The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 67

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 67: The Birthday**

[Evelyn’s POV]

“Are you both seriously going to deny me the chance to help set up this party?” I inquired, a hint of longing lacing my voice.

Truth be told, I had no clear expectations about what a birthday celebration—especially one meant for me—should feel like.

For most of my life, I had lived in the shadow of Samantha, a constant fixture in the spotlight that she refused to share. Now, as I watched our home morph from its usual elegance into a realm of vibrant whimsy, I found myself grappling with a swirl of emotions I couldn’t quite identify.

Nina had taken charge, directing the staff to twist and drape colorful streamers along the banisters, transforming the mundane into something magical. Meanwhile, Wendy was ensuring that the kitchen staff were fully equipped to provide an abundance of food and drink for every guest who might come to celebrate my special day.

I had offered my assistance countless times to both women, but each time, I was met with unwavering resistance.

“Absolutely not!”

“There’s no way we’re going to let you put together your own party.”

As I stood there, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of preparations, I felt like a mere spectator in my own life. The attention was overwhelming, a stark contrast to my usual existence, where I preferred to blend into the background. It reminded me of the early days when the tea blend I had created first gained popularity, and people were showering me with compliments.

It was a strange sensation, one that I knew I would never fully embrace. A part of me desperately wished I could shake off this discomfort before the party truly began. I didn’t want Nina, Wendy, or Alexander to feel that their efforts were unappreciated. All I wanted was to be involved, even if it was in a small way.

But once again, their determined gazes met mine.

“Evelyn, please let us do this for you,” Nina urged, her gentle smile radiating warmth.

Wendy stepped closer, placing her hands softly on my shoulders. “You put in so much hard work for this pack. It’s time for you to let others show you how much they appreciate you.”

She was right, of course. I could feel the pack’s gratitude in every smile and wave they sent my way, in each friendly greeting that brightened my day.

“Alright,” I finally relented. “But if you need me for anything, I’ll be in the greenhouse.”

Since the day I returned from the open market, thoughts of Michael had lingered in my mind like a gentle echo. I recalled how effortlessly we had conversed about my interests, and oddly enough, I found myself missing those exchanges.

I hadn’t allowed myself to dwell on our brief encounter for too long. After all, it had been fleeting, and there wasn’t much to reflect on.

Yet, I couldn’t shake the delight I felt when talking to someone who shared my passion for agriculture.

I hadn’t mentioned him to Alexander…was that wrong?

Honestly, I didn’t see the point in bringing up Michael when Alexander was already fretting over my lightheadedness at the market. Yes, I had given in to his concern, but I felt it was justified.

When I returned home with my hibiscus plants and seeds, Alexander had immediately sensed something was off. He had questioned me, and I had reluctantly revealed my minor episode.

To say he took it well would be a gross exaggeration.

“Oh my God! I knew I should have insisted on having someone accompany you,” he had exclaimed, his voice laced with fierce concern.

“Oh my God,” I murmured, struggling to hold back a sob. “This is so beautiful. Thank you all so much.”

I couldn’t fathom the lengths everyone had gone to for my sake. Nina enveloped me in a warm embrace, and Wendy approached, her voice soft and soothing.

“Oh, my dear. Believe me when I say you deserve every bit of this day,” she reassured me.

I wiped at my tears, nodding in agreement. As Nina and Wendy moved off to engage with the staff, I caught Alexander’s gaze. He was watching me with a curious expression, and I could see the concern etched on his face.

[Third-Person’s POV]

The moment Alexander spotted Evelyn entering the room, his heart sank. Amidst the jubilant cheers celebrating her birthday, he noticed the glimmer of tears in her eyes. He had never witnessed her cry before, and it sent an unsettling pang through his chest that he desperately wanted to dispel.

He approached her calmly, reaching for her hand. “Are you alright?” he asked gently.

Evelyn took a shuddering breath, attempting to mask her emotion with a smile. “I’m fine.”

“You’re crying.”

Her smile widened, and she shook her head. “Trust me, they’re happy tears.”

Alexander wasn’t entirely convinced, but he gestured for them to move toward one of the beautifully arranged tables. The concept of ‘happy tears’ was foreign to him, and he couldn’t help but wonder how someone could reach such an emotional state.

“I know it’s your birthday, and you probably don’t want to think about this right now, but… I’d like to know more about how you grew up in your family.”