The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 318

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 318: Possible Date Night**

**Judy’s POV**

Tonight was supposed to be special. Gavin had texted me earlier, urging me to be ready by a certain time. The excitement bubbled within me, and I felt a flutter of anticipation. After I finished my chores in the kitchen this morning, I made a beeline for my room, craving a long, soothing bath. I desperately needed to wash away the shadows of negativity that had been clouding my mind.

As I soaked in the warm water, I tried reaching out to Nan multiple times, but her phone was off, and my calls went straight to voicemail. I even sent her a couple of text messages, but they remained unread. Each unanswered message twisted my heart painfully; it was unbearable to think of her suffering. I loathed the fact that Chester was the one causing her distress.

Tomorrow, I knew I would see her at school, but the worry gnawed at me. I needed to know she was alright. After stepping out of the tub, I wrapped a towel around myself, feeling the fabric absorb the warmth of my skin. As I pulled the drain plug, watching the water swirl away, I turned to face the mirror. The reflection staring back at me looked haggard and worn, as though I hadn’t slept in days. A sigh escaped my lips; I had a long way to go before I could feel presentable for my date with Gavin.

Just then, a knock on my bedroom door jolted me from my thoughts. I spun around, my heart racing with a flicker of hope that it might be Nan, though I knew it was unlikely. I opened the door and was taken aback to find Harper standing there. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her nose was pink, betraying the tears she had shed. My heart ached for her; I could sense her pain.

I didn’t know Harper very well yet; she had been a diligent maid and was slowly becoming a friend. Still, Chester had always felt closer to me than she did. Regardless, I didn’t want to see her hurt.

“Hey, Harper…” I ventured, my voice laced with uncertainty. “Are you alright?”

She hastily wiped her eyes, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Yeah, sorry,” she replied softly. “I just wanted to check if you needed anything. I know I haven’t been very attentive lately.”

I shook my head, dismissing her concern.

“You don’t need to apologize, Harper,” I reassured her. “It’s genuinely okay. But I’m worried about you. Yesterday was really tough…”

“I’m okay…” she responded quickly. “I think I just need a distraction.”

A smile crept onto my face as an idea sparked in my mind.

“Well, I have a plan,” I said, grabbing her arm and pulling her into my room, shutting the door behind us. She looked startled, nearly tripping over her own feet, which made me chuckle. “I have a date tonight.”

Her expression shifted, and I realized that the mention of a date might not be what she wanted to hear right now.

“Well, it’s sort of a date. Gavin and I aren’t officially dating… it’s complicated,” I explained, trying to clarify.

Her expression softened, and she nodded in understanding.

“I can relate to complicated,” she said thoughtfully.

“I figured you might,” I replied. “But I haven’t seen him in a few days, and he wants to spend the evening with me. I want to look stunning for him, but at the same time, I feel like I haven’t slept in ages.”

Harper studied me for a heartbeat before a playful smile broke through her somber demeanor.

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but yeah. You kind of look like a hot mess,” she teased.

I shot her a mock glare, narrowing my eyes playfully.

“You’re one to talk,” I shot back, unable to resist the banter.

Her cheeks flushed a bright shade of red, and I nudged her gently with my shoulder.

“I’m just kidding,” I assured her. “Honestly, I think we could both use a distraction.”

“You think I can help you get ready for your… not-date?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone.

I laughed at her phrasing, nodding in agreement.

“You have incredible style, and I’m honestly envious of how well you do your makeup. Would you mind helping me out?”

Her eyes lit up at my request, and she nodded eagerly.

“Absolutely! That sounds like the perfect distraction. I’ve wanted to be a makeup artist for as long as I can remember,” she confessed, her enthusiasm infectious.

I frowned slightly, curiosity piqued.

“Why didn’t you pursue it?”

She shrugged, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“School is really expensive, and I don’t have the funds yet. That’s why I’m working here… to save up for my education,” she explained, her determination evident.

I felt a wave of respect wash over me; I understood her struggle all too well.

“I get it,” I said, my voice sincere. “That’s kind of why I tutor Matthew. I’m working my way through school too.”

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“You are?” she asked, genuine curiosity in her tone. “What’s your major?”

“Combat and defense,” I replied, my pride shining through. “I’m training to be a Gamma warrior.”

“That makes sense why you train Matthew in combat,” she mused, nodding thoughtfully.

Harper’s face fell, and she wrapped her arms around herself, looking distressed.

“Oh,” she murmured. “That girl who walked in on us last night?”

I nodded, feeling the weight of concern settle between us.

“I’m sorry, Harper. I didn’t mean to bring her up, but she’s my best friend, and I’m genuinely worried about her.”

She nodded, biting her lower lip, clearly troubled.

“Can I ask you something?” she ventured, her voice trembling slightly. “I was too afraid to ask earlier, but I need to know the truth.”

“Of course, you can tell me anything,” I replied, encouraging her to share.

“Is Nan sleeping with Chester? Is that why things were so weird yesterday?”

My chest tightened at her question, and I let out a heavy sigh. I didn’t want to lie, but I also knew this wasn’t my story to share.

“You might want to talk to Chester about this…” I suggested carefully.

“I tried. He won’t speak to me,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “Please, Judy. I need to know the truth. She’s your best friend, so you must know.”

I sighed, looking away for a moment as I gathered my thoughts.

“They aren’t sleeping together,” I assured her gently. “But they are mates…”

“Oh, goddess…” she whispered hoarsely, stepping back as if the words had physically struck her. “That’s almost worse.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt for having shared that information.

“Harper… I’m so sorry. Wait!” I called out, trying to reach her as she burst into an emotional storm and fled my room.

Just as I was about to follow her, my phone rang, interrupting the chaos. I quickly grabbed it, my heart lifting when I saw Gavin’s name on the screen.

I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear, trying to maintain a light tone despite the turmoil.

“Hey,” I greeted him softly.

“Hey…” he replied, his voice heavy with regret. My heart sank at the sound; I knew this conversation wasn’t going to be easy.