The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 416

After Cordelia had tactfully declined the meeting notice from Empower Operations, she spent her days

at home engrossed in writing papers, preparing for classes, and teaching her students. Life was

fulfilling and joyful. She was also in the process of applying for a national research grant. Once she

secured the grant, her promotion to Associate Professor was as good as done. Additionally, her

doctoral students would also benefit from the rising tide.

However, the sight of Barney's books over the last few days had dragged her emotions back to the

past. She missed him.

She had a longing to visit his old house. Even though she didn't have the keys, just standing outside

would suffice.

After having dinner at the Birchwood College cafeteria, she decided to take a stroll to Barney's house.

Birchwood College was not too far from there anyway.

She was dressed casually in a linen maxi dress, which perfectly complemented her bohemian vibe and

her towering height. Her hair was braided casually and rested on her chest, a testament to her

impeccable taste.

As Cordelia stood at Barney's doorstep, she was reminded of the time she and Ronan had first visited

this place, cooked spaghetti bolognese for Barney, and discussed academia.

She stood at the door for a long time. She wished that someone would suddenly come out of the house

and ask her in surprise, "Della, when did you get back?" But she knew it was not possible.

Just as a disheartened Cordelia was about to leave, the door opened. At first, Cordelia was surprised

and then scared. Had someone broken into Barney's house?

A well-dressed little boy stood before her, his big, round eyes cautiously watching her.

Their eyes met. Both were stunned.

"Who are you looking for?" The little boy asked her in a childlike voice.

"I..." Cordelia thought, had someone else moved into Barney’s house?

"Callum, who are you talking to?" At that moment, a familiar voice reached Cordelia's ears. It was a

voice she knew well and had never faded from her memory.

As the door fully opened, a gust of wind toyed with Cordelia's hair and her dress. Her eyes squinted

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Ronan saw her. And she saw Ronan.

Cordelia had never expected to run into Ronan so unexpectedly. Her heart skipped a beat, almost in

disbelief.

She noticed Ronan staring at her with a complex look. Then she realized that he had just called the boy

"Callum."

Callum?

So, this was her son Callum. He had grown so much and was incredibly handsome. Unable to resist,

she squatted down and held Callum's arms but was at a loss for words.

"Why don't you greet this lady?" Ronan said to Callum, a hint of mockery in his voice.

His words were like a bucket of cold water that brought Cordelia back to reality. Her heart ached as if it

had been stabbed. She felt guilty toward Callum and disappointed with Ronan.

Over the past few years, she had missed her son's growth. She hadn't cared for his life, his meals, or

even what he looked like. She had only cared about her growth.

"Hello, ma’am." Callum smiled..

Cordelia's heart ached. She was, after all, his mother.

Cordelia held Callum, unable to utter a word. She didn't want to cry in front of him. If she did, all the

years of separation would be in vain.

"Someone is treating us to dinner. We should go. Are you here to see my dad?" Callum asked Cordelia

in his soft, childlike voice.

"Oh, no. I just got the wrong door. Goodbye." With that, Cordelia reluctantly turned around and walked

away.