The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 302

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 302: Nan’s Shock**

**Judy’s POV**

“Ethan is such a jerk,” Nan exclaimed, her voice laced with indignation as we made our way to the student lounge. The sun had barely risen on a new day since my unsettling encounter with Irene, and I had just finished recounting the entire saga to Nan. Her frustration on my behalf was palpable; meanwhile, I was left feeling a swirl of hurt and confusion. Gavin had been conspicuously silent since last night, and as the evening approached, my heart sank a little more with each passing minute.

Truth be told, he had sent me a text earlier, but it was hardly the message I had hoped for. He informed me that Matt was under the weather and wouldn’t be attending tutoring today. As if that wasn’t enough, he also mentioned he wouldn’t be coming over tonight. I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t surprising; I wasn’t really expecting him to show up anyway.

“Yeah, well, Irene is hopelessly in love with him. I suppose she took him back,” I murmured, shaking my head in resignation. “Whatever. It’s not my problem anymore.”

“Doesn’t it still hurt though?” Nan asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I mean, he’s your mate and all…”

I shook my head, biting my lower lip as I processed her words.

“That’s not the part that hurts the most,” I whispered, my voice barely above a murmur. “I’m used to Ethan’s cruelty toward me and my wolf. It’s a familiar pain now. Each time it happens, it stings a little less. I don’t love him anymore, despite the bond we share.”

Nan nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful as we reached the entrance to the student lounge.

“We need to distract ourselves from these stupid guys,” she declared, her eyes lighting up with a spark of excitement. “I heard there’s a frat party happening tonight!”

“A frat party?” I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. “Seriously, Nan?”

Her enthusiasm was infectious as she nodded vigorously, pushing the door open. I stepped inside, and she immediately linked her arm through mine, her excitement palpable.

“Everyone will be there! I have the night off from work, and I just want to let loose and have some fun. We should definitely go to this party,” she insisted, a wide grin spreading across her face.

I sighed, shaking my head. Parties had never been my scene, especially not frat parties. I would much rather spend the evening at the combat center, honing my skills and training.

“Oh, come on, Judy!” Nan urged, her voice pleading. “We never get to do anything fun! This could be a great way for you to forget about Ethan and Gavin for a night.”

I sighed again, knowing deep down that she was right. Perhaps a little escapism wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Fine,” I finally relented, my resolve crumbling. “We’ll go to this party. Not like I have anything better to do anyway.”

She squealed with delight, wrapping her arms around me in an exuberant hug.

“I’m so excited! Let’s meet here on campus. It’s at the fraternity house. And you better wear something hot!” she ordered, pointing a finger playfully at me.

I chuckled, nodding in compliance.

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied, giving her a mock salute that made us both giggle.

We spent the next few hours engrossed in study, laughter punctuating our focused efforts as we prepared for the upcoming exams. Afterward, Leroy arrived to pick me up and take me home.

As the evening unfolded, I found myself staring into the mirror, getting ready for a party I wasn’t particularly excited about. Yet, when I caught a glimpse of my reflection, a grin broke across my face.

**Third Person POV**

Nan stood in front of her closet, feeling a wave of frustration wash over her. She had nothing suitable to wear for her first frat party. She longed for something sizzling, yet most of her clothes were tailored for her job—classy and sophisticated, but not exactly what she envisioned for a night of revelry. She briefly considered texting Judy to see if she wanted to go shopping together but quickly dismissed the idea.

Judy was already grappling with her own reluctance to attend the party, and she deserved some quiet time to gather her thoughts before the event. So, Nan decided to take her own car into the city for a little retail therapy. With a few hours left before the party, she had ample time to find something that screamed confidence and allure.

“Welcome back, Nan!” the store clerk, Becky, greeted her with a smile as she entered her favorite boutique.

“Hey, Becky,” Nan replied, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface. “I need something hot. I’m going to a frat party tonight.”

Becky scrunched her nose in distaste.

“Ew, those parties are so gross,” she remarked, shaking her head. “I don’t miss those days.”

Becky was a bit older than Nan, freshly graduated and training to manage the boutique. Though she had attended a few frat parties during her college years, she never really embraced that lifestyle.

“Well, this is my first one, and I want to make a good impression,” Nan said with a casual shrug, hoping to convince Becky to help her find the perfect outfit.

Becky nodded, her understanding evident.

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