The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 725

Ronan was already on his feet, waving off the situation like it was nothing. “Fine, I’m outta here. Can’t say I haven’t been a pushover.”

He even had the nerve to flick Cordelia’s chin playfully.

Cordelia turned her head away, refusing to engage.

After Ronan left, Callum was visibly upset. The poor kid missed his dad so much, and to him, his mom seemed cold-hearted.

Seeing Callum’s distress, Cordelia felt a surge of anger. She grabbed her phone and fired off a message to Ronan: “Why is it that every time you show up, Callum ends up miserable? Is this my fault? You’re messing with our lives!”

“Who’s hurt, me or Callum? Whose life am I messing with?”

“Don’t play dumb, Jayson. I’ve been dreaming about him for the past few nights!”

“Maybe you’re not dreaming about him. Maybe it’s time for baby number two.”

Cordelia, fuming, tossed her phone aside. She was trying to discuss serious matters, and he was making bedroom jokes!

Conversation over before it even began.

That night, Cordelia asked Aunt Whitney to prepare a few extra dishes so the family could have a good dinner together. There were things she needed to discuss with her dad afterward – Eason’s situation, the Swiss bank accounts; it all needed to be laid out.

Despite the initial awkwardness with August, by the end of the afternoon, they had warmed up to each other. Blood ties have a way of doing that.

During dinner, August was particularly reflective. “Back in the Maldives, in Switzerland, I dined alone. Ever felt so poor that all you had was money? It’s a lonely place to be, with no one close to you. Tonight, eating home-cooked meals and chatting with my family... I haven’t felt this since I was thirty.”

August shook his head, seemingly chilled by the memories of his past life.

Cordelia smiled, finding truth in his phrase “so poor all you have is money” – it seemed to capture his innermost feelings.

Alana finally nodded. “Okay.”

Cordelia watched the two of them, their bond impenetrable to outsiders, and felt a sudden surge of emotion. Maybe this was what true love was all about.

Stepping out into the night, they were greeted by moonlight blanketing the grounds of Millstone College, a sight of breathtaking beauty.

“Dad, I went to college here,” Cordelia said as they strolled slowly.

“Did you start dating Mr. Evans back in college?” August asked with a twinkle in his eye, probably thinking that’s what young people do.

Cordelia didn’t want to delve into the past with Ronan, so she sidestepped the question. “Dad, did you know you have another son?”

August stopped in his tracks, his face contorting with discomfort.