The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 262

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 262: Shopping For The Gala**

**Judy’s POV**

“Irene, he didn’t invite me to the Gala,” I confessed, my brow knitting together in distress. The weight of those words hung heavy in the air between us.

Her grin widened, a spark of mischief dancing in her eyes. “Oh, but he will,” she replied with a confidence that made my heart flutter. “He just asked my father for an invitation for you.”

A wave of anxiety washed over me at her statement. “He asked Gavin?” I questioned, but then suddenly aware of my slip, I cleared my throat and corrected myself. “He asked your father?”

She nodded vigorously, her excitement palpable. “Yes! And he’s getting you both a ticket. We’ll be going together as a double date— you and Walter, me and Ethan.”

Ethan. My stomach twisted at the thought of spending an entire evening in his company. There was no escaping this situation, and the idea of being surrounded by Ethan and Walter, not to mention Gavin, sent my nerves spiraling. Could the night become any more awkward?

“I don’t really do Galas, Irene,” I admitted, biting my lower lip as uncertainty crept in. “I’ve never been to something like this before.”

“It’s going to be so much fun! You’ll love it, I promise. Plus, I’ll be right there with you!” she assured me, her enthusiasm infectious yet insufficient to quell my trepidation.

Despite her bright outlook, I leaned back in my seat, allowing her to navigate us through the bustling city streets. She parked outside an upscale boutique, and instead of waiting in the car, Gamma Derek and Beta Taylor accompanied us inside while the other Gammas took their positions outside, vigilant as ever.

Gavin was serious about security this time, and I couldn’t blame him. After all, his daughter had narrowly escaped danger from rogues. I felt a strange sense of comfort in their presence, even if I knew they were primarily there for Irene’s protection.

“Miss Landry, lovely to see you again,” the store clerk greeted us as we entered. She was a young woman with curly red hair that framed her face and sparkling green eyes that seemed to brighten the room. “Are you shopping for the Gala this weekend?”

“Hello, Stacy,” Irene replied warmly. “Yes, I am. This is my friend, Judy. She’ll be attending the Gala as my cousin’s date.”

Stacy’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Walter is in town?”

“Yes,” Irene confirmed with a nod. “Could you help her find the perfect ball gown?”

“Absolutely!” Stacy exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident. “We just received a couple of stunning new dresses this morning. One of them, I believe, will be perfect for you.”

She dashed over to a rack of dresses behind the cashier’s counter, returning with the most breathtaking silver gown I had ever laid eyes on.

“Are those real diamonds?” Irene asked, her voice a mix of awe and admiration as she examined the dress.

“Of course,” Stacy replied, beaming with pride. “This is an original Ella Venuti. There’s only one in the entire world. When I say it’s new, I mean it’s brand spanking new.”

Irene stepped closer, her eyes gleaming as she inspected the intricate stitching. “Ella Venuti is always flawless with her designs. This is truly impressive. The diamonds add such an exquisite touch, and the fabric is so lightweight. It would be absolutely perfect for the Gala,” she whispered, almost reverently.

“Just a heads up, it’s also the most expensive dress in the store,” Stacy cautioned, her tone shifting slightly.

“Price has never been an issue for me,” Irene replied thoughtfully, her gaze scanning the price tag without a hint of hesitation. But then her expression faltered as she examined the size. “It’s a bit big for me, though. I wouldn’t want to adjust it unless Ella could do it herself.”

“I hear that Ella Venuti will be at the Gala this weekend,” Stacy said, her brow furrowing. “But she won’t be arriving until Friday evening. She’s fully booked all week, so I doubt she’ll be able to make any adjustments. However, we have some excellent designers here who could—”

“I wouldn’t want anyone else touching an Ella Venuti dress besides Ella herself,” Irene interjected, raising her hand to halt any further suggestions.

She stepped back, her gaze shifting to me. “It looks like it could fit you, though. Why don’t you try it on and see?”

I was taken aback, staring at her in disbelief. She wanted me to try on this exquisite, one-of-a-kind dress? Was she out of her mind?

“I… uh… I don’t think so,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“This dress needs to be seen at the Gala, Judy,” Irene insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Please, just try it on.”

With a heavy sigh, I finally relented.

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