The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 395

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 395: Family Dinner**

**Judy’s POV**

There I stood, feeling the weight of the moment as I found myself face-to-face with Gavin’s mother, the formidable Donna Landry. The air around us crackled with tension, a palpable disapproval radiating from her as she regarded me with a look that could only be described as disdain. My stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and indignation, the bubbling emotions threatening to overflow. Beside her, Daisy hovered with her arms crossed, a smug grin plastered across her face, as if she relished every second of this confrontation. The last thing I wanted was to engage in this sort of drama, especially tonight, when my family had gathered to celebrate my father’s return home.

“So, you’re the hussy living in my son’s mansion,” she declared, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. Her eyes roamed over me, assessing every inch, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I held her gaze, bewildered by her accusation.

A hussy? Living in her son’s mansion? The words echoed in my mind, and I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. “I… I’m sorry?” I managed to stutter, hating the way my voice trembled. I had never encountered this woman before; how could she so brazenly label me without a single shred of understanding?

My gaze flickered to Daisy, who was now smirking as if she held some scandalous secret. It was infuriating, and I could feel my frustration mounting.

“Are you the reason my Gavin refused to marry Daisy?” Donna pressed, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, drawing my focus back to her stern expression, which was anything but welcoming.

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could form a coherent thought, she cut me off again. “Doesn’t matter,” she stated dismissively, raising her hand as if to silence me. “Soon enough, my son will come to his senses. You’re nothing to him, so there’s no need for me to worry. He tells me everything, and he didn’t even mention you, which tells me you’re nobody of consequence.”

Her words hit me like a physical blow, tightening my chest with a mixture of hurt and disbelief. I didn’t want to feel this way, but the disappointment crept in, uninvited. Daisy’s smirk only deepened, feeding off my discomfort. Without another word, Donna brushed past me, returning to her table with an air of superiority. Daisy lingered for a moment, her gaze locked onto mine, a predator savoring her victory.

“I’ve been part of this family for a long time,” she hissed, her voice low and threatening. “I’ve been waiting for my chance with Gavin since he married my foolish sister. I won’t let anyone, especially you, stand in my way.” With that, she too turned and sauntered back to her table, leaving me feeling hollow and defeated.

I felt numb as I made my way to the restroom, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t quite grasp. Once I was alone in the small, confined space, the tears I had been holding back spilled down my cheeks. I despised this show of weakness, hated that I let the words of a stranger wound me so deeply. I knew I needed to talk to Gavin, but what could I possibly say? That his mother had cornered me in a restaurant and made it clear I wasn’t welcome? That I felt inadequate compared to his family? That I was somehow a lesser choice than Daisy?

Would he take their side?

Did it even matter? Our relationship wasn’t officially defined, yet it felt so real to me.

I loathed the way this encounter was affecting me. I had my own life to manage, my own struggles to face. I approached the mirror, grimacing at the sight of my tear-streaked face. I turned on the faucet, splashing cold water onto my skin, desperate to regain some semblance of composure. I needed to appear unbothered; otherwise, my parents would surely ask questions I wasn’t prepared to answer.

Once I felt somewhat presentable, I took a deep breath and rejoined my family at the table. To my relief, our food had already arrived. My parents were the type who wouldn’t eat until everyone was seated and ready, their hands resting neatly on their laps as I slid into my chair.

“Sorry,” I said, forcing a small smile. “Didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

“Is everything okay?” My mother’s voice was filled with concern, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I smiled again, though it felt strained. “Yes,” I replied, “there was a long line for the bathroom.”

My mother didn’t seem convinced. She studied me for a moment longer before nodding, leaning back in her seat but still looking slightly apprehensive.

“We should eat before our food gets cold,” my father suggested, picking up his fork with a determined look.

I nodded, grateful for the distraction.

We fell into a comfortable silence as we began to eat, but soon, a commotion erupted from the other side of the restaurant, drawing the attention of everyone around us.

—

**Third Person POV**

Nan was standing at a crossroads of uncertainty, completely unaware of the whirlwind she was about to step into. If it hadn’t been for Judy’s relentless encouragement throughout the evening, she might have turned Chester down flat. But here she was, preparing for her very first official date with him, her heart racing in her chest.

In her modest apartment, she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, her pulse quickening. The casual dress she wore hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that made her feel both beautiful and vulnerable. She ran her fingers through her short hair, glancing into her blue eyes, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Just as she finished her pep talk, a knock on the door sent her heart into a frenzy.

It was showtime.

With a deep breath, she crossed the living room and opened the door, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of Chester. He looked incredibly handsome in his suit, his hair perfectly styled. When he flashed her a warm smile, it melted her heart instantly.

“Wow…” Chester breathed, taking her in appreciatively. “You look beautiful.”

Nan felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, her gaze dropping to the floor, overwhelmed by the compliment.

Nan nodded, reflecting on her boss. Delta Carter was tough but fair; he had given her raises over the years and trusted her to manage things while he traveled.

“Patrick is actually a friend of mine,” Chester said, his gaze steady on her. “So, if he ever gives you trouble, let me know. I’ll kick his ass.”

Nan couldn’t help but stifle a smile. “He’s actually a pretty good boss,” she replied, feeling a sense of pride.

Chester nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad to hear that. How long have you worked for him?”

“Five years,” she said shyly, surprised by the look of admiration on his face.

“Wow, he doesn’t usually keep employees that long…” Chester said, tilting his head as if assessing her. “You must be really special.” A hint of jealousy tinged his words, and Nan felt her cheeks heat up.

“I wouldn’t say that,” she replied quickly, feeling flustered.

Before long, their food was served. The waiter shot them a dismissive look as he asked if they needed anything else. They both requested more wine, and he left without another word.

Chester chuckled as he picked up his fork. “He’s going to be complaining about us all night,” he said, grinning.

Nan snorted unexpectedly, the sound escaping her before she could contain it. The rush of embarrassment made her cheeks flush, but Chester’s smile widened, clearly charmed by her reaction.

As they began to eat, Nan took small, deliberate bites, savoring the complex flavors of her dish. She noted the thyme and other seasonings that danced on her palate, impressed by the chef’s skillful blend of ingredients.

Lost in her thoughts about the meal, she didn’t realize she was speaking out loud until she caught Chester staring at her with wide eyes.

Before she could clarify, she noticed someone approaching from behind, and Chester’s expression shifted, darkening with concern.

“What the fuck…” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.