The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 439

Harold had come to see Ronan as family. In his mind. Ronan was worldly and was currently probing about Cordelia's past for him.

"I had a relationship once back in college," Cordelia replied.

"Oh, is that so? And then? Why didn't you stay together?"

"He went to volunteer in a rural area. He passed away trying to save a child who fell into the water," Cordelia said.

"Oh, he was a good man. And after that, did you date anyone else?" Ronan was persistent, questioning like an interested job interviewer.

"After that..." Cordelia paused. "No."

Ronan's hand shook slightly as he extinguished his cigarette. "It seems Ms. Haselwood still holds on to her college romance. How old are you, Harold?" Ronan turned to Harold.

"Me?" Harold looked at Cordelia sheepishly, his eyes filled with love and guilt. "I'm twenty-three."

"That's thirteen years younger than me. I could be your uncle." Ronan joked at his own expense.

"No way." Harold felt a bit guilty about his age, sensing Cordelia's disapproval. He apologized with his eyes.

If anyone else had asked, Harold would have retorted with, "None of your business." But it was Mr. Evans asking. Harold was always well-behaved in front of Ronan.

Cordelia kept her gaze down, nervously fiddling with her fingers. Every word from Ronan sounded like concern to Harold. Yet, to her, every sentence was a veiled insult.

"Where are you from, Ms. Haselwood?" Ronan asked again.

"I'm from Millstone, went to college there."

"I'm also from Millstone." Harold beamed; his teeth were white, radiating a warm and charming kind of attractiveness.

"You both are from Millstone and met in Birchwood, isn't that fate?" Ronan teased. But only he knew what he was really thinking.

"I was from Birchwood, then moved to Millstone. Ms. Haselwood is from Millstone but came to Birchwood. Life's twists and turns are unpredictable." Ronan squinted, his gaze fixed on Cordelia. "What brought you to Birchwood?"

"Oh, the former CEO of Empower Operations visited England and offered me a position. I hadn't decided to come until a friend, who teaches at Birchwood College, convinced me." Cordelia replied dutifully.

"I see," Ronan said, "I thought you moved for someone or something."