The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 279

In the afternoon, after completing her yoga class, Cordelia sent a message to Tristi, letting her know she was on her way home.

As she was passing through the lobby, Cordelia decided to use the restroom. The first floor was generally less occupied, and its restroom was seldom used, thus smaller than those on other floors.

Just as Cordelia was about to leave the restroom, she heard a couple of voices outside.

"Did you hear? Cordelia is back in the office."

"Yeah, I heard. She's showing off her baby bump."

"Do you think everyone knows about her mother's death? It wasn’t an accident. She's practically living with Mr. Evans, having his kids, even two at once. How can she ignore her own family like this?"

"You'd do the same if you had a shot at a life like this, wouldn't you? Who wouldn't want to secure their position with a few kids?"

"But who are the kids really from? Isn't there a rumor that they're Jamie's?"

"That's nonsense. If they were Jamie's kids, would Mr. Evans parade her around the office? Besides, HR has already settled her in. She's on paid maternity leave."

"People can really get on your nerves."

The voices faded, and Cordelia could no longer hear them.

Normally, Cordelia wouldn't pay any attention to such gossip. But the mention of her mother's death hit her hard, reopening old wounds and making her heart bleed.

She started to question herself. Was she being too heartless in ignoring her mother's death and letting her heart wander free?

As Cordelia left the restroom, Tristi was just about to call her. Seeing Cordelia waving at her from across the lobby, Tristi hung up the call.

On the way home, Cordelia couldn't help but think about her mother. Since her mother's death, she had grown up and matured more than ever. She was no longer the child she used to be.

Once they got back home, Cordelia excused herself, saying she was tired. She retreated to her room and locked the door. When Ronan arrived home, she heard him but didn't acknowledge his presence. He knocked on her door, but she told him she was tired and needed to rest, asking him to sleep in his own room for the next few days.

Ronan, for once, was calm and didn't force her door open.

The next day, Ronan left and Cordelia still hadn't gotten up.

This went on for several days. Ronan noticed the change in Cordelia, knowing that she was struggling with internal conflicts. He let her have her space.

Three days passed, and Ava hadn't shown up.

She wanted Cordelia, but what she really wanted were her own grandchildren. Ronan called Thomas, warning him to keep his wife in check and not to jump to conclusions.