The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 25

On Thursday, Cordelia received a message from Ronan: [Take a leave on Monday and pick up my grandfather with me.]

[Monday?] Cordelia, irked by Ronan's frequent leave requests, asked for clarification.

[Is there a problem?] Ronan asked.

Cordelia was at a loss for words with Ronan's retort.

[What time do I need to leave?] Cordelia asked.

[Three in the afternoon. We’ll be back Tuesday morning.] Ronan replied.

Just as Cordelia was relieved that she was only taking a two-hour leave, she received another message: [Cordelia, I found another one of Logan's diaries, do you want it?]

This was from Whitney, Logan's mother.

[Of course I want it. Where is it?] Cordelia replied.

[It's at the place where Logan used to teach. We've already collected all his belongings, but this diary was found later. I thought you might want it. You can contact the principal of the elementary school where Logan used to volunteer.] Whitney replied then sent Cordelia the principal's contact info.

The principal told Cordelia that the area was pretty poor and didn't have delivery services, so Cordelia had to go get it herself.

Cordelia had already made plans with Dr. Devon to visit her mother over the weekend, so she knew she wouldn't be free. Since Ronan wanted Cordelia to visit Barney's at three on Monday, she decided to take the whole day off and go to Cedar Hollow in the morning.

She thought getting a day off would be a piece of cake, but her boss Jordan wasn't too pleased.

"Cordelia, you just got confirmed and you're already taking leaves so frequently. Is that appropriate? Monday is our busiest day, and you always take leave on Monday. Do you realize how much work your colleagues have to cover for you?" Jordan said.

Cordelia thought to herself, ever since Deanna came, even Jordan's attitude had changed.

Seeing that her leave request might be rejected, Cordelia said, "It's Ronan who asked me to take leave."

After a while, Jordan replied, "Go and come back as soon as you can."

His meaning was clear, no, he didn't.

"A husband and wife should be loyal to each other. Mr. Evans, you don't think our marriage license is fake, do you? Our relationship is for real! Why is it that you can do whatever you want in this situation, and I am left feeling trapped? You owe me an explanation first." Cordelia said.

Ronan had just wanted to remind Cordelia not to overdo it, but she had countered him.

"Are you jealous?" Ronan said, casually rolling up his sleeves.

Cordelia chuckled, "I'm not that petty. But ever since Deanna arrived, my position in the company has become difficult. I'm just defending myself. If our marriage is made public, everyone will think I've been deceived. Also, Mr. Evans, being labeled as two-faced isn't flattering. Any flirtatious behavior with your ex during our marriage can affect the company's stock price. You’d better be careful."

Ronan paused in adjusting his cuffs. Every word Cordelia said made him feel seen through. Yet Ronan didn't let his emotions show for too long, "So in the future, you'd better stop hanging around hotel entrances wearing other men's clothes." Thinking about what happened that day, Ronan was a bit upset, his tone becoming harsher.

"I always act above board. I won’t embarrass you, but don’t give me a hard time either." Cordelia said.

Ronan left the room, his face dark. She might have forgotten, he had spent fifty million dollars on her.