The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 297

After Cordelia got in the car, Ronan leaned against it, lighting up a cigar, attempting to soothe his discomfort. Something about the Smiths bothered him immensely.

Ronan, born and raised in affluence, was now confronted by the Smiths' petty bitterness and discourtesy that was far from genteel. Their calculating nature was evident in every glance and gesture.

His brows were constantly furrowed.

"What's up?" Cordelia asked him.

"Nothing," he said before starting the car.

Cordelia felt both inferior and guilty, "Is it the atmosphere at my aunt and uncle's place that is bothering you?"

"Don't think too much," he said, "you're not related to them by blood."

Ronan was trying to convince himself that Cordelia wasn't from that family.

"But they are my family, in practical terms, including Adrian. Blood isn't always thicker than water. My biological parents abandoned me, so they clearly didn't want me. Maybe they didn't even have a better situation at my foster parents' home, with even worse conditions, and more dysfunctional family dynamics. But this is my family. If it makes you uncomfortable, then there's not much that can be done." Cordelia said, staring out of the car window.

Ronan didn't respond.

Suddenly, Cordelia remembered that she had forgotten to ask her grandmother for the ring back.

But thinking about it, if Ronan was so displeased with her family's atmosphere, it was best not to make him go back. Plus, this ring, Cordelia had never cared much for it. She never thought of using it to find her lost kin.

Since they abandoned her, their connection was severed.

By the time they got home, it was already dark. From the underground garage, there were several flights of stairs to climb.

Cordelia was holding her back, and Ronan extended his hand. She instinctively placed her hand in his.

In the elevator, Cordelia tried to pull her hand away, but he just held it even tighter.