The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 31

"Let's go." Ronan said, grabbing Cordelia's hand and they hopped into the car.

Jamie standing dumbfounded, Ronan was married to Cordelia? He sent Adrian a message: [Did your sister get married?]

*

In Ronan's car.

"Why haven't you spilled the beans?" Ronan grilled Cordelia.

Cordelia clutched her bag tight; she'd dug herself into this hole.

"I don't know how to break it to him." Cordelia hung her head. She needed to explain the whole fake boyfriend thing.

"Is there anything to be ashamed of being married? Or are you scared it'll burst his bubble?" Ronan mocked.

"It's not like that.” Cordelia said.

"Didn't he go for an internship? Why is he escorting you to class?" Ronan asked again. His words were ice-cold today; they sent chills down her spine.

"He's my tutor at the prep class, teaching me business law." Cordelia said.

"So, every time you're off to the training class, are you actually going on dates with him?" Ronan asked.

"No, let me explain.” Cordelia said.

"I won't let you step foot in that prep class again!" Ronan commanded sternly.

Hearing this, Cordelia got antsy, saying, “I paid $1,800 for a top-notch course, they promised I'd ace the exam and there's no refund!" Cordelia retorted decisively.

"You're not allowed to go!" Ronan said coldly, "I'll give you $18,000. You can't go! If you do, I'll break your legs!"

Cordelia knew resisting was futile, and if she kept arguing, he'd treat her even harsher. So she just sat back against the car seat, eyes closed.

When they pulled up at Pearl Palms, Ronan took out his phone and transferred $18,000 to Cordelia. The money landed straight into her bank account.

Cordelia stomped off with her backpack, pissed. She went to bed early without even having dinner.

"What's up with Della?" Barney asked, he cared about Cordelia, "She is not having dinner?"

"She's upstairs, throwing a fit!" Ronan said.

Barney laughed, "Even if she's pissed, you should cut her some slack. You're older after all."

"Are you buttering me up?" Ronan asked.

"Ronan, are you that easy to butter up? You're smart and intelligent, who could pull the wool over your eyes?" Cordelia complained a bit.

"He's been pursuing you but you didn't turn him down. Maybe it doesn't matter now, but what about the future?" Though Ronan's tone was calm, there was a hint of dissatisfaction.

"I'm not that kind of person. Besides, I'm married now. If I cheat on you, you'll definitely be pissed." Cordelia leaned in closer to Ronan.

Ronan didn't respond, ready to leave.

"Dear husband, let me go to this prep class! There's nothing between Jamie and me. It was just a trap set by my brother. Nothing happened." Cordelia stopped Ronan.

"Say that again."

"Dear husband, we're sharing property, so it's just money moving from one pocket to another when we borrow from each other. But the money I paid the prep class is in someone else's pocket, and it's natural for me to feel bad." Cordelia persisted.

In the end, Ronan didn't object, "Let me know when you're going to class next time. And make sure Janice accompanies you every time!"

"Thank you, dear husband." Cordelia was thrilled and even planted a kiss on Ronan's cheek. She thought Ronan would be mad, but he just glanced at her and said nothing, seemingly enjoying her words.

Through this experience, Cordelia finally discovered Ronan's Achilles' heel. As long as she didn't argue with him, showered him with praise, and went along with him, she'd be fine.