The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 426

Although Janice was the housekeeper of the Evans family, Harold knew nothing about their domestic

affairs. Harold only came to know Mr. Evans' name recently when Ronan brought him a pair of shoes.

Janice didn't like gossiping about the family, and young lads like Harold weren't too interested either.

After Harold left, Emerson headed to the kitchen to whip up some dinner, while Ronan settled on the

couch, reaching for a book.

Callum mysteriously produced a discarded sketch to show Ronan. "Dad, look what he drew."

"What is it?"

"I don't know, something he didn't want anymore."

Ronan took a glance. It looked like a woman's hair. He guessed it must have been the object of Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Harold's affection. Currently, the girl was all Harold could see.

Ronan couldn't help but chuckle. The matters of a young man's heart were something he didn't quite

comprehend. He himself hadn't experienced any crushes, having jumped straight into serious relations.

Ronan was curious about what that flirting feeling could be like. How did Harold flirt with others? Could

Ronan also experience the feeling of a young man's fluttering heart?

…

The next day was a Wednesday, the last class was Cordelia's accounting lecture.

Harold had been out all morning, ultimately purchasing two teddy bears from a toy shop, one large, one

small. Initially, he intended to give one just to Callum. However, seeing the large one, he suddenly

thought of Cordelia. She was as innocent and precious, yet oblivious to her own worth.

When he hurried back to school, Cordelia's lecture was about to start. Harold placed the larger teddy

bear on the lectern, accompanied by a note. Just as he finished, the bell rang.

As Cordelia ascended the lectern, she noticed the large teddy bear. It was of good quality. Before she

could ask who it belonged to, she noticed the note beneath the teddy bear. [Bought with my hard-

earned money. Keep it!]

Cordelia had a fair idea of who the gift-giver was. Without making a fuss, she began her lecture.

After class, she called Harold to the front. She had initially planned to stop Sally and Sean, her

graduate students. Her national project had been approved, and she needed to delegate tasks. But

Harold's incident interrupted her plans. Looked like she would have to ask the two to stop by her office

tomorrow morning.

"Come here!" Cordelia instructed Harold.

Harold walked to the lectern, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. The classroom was now empty.

"I can't accept this. Take it back," Cordelia said firmly.

"Who’s ever heard of taking back a gift? If you don't want it, throw it away," Harold retorted.

Cordelia lifted the teddy bear, ready to toss it into the trash bin at the back.

"The bear cost $60. That's my blood, sweat, and tears. I worked day and night, earned money at the

library, from playing basketball, just to buy this for you. If you want to waste it, go ahead!" With that,

Harold stormed out.

Left alone, Cordelia couldn't bring herself to throw the bear away. She respected her student's hard

work.

Noticing Cordelia hesitating, Harold laughed. "Since you're reluctant, why not just keep it? I'm leaving

now."

With that, Harold left, backpack slung over his shoulder and basketball in hand.

Cordelia was somewhat irritated. She hurriedly ate her lunch in the cafeteria and returned home. She

casually tossed the teddy bear into her study.

She had to deliver a speech at the afternoon's freshman orientation. She had stayed up late the

previous night to finish a paper and wanted to take a nap at noon to recharge. If she didn’t nap, she

wouldn't be able to perform well in the afternoon. However, she overslept, not even her alarm could

wake her up.

The orientation included all the teachers and students at the school. Being late would mean being

embarrassed in front of everyone. Cordelia didn't want to be that kind of celebrity. Holding her speech,

she hurried towards the school auditorium.

Unity Hall was quite far from the auditorium, one being in the northeast corner and the other in the

southwest. It would take at least fifteen minutes on foot.

Just as Cordelia was hurrying, a bicycle pulled up next to her. "Ms. Haselwood." A voice sounded

leisurely in Cordelia's ear.

Cordelia turned to find Harold riding a mountain bike, leisurely catching up from behind. It seemed he

was quite pleased to see Cordelia almost being late.

"Need a lift?" He asked.

"No need!" Cordelia didn't slow down her pace, still rushing, sweat beading on her forehead.

"No need?" Harold's bicycle suddenly blocked Cordelia's path.

Cordelia was stopped, unable to move forward. She wanted to curse, but she was a teacher, and this

prevented her.