The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 501

After sending a message on Messenger, Cordelia checked the location of the Rose Bistro. It was conveniently close to the Crown Hotel. Eason must have been tied up with conferences these past few days, hardly venturing out to explore the culinary delights of Birchwood. That was why he opted for the Rose Bistro, a spot nearby that he probably tried and liked.

Eason never bothered with online reviews. He trusted his own experiences above all.

The fireworks at Central Square had wrapped up, and it was nearly ten o'clock when the trio joyfully returned to Ronan Evans' car.

"All done?" Ronan inquired.

"Yeah, it was bustling! We don't get that in Millstone. Birchwood's got it all. Mr. Evans, how could a Birchwood native like you move to Millstone and miss out on such a beautiful night?"

"Me? I went for a job and ended up staying in Millstone. Such is life," he said with a light chuckle.

"You've got quite the sense of humor! With your crEdithtials, the Millstone City Council would be falling over themselves to have you. Right, Cordelia?" Brooklyn teased, turning to Cordelia.

Cordelia hadn't expected Brooklyn to put her on the spot like that, but she played along, "Oh yeah, definitely. Money talks."

Ronan's brow furrowed slightly. Why did he get the feeling that Cordelia was taking jabs at him?

Brooklyn shot Cordelia a look that seemed to say, "Do you even know how to speak?"

After dropping Brooklyn off at the campus hotel, she said to Ronan, "Mr. Evans, go ahead, I need to talk to Cordelia for a bit." She hadn't considered that maybe Ronan wanted to linger and chat with Cordelia after dropping her off.

Brooklyn's comment was in line with what Cordelia was thinking.

Ronan drove off.

"What's wrong with you? Mr. Evans comes all this way, and all you do is spout nonsense?" Brooklyn scolded Cordelia. "You two have kids together, and you should just make it work. He's middle-aged. What's he going to do? Think about it, Cordelia. If you don't want him, there are plenty of others who do. Do you want your child to end up with a stepmother someday? It's your life. I'm taking Andi and leaving tomorrow."

"You're leaving so soon?" Cordelia said.

"Yeah, I've got another one on the way, remember?" Brooklyn replied. "What on earth are you thinking about all day?"

Brooklyn hadn't mentioned it this time, and Cordelia had indeed forgotten.

"I'll take you to the bus station tomorrow. What time?"

"After breakfast, maybe ten?"

"Sounds good."

The next day, after seeing Brooklyn off on the bus, Cordelia returned to the campus to pack her things. At four in the afternoon, she left for the Rose Bistro.