The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 140

**TITLE: Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 140: Secrets Unveiled**

[Evelyn’s POV]

It should have been glaringly obvious that Isabella would orchestrate a maneuver like this. In a world where our families weren’t embroiled in conflict, this gathering would have been a joyous celebration, a heartfelt engagement party surrounded by loved ones. But the moment he and I stepped out of the car, it felt as if we had unwittingly entered a den of hungry lions, poised and ready to pounce.

I shouldn’t have been taken aback by Samantha’s presence with Liam; after all, she was Isabella’s daughter. Yet, the sight of Liam left me utterly bewildered.

He appeared as though he hadn’t caught a wink of sleep in days. The disheveled state he was in was alarming. I had always known him to be conscientious about his health, so this was a stark contrast to the Liam I once knew.

At that moment, I found myself utterly disinterested in whatever he might have to say. The fact that he was so far gone, likely using alcohol as a crutch to engage with me, only fueled my irritation.

But I refused to let it get to me.

Without sparing a glance or uttering a word to anyone else, I made my way toward my brother’s room, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and relief.

As I approached, I was grateful to see the guard still stationed by the door. He offered me a curt nod, granting me access. My gaze was immediately drawn to the far side of the room where Edward lay in bed, and my heart swelled with joy.

Unlike the last time I had visited, he looked remarkably better. The pallor that had once drained his face was fading, and color was returning in vibrant hues.

He appeared more alive than I had seen him in weeks, and it filled me with hope.

Eagerly, I moved to check his latest charts, and my heart soared at the sight of the progress he had made in nearly every area. It was a reminder that I still needed to reach out to the doctor Oliver had mentioned some time ago.

Life had become so chaotic that I kept forgetting to make that call.

If I manage to endure this evening, it will be the very first thing I do when I return home.

Gently, I took Edward’s hand in mine, bringing him up to speed on the latest developments in my life.

“If you can believe it, I’m getting married again—to the same man as before,” I chuckled lightly. “I know, it sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? But Alexander and I have really connected over the past few months, and it feels like we’re ready for a fresh start.”

I reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind his ear, my heart swelling with affection.

“This time, we’re determined to ensure that this wedding is solely about us, not some preordained arrangement dictated by others.”

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat a painful reminder of the uncertainty that lingered. What if Edward wasn’t fully recovered by the time the wedding rolled around? The thought of him being absent from such a pivotal moment in my life was unbearable.

Before I departed for the dining room, I discreetly pocketed the doctor’s number, vowing to use it later. I expressed my gratitude to the guard, reminding him to allow only the doctor to attend to my brother.

As I walked, an unsettling sensation crept over me, the feeling of being scrutinized. It was a sensation I had unfortunately grown accustomed to over time.

I turned sharply to find Liam leaning against the wall, a drink clutched in his hand. He looked as if he might topple over at any moment, and I felt a surge of annoyance.

“You think you’re so much better than everyone else now, don’t you?” he slurred, his words thick with alcohol.

I rolled my eyes, exasperated, and let out a heavy sigh. “For heaven’s sake, Liam. You’re drunk. Why don’t you ask Samantha to arrange a ride for you?”

He blocked my path as I attempted to walk around him, and a knot of frustration twisted in my stomach.

“Let me pass,” I said, my voice icy.

“Why do you get to be happy when everyone else is miserable?” he spat bitterly, his eyes narrowed.

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