The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 352

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 352: Sneaking Into His Room**

**Judy’s POV**

As I returned to the hotel suite later that evening, I was greeted by the sight of Nan, who had already made herself comfortable. She was adorned in a stunning black dress that hugged her figure and ended just above her knees, the low-cut neckline accentuating her graceful curves. Her short hair was elegantly styled away from her face, and she wore just a hint of makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. Nan had always possessed a radiance that needed little embellishment; she was well aware of her allure and wore it effortlessly.

She stood before the mirror, her expression contemplative, a frown etched on her lips as she examined herself. It was clear that the dress was a new addition to her wardrobe, one I had never seen her wear before. The matching heels, while stylish, seemed to pinch her feet, rendering her a bit uneasy as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

I couldn’t help but frown, furrowing my brows in concern.

“New dress?” I inquired, gently closing the door behind me. Nan turned to face me, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink.

“Oh, hi…” she breathed, a hint of surprise in her voice. “I didn’t hear you come in.” Her gaze dropped to her dress, her cheeks deepening in color. “Tyler got me this dress for tonight. I mentioned I had nothing suitable for the concert, and he had it sent over.”

“Tyler’s buying you clothes now?” I raised my eyebrows, skepticism lacing my tone.

She shrugged, biting her lower lip nervously.

“It’s not like that,” she quickly defended herself, her walls going up as she sought to shield her feelings. “I’m planning to return them afterward.”

When I remained silent, a sheen of tears shimmered in her eyes, and my heart ached at the sight. My resolve began to waver.

“I’m not here to scold you,” I said softly, letting out a sigh. “I came to apologize for what I said earlier.”

She shook her head vehemently.

“No, you were right,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m being terrible. I shouldn’t be spending time with Tyler like this, but he’s a good distraction, Judy. I really need one. I’m still reeling from what happened with Chester, and I don’t know how to process it all. I don’t plan on being with Tyler once we’re back home. But right now… I just need to escape.”

I nodded, stepping closer to her and enveloping her in a warm embrace.

“I understand,” I murmured gently. “I’m sorry for making you feel bad about your choices. You’re an adult, and you know yourself better than anyone else.”

A small smile broke through her tears as we stepped back from the hug. I reached up to wipe away a stray tear from her cheek with the back of my hand, and we both shared a soft chuckle. I hated fighting with Nan, but we always seemed to find our way back to each other quickly.

“Have fun tonight,” I nudged her arm playfully.

“Are you going to dinner with the other competitors?” Nan asked, watching me as I rummaged through the closet for something to wear.

“Nope,” I replied with a grin, turning to meet her gaze. “I have other plans.”

Nan threw her head back and laughed, her joy infectious. We chatted for a little while longer as I dressed, preparing for my evening with Gavin. By the time I finished, Nan had already left to meet up with Tyler. The thought of him not even bothering to pick her up himself made me scowl, but I quickly pushed it aside, reminding myself that it was not my place to intervene.

Once I was finally dressed, I grabbed my purse and hurried out of the room. Gavin’s suite was just a couple of doors down, and as I approached his door, I took several deep breaths to steady my nerves. This clandestine meeting felt risky; anyone could see me slipping into his room.

I knocked lightly, but silence greeted me. I knocked again, this time with a bit more urgency.

Still, no answer. Pressing my ear against the door, I strained to hear any sign of life inside. Nothing.

Frustration bubbled within me as I glanced at the time—it was just past seven. He had asked me to meet him in his room tonight, and I had assumed he meant around dinnertime when everyone else would be occupied. Perhaps I should have clarified the exact timing with him.

With a resigned sigh, I rummaged through my purse, recalling that I still had a copy of his room key from that mix-up at the front desk. Once I located it, I let myself into his room, the thrill of the moment coursing through me.

I closed the door quietly behind me and tucked the key back into my purse. The moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped by the familiar scent of Gavin that lingered in the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It was comforting, easing the tension in my body and calming my racing thoughts.

As I glanced around the room, my gaze landed on the neatly made bed, and a playful idea sparked in my mind. I wanted to surprise Gavin when he arrived; I wanted to be ready for him.

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