The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 72

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 72: Chaotic House**

[Evelyn’s POV]

There was something undeniably off with Alexander.

After the wonderful party where we had finally managed to engage in genuine conversation and connect on a deeper emotional level, I sensed a peculiar and abrupt shift in his demeanor. It was as if a shadow had descended upon him, clouding the vibrant moments we had just shared.

We had been in the midst of a meaningful dialogue, and I had anticipated that once he wrapped up whatever pressing matter had drawn him away, he would seek me out again. But that was not the case. Instead, he isolated himself in his office for the remainder of the evening, leaving me in a state of confusion and concern.

At one point, I encountered Oliver, his expression betraying a hint of unease. I approached him, eager to understand what was troubling him, but he merely waved me off, brushing my inquiry aside with a dismissive gesture. My instincts urged me to check on Alexander, but Oliver stepped in my path, a gentle hand resting on my shoulder as he spoke.

“Evelyn, Alexander is not in the best frame of mind right now,” he advised softly. “I strongly recommend that you give him some space. I’ll be heading to the staff quarters to relay the same message.”

My stomach twisted into knots.

What on earth had transpired to provoke such a retreat into himself? I understood all too well that Oliver was not one to share secrets, especially those that were not his to divulge.

Yet, I couldn’t shake the irritation that bubbled within me at Alexander’s decision to keep me at arm’s length. I could accept that his work sometimes took precedence, but why couldn’t he see that, as his wife, I was more than capable of sharing his burdens?

The days following my birthday were a blur, filled with tending to the plants in the greenhouse, my only companions the vibrant greens and earthy scents. The silence between Alexander and me grew heavier, and each passing day without an explanation chipped away at my patience.

This couldn’t go on. I was at my wit’s end with this erratic behavior. That morning, I vowed to confront Alexander about the sudden change in his attitude and the unwarranted distance he had created between us.

All this silence, this avoidance, felt like a punishment for a crime I hadn’t even committed.

It was a bold move, one I had never dared to make before. Interrupting Alexander during his work hours was a line I had never crossed—at least not intentionally.

When the dirt and solitude of the greenhouse became unbearable, I made my way back to the house. As I stepped through the back doors, I was nearly bowled over by a flurry of staff members racing about, arms laden with clean dishware, their faces a mixture of urgency and anxiety.

“What the hell is happening?” I muttered, my brows furrowing in confusion.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, and as I surveyed the scene, I noticed that everyone seemed to be operating under a strict set of orders. Among the chaos, I spotted Nina, who appeared just as lost and frazzled as the rest.

I approached her, determined to inject a sense of calm into the whirlwind around us. “I think we should go with the Hellebores,” I suggested, my voice steady. “They can withstand the cold even after being cut. They’ll really brighten up the space.”

A collective sigh of relief seemed to wash over the group. Nina turned to me, her eyes glistening with gratitude, and I could have sworn I saw a hint of tears threatening to spill over. Oh, God.

“Alright, I need to know what’s going on here,” I said firmly, taking Nina by the hand and leading her into the kitchen. I began to prepare a pot of tea, my mind racing with questions. Gesturing for her to sit on one of the bar stools, I placed the kettle on the burner and turned back to her, my expression expectant.

“Well?” I pressed.

Nina rubbed her eyes, leaning forward with a weary sigh. “We were informed that Alexander’s brother would be visiting.”

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