd around her, who were all looking up at the fireworks.

It was at this moment that Cordelia was texting Eason.

[I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. Can you make time for me tomorrow afternoon or evening?] Eason wrote.

Cordelia was unsure when Brooklyn would leave and felt conflicted. But after a moment of thought, she decided that if she took Brooklyn out for the entire day, Andi would likely be too tired to go out for dinner. So she replied to Eason, [How about tomorrow night?]

[Rose Bistro.]

[Okay.]