The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 38

Pissing off her boss was inevitable. To avoid giving Jordan any ammunition, Cordelia had to work even harder to ensure he couldn't pick on her work. But there was one thing she made time for every night, no matter how busy she was – to message Barney on WhatsApp.

It was a habit she'd kept up since she moved out of the Evans family's house. She'd send Barney loads of pictures of Southern Ridge, where she was supposedly currently on a business trip.

When Barney would ask her when she was coming home, she'd reply, “Barney, work's really hectic here. I might need to stick around a bit longer.”

“Della, I really miss you. When are you going to come back and visit this old man?” Barney asked.

Reading this, Cordelia felt a lump in her throat. It was something her parents used to say to her. Now, there was nobody left to tell her that. Sure, she had friends and colleagues, but they couldn't replace the power of family.

Cordelia replied, “Grandpa, I miss you too. I'll visit you when I get a chance.”

Barney removed his reading glasses and held his phone. He walked into the living room, and asked Ronan, “When are you going to let Della come back? She's been gone for ages.”

“What did she tell you?” Ronan flicked through a finance magazine distractedly.

“She sent me pictures of Southern Ridge, said work was crazy there, and she'd need more time. Ronan, can't you talk to her boss? Get her to come back sooner? I know I shouldn't interfere with her work, but my old body ain't getting any younger.” Barney had started to plead with Ronan.

Cordelia hadn't messaged Ronan at all in the past two weeks. Their last chat was a fortnight ago. But she was constantly chatting with Barney. The contrast made Ronan feel ignored.

Messaging Barney wasn't something they had discussed beforehand. Maybe it was because Cordelia was kind, or maybe Barney was her last chance to get back to the house.

She must know that once she won Barney over, Ronan would give in. Cordelia might be getting desperate because her current situation was tough.

Despite this, Ronan had no plans to let her come back. Even though their marriage was just a formality, he couldn't stand the thought of her pining for another man. It was agonizing. But thinking about the umbrella Cordelia gave him, his heart softened. She seemed sincere, and she even bought the umbrella from abroad.