The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 54

Cordelia stayed up in the hospital for three days.

By the time she was discharged, it was already Friday.

Ronan arranged her discharge and told her to take the day off, assuring her that a dress would be

delivered shortly.

The working staffs from "Glamour Hub" delivered the dress in the afternoon, along with matching

accessories like pearl earrings and hairpins.

Cordelia got dressed upstairs. She was wearing a light pink cocktail dress, simple yet elegant. It

complemented her fair skin and highlighted her lively personality.

"Like what you see?" Cordelia asked from the staircase, addressing Ronan who was lounging on the

couch downstairs.

Ronan looked up to find her shimmering like a luminous pearl, radiant like the morning sun. He was

momentarily stunned, feeling a spark that seemed to ignite from within.

He had felt this way six years ago, the moment a certain girl held his hand... but it never happened

when he held Deanna's hand.

He lowered his gaze back to his book and replied nonchalantly, "You look good."

Cordelia didn't care much for her own beauty. She was more used to wearing hoodies and jeans. This

sudden change to a formal dress felt rather restrictive.

She squinted, revealing a hint of impatience.

She thought Ronan's response was half-hearted, but that was expected. After all, they were just

partners in a marriage of convenience. Who would care about whether she looked beautiful?

Asking for Ronan's opinion seemed unnecessary.

"This dress is a bit loose on Mrs. Evans," said the Glamour Hub staff.

"Oh, I was sick a few days ago. I might have lost some weight," Cordelia replied.

"I knew it. How could the measurements provided by Mr. Evans be wrong? Ms. Haselwood, let me

adjust it for you. It won't take long."

Cordelia retreated back to her room. She had no clue who Ronan was going to meet, but she guessed

it was someone she didn't know.

Due to this engagement, Cordelia rescheduled her visit to her mother to Sunday.

On Saturday night at the Golden Bay Resort, Cordelia met Ronan's guest. He was a man in his fifties,

extremely humble, almost bending over as he shook hands with Ronan, repeating "Mr. Evans, nice to

meet you." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Ronan simply replied, "How do you do?"

He didn't mention the guest's surname.

Cordelia did not recognize the man either.

"This is my wife, Cordelia," Ronan introduced.

Cordelia nodded politely, and the guest began to shower her with compliments, praising her beauty and

aristocratic demeanour.

As they sat down, they began discussing business. Cordelia couldn't join in.

She quietly started eating the food on the table.

During the conversation, Ronan mentioned the guest's son, "Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

"He mentioned he had something to do. He'll be a bit late," the guest replied.

"Is he out with his girlfriend?" Ronan asked with a chuckle.

"No, he has his own accounting firm, PrimeNumbers Accounting. He's been quite busy and doesn't

have a girlfriend yet. If Mr. Evans happens to know any eligible girls, please do introduce them to my

son."

The guest seemed quite nervous talking with Ronan, his forehead beaded with sweat.

"Sure," Ronan responded.

Cordelia thought, “PrimeNumbers Accounting, the most renowned accounting firm in Millstone, is his

son's?”

In fact, the guest was Jamie’s father.

"My wife is also studying for her accounting certification," Ronan changed the topic towards Cordelia.

"Oh, really? That's quite promising. How many subjects has she passed?" asked Jamie's father.

"Three," Ronan answered for Cordelia.

"Very impressive, really impressive," Jamie's father complimented again.

His phone rang, he answered, and gave the room number. It was probably his son about to arrive.

"Is your son arriving?" Ronan asked with a smile.

Ronan's smile was a portrayal of calmness and composure, exuding his elegance.

"Yes, he'll be here shortly."

Not long after, there was a knock on the door.

"Dad..." the new arrival called out to the previous guest.

Cordelia's hand, which was in the middle of taking a bite, froze. So did her mouth. She was stunned.

Jamie?

Jamie seemed to notice Cordelia as well.

"Cordelia?" he exclaimed in surprise.

They eyes met.

"Jamie, you know Mrs. Evans?" Jamie's father asked.

Seeing Ronan sitting next to Cordelia, Jamie said, "Oh, Cordelia... was... a student in my accounting

class."

Jamie sat next to his father, looking exceptionally awkward.

Cordelia's hand still frozen in its place, started shaking.

She suddenly realized why Ronan brought her here, to embarrass her and Jamie.

But why did Ronan choose today?

Cordelia was eating but couldn't swallow her food.

There was nothing between her and Jamie, but Ronan's actions today made it seem otherwise.

It seemed like Ronan was using this dinner to send a message to Cordelia: stay away from Jamie.