The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 427

"I can get you there in three minutes if you ride with me, Cordelia. If you go alone, it might take you twenty," Harold suggested to Cordelia.

Cordelia furrowed her brows, caught between annoyance and helplessness. "Let's go," she finally conceded.

Seated on Harold's bicycle, Cordelia took in the verdant foliage of the college campus, the scent of academia, and the masculine allure of Harold. Suddenly, she was transported back to her days at Millstone College, riding behind Logan. Time had slipped away, and Logan was now gone.

Sure enough, they arrived at the college auditorium in under three minutes. As they reached the entrance, Cordelia quickly hopped off the bicycle, just in time for her speech.

As she ascended the stage, she noticed the students murmuring amongst themselves. At first, she didn't understand what’s happening. Then it hit her, they were talking about Harold. After all, he had once painted a piece for her.

Cordelia glanced toward Harold's spot in the crowd. The noise from the students grew louder when they saw her looking. A slight wave of commotion swept across the auditorium.

A faint blush appeared on Cordelia's cheeks.

Word of Harold's pursuit of Cordelia had spread due to the painting and Cordelia's complaint to the Dean. The college leaders knew about it, and while Mr. Reese had scolded Harold, they enjoyed discussing the matter behind their backs. After all, in this case, the woman in question was a teacher five years older than the male student!

At that moment, the college leaders turned a blind eye.

Campus romances were unpredictable. Cordelia knew this all too well. Rumors could turn into reality due to peer pressure. She was aware that if this continued, people like Petra, who loved to gossip, would multiply. Everyone would be watching her and Harold, and she might eventually yield to their demands. If she didn't date Harold, she would be letting down their “well-intentioned” peers.

However, Cordelia managed to calm herself and successfully finished her presentation. she thought Harold might make a move after the meeting, but he left as soon as it ended.

Earlier during the meeting, Harold had been messaging Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans said Emerson had returned to Millstone, while he and Callum were still in town.

[Has Callum taken a liking to Birchwood?] Harold asked.

[He's a bit under the weather.] Mr. Evans replied.

[I got him a small gift. I'll give it to him later.]