The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 417

Cordelia made a point of taking the stairs. She knew Ronan, with their kid in tow, would surely opt for

the elevator. Even as she rounded the corner, she didn’t glance back, fearing it would arouse Ronan’s

suspicion.

She didn’t want Ronan to be privy to her circumstances, but it was only a matter of time before he

found out. Emerson would tell him about her job at Empower Operations, and the company would have

her records, too.

But when Ronan asked Callum to greet her, she felt an odd sense of relief. After all, their past was just Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

that – a past.

Afraid of bumping into them on her way down, she hailed a cab as soon as she stepped outside.

“Where to, miss?” The driver asked.

“Anywhere,” Cordelia replied absent-mindedly. She really didn’t know where she wanted to go.

……

Ronan strolled along in the warm afterglow of the summer sun, hand in hand with his son, Callum.

“Dad, are we going to eat at the university where Grandpa used to work?” Callum asked Ronan.

“Yes.”

Callum looked up at his father, sensing his less-than-cheerful mood.

“Dad, do you like that lady?”

“What?” Ronan looked down at Callum.

“Come on, Dad. We’ve had plenty of ladies over like Deanna and Tabitha, but you’ve never acted like

this before. If you want to get married again, tell me. I should have a say too, right?” Callum patted his

chest confidently, as if he could handle his father’s affairs.

“Just focus on not spilling your food!” Ronan scolded.

Callum’s head drooped a bit in disappointment.

Harold had reserved a private room on the second floor of the Eden Restaurant. He was already there,

waiting for Callum and Ronan.

“Hello, hope we didn’t keep you waiting.” Callum greeted Harold.

“Mr. Evans, good to see you.” Harold stood to shake hands with Ronan, maintaining an air of respectful

equality.

Harold looked incredibly energetic in his sportswear. His tall, athletic build was almost as tall as

Ronan’s. To anyone who didn’t know better, he could easily pass for a basketball player.

“Handsome young man we’ve got here.” Ronan couldn’t help but compliment.

“Mr. Evans, you flatter me.” Harold grinned, revealing a set of perfect white teeth that added an enticing

aura to his charm.

Harold pulled out a chair for Ronan. “Mr. Evans, please sit. What would you like to order?”

Ronan ordered a few dishes, striking a balance between respecting Harold's feelings and not

appearing overly frugal.

During the wait for their food, Callum asked, “Are you good at basketball?”

Harold chuckled at Callum’s innocent question. “I’m decent. If you want to learn, I can teach you.”

“Cool, thanks. I heard from Janice that you can also paint. You’re so talented!” Callum looked up at

Harold, admiration clear in his eyes.

“Thanks, kiddo.” Harold laughed heartily, ruffling Callum’s hair.

“Your mom mentioned you’ve got a crush. How’s that going?” Ronan couldn’t help but indulge in a bit of

gossip. Mostly, he was curious. For a young guy like Harold, what kind of girl would be his match? Just

like back in the day, when people wondered what kind of woman would be worthy of Ronan himself.

“Don’t listen to my mum. It’s early days yet. My crush is not easy to win over,” Harold answered,

absentmindedly stroking Callum’s hair.

“With your looks and your prospects, you can’t win her over?” Ronan could see it in Harold's eyes, that

determination to get what he wants. He knew well that Harold was stuck somewhere between a man

and a boy, with the steadiness of a man and the vitality of a boy. He must have been irresistible to

women. He was curious about the woman who had caught Harold's eye.

Harold just laughed it off. “Mr. Evans, you’re teasing me. Let’s eat.”

As Harold was busy serving the dishes, he glanced out the window. From his seat by the window, he

had a clear view of Unity Hall. It was past seven, but the sky wasn’t dark yet. The setting sun elongated

Cordelia’s shadow as she walked past. Her long hair was braided, and her long dress fluttered in the

wind with her brisk pace, like a scene straight out of an oil painting.

A smile crept up on Harold's face.