The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 164

In the days leading up to Christmas, Cordelia was swamped with work, regularly pulling overtime.

During those days, Ronan wasn't really dropping by to see Cordelia at night. He was busy, too, handling all the company's affairs, which left him with almost no time for Cordelia.

They were both preoccupied with their own stuff. However, during the day, Ronan's driver would stop by Cordelia's place to pick up Shelley and Cordelia's Christmas stuff, before bringing them all over to Ronan's place.

Shelley was a bit on edge. "Do you think it's normal for us to spend Christmas at Ronan's?" Shelley asked Judy.

"What's there to fuss about? He's your son-in-law, and from what I can tell, Ronan's been pretty decent to Cordelia," Judy replied.

Only then did Shelley let out a relieved chuckle.

Cordelia had no idea that Ronan was already in the know about the corneal transplant.

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, the company closed early.

Brooklyn texted Cordelia. [Merry Christmas, Cordelia.]

Cordelia texted back. [Merry Christmas! Hope you get to spend it with Edwin.]

Brooklyn replied. [Heard the company's handing out bonuses this afternoon. Can't wait to see how much I've got.]

Cordelia wasn't too sure about the bonus thing. She was busy packing up her stuff to leave.

Ronan texted Cordelia. [Head to the villa first.]

Cordelia didn’t want him to pick her up. She felt something was off between them recently, and it was a bit awkward.

Cordelia arrived at the villa. Shelley and Judy were already there.

Ronan had also bought a cat, a pure black one that looked like a fancy breed, with sharp eyes. Cordelia loved it.

“Why did he suddenly buy a cat?” Cordelia asked, sitting on the couch, and stroking the cat's fur.

"Mr. Evans says there aren't enough people at home," Janice replied. "Ever since you went to stay with your mom, the house has felt kind of empty."

Cordelia asked. "Does the cat have a name?"

Janice hesitated.

"Well?" Cordelia pressed.

"He said to call her Della," Janice finally answered, looking down.

Cordelia pouted. "Why not call her Ronan?"

Barney laughed out loud. "Della, you haven't been coming to see me now that your mom's better, huh?"

Cordelia felt as if she was being overly sentimental. She had already decided to withdraw her feelings until their marriage was over.

"Setting off fireworks?" he asked Cordelia.

"Yes, but Mrs. Evans tried to light them a few times and couldn't," Janice excitedly chimed in.

Ronan, lighter in hand, walked over to the fireworks.

With a "hiss," the fireworks started to spark, and Cordelia quickly covered her ears and ran off to a distant spot. The fireworks shot up into the sky, forming a dazzling pattern before exploding.

Cordelia laughed heartily.

"Do you like it?" he asked, standing next to Cordelia.

"Yeah, I love it," Cordelia sincerely replied.

"How does it compare to the fireworks on Halloween?" he asked again.

Cordelia's joyful mood instantly deflated. So he was still bringing up those unpleasant memories, waiting for her reaction.

Seeing Cordelia's fading smile, Ronan returned to the living room.