The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 585

Cordelia's eyes filled with tears, her expression clouded with sorrow as she gazed at Ronan. She looked like the picture of heartbreak.

"But you're married, Ronan. I don't want to be seen as the other woman. I'm a teacher now, my reputation means everything to me."

"You have to keep this baby!" Ronan growled through clenched teeth, his voice rough and barely audible near Cordelia's ear.

Ronan was feeling the weight of his decisions, like he'd painted himself into a corner. He hadn't expected Cordelia to get pregnant so suddenly.

"I'll do my best," Cordelia whispered back, "but my mom is still outside."

"Don't worry about her. Thomas won't touch her while I'm around," Ronan's tone was tense, like he was barely holding it together.

"I need to get some air," Cordelia said softly.

Ronan couldn't hold back any longer. He dipped his head and pressed a gentle kiss to Cordelia's cheek.

That wasn't enough; he deepened the kiss, capturing her lips.

When he finally pulled away, Cordelia looked at him with tear-filled eyes, resembling a lost lamb. "Am I the other woman now? I don't want this."

Ronan's face turned pale with regret. He hated the decision he had made.

The thought of Cordelia running straight into Eason's arms the moment she arrived in England made his jealousy flare.

He hated how her vulnerability always softened him, yet here he was, giving in again.

It felt like he was destined to be the bad guy in this story.

Meanwhile, in the living room.

Thomas watched Paola eat with a serene look on her face, as if she didn't have a care in the world.

She seemed like a stranger, nothing like the sharp Alana he once knew.

"Is your name Alana?" Thomas asked, leaning in curiously.

"Yep."

Taking a closer look, Thomas noticed a small mole by her ear. He pulled out an old photograph of the movie star Alana from his pocket. On the screen, she was all smiles and charm, a siren for men's souls, with the same telltale mole by her ear. The woman before him had the same distinctive mark.

"Don't forget, okay?"

"Why do you want Petra to know you're pregnant? Aren't you afraid she might do something to harm you? Last time she threatened to jump off the Empower Tower, and you nearly lost your job."

"It's okay, just let her know," Cordelia insisted.

So, the next day, after much discussion, Sean and Sally headed to the faculty cafeteria for lunch.

They timed it perfectly to coincide with Petra's lunch break.

Pretending not to notice Petra, they started murmuring within earshot:

"Ms. Haselwood's pregnant again, expecting a second bundle of joy. Hopefully, it's a girl this time. Mr. Evans is so dashing, and Ms. Haselwood is gorgeous; I bet their kids will be beautiful too."

"Yeah, I'd love to have two kids before I hit thirty, complete the family circle, you know? Then I can focus on my career."

Their conversation was filled with wistful aspirations.

Petra, who trailed behind them, was left in stunned silence.