The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 48

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 48: A Private Function**

(Evelyn’s POV)

I found myself nodding in agreement to Alexander’s proposition.

It was a decision I nearly hesitated over.

For days, Alexander and I had immersed ourselves in rigorous etiquette lessons, meticulously preparing for the moment when I would finally need to showcase my skills. Yet, I had never anticipated that moment would arrive so swiftly!

The mere idea of being paraded around in an extravagant outfit at yet another event made my skin prickle with discomfort. But then again, that was precisely the purpose of all the training I had undergone. Each lesson was aimed at equipping me for such occasions, ensuring I would not falter when the time came.

But was I genuinely prepared for this?

Did I truly believe I had any real choice in the matter?

It seemed Alexander was not inclined to offer me much of a choice at all. It was either accompany him to this enigmatic event or forfeit my chance to return home. Yet, perhaps it wouldn’t be as dreadful as it seemed. There was a part of me that found the prospect of spending an evening in his company appealing. I still felt a tinge of disappointment that he had canceled our previous lessons, but it had also granted me the opportunity to finally present him with that special tea I had been eager for him to try.

Something about the entire event felt unsettling, though.

As I left Alexander’s office, I struggled to suppress the torrent of questions that threatened to spill from my lips. What exactly was this so-called ‘private function’? Who was the host? Why hadn’t I been informed about this event sooner?

Lost in my thoughts, I wandered back to the kitchens, only to be met with curious glances from both Wendy and Nina. They had been engaged in a hushed conversation, but their chatter ceased the moment they noticed my presence.

“Hey!”

Nina gestured for me to join her, pouring a steaming mug of tea and patting the wooden stool beside her. I eagerly took a seat, cradling the warm cup in my hands as I took slow sips, hoping to calm my racing thoughts.

“So, did he enjoy the special tea you prepared for him?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Oh, um, he hasn’t actually tried it in front of me yet. It’s no big deal; I’ll just ask him later,” I replied, brushing it off. “Honestly, I mainly went to speak with him about my trip home.”

“And?” Wendy pressed, her expression shifting to one of concern.

A sigh escaped my lips as I recalled the conversation. “I could sense that he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the idea of me returning home.”

Wendy offered me a sympathetic smile, her understanding evident. “Alexander is always acutely aware of the dynamics around him. When he first met your family at the wedding, I’m certain he picked up on how they treat you.”

I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. It wasn’t that I was ashamed of this fact; rather, it was a realization I had come to terms with over time. I had always known that Babella and Samantha took pleasure in making my life difficult whenever they could. My father’s behavior had always puzzled me, but I had never fully grasped the depth of his indifference until I witnessed how easily he contemplated replacing Edward, his Alpha son, with someone new. It had forced me to reevaluate my perception of him entirely.

“Is he letting you go back?” Nina inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Well, it’s become a bit more complicated than that,” I murmured, my heart sinking.

Nina and Wendy exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Complicated how?”

I released a long, resigned sigh, taking a careful sip from my mug as I prepared to explain.

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