The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 186

Cordelia's head shook like a gong being hit repeatedly, and finally, she broke down and fell into Shelley's arms.

"Della, don't cry. Nothing's changed between us, okay?" Shelley comforted her.

Cordelia recalled her childhood. Her brother always loved to pick on her. During those times, Shelley would always buy her candy and chase Adrian off with a broom. When Cordelia was in elementary school, Shelley always hand-washed her clothes for her. When Adrian was in high school, he would casually toss his clothes into the washing machine. He resented her for that. Cordelia always had good grades and was praised by everyone, while when Adrian did well, Shelley would mistake it for cheating.

Their failures contrasted sharply with Cordelia's successful life. It was Cordelia who had taken away Adrian's parents. Suddenly, she felt guilty towards her brother.

"Mom, I'm going to bed," Cordelia told Shelley, then went back to her own room.

She didn't turn on the light in her room, but instead lay in bed and let the tears flow. She used to think that as long as her mom was there, there was a home for her. Even if they were poor, they had to cure her mom's illness. Now, she didn't regret anything she'd done for her mother, but she wasn't Cordelia's biological mother. How nice it would be if she were her own mother! Why was life so unfair?

Cordelia heard a knock at the door. Shelley went to answer it.

"Ronan, you're here?" Shelley asked.

"Yes, where is she?"

"Della's gone to bed."

"So early?"

Shelley didn't answer, just sighed.

Cordelia's bedroom door wasn't locked, Ronan pushed it open. The living room light allowed Cordelia to see his tall figure. As he removed his coat, his hand found the light switch.

"Don't turn on the light," Cordelia croaked out.

Ronan paused slightly, then closed her bedroom door and turned off the living room light. Cordelia heard him undressing, washing up, and going to bed. By the time he held Cordelia at the waist, she was almost asleep.

"Miss me?" his lips landed on Cordelia's forehead, and he asked her in a deep, ambiguous voice.

"No," Cordelia's voice was hoarse.

"If you didn't miss me, why's your voice hoarse?"