The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 529

After finishing up the dishes, Cordelia wiped her hands dry and turned to young Callum. "Remember to listen to your dad, okay? I have to go back to school to help Victoria with some work, and I have classes to teach. I'm really busy. You can come have lunch with me at the school with your dad, maybe around noon or in the afternoon."

"Okay, bye, Mommy," Callum replied with a child's simplicity.

As Cordelia said goodbye to Callum and Ronan, she felt a refreshing clarity in her heart. It had been four years since her mother, Shelley, had passed away, and the resentment, the sense of grievance, and the smoldering anger that had consumed her in the wake of her mother's death had gradually subsided with time. The death of Deanna and Tabitha's imprisonment had left a sour taste in her life, but Ronan had said it was all "for her."

Deep down, Cordelia couldn't fully come to terms with it all, but she desperately wanted to move on, to find excuses for him, because her feelings made her want to find those excuses for him.

As Cordelia walked down the corridor of Unity Hall, an elderly man suddenly stopped her. He looked to be in his late sixties or seventies, his hair was completely white, and he was sporting glasses and a well-tailored tweed coat that screamed distinguished professor. However, Cordelia was certain she had never seen him before.

She didn't think much of it; after all, the school was filled with strangers. But there was something about the elderly man that she found endearing, probably a throwback to the fond memories of Barney. She felt an inexplicable warmth toward this old man.

She didn't notice the man's gaze fixed on her as she walked past, a blend of curiosity, scrutiny, and admiration.

"Miss Cordelia?" he called out from behind her.

Turning her head, she smiled at the old man. Her recent reconciliation with Ronan and the favorable impression the gentleman made contributed to her pleasant demeanor. "Yes? Do you know me?"

"Do you have a moment? I'd like to have a chat with you," said the man.

"Me?" Cordelia pointed to herself, still unsure of the man's identity.

"Yes."