The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 10

By the time they arrived at Birchwood, it was already 4 p.m.

Before getting out of the car, Ronan said to Cordelia, "Mind your manners when you address me."

"Huh? What?" Cordelia didn't get it.

"No more, Mr. Evans."

Cordelia thought for a moment, then said without hesitation, "Alright, hubby."

This response was so quick; "hubby" was said so naturally, it surprised Ronan a little. He guessed she probably called her boyfriends that all the time. Girls these days were quite open-minded. This thought made Ronan a bit uncomfortable.

However, Cordelia knew full well. He had given her so much money, she had to put on a more convincing act. Cordelia was always professional, not the kind to work only under pressure from the boss. She was fully aware of her situation.

Upon arriving at Barney's house, Cordelia immediately became serious. She knew she needed to comfort an elderly man with a severe illness, and she was afraid any carelessness could upset Barney. She reminded herself to stay alert.

Ronan's grandfather used to be a law professor at Birchwood College, highly respected within the legal field. He even appeared on TV as a guest, discussing some legal issues in marriage. No wonder Ronan said that his grandfather would be able to tell if the marriage license was fake. How could such an intellectual not see through a fake marriage license?

Ronan's grandmother passed away last year. This year, his grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. Ronan had lived with Barney and his grandmother since he was a child, and the bond was very strong. Barney hoped to see Ronan's life complete before he could pass away peacefully.

Barney's kind eyes scanned Cordelia, "How old is Cordelia?"

"Twenty-three," Ronan said.

Cordelia was a little taken aback. How did Ronan know her age? But then she remembered, he had glanced at her driver's license when they registered. That glance allowed him to answer Barney's question very naturally in front of him. He was a crafty one.

"A good bit younger than you," Barney said to Ronan. "eight years?"

Barney was a scholar. He and his wife never hired a housekeeper. After his wife passed away, Ronan wanted to hire a full-time housekeeper and a couple of caregivers for Barney, but Barney said, "I'm an old man now, no need for such fuss."

Barney lived alone, with occasional help from a housekeeper to cook.

"I can make handmade pasta. If Barney doesn't mind, I can do it. I often cook for Ronan. Right, hubby?" Cordelia stood up, speaking naturally and appropriately.

Her offer to cook was partly moved by the story of Barney and his wife, and partly because of the money. She remembered clearly that the contract stated, that a delicious meal could earn her twenty grand. Plus, her display of affection with Ronan was so convincing, that Barney would be pleased and more at ease.

Ronan sat on the couch, legs crossed, hand on his chin. He didn't expect Cordelia to be so proactive. He wondered if she was taking this opportunity to get into character or was just acting. But her performance was beyond professional.

"Alright, Grandpa. Let her do it," Ronan smiled and spoke.

Then, Ronan's gaze swept across Cordelia's face meaningfully. Cordelia, looking as if she had been seen through, went to the kitchen.