**Title: Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 84: The Silent Treatment**
In the quiet corners of Kingston Hall, a storm brewed beneath the surface, one that threatened to engulf Alexander in its turmoil.
This was utter madness, he thought, grappling with the reality of the situation. Days had slipped away like grains of sand, each moment stretching into an eternity since he had last exchanged words with Evelyn. The weight of her silence pressed heavily upon him, a palpable force that transformed the very atmosphere of their home.
Evelyn had retreated into the confines of her rooms, a fortress of solitude she had built around herself. She had taken deliberate steps to ensure that their paths would not cross, opting to forgo meals in the dining room where they once shared laughter and conversation. Instead, she remained hidden, leaving Alexander to navigate the echoing halls of Kingston Hall alone.
The shift in the household was unmistakable. The absence of Evelyn’s vibrant presence cast a shadow over the once lively abode. A somber air hung over the staff, their joy dimmed in the wake of her withdrawal. Alexander could feel it, a collective sigh of disappointment that resonated throughout the halls.
Even his pack members, those who were usually unfazed by the ebb and flow of emotions, had taken note of her absence. Some of his guards approached him, concern etching their features. “Is everything alright with Evelyn, sir?” one had ventured, genuine worry lacing his tone. It was as if her spirit had vanished, leaving behind a ghostly reminder of who she once was. Was she unwell? Had something more sinister befallen her?
In a desperate attempt to quell the rising tide of worry, Alexander concocted a flimsy excuse. But he was acutely aware that his reassurances were growing thin, fraying at the edges as the truth loomed larger. The people in the house were perceptive; they could see through his facade.
Yet, it was not only him that Evelyn was avoiding. She had also severed ties with her friends, Wendy and Nina, abandoning their cherished afternoon tea rituals. This puzzled him even more. Her anger was directed at him, so why was she pushing everyone away?
Initially, Alexander had respected her need for space. He kept his distance, honoring her silent plea for solitude. But as the days dragged on, concern morphed into anxiety. He found himself haunted by thoughts of her well-being. Was she eating? A few members of the kitchen staff had been tasked with keeping him informed, and their updates did little to ease his mind.
“Don’t worry, sir,” one kitchen worker assured him. “We make sure that Evelyn is eating at least twice a day.”
“Why only twice?” he asked, a frown creasing his brow. This was not like her at all.
The staff merely shrugged, their expressions mirroring his concern. “We tried to bring her three meals, but she hardly has an appetite in the mornings.”
“Does she say anything when you deliver her meals?”
“No, sir,” came the quiet reply.
With a heavy heart, he nodded, allowing them to return to their duties. From that moment on, Alexander found himself retreating to his office, drowning in his own swirling thoughts and emotions.
What the hell am I going to do?
Wendy had advised him to give Evelyn the space she needed, but how long was this silence going to last? How long would he endure the weight of her punishment?
It’s not up to me to decide.
The thought gnawed at him, an incessant ache that matched the turmoil within. He understood, deep down, that he had no right to intrude upon her solitude. Yet, the longer they remained estranged, the more precarious their relationship became.
If only she would grant me a few minutes, I could at least apologize…
Days morphed into a blur, each one dragging on with an agonizing slowness. Time stretched endlessly, amplifying his mental anguish.
That evening, Alexander chose not to join the others in the dining room for dinner. The thought of sitting alone at the table, surrounded by empty chairs and silence, was unbearable. Instead, he buried himself in work, the hours slipping away until he realized the rest of the household had long since retired for the night.
As he stepped out of his office, a curious sound caught his attention—an unexpected clinking of glass. His brow furrowed in confusion as he followed the sound, leading him to the kitchens.
His heart raced in his chest when he caught sight of a slender figure moving with quiet intent around the counters.
“Evelyn,” he breathed, barely above a whisper.
She froze, her body stiffening as she cast a hesitant glance over her shoulder. He held his breath, waiting for her reaction. Would she flee from the kitchen? Would she act as if he were invisible?


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