The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 77

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 77: Seeking Advice**

[Evelyn’s POV]

Perhaps this wasn’t the wisest decision I’d ever made.

I sat there, my heart fluttering nervously, uncertain about how reaching out to Wendy would unfold. After all, she was Alexander’s grandmother. Logic dictated that she might side with him once I began to explain the complexities of my relationship with her grandson.

But then again, Wendy had always been fiercely independent. Throughout the time I had known her, she had shown herself to be a woman of reason and insight. Though she possessed a remarkable capacity for empathy, I held onto the hope that she would be open to hearing my perspective on the situation.

Because, truthfully, I was at a loss for what to do next.

Ever since that disastrous conversation between Alexander and me, we hadn’t crossed paths. He had chosen to dine alone in his office—a behavior that was completely out of character for him.

I tried to dismiss the gnawing anxiety that accompanied that thought, but this morning, he had repeated the same pattern. This time, it didn’t go unnoticed by Nina and Wendy, who exchanged bewildered glances before turning to me, their expressions demanding an explanation.

All I could do was shake my head, my shoulders lifting in a helpless shrug.

He’s avoiding me.

But voicing that realization would only lead to a barrage of questions I wasn’t prepared to answer.

In that moment, I let my gaze drop to my plate, idly pushing my food around with my fork. Suddenly, before I could second-guess myself, I found the words spilling out. “Wendy, would you be available to talk this afternoon?”

“Of course, dear,” she replied, her smile warm and inviting. “Why don’t you come to my rooms around twelve-thirty? I’ll have tea ready for us.”

I caught a glimmer in her eyes, a knowing look that suggested she might already be aware of the turmoil I was facing.

Knowing her, there was a good chance she had an inkling of the struggles I was experiencing.

No matter; my plans were set in motion. If anyone could help me understand Alexander’s sudden change in demeanor, it had to be her.

As the afternoon drew near, I made my way to Wendy’s rooms, my heart racing with anticipation. The moment I knocked on her door, I was welcomed in and led to her cozy sitting area, adorned with soft cushions and a gentle fragrance of fresh flowers.

“Now, why don’t you tell me what’s been bothering you?” Wendy encouraged, her tone gentle yet probing.

I watched her as she busied herself with preparing our tea, the delicate clinking of the china momentarily distracting me from my nerves. Suddenly, I felt a lump form in my throat, rendering me momentarily speechless.

“Wel…I…”

“Come now, dear. You know you can share anything with me, especially if it’s troubling you,” she reassured me, her eyes filled with kindness.

I struggled to muster an understanding smile. “I know, it’s just… it’s all so complicated.”

“Would any of this happen to be about Alexander?” she asked, her gaze sharp and perceptive.

A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as I shook my head, impressed by her intuition.

“It’s as if he’s become a completely different person,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Ever since my birthday, I thought we were finally getting closer, and then… it’s like he vanished into thin air.”

“Every attempt to support Michael’s future ended in disappointment. He squandered every opportunity on failed ventures. Alexander eventually reached a point where he had to draw the line and stop offering handouts. Caroline suggested that Michael return to school, to focus his energy on one singular goal.”

“So, that’s the root of the resentment between them,” I mused, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.

“They’ve always been in competition. Over time, their feelings have only intensified, becoming more sensitive,” she explained. “Also… word has been circulating that Michael may have taken an interest in you.”

I nearly choked on my tea at that revelation. “What?? No! God, no. Why would people think that?”

“Michael is known for being very selective about the company he keeps. Some staff members have mentioned noticing the way he looks at you. He seemed quite taken.”

I exhaled a long breath, shaking my head in disbelief. “Is this part of the reason why Alexander has forbidden me from seeing Michael again?” I asked, my voice tight with frustration.

Wendy raised an eyebrow, letting out a sigh.

“Oh boy. Let me guess, he approached you with some ridiculous order, demanding that you comply?”

“Pretty much,” I replied dryly. “I told him no. Trust me, I have no feelings for Michael. But I asked Alexander to explain why I needed to stay away from his stepbrother, and he refused to share anything. I was furious and frustrated with him, and I ended up turning my back on him.”

I inhaled a shaky breath, the weight of my emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

“I keep replaying that conversation in my mind, wishing I could have approached it differently. But there was no alternative. I was already agitated by how Alexander had been shutting me out before Michael entered the picture. I’m his wife. Why can’t he confide in me about what troubles him?”

“Well…”