The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 409

In September.

The academic year at Birchwood College was in full swing, and the campus was buzzing with students.

With the influx of youthful energy, Cordelia, a lecturer, felt an invigorating boost. Indeed, those who spent their time within the ivory towers of academia seemed to age slower.

On Wednesday morning, Cordelia had a lecture to deliver to her finance postgraduates – a deep dive into Financial Accounting.

She was wearing a denim dress that day, and the soft fabric hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her curves and youthful glow. Her hair was pulled into a bun, and she had applied a light layer of makeup as a sign of respect for her students.

The finance postgraduates were a mixed bag, comprising around twenty-odd students with varied research interests.

As it was the first lecture of the year, Cordelia was a bit nervous. The heat of the day didn't help either, making her forehead glisten with a thin layer of sweat.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Cordelia, your Financial Accounting lecturer for this year."

After her introduction, she wrote her name, Cordelia, on the blackboard. Her handwriting was elegant, a result of dedicated practice.

She could hear whispers among the students. She guessed they were probably discussing how she was much younger than most finance lecturers, who were usually in their forties. She appeared to be in her early twenties. They were probably also wondering where she graduated from and if she was married.

Cordelia smiled at the thought. She used to gossip in the same way when she was a student.

Harold, one of her students, sat in the last row, observing Cordelia with interest. When Cordelia first walked in, Harold was taken aback. He hadn't expected this young woman to be a lecturer and not an assistant to undergraduate students. She must have at least obtained her Ph.D. However, she looked no older than a college student.

Cordelia delivered her lecture with clarity, using relatable examples. Her students seemed to appreciate her style of teaching.

By the time the class ended, it was almost noon. Cordelia rushed to the cafeteria for a quick lunch.

The cafeteria was packed with students. Cordelia, not one to cut in line, patiently waited her turn.

Caught in her student's clever trick, Cordelia felt a bit embarrassed. "How much is it? I'll transfer it to you." Cordelia took out her phone.

"It's eight dollars. Go ahead." Harold pulled out his phone and showed her his contact information.

Cordelia added him on Messenger and transferred the money to him. It wasn't unusual for a postgraduate supervisor to have their students on Messenger.

"Why are you eating here in the student cafeteria?"

"I have a class in Block One this afternoon. It's closest to the cafeteria." She checked her watch again. It was already half past twelve. She needed to eat quickly.

"Where did you graduate from?" Harold asked.

"You've just started the semester. Soon, your program supervisor will have a meeting to introduce all the teaching staff. You'll find out then. I'm finished, I have to go." After saying this, Cordelia returned her tray and left the cafeteria in a hurry.