The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 596

Ronan glanced at his watch; it was already noon.

He wandered over to Cordelia's fridge and peeked inside. It was stocked with fish, shrimp, and even a few lobsters, plus a bunch of fresh, seasonal veggies. Way more than she ever had back when she was living alone at Birchwood College.

A slight frown creased Ronan’s forehead when he spotted the lobsters. They looked incredibly fresh, like they had just been bought.

After a moment’s thought, he brought one over to where Paola was sitting. “How about this for lunch?”

“Can we switch it up?” Paola suggested.

“Why’s that?”

“We just had it last night.” There was a hint of pleading in Paola’s eyes as she looked up at Ronan, as if to say, "Not lobster again, please?"

“Did Della have some too?” Ronan asked.

Paola nodded, “Yeah. She loves it.”

Without another word, Ronan headed to the kitchen to cook.

Rolling up his sleeves to his elbows, he got to work: steaming rice, chopping veggies, washing greens, and sautéing dishes in quick succession.

He whipped up a hearty beef borscht, sautéed Brussels sprouts, salt and pepper shrimp, and stir-fried morels with yams.

As he ate, Ronan’s thoughts churned: Was Cordelia trying to dupe him? She had some nerve.

She played her part so well!

Fooled him completely!

Did she think she could get away with it just because he was fond of her? That she could act so spoiled because of his affection?

He had been so blind, falling for her act. Wait until she came back; he’d see how she’d handle his newfound awareness.

Now she was resorting to such tricks as well!

After finishing the meal, Ronan headed back to the kitchen to wash the dishes when there was a knock at the door.

Engrossed in scrubbing the plates, Ronan didn’t hear the sound.

It was Paola who went to open the door.

Upon recognizing the visitor from the day before, Paola felt a sense of relief and let Whitney in.

Cordelia had found herself such an impressive husband; she should be happy for her friend.

“Oh, you’re Cordelia’s boyfriend,” Whitney remarked.

“Husband,” Ronan corrected without looking back, focusing on finishing the dishes. “I wouldn’t want my mom to be scared if I left, so I’ll stick around until Cordelia gets back. You go ahead and get acquainted with the place.”

“Sure, okay,” Whitney responded.

Whitney and Paola settled onto the sofa.

Once done with the dishes, Ronan joined them in the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

He glanced at his watch again, counting down the minutes until Cordelia’s return.

Pregnant, he mused, what a concept she came up with!

Whitney took a careful look at Paola and then commented, “You know, you bear a striking resemblance to a movie star from our younger days.”

Paola looked slightly perplexed. Recalling past events only brought her headaches. She furrowed her brow slightly and remained silent.