The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 107

"Jamie only said it was your hubby's money as a way to take a jab at Ronan for not covering your tab. But lo and behold, your sly husband saw an opening, planned to throw Jamie under the bus, and suddenly it's cool to blackmail a rival with whatever Mr. Thomas did in his youth? Jamie's got no clue! So what can he do if Ronan gets Mr. Thomas thrown into the slammer for 20 years? Just do nothing?! Jamie's been holed up at home over this, not eating or drinking for days! Drop him a message, give him a pep talk! It's your mess, you sort it out!" With that, Adrian stormed off.

Adrian only had Jamie's back because he wanted Cordelia and Jamie to be an item. That way, he could score more perks from Jamie. Plus, Ronan was too stingy. Also, if Jamie and Cordelia hooked up, Kendra would stop pestering Jamie. Although Kendra seemed loose, she was still a virgin when she was with Adrian, which was a real shock to him. Virgins were hard to come by these days.

For the first time, Cordelia found herself agreeing with Adrian's words.

Maybe that was what made her feel a little wary of Ronan. He was quick on his feet, could spot connections between things in the blink of an eye, and make snap decisions.

Cordelia stirred her coffee. Adrian didn't take the books and notebooks. They were still there. Cordelia picked them up. A note fell out from the book. [Cordelia, I've been too ashamed to see you. But the book and the notebook are innocent. They could help you in the future. Take them.]

Cordelia chuckled. Jamie must have felt humiliated being seen by her, kneeling before Ronan. But it wasn't his fault, he was just being dutiful.

She sent Jamie a message. [Mr. Colby, don't overthink it. Got the books and the notebook.]

Cordelia put the books and the notebook into her bag. She had to hide them well when she got home.

...

Before Ronan even made it to the office in the morning, Deanna called. It was her dad's death anniversary.

Ronan almost forgot. "Where are you? Should I pick you up?" Ronan said, frowning.

"Ronan, Mom, and I are at the community gate. We thought you'd come get us, but..." Deanna broke down as she finished her sentence, sobbing. "You haven't called. You forgot, didn't you?"

"Of course not. I'm on my way." Ronan made a U-turn and headed for Sunnydale Meadows.

Sure enough, Leila and Deanna were there, their eyes filled with sadness.

Deanna hopped in the front seat, while Leila sat in the back. Ronan drove towards Birchwood. When Deanna got in the car, she saw a bag on the front seat. It was a lunch box. She moved it to the dashboard.

Cordelia had bragged about her lunch box on Facebook the day before. Ronan even commented on it! Turned out, not only did Cordelia prepare her own lunch, but she also made one for Ronan too.

To Deanna's surprise, Ronan actually brought the lunch. He was willing to bring a lunch made by another woman! Were they really that close? ,It sent a chill down Deanna's spine.

She pretended to wipe away tears, sobbing. "Dad's been gone for six years, but he hasn't truly left us. He lives on in our hearts. How could you forget him, Ronan?"

"I didn't." Ronan answered, a slight frown on his face.

"I remember Deanna's father said before he died, although he couldn't live on, he hoped to bring light to others..." Leila trailed off, sobbing. "Ronan, you and Deanna, you used to be so close. I thought you were going to be my son-in-law, but..."

"Mom, Ronan is married. Stop talking nonsense." Deanna snapped at Leila.

"Ok. Let's go visit your father." Leila wiped away her tears and changed the subject.

"Sorry, Ronan, I kind of ate all your food. I'll make it up to you somehow." Deanna wiped her mouth.

Cordelia surely had a knack for cooking, the fried steak was delish, but Deanna said it was gross. Well, it was all in her belly now, so Ronan couldn't taste it anyway.

"It's just a meal, no biggie," Ronan said.

"No matter how small the favor, I'll repay it in full. Speaking of which, you used to always be with Cordelia, going to and from work. How come she's not here? Wasn't she supposed to come with you?" Deanna asked curiously.

"She's not in the loop."

"Really?" Deanna shot Leila a glance. If she was out of the picture, things would be easier. She continued, "Where did she go?"

"She said she was visiting a classmate." Ronan replied.

"Visiting a classmate..." Deanna mused.

By eleven, Ronan's car pulled up to Birchwood.

At Deanna's father's grave, Ronan expressed that for the past few years he'd been taking care of Deanna and her mother, living up to the expectations set by her father.

"Father, Ronan's been very good to us. He's married now but he hasn't let you down," Deanna said.