The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 168

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 168: You Love Me?**

[Evelyn’s POV]

Every fiber of my being froze in that moment. I felt as if time had stopped, and not a single breath escaped my lips as I gazed at Alexander, utterly captivated.

“What…? You…You love me?” My voice barely rose above a whisper, trembling with disbelief.

It was as if the air around us had thickened, creating a surreal atmosphere that made my heart race with both excitement and fear. I half-expected to wake up any moment from this vivid dream, my heart pounding in my chest, only to discover that it was all an illusion.

But the reality of the situation was undeniable. Alexander stepped closer, and I inhaled the intoxicating scent of his cologne, a mix of warmth and familiarity that sent shivers down my spine. His fingers, rough yet tender, brushed against the exposed side of my face, tracing the very edge of my mask.

He was undeniably real, as was everything around us, including the profound words he had just spoken.

A flicker of determination glinted in his eyes as he continued, “Yes, I do.” His hands found their way to my hips, grounding me in this moment. “I should have told you long ago. I know that now.”

“To tell you the truth,” I began, my voice shaky and uncertain, “I think part of me always knew. I felt it every time you touched me, every lingering glance. But… with these scars, I was terrified that you might see me differently.”

He looked at me with a mixture of concern and frustration, his expression making me feel even more self-conscious about my earlier thoughts.

“There is absolutely nothing that could change how I feel about you,” he insisted, his voice steady and unwavering. “Evelyn… Will you please take off the mask?”

I inhaled a shaky breath, my heart racing as I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of his request. Finally, I nodded, stepping back to reach behind my head and undo the ties of the mask. My gaze remained fixed on the floor, avoiding the intensity of his stare as I slowly peeled it away.

My heart thudded violently in my chest, the sound echoing in my ears as I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the unknown.

Silence enveloped the room, amplifying my anxiety. Alexander remained quiet, but I felt his presence, a steady force beside me. He gently lifted my chin with his finger, urging me to look at him.

“Open your eyes,” he coaxed softly. “Look at me.”

With a deep breath, I blinked away the blurriness and searched his face for any sign of disappointment. To my astonishment, there was none. Instead, he cupped my cheeks, pulling me closer as if he wanted to memorize every detail.

His fingers brushed lightly over the rough, mended skin of my face, and I felt a rush of vulnerability wash over me.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

“Sometimes,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “It can be a bit sore in the mornings and after I shower.”

“And the nightmares?” he pressed, his brow furrowing. “Do they visit you every night like they do me?”

I pulled back, startled by his revelation. My eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

“You’re having nightmares too?”

A wave of guilt crashed over me. I had been so wrapped up in my own pain that I hadn’t realized Alexander was struggling too. If only I hadn’t pushed everyone away, I might have noticed how he was suffering. I could have been there for him during meals if I had summoned the courage to join him.

“Yeah,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Seeing you in that state was beyond traumatic. I faced my worst fear without even realizing it, and now that image of you nearly slipping away in my arms is seared into my mind.”

My stomach twisted with shame and remorse. “I’m so sorry.”

“Why on earth are you apologizing?” he asked, confusion etched on his face.

“Because I thought keeping my distance was the right choice, but clearly, I only made things worse.”

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