The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 741

Willow Breeze, dressed in sleek black activewear and sporting a pair of cool shades, had an effortless chic about her. When she spotted Harold, she greeted him with a casual wave, "Hey there, bro, long time no see."

"Yeah, it's been a while," Harold replied, nodding.

There was something oddly comforting about her calling him 'bro.' It felt like she was saying, "Relax, I see you as a little brother, nothing more."

"So, where are you headed?" Willow asked.

"Just heading home from work."

"Not working late tonight?"

"Nope, not tonight."

"How about a walk in the park? I'm heading there for a run. It's nice and quiet," Willow suggested.

"Sounds good to me."

Willow hopped onto the back of Harold's bike, and he barely felt her weight.

"How much do you weigh, if you don't mind me asking?" Harold ventured.

"Somewhere around 130 pounds, I guess."

"You're pretty tall, though."

"Yeah, about 5'6"," Willow confirmed.

"I haven't had the chance to treat you to a meal yet."

"What kind of meal? I don't eat dinner."

"Let's do lunch sometime then."

"Sure, but nothing too fancy, alright? I'd feel guilty making my 'little bro' spend too much," she said with a playful grin as they arrived at the park. Hopping off the bike, Willow hit the running trail in stride.

Harold pedaled alongside her at a leisurely pace, occasionally stealing glances at her. Watching her run, her figure bouncing rhythmically, stirred something within him. In that moment, his perception of this woman transformed, and his heartbeat quickened. He found himself unable to keep looking at her.

"You know, I just realized I don't know your name. I'm Harold," he said, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.

"You sound different when you talk, bro. My name’s... Willow," she replied from the side.

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