The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 690

When Harold's disappearance hit the news, Victoria was floored. Even though Harold had blocked her on every platform, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Desperate for answers, she called his dorm and was blindsided by the news: Harold had been discharged from the military.

"Discharged?" Victoria's voice trembled with disbelief. Harold was a standout; it didn't make any sense.

"Yeah, he got caught in some scandal, sleeping with someone," Harold's roommate spat out, lacing his words with bitterness.

From his tone, it was clear he thought Victoria was the woman in question and blamed her for Harold's downfall. In their dorm, Harold had always been the golden boy—everyone admired him, except for one jealous soul. So, when Victoria called, it only ignited their anger towards her.

Victoria's heart sank with regret. If she'd known, she would have treated Harold differently. Fearful he might do something drastic, she called Cordelia in the middle of the night.

Cordelia was just about to drift off to sleep.

“Cordelia, did you hear that Harold’s been kicked out of the military?” Victoria's voice shook with worry.

“What? But he was doing so well. What happened?” Cordelia shot upright in bed, leaning against the headboard, waking Ronan, who glanced at her with curiosity.

Victoria couldn't bear to tell Cordelia that she was the reason behind Harold's discharge. The guilt was too heavy.

“It’s complicated. Can you find out where he is?” Victoria pleaded.

After hanging up, Cordelia immediately tried Harold's number, but like Victoria, got no response. She sent him a message: "What’s going on? Where are you?"

Silence.

Cordelia was torn. Harold wasn't just Janice's son; he had been her student too. Despite his unrequited feelings for her, he was a good guy. He had handled the plagiarism scandal with integrity, never once throwing Petra or Cordelia under the bus. She even felt a pang of guilt for how things had turned out for him.

She guessed Harold was probably too ashamed to face her after being discharged, hence the silence.

“Did you know Harold’s been discharged from the military?” Cordelia asked Ronan. “I’ve no idea where he is. Can you try reaching out? He might respond to you.”