The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 522

Victoria cast a discreet glance at Ronan from afar, struggling to find any flaws in him. Even in his middle years, he seemed to shimmer with a certain charm.

"Sure, a man in his prime is something, but eventually, he's just that – middle-aged. Those young studs, though, they've got some serious moves in the bedroom," she mused, a sly grin spreading across her face as she remembered something. "Although Ronan's not too shabby in that department either, he won't be at his peak forever."

"Are you scouting for a man or a bedroom athlete?" Cordelia retorted playfully.

Victoria chuckled, "Why not both?"

"I've got his picture. Want to cuddle with it at night?" Cordelia quipped, not entirely serious.

Ronan overheard the exchange and simply shot Cordelia a knowing look, accompanied by a smirk.

Out in the vast white expanse of snow, Harold cut a dashing figure in his army green attire.

Upon seeing Harold, Cordelia felt a pang of guilt but couldn't find the words. Likely feeling the same, Harold beat a hasty retreat as soon as Cordelia approached, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and walking away.

This departure would mean not seeing him for at least two years.

Despite everyone's efforts to keep Janice in the dark, schools were a hotbed for gossip. With a fresh wave of students arriving to see Harold off, Janice had caught wind of the situation. Her gaze darkened upon seeing Cordelia, lost for words.

Janice, the intellectual, was also a believer in fate. The fortune-teller's prediction that Harold would join the military had seemed far-fetched to her, given his academic prowess. But now, she believed. It was all because of Cordelia's situation.

"Mr. Evans, could you keep an eye on the kid? I'm worn out today. I'll head home and cook up some dinner," Janice told Ronan, her voice laced with fatigue.

Unbeknownst to Callum, Cordelia was getting pretty drenched, but since most of her snowballs missed their mark, Callum remained pristine.

Ronan saw Cordelia's cheerful demeanor, which seemed completely for the sake of her child, and had nothing to do with him.

After about an hour of play, it was time for Callum to head home. "Mom, will you walk me home?" Callum asked, noticing Cordelia's wet hair and clothes, which looked rather messy. However, her face was flushed with happiness.

"But a friend’s waiting for me at home," Cordelia replied, straightening up from her crouched position.

"She is old enough to take care of herself. I am still little and can't look after myself. Are you okay with that, mom?" Callum complained, clearly unsatisfied.

Cornered by her son's logic, Cordelia had no choice but to agree to walk him home.