The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 251

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 251: Irene’s Behavior**

**Judy’s POV**

“He kissed you?!” Nan’s voice erupted through the phone the following afternoon, causing me to instinctively pull the device away from my ear to shield myself from her enthusiasm.

“Yes,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “It was unexpected.”

As the Uber driver maneuvered the car to a halt outside Gavin’s villa, I expressed my gratitude, offering him a tip before stepping out into the warm air.

“Nan, I really have to go; I just arrived at work,” I said, feeling the urgency to end our conversation while I climbed the steps leading to the front door.

“Alright, but you absolutely must call me later. I need every little detail,” she insisted, her voice laced with excitement.

“I promise,” I assured her before disconnecting the call.

In all honesty, there wasn’t much to elaborate on. The kiss had been decent—nothing more, nothing less. It hadn’t sparked a fire within me or left me gasping for breath. It didn’t even send a shiver down my spine. It paled in comparison to the kisses I had shared with Gavin in the past.

My cheeks flushed at just the thought of him.

Why did Gavin keep invading my thoughts at moments like this? I shouldn’t be dwelling on him or his kisses. That was the last thing I needed to be preoccupied with right now. Yet even during my date with Walter last night, I found myself imagining what it would be like to be with Gavin. To feel his strong arms encircling me as we danced beneath the moonlight, swaying to the enchanting melodies of jazz. To experience the thrill of his lips pressed against mine, knowing I was the sole object of his affection.

I shook my head, trying to dispel those ridiculous fantasies. Such scenarios could never materialize. He was my boss—nothing more. Just because we had almost crossed a line that one time didn’t mean he harbored any feelings for me.

If anything, he likely viewed me as a mere showgirl—a fleeting encounter, someone to indulge in for a night and then forget.

The thought settled heavily in my chest, but I swallowed it down, forcing myself to focus.

Adam stood at the doorway, his expression a mask of indifference. I could sense his lingering annoyance towards me for making him appear foolish in front of Gavin. Now, he was practically forbidden from speaking in Gavin’s presence. It wasn’t my fault; Adam had been trying to sabotage me from the moment I accepted this job. I still couldn’t comprehend why he was so hostile; after all, he had been the one to encourage me to apply in the first place.

“Master Matthew is waiting for you in the parlor,” Adam informed me, his tone flat. “He’s already started on his homework. I think he’s eager to spar later.”

A smile crept onto my face at the thought of Matthew’s enthusiasm.

“Thanks, Adam,” I replied, attempting to maintain a polite demeanor.

I didn’t want any lingering animosity between us, but the effort had to come from both sides.

He nodded curtly, and I made my way towards the back parlor, where Matthew was engrossed in his studies, diligently taking notes. The sight brought a smile to my lips, but it quickly faded when I noticed Irene perched on the loveseat across the room, her eyes glued to her phone.

Upon my entrance, she looked up and offered me a wry smile, one that seemed to carry a hint of sadness.

“Hello, Judy,” she greeted, her tone almost melancholic.

“Hey, Irene,” I replied, striving to mask my discomfort at her presence.

At least she was alone this time; I wanted to inquire about her fiancé, but I sensed her sour mood was likely linked to him. Walter had mentioned their recent spats, and I recalled how Irene had reluctantly accompanied him to the gallery last night, despite her evident reluctance. I had been surprised to see them together when we returned from our walk. I had half-expected Ethan to approach me at some point during the evening, but he had kept his distance, perhaps respecting my desire for space.

Maybe he was finally grasping the fact that I wanted nothing to do with him. Or perhaps he was simply trying to shield his precious Irene from feeling insecure, wanting to ensure her mind didn’t wander elsewhere.

“Is it alright if I sit with you while you tutor?” she asked, her voice soft. “I need to distract myself.”

I glanced at Matthew, who was still absorbed in his homework, before turning back to Irene.

“I don’t mind,” I replied, attempting to sound accommodating.

A look of relief washed over her, and she sank back into the loveseat. I settled next to Matthew, and for the next hour, we focused on his homework, reviewing what he had already completed. Once we wrapped up, we headed outside to practice combat and defense. To my surprise, Irene trailed behind us, her nose still buried in her phone, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings.

When we reached our practice area, Irene claimed one of the lounge chairs, continuing to type away on her phone. I furrowed my brows at her distraction, but she remained unaware of my scrutiny.

“She and Ethan had another fight,” Matthew whispered to me. “She’s been moping around all day.”

A twinge of sympathy stirred in my chest. I felt sorry for her; she had no idea about the jerk she was engaged to. Perhaps, in time, she would come to realize the truth for herself. I quickly brushed that thought aside; it wasn’t my problem to solve. My focus was on my father and clearing his debts so he could reunite with my mother, allowing us to be a family once again.

Matthew and I spent the next couple of hours sparring and honing his defensive techniques. By the time we finished, we were both panting and drenched in sweat.

“Good practice,” I praised, giving him a light pat on the back. “You’re really improving.”

“I have a fantastic tutor,” he replied, his face lighting up with a grin. “Thanks for helping me, Judy.”

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