The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 549

Victoria was camped out at the door of Janice's room, waiting for her to make an appearance. And sure

enough, before long, Janice emerged, decked out in the outfit Victoria had picked out for her.

Before Janice could even speak, Victoria chimed in, "Oh dear, it's a tad too big. No worries, I'll get you

a replacement." With that, Victoria stepped in to adjust Janice's outfit. She gave Cordelia a knowing

wink as she fussed over Janice's clothes.

Ronan knew exactly why Cordelia had come back so suddenly. It was clear as day that Cordelia was

just being used as a pawn. Cordelia’s claims of missing him and Callum were nothing but empty words.

Victoria, Brooklyn, and Cordelia decided to meet up at a local diner, settling on chili bowls—Brooklyn's

pregnancy cravings notwithstanding, she wasn't about to settle for the bland variety. She wanted her fix

of spice.

Victoria ordered a bottle of wine to celebrate reconnecting with her future mother-in-law. Both she and

Cordelia indulged quite a bit. Cordelia hadn't let loose like this in years. Her three years in the UK had

been like a prison sentence, battling depression, and she was sure she'd developed some sort of

paranoid delusion, always feeling like Alana was on her tail. But now, Cordelia was in the know about

her own past and ready to face Alana head-on, should she stir up trouble again—not like before when

Alana was a mystery.

In the midst of their lively get-together, Cordelia's phone rang. It was an international number. A bit

tipsy, she answered to find Eason on the line.

"Cordelia," he called out.

"Mhm."

"Been drinking?" his deep voice came through.

"Mhm, back in Millstone. Caught up with some old friends, and feeling pretty good," Cordelia slurred,

her head spinning.

"Three years in the UK, you were always down. I wanted to hear this kind of laughter from you, but it

never came. Knowing you're drinking now makes me happy," Eason said.

Cordelia just giggled dumbly, humming in response.

"Never mind, I'll call you another time. You're not making much sense now. You've got friends with you,

right?" he asked again.

"Mhm, a couple from school days."

"Hand the phone to one of your friends for me, will you?"

Her hand, seemingly of its own accord, passed the phone to the only sober one left, Brooklyn.

"Hi there, Cordelia's had a bit too much. Would you mind getting her home safely?" Eason asked

Brooklyn.

"Sure thing, no problem," Brooklyn responded.

"Thanks."

After hanging up, Brooklyn teased Cordelia, "Girl, where do you keep finding these handsome devils? I Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

had no idea you had it in you back in the day. Spill the beans."

"Come on, share the scoop," Victoria nudged Cordelia's shoulder, clearly intoxicated, "Where'd you reel

him in?"

"Just this guy I met while studying in the UK. I was in a really bad place. Waking up every day felt like

heading to a funeral, the pressure was insane, and Alana..." Cordelia suddenly slammed her hand on

the table. "The jerk! She deserves what's coming to her; she hurt my mom. Eason was my therapist.

Something about him felt so familiar, so incredibly comforting."

"Alright, cut to the chase. What have you two done?" Victoria was blunt.

"Hugged, kissed."

"Nothing more?"

"Nope, he never pushed for it. He's a gentleman," Cordelia confessed, nearly sliding under the table.

"You're missing out, seriously. You're such a knockout," Victoria lamented, patting Cordelia on the back.

"In three years, you should've had at least ten flings. You're divorced, so it wouldn't even be cheating."

"You're telling me."

"But compared to Mr. Evans, wouldn't you say your behavior was a bit... scandalous?" Victoria asked

with a sly smile.

Cordelia joined in the laughter, "Well, he had Callum, didn’t he? He had to set an example, right?"