The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 548

Ronan was on the same page as Victoria. He figured Victoria must have her sights set on Harold and

was trying to butter up his mom to seal the deal. If Victoria swung by and Cordelia wasn't around, there

wouldn't be much of an excuse for the visit. You had to hand it to Victoria; she was sharp as a tack.

Janice swung the door open for Victoria.

Victoria's eyes lit up like Christmas when she saw Janice. Clutching a basket of goodies, Victoria

whisked her aside. "Janice, Cordelia realizes she messed up with the whole Harold situation. She's too

proud to say it herself, so I'm here to apologize on her behalf. This was all Petra's doing, you know.

She put Harold in a tight spot, and bless him, he didn't make a fuss. Such a stand-up guy. I bet he'll

climb the ranks in no time if he joins the army."

Janice glanced over at Cordelia, lounging on the couch, and her annoyance started to ebb. Victoria's

words had a way of making sense. Deep down, Janice knew Cordelia was a good egg. She wasn't the

type to push Harold into enlisting.

"Janice, you have to accept this," Victoria urged, piling on health supplements and a piece of clothing.

"This is... a lot," Janice faltered, the gifts weighing heavily in her hands.

"Look at this dress. You're the only one in this house it would fit," Victoria pressed on. "Try it on, and if it

doesn't fit, I'll exchange it for you."

Finally, Janice nodded. "Alright."

As Janice retreated to her room with the bounty, Victoria couldn't help but feel smug.

The dress was a calculated move by Victoria. She deliberately got a size too big. She could only

secure another visit the Evans residence by getting the size wrong.

Victoria plopped down next to Cordelia. "If only you lived in Millstone, I could pop over any old

Saturday. But no, you're always out in Birchwood, and I have to plan around your schedule," Victoria

grumbled.

"Go on, you two catch up," Ronan said before retreating to the bedroom.

"Look at the mess you've made, leaving me to clean up your mess," Victoria chided Cordelia.

"What?" Cordelia asked, puzzled.

"I mean, I'm the one who just apologized for you. I got a dress one size too big on purpose, so now I’ve

got an excuse to come back.”

Cordelia thought for a moment and realized Victoria’s ‘kill two birds with one stone’ approach had

worked out perfectly. She’d smoothed things over with Janice for Cordelia and had crafted a perfect

excuse for future visits.

Cordelia had never met anyone as shrewd as Victoria. She figured it was only a matter of time before

Harold was wrapped around her finger, too.

"Since I'm back in town today, how about we grab lunch with Brooklyn? It's been ages since our trio

hung out," Cordelia suggested.

"Sure, but let's wait until Janice tries on the dress. Once I get that sorted, I'll have my perfect excuse to

come back. Are you not worried about me tempting Ronan while I'm here? Though I suppose,

considering I'm here playing nice with Janice, he should be welcoming me," Victoria quipped, linking

arms with Cordelia.

"Why worry? Let's do lunch. Eating at night just packs on the pounds," Cordelia laughed.

"Deal," Victoria agreed.

"I'll let Ronan know." Cordelia called upstairs, "Ronan, Ronan!"

No answer. He must not have heard her.

"Be right back." Cordelia dashed up the stairs. "Shoot Brooklyn a message on Messenger."

"Already on it," Victoria replied, phone in hand.

Cordelia found Ronan lounging on the bedroom's recliner, eyes closed, the epitome of relaxation. "I'm

thinking of having lunch with Brooklyn and Victoria," she began, then added, "Are you coming?" She

knew he wouldn't. It was more of a courtesy ask.

Ronan opened one eye. "Since when did you start putting on airs?"

"When have I ever?" she replied.

"I'll pass. You just got back, and you're already dining out. What is this place, a pit stop?" he teased.

"It's not like that. I didn't want to spring my return on Janice, and Victoria's here too. Cooking would be

such a hassle. I thought I'd take Callum out for lunch and give you some peace and quiet. Is that

okay?" she explained.

"Go ahead," he said, closing his eyes again and settling back. "Just don't take Callum. He can't handle

spicy food."

Cordelia's plan to hit a Spanish restaurant for lunch flashed through her mind. Ronan knew her all too

well.

"Okay, I'll leave Callum. I'm heading out, okay?"

Ronan didn't reply. She took that as her cue and descended the staircase, ready for a lunch reunion

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