The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 255

For the following days, Cordelia rarely saw Ronan. He would leave early when she was still in bed, and he would return when she was already in her room. Their schedules were always out of sync.

Cordelia figured if she wasn't pregnant, Ronan would've given her a hard time after their heated argument. Thankfully, she was carrying their child, and Ronan was controlling his temper and desires.

Some days before Christmas, Cordelia received a message from Brooklyn. [Hey Cordelia, how about we, Edwin, Victoria, and I come over on New Year's Eve? Ever since you got pregnant, we haven't hung out."

Cordelia thought she would have to ask Ronan. What if they came over, and Ronan rudely turned them away? She was too lazy to type to Ronan, so she just sent him a screenshot of Brooklyn's message, followed by a question mark.

Ronan didn't reply.

Cordelia drew a deep breath. It appeared she would have to wait for him to return. After these couple of days, Cordelia figured she was too confrontational, and it was hard for her to ask him for a favor after their fight.

In the evening, Cordelia was sitting in the living room watching TV. At ten, Ronan came home. "Still up?" he asked Cordelia. His tone didn't sound surprised, as if he expected Cordelia to be waiting for him.

"I am. I wanted to discuss something with you." Cordelia's voice was gentle.

"What is it?" Ronan asked, sitting next to her after changing into his loungewear.

"I sent you a message the other day." Cordelia pulled up their chat. "I just wanted to know if they could come over."

Ronan had read the message, he knew its content, but he just didn't reply. His eyes were fixed on his contact name, Lumos Enterprises, Mr. Evans.

It used to be John Doe, but now it was, “Lumos Enterprisesy, Mr. Evans." He had a last name now, but it was the same as her clients', a generic, replaceable feeling. Lately, Ronan had been holding back his temper, if it wasn't for Cordelia's pregnancy, he would've given her a piece of his mind.

"It's your house, so do as you wish." With that, he returned to his room.

Cordelia was pleased with his response, so she immediately replied to Brooklyn. [Cool, come over on New Year's Eve. Let's hang out.]

[Did Mr. Evans agree?] Brooklyn asked.

[He doesn't mind.] Cordelia replied.

As New Year's Eve approached, Janice was so busy with preparations that Ronan even hired a few cleaning ladies to help out. Cordelia, however, was at leisure, only checking her emails and waiting for an offer from UC Davis.

Finally, New Year's Eve arrived, but Ronan still went to work. From morning, Cordelia could hear fireworks outside.

The view from the eighteenth floor was spectacular; she could see the fireworks from the entire neighborhood. She remembered last year, which was not a pleasant one because of Deanna and Samantha. Cordelia hoped this year would be smooth, she would safely deliver their child, and receive the offer from UC Davis.

Her phone buzzed, a message from the bank, Cordelia received a project bonus of three hundred and forty-eight thousand this year. Cordelia was extremely pleased. It felt more rewarding to earn her own money rather than receiving it from others. She sent Jamie a message. [Thanks, boss.]

[No need for formalities. You deserve it. Besides, you worked on two projects independently and brought in so many clients for the firm, so I should be the one thanking you."