The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 311

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 311: Homewrecker**

Skyla stood there, utterly stunned, as Gavin’s words hung in the air like a thick fog. Had she truly comprehended what he had just said? Was he really affirming his relationship with Judy? She had always assumed it was merely a fleeting romance, a passing fancy. None of the whispers from Irene had hinted at anything more profound than a casual fling. Heat surged through her cheeks, a burning sensation that only intensified as the paparazzi snapped photographs, capturing this mortifying moment for the world to see.

Before she could gather her thoughts and respond, one of the paparazzi broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension.

“Actually, we are talking about your relationship with Judy Montague.”

Gavin’s entire demeanor shifted, his body going rigid as confusion washed over his features for a fleeting moment. But as he regained his focus, a flash of anger ignited in his eyes, and he turned to confront the paparazzi with a fierce intensity.

“What are you talking about?” Gavin’s voice was low and dangerous, each word clenched between his teeth.

The paparazzi exchanged awkward glances, clearly taken aback by the sudden shift in Gavin’s mood.

“Well, it’s all over the internet,” one of them stammered, hastily pulling out his phone to display the incriminating photo of Gavin and Judy, locked in an intimate embrace.

Skyla craned her neck to glimpse the screen over Gavin’s shoulder, and her heart plummeted as she absorbed the image. They looked so close, so… together. A lump formed in her throat, and she instinctively took a step back, her mind racing with the implications. She realized that lingering around him like this could tarnish her reputation. The last thing she wanted was for people to label her a homewrecker. It was becoming painfully clear that there was far more to their relationship than Irene had let on, and an overwhelming wave of foolishness washed over her. How could she have been so naïve?

The desire to be with Gavin had clouded her judgment, leading her to ignore the signs. She would have done anything to win his affection—anything except dismantle his existing relationship. She had built a carefully curated image, one that could be shattered in an instant if rumors of her being a homewrecker spread. The thought of disappointing her agent, of facing the fallout from this debacle, sent a chill down her spine.

“I want this photo taken down, now!” Gavin’s voice boomed, his frustration palpable.

The paparazzi, clearly flustered, scrambled to make calls, their earlier bravado evaporating in the face of Gavin’s fury. As they busied themselves, Gavin turned his gaze back to Skyla, his expression a mix of confusion and anger.

“Did you know about this?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Skyla shook her head vigorously, her heart racing. She had no idea such a photo existed, let alone that it would cause such a stir.

“No,” she replied, her voice steady and truthful. The sincerity in her eyes must have reached him, for he sighed deeply, running a hand through his tousled hair in frustration.

“I need to go,” he murmured, the weight of the moment pressing down on him, and without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Skyla standing there, bewildered.

Chanse, who had been lurking nearby, approached after Gavin’s departure, a frown etched on his face as he regarded Skyla.

“Everything okay?” he inquired, his gaze following Gavin’s retreating figure.

“Yeah,” Skyla sighed heavily. “But I think I need to stop pursuing him. It’s clear he’s taken. I was led astray…”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Chanse said sympathetically. “Maybe it’s for the best. Now you can focus on the movie and put all this behind you.”

Skyla nodded, taking a deep breath as she steeled herself.

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s wrap up this filming already,” she replied, determination creeping back into her voice.

The hours that followed were filled with the hustle and bustle of finalizing their film. They were set to leave in a few days, and Skyla felt a wave of relief wash over her at the thought of returning home, where she could finally catch her breath and escape the whirlwind of drama.

Later that night, just as she was about to retreat to her room, Irene’s voice cut through the stillness.

“Where’s my father?” she asked, her tone laced with urgency as Skyla paused just before ascending the stairs.

“How should I know?” Skyla retorted, crossing her arms defensively. “Most likely with his girlfriend.”

Irene’s brows shot up in surprise.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, confusion evident on her face.

“As if you don’t know,” Skyla scoffed, her irritation bubbling to the surface. “You used me as a pawn. I don’t know what your issue is with Judy Montague, but my career is important. I can’t get caught up in that kind of drama.”

“Judy?” Irene exclaimed, her voice rising. “She’s not my father’s girlfriend. She’s a whore who’s only after one thing.”

“Oh, is that so? Because the news says otherwise,” Skyla shot back, pulling out her phone and thrusting it toward Irene.

I let out a heavy sigh, my heart still racing.

“I hope you’re right,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

After we parted ways, I did my best to focus in class, but it was nearly impossible when I sensed the weight of everyone’s stares and whispers. The only glimmer of hope I clung to was the thought of seeing Gavin after school. I believed he could make everything better; I just had to hold onto that hope.

As I waited outside the school for Leroy, who was usually punctual but was late today, I felt a wave of impatience wash over me. I glanced at my watch, frowning; it was unusual for him to keep me waiting. I settled onto a nearby bench, resting my elbows on my knees, my mind racing with thoughts of the media frenzy surrounding my supposed relationship with Gavin. Even my teachers seemed unusually inquisitive today.

Suddenly, a familiar car pulled up in front of me, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew it wasn’t Leroy, but my suspicions were confirmed when the driver stepped out of the car.

“Tell me it isn’t true,” Ethan said, striding toward me, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger.

“Ethan?” I stammered, taken aback. I hadn’t expected him to show up at my school like this. We were in public, and any scene could jeopardize his already precarious relationship with Irene. “What are you doing here?”

“I saw the news, Judy,” he stated, shaking his head as he closed the distance between us. “Tell me it’s not true. Are you really in a relationship with him?”

I crossed my arms defensively, narrowing my eyes at him.

“I don’t see how it’s any of your business whether it’s true or not,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

His scowl deepened, and I could see the anger radiating from him, his lip curling in disgust.

“Because he’s going to be my father-in-law!” he nearly spat, his voice rising with emotion. “Don’t you see how messed up that is? I can’t believe you’re involved with him!”

“You left me for another woman, Ethan. What I do with my life is no longer your concern,” I shot back, unwilling to back down. “I don’t know why you’re here trying to intimidate me, but it needs to stop.”

I attempted to sidestep him, unsure of where to go with Leroy still absent, but Ethan wasn’t ready to let me go that easily. He seized my arm, spinning me around to face him.

“I won’t let you go back to him, Judy,” he hissed through clenched teeth. “You belong to me, and I’m not letting you go without a fight.”