The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 326

Ronan was taking the usual route that Tristi took, walking along the canal, where the water shimmered silver under the sunlight.

Spring was in the air, the red flowers and green grass vibrant with life under Cordelia's gaze. The streets were starting to get busy again.

"Are you familiar with this route, too?" Cordelia asked Ronan.

"Always have been," he replied.

Cordelia nodded, taking a moment to process his response.

During winter, he had taken her out, explaining that most people in Millstone had gone home for Christmas. Now, they were back, and the streets were bustling. This seemed like the first time Cordelia had really noticed the beauty of spring.

"Do you want to go to the park?" He asked.

"Why not," she answered.

Although the public park was free to enter, Cordelia rarely visited. During her school days, she would hang out with Logan on campus. After starting work, she didn't have the time. Then, she got pregnant.

Most young people didn't frequent the park either, too busy hustling to earn a living.

"Should we head to Millstone Park?" He suggested, glancing at her through the rear-view mirror.

"Is it far?" She queried.

"Not really."

"Anything special about it?"

"It's the biggest park in Millstone, and it's very peaceful. There's even a small zoo."

"A zoo?" Cordelia's interest was piqued. "What animals are there?"

"Crocodiles, lions, elephants, tigers, and many more."

"Let's go then," she decided.

She hadn't visited a zoo since her childhood. During her school days, the idea of going to a zoo never really occurred to her and Logan.

"Should we look at the animals first and then go for a boat ride?" He suggested.

Cordelia rolled her eyes. How could he forget who he came with? He probably just didn't want to tell her. She suspected that he might have visited the park with Deanna before. She was aware of their past romantic relationship, so she didn't mind.

Cordelia stopped talking to Ronan and started taking pictures of the glistening water instead. It was beautiful.

After a forty-minute boat ride, they headed to the zoo. The zoo, although small due to the limited space in the park, was crowded.

As they walked around, Cordelia spotted a crocodile. She was about to approach it when it suddenly lifted its head. Startled, she quickly stepped back, bumping into Ronan. He teased her for being a scaredy-cat.

"I'm not scared. It's just that it lifted its head all of a sudden, and it took me by surprise." Cordelia said defensively.

"Excuses!" Ronan laughed.

Next, they went to the snake exhibit. As they entered, Cordelia saw transparent plastic boxes lined up on either side, each containing a large snake. The sight of the yellow, multicolored, and black snakes gave her goosebumps.

"Let's get out of here," she said, tugging at Ronan's hand and hurriedly moving towards the exit. "Why would you bring me to a place like this?"

"I thought you were brave. After all, you weren't scared to travel alone to the States," he said.

Cordelia could tell that Ronan was using this opportunity to tease her.