The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 654

After breakfast, the trio headed back to Millstone. Ronan was brooding, a dark cloud shadowing his face, which was just as well since Cordelia was home.

When she saw him, Ronan didn’t utter a word. The silence between them was thick, a lingering echo of last night's fight. Cordelia was sprawled on the couch, fiddling with her course materials, half-expecting Ronan to explain whatever was bothering him. But nothing came. He simply disappeared upstairs.

Cordelia’s frustration simmered into anger.

About an hour later, with her work done, Cordelia climbed the stairs, finding Ronan lying on the bed, hands behind his head, eyes half-closed—clearly not asleep. The position was all wrong for slumber.

As she moved to place her laptop on the nightstand, Ronan’s arms suddenly swept her up, pinning her against him. Her heart raced, perhaps from the sudden movement.

Their faces were inches apart. Ronan’s gaze was intense, as if he wanted to consume her whole. Cordelia could feel her heart pounding in response.

“I want to adopt Jayson,” he declared.

Cordelia had braced for an explanation about Petra, but it never came.

She did not want to adopt Jayson, Tabitha's son, the child Petra had mistreated. She worried about his psychological well-being and the influence he might have on Callum during their playtimes. Selfishly, as any mother might, Cordelia didn’t want that for her child. The most troubling thought for her was that if Ronan adopted Jayson, the boy would call him ‘Dad,’ a notion she couldn’t stomach.

Pulling away to sit at the edge of the bed, Cordelia said, “Do as you please. If you adopt him, he can call you ‘Dad.’”

“And what will he call you?” Ronan asked, barely containing his frustration.

Finally, he released her.

“Ronan, are you out of your mind?” Cordelia asked, frowning.

“Is that what I am to you? A man who’d do anything to get what he wants? I thought adopting Jayson might change how you see me, but you’re not having it. So, tell me, who’s the heartless one? Who lacks compassion?” he said, holding her even tighter.

Cordelia’s tone softened, realizing Ronan’s intent to adopt Jayson was merely a gesture to prove he still had a heart, especially to her.

“You do what you want,” Cordelia said, getting to her feet and leaving the room.