The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 277

"Cordelia." Ava said, leaning casually against the doorframe, "I'm here to bring you home. After all, the

bun in your oven is Jamie’s, and some folks can't claim the harvest when they didn't sow the seed.

What's the deal with keeping you cooped up here? That's not right." Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Ava's message was loud and clear, and intended for Ronan. However, Ronan chose not to take the

bait. He simply ran a hand through his hair, showing no sign of being affected by Ava's words.

"Ava." Cordelia began, her mind a whirl of confusion. Words failed her.

"Jamie told me everything, darling." Ava interrupted, patting Cordelia's hand, "He said the baby was

conceived during his first visit to California. It's definitely his. I may have had my reservations about you

before, but I hope you can forgive me. Come home with me, will you?"

"Did Jamie really tell you that?" Cordelia asked, a slight frown appearing on her forehead.

"Absolutely. He tried to propose last time but things didn't work out. This time, I'm here on his behalf.

I've put my dignity aside for him, Cordelia. Please, say yes." Ava said.

The baby was a miracle—a pair of twins, a boy and a girl. It was a blessing usually reserved for the

most virtuous of couples. Ava might have had her misgivings about Cordelia in the past, thinking she

was a loose woman. But the babies were a gift to the family, and Jamie clearly adored Cordelia.

"I." Cordelia began, her eyes downcast as she fiddled with her fingers, "Can I take a few days to think it

over?"

She knew Ronan would never let her go, but it felt wrong to outright reject Ava in the moment. So, she

opted for a stalling tactic.

"A few days?" Ava inquired.

Cordelia held up three fingers, "Three days?"

"Alright, I'll come back in three days. Some people need to wake up to reality. Remember how her

mother died? Who would willingly stay with their enemy? This is confinement, don't you understand?"

With a pointed glance at Ronan, Ava turned on her heel and left.

The mention of her mother pricked at Cordelia's heart. After seeing Ava out, Cordelia returned to the

couch, her face devoid of emotion.

"When did Jamie first come to California?" Ronan asked, lounging in an armchair and flipping through a

book, his tone casual.

The two of them had been sitting in the living room all morning, reading in a peaceful silence. Earlier,

Janice had been bustling around the kitchen, the soft clatter of pots and pans drifting into the living

room. The only sounds were the turning of pages and the occasional sigh. Outside, it was a beautiful

sunny day. To Cordelia, this was a picture of tranquil contentment.

"I can't remember. It wasn't long after I moved to the U.S." Cordelia replied.

"Before your exams?" Ronan asked, not looking up from his book.

"Yes." Cordelia answered.

Now, every mention of her mother made her anxious. She was living with the man who had caused her

mother's death and carrying his child.

Ronan was now 95% certain: the twins were his.

According to Jamie, Cordelia had become pregnant before her exams. But Ronan knew for a fact that

she hadn't been pregnant before that. After her exams, she had stayed with the Evans family and

hadn't had a chance to be with Jamie. During their lunch, Janice had told him Cordelia was pregnant.

Ronan now realized that Cordelia's attitude wasn't to cover up an illegitimate pregnancy. It was genuine

surprise. She didn't know she was pregnant.

Therefore, the only explanation was that she had become pregnant the day before her exams. The

twins were his!

The remaining 5% of his hope was for Cordelia to confirm it herself.

Ronan glanced at Cordelia. She sat there, absently playing with her fingers with a look of conflict

showing on her face.

"What's wrong?" He asked, his voice gentle. His face softened, but Cordelia remained oblivious.