Chapter 18 If Eric hadn't come back and taken her to the hospital , she didn't know how long she would've been lying there . "What you didn't know , " Eric added , " is that Declan called me . He said you looked pale earlier , like you weren't feel- ing well . He was off - campus for a competition , so he asked me to check on you . " She paused , fork still in her hand , letting the truth sink in . Then she looked at Declan in surprise . But he kept peeling shrimp , not meeting her eyes . " Huh . I didn't expect you to care , " she said . He slid a small plate of peeled shrimp toward her , calm as ever . " I've always cared , " he said . Cordelia just never noticed . She stared at the shrimp , a strange warmth stirring in her chest . The other women watched the couple with envy . Belinda , though , couldn't stop staring at the shrimp in front of Cordelia . Her own food sat untouched . A few people noticed , exchanging quiet , knowing glances . It was an open secret that Belinda had always liked Declan . Some had thought they'd end up together . But to their surprise , he married Cordelia , who used to challenge him at every turn . Velma , still rooting for Belinda , looked sour , She popped a piece of meat into her mouth and forced a laugh . " Remember the old days ? " she said , " Belinda used to bring Declan breakfast every single day for three years ? And never the same thing . I was jealous just watching. " Declan paused and looked up at Belinda . " Wait , that was you ? " Belinda looked down shyly . " Yeah . I heard you liked egg bagels , so I'd get up early and grab them from the market . Later , I worried you'd get bored , so I started changing things up . " A few of the men chuckled . 0.0 % 09:37 Chapter 18 288 iVouchers " Man , you were living the dream , " one of them cried out . " If someone brought me breakfast every day , I'd have mar- ried her on the spot . " Declan , however , looked grim . The truth hit him harder than expected . He took a slow sip of water and stayed quiet . Velma went on , " I always thought you and Belinda would end up together . " But Cordelia ... well , she really nailed it , didn't she ? " The others set down their forks , waiting for it to blow up . Velma kept it breezy , but everyone heard the sting . It sounded like Cordelia had stolen Declan from Belinda . Cordelia didn't like that , but she kept her smile easy . " So I broke up a pair of star - crossed lovers ? " What a shame . But my family and Declan's go way back . We were practically promised to each other before we were born . " Otherwise , I would've let Belinda have him . " This was enough for them to see her connection to the Beasley family . Belinda wouldn't have stood a chance . Someone laughed . " Guess that explains all the bickering - childhood sweethearts , love - hate deal . " Velma had meant to rattle her , but gave her the upper hand instead . Velma looked down and quietly had her soup . Belinda looked worse . She hadn't known about the history before . After the brief exchange , he didn't respond to anything else Belinda said . Cordelia , meanwhile , was bright - eyed and chatty . She kept nudging Declan's elbow . " Declan , was the breakfast good ? " He didn't answer . After a few more nudges , he sighed and started stacking food onto her plate. " Eat . It helps with the pregnancy stuff . " 35.7 % 09:36 Chapter 18 He said it just loud enough to make her cheeks flush . She quit teasing . Eric watched them and chortled . " Look at that . They're made for each other . " Cordelia held back the urge to roll her eyes . Declan was getting his way , for now . After lunch , the guests said their goodbyes and started heading out . Out of nowhere , Eric pulled Cordelia aside . " Cordelia , I can read people . Declan doesn't say much , but trust me , he cares about you . " She smiled politely but didn't buy it . In her view , Declan probably spent half his time figuring out how to drive her nuts . Still , Eric meant well , so she played along . " Don't worry , Mr. Olson . I'll do my best to make it work . " Take care , and hopefully we'll all get together again soon . " While they talked , Declan walked over to Belinda . " Belinda , got a minute ? " Her eyes lit up . Velma gave her a look , mouthing , " This is your chance . Don't blow it . " Belinda turned to him with a hopeful smile . " Sure . What's up ? " He held her gaze for a beat , then pulled a bank card from his pocket . Belinda blinked . " Declan , what's this ? " " I had no idea you were the one bringing me breakfast all those years . " I feel bad . Here , this should cover it , " he explained . Then he placed the card in her hand and walked away . " Wait , who did you think was making you breakfast all those years ? " Belinda called after him . Declan turned and saw Cordelia leaning against the doorframe with a half - smile . " All done ? 68.9 % 09:37 288 iVouchers Chapter 19