The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 91

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 91: Putting On An Act**

[Evelyn’s POV]

“Now, I need you to hold onto this thought, alright? Everything I say and do in the next little while—it’s all a façade,” Alexander intoned, his voice low and steady, as he grasped my hands firmly within his own.

The warmth radiating from him was almost intoxicating, sending a shiver down my spine as his thumbs gently traced the contours of my cheeks, still flushed from earlier emotions. There was an undeniable connection between us, a tension that thrummed in the air, yet it was laced with a sense of urgency.

“This charade is crucial to ensure that Michael remains convinced that we’re still at odds,” he continued, his gaze piercing into mine, searching for understanding.

“I understand, Alexander. There’s no need to fret,” I replied, trying to reassure him, though I could see the worry etched deeply in his features.

But worry didn’t quite capture the depth of his anxiety. I could sense that beneath his composed exterior lay a man who was genuinely terrified—terrified of the prospect of inflicting pain on me again. It was ironic, really; here I was, trying to soothe his troubled mind while my own was a whirlwind of uncertainty.

What exactly was he planning to say to me when Michael arrived? After Oliver had joined forces with Alexander and me to devise a strategy to divert Michael’s attention from our individual pursuits, we had sent out the invitation for his presence.

It didn’t take long for Caroline to respond, her surprise evident in her tone as she learned of Alexander’s intentions for Michael’s counsel. She quickly assured us that Michael would be at the manor by the following morning, and I felt a wave of apprehension wash over me.

My stomach churned with nerves, a cacophony of emotions swirling within me. I was becoming a bundle of anxiety for so many reasons. Could we truly deceive Michael? If he was as astute as everyone claimed, then our plan might very well unravel before our eyes.

And then there was Edward. My heart ached for my brother, who was not faring well at all. Every fiber of my being urged me to pack a bag and rush back home to be by his side, but Alexander had been adamant. He had made it abundantly clear that while my brother’s well-being was paramount, my role in this plan was equally critical. I had to remain here, to play my part in this elaborate ruse.

Yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging concern about how Alexander would ‘act’ around me once Michael arrived. Oliver had suggested that we refrain from sharing our lines before the meeting, claiming it would lend authenticity to our performance.

“It’ll make the whole scene more convincing,” he had insisted, and perhaps he was right. But if Alexander was this anxious, then surely I had every right to feel unsettled as well.

When the staff finally delivered the news of Michael’s arrival, a fresh wave of anxiety crashed over me.

Oh, God. Here we go.

I waited with bated breath as Oliver escorted Michael to Alexander’s office. Clutching the letter tightly in my hand, I stared at the clock, counting down the seconds until five minutes had passed.

“Remember, it doesn’t matter how you interrupt the conversation,” Alexander had advised, his tone serious. “What truly matters will be revealed at the end.”

Taking a series of deep breaths, I steeled myself. Once the five minutes had elapsed, I pushed aside my worries and made my way toward Alexander’s office. I needed to channel that simmering resentment from when I returned home from the market so many days ago.

I had to summon every ounce of rage I could muster. But as thoughts of my ailing brother flooded my mind, I found myself tearing up—real tears, mingled with the anger I was trying to project.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I burst into the office. The look of surprise on Michael’s face was palpable, but I barely acknowledged him, my focus solely on Alexander.

I thrust the letter toward him, urgency lacing my voice.

“What’s this?” he asked, his tone flat and disinterested.

“It’s a notice from my pack back home,” I replied, my voice tight with barely contained emotion. “My brother is not well. I need to leave. Now.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unyielding. “I’m not lifting the travel ban on you,” he stated, his voice firm and resolute.

I narrowed my eyes, indignation bubbling to the surface. “I’d literally be going from one house to another. Think of it as trading one prison for another,” I shot back, my voice dripping with disdain.

A sneer curled Alexander’s lips, his gaze unwavering. “Of course, if I were to travel with you, then the travel ban would be null and void for the time being…”

“My answer remains the same,” he replied, his tone unyielding.

I knew I had to dig deep to make this convincing. My features twisted in frustration, and I silently prayed that Alexander wouldn’t crack under the pressure of my next words.

“You are being the most difficult and unreasonable person—why did I ever think I could reason with you?” I challenged, my voice rising. “You know what this all feels like? It feels like you’re nothing but jealous.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed, his posture straightening as he absorbed my words. A smug expression crossed his face, an unsettling confidence radiating from him.

“Jealous? I have no reason to be jealous. It’s not as if our marriage was ever founded on genuine feelings for one another. I didn’t even want this marriage in the first place.”

Shock coursed through me, my eyes widening in disbelief. The tremor in my lips betrayed the ache that blossomed in my chest.

Ouch.

It’s not real. Remember, it’s not real… But it stung nonetheless, a painful reminder of the truth lurking beneath our pretense.

I turned away, heading for the door. “That makes two of us,” I muttered, the bitterness tasting sharp on my tongue.

Once the door slammed shut behind me, I exhaled a sigh of relief, my heart racing with the intensity of the moment. With that part of the plan completed, I knew Oliver would soon suggest to Alexander that I could have Wendy accompany me back to my family’s pack.

Alexander would begrudgingly agree, and then he would proceed to offer Michael a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While he and Oliver would be out examining the wrecked vehicle, Michael would seize control of Alexander’s pack—overseeing the soldiers and guards, basking in the role of Alpha.

Knowing Michael, he would never turn down the chance to play the part he so desperately craved.