The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 243

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 243: Irene’s Cousin**

**Judy’s POV**

“And he knows that you aren’t his biological child?” I inquired softly, my gaze drifting down to the serene figure of Matthew, who was nestled against me, lost in dreams.

Gavin nodded, his expression a mixture of warmth and melancholy.

“Yes,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “He remembers his time with his mother. It was far from pleasant, and those memories haunt him still. He began calling me ‘dad’ a few years back, after he moved in with me.”

A swell of admiration filled my heart at Gavin’s dedication. “It was incredibly kind of you to take him in,” I remarked, my voice thick with emotion. The way he treated Matt, as if he were his own flesh and blood, left no room for doubt in my mind. It was evident that Gavin would go to any lengths for this boy he had come to love so deeply.

“He’s family,” Gavin shrugged, as if that simple truth explained everything.

I felt a surge of words bubble up inside me, yet I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the depth of my feelings. Instead, I opted for silence, allowing the moment to linger until the car finally rolled to a stop in front of the villa.

“We should probably wake him up so we can get started on his lessons for today,” I suggested, breaking the quiet.

Gavin nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a shared purpose.

Gently, I nudged Matt, my fingers brushing against the soft skin of his cheek. He looked so peaceful, so innocent in his slumber, that a pang of guilt washed over me for disturbing him. But soon, his eyelids fluttered open, and he let out a yawn, lifting his head from my arm as he began to survey his surroundings.

“Are we home?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep as he blinked a few times to clear his vision.

“Yes,” I affirmed, echoing Gavin’s simultaneous response of, “We are.”

A smile broke across my face, and I caught Gavin’s eye, feeling an inexplicable warmth spread through me.

“Thanks for helping me today,” Matt said, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. “You were a good mom.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I could feel Gavin’s amused smirk directed at me.

“Let’s head inside and get some work done,” I suggested, eager to shift the focus away from the unexpected compliment. I swung the door open, ready to dive into the day’s tasks.

Behind me, I could hear Matt’s laughter ringing out, a sound that filled me with joy.

—

**Third Person POV**

“Remind me again why we are preparing all these meals,” Ethan asked, his brows furrowing as he surveyed the array of platters meticulously arranged by the maids. The kitchen bustled with activity, the scent of various dishes wafting through the air.

Irene had been darting around all morning, her energy palpable as she ensured that everything was spotless and perfectly cooked.

“Because my cousin Walter is coming to visit from abroad, and he’s never been here before! I haven’t laid eyes on him since I was a little girl, and I can hardly contain my excitement to see him again!”

“What country is he from? And how long is he staying?” Ethan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“France! He’s here for an entire month,” Irene responded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “He’s a journalist working on a global article and wants to start his journey here.”

“So, Walter is your father’s nephew?” Ethan clarified, piecing together the family ties.

“Exactly,” she confirmed. “My father has a younger brother and an older sister. Walter is the middle child.”

“And his younger brother moved abroad?”

Irene nodded, her expression thoughtful as she recalled family history.

“Yes, he did,” she explained. “He went there for a business trip and met his mate. She couldn’t leave her country, and he couldn’t bear to leave without her. So, he established a new life there, leaving everything behind to start fresh. They only managed to have one child, Walter. He’s just a couple of years older than me and has already made quite a name for himself in France.”

“Do you have a picture of him? I wonder if I’ve heard of him,” Ethan asked, his intrigue growing.

With a quick motion, Irene pulled out her phone and displayed a photo of Walter Landry. He looked like a model, his perfect curls of golden hair framing a strong, chiseled face, and his deep blue eyes sparkled with charisma.

“You two could easily pass for siblings,” Ethan remarked, his eyes widening in surprise.

Irene beamed with pride. “We heard that a lot when we were kids,” she admitted. “We were quite close during our visits. I’ve only been to France a few times, but it was a beautiful experience, and I had a blast with my father’s family.”

“Well, if he means that much to you, then he matters to me,” Ethan said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders affectionately. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

Her smile widened, and she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. “He’ll be here any minute.”

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