Chapter 2

The next day, word spread like wildfire through the town that Alexander had left in the middle of the night.

Linda Anderson, my neighbor, stood on the other side of the wall, raising her voice on purpose. "Did you hear? Olivia's handsome husband ran off. I saw it myself that a luxurious carriage came to pick him up.

"I told you a guy that good-looking would never fall for her. Maybe he's some big shot from Capital City. Olivia just got lucky and picked him up off the street."

Wendy Miller gasped, "He ran off on their wedding night? So he abandoned Olivia?

"Do you think someone's going to show up in a few days and take Olivia to Capital City?"

"You two really need to stop getting your ideas from those novels," I said, a bit helpless but with a hint of amusement in my voice.

I was a widow, and most folks didn't think much of me, but they weren't mean-spirited.

For the past two years, while I took care of Alexander, they whispered behind my back that I wasted no time moving on after Evan died.

But no one ever spilled the secret that I'd been married before.

For that, I was truly grateful.

Linda started munching on sunflower seeds. "Olivia, I've told you a hundred times that Alexander never cared about you, but you just wouldn't believe it.

"He owes you his life, but all he does is read and practice swordplay all day. You can tell he's never known hardship, and he acts like you're his maid.

"Come on, Olivia, just tell me the truth. Is he really from Capital City?"

I shot her a mysterious look. "He's even more impressive than that. He's the god of war, straight from the Celestial Realm."

Linda and Wendy both went unusually quiet.

After a moment, they exchanged a glance. When they looked back at me, they sounded genuinely sorry. "You're not losing it from heartbreak, are you?"

"Whatever. Since we're neighbors, I'll whip up some chicken to make you feel better," Wendy said.

I smiled softly and turned to head inside.

I wasn't planning to eat that chicken, because I was going to move away.

Everyone here knew Evan had died two years ago. If he suddenly came back to life, they'd freak out and call him a ghost for sure.

I had to find a town far enough away that no one here would ever know the truth.

Over the next two days, I sold whatever I could and gave away the rest. Then I packed up my things and went to a faraway town to start over.

After making sure every last corner of the courtyard was spotless, I finally pulled out the token Alexander had given me.

The token flashed with a brilliant white light, summoning a shimmering, ethereal veil.

I looked around to make sure the coast was clear.

Then I walked straight into it.

The Netherworld was swept by a chilling wind. My hands shook as I handed the gatekeeper Alexander's token.

He shot me a suspicious look, frowning. "This is the god of war's token. How did you get it? You didn't steal it, did you?

"I'll have to report this to my superiors. I can't just let anyone through."

"No problem." I nodded rapidly, barely containing my excitement as I stepped aside.

The gatekeeper pulled out an echo stone and contacted Alexander. "Mr. Knight, your token has turned up in the hands of a mortal woman. She wants to resurrect someone. Do you approve?"

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like all the blood in my body was rushing to my head. My face was burning with anxiety.

Seeing the gatekeeper about to leave after asking, I mustered my courage and stopped him. "Hey, aren't you going to wait for Alexander's reply before you go?"

He looked impatient. "Mr. Knight's got bigger fish to fry. He doesn't have time for petty Netherworld business like this. If you're so impatient, you can leave."

My expression froze, and the rush of excitement inside me cooled off bit by bit.

But right then, Alexander's icy voice came through the echo stone. Just one word: "Granted."

Alexander was unusually proactive, which made the gatekeeper perk up and pay extra attention.

He didn't just release Evan's soul right away. He even gave him a brand-new body on the spot, without waiting for me to say a word.

After two years apart, Evan looked just like he always did. The moment he saw me, his eyes curved into that same warm smile he could never hide.

Seeing his face so pale, I couldn't hold back my sadness. Big, hot tears fell from my eyes before I even realized it.

My mind hadn't even caught up, but my body was already rushing straight into his arms.

"Olivia..." Evan choked out, hugging me tight. "I never thought I'd get to see you again. How did you even bring me back to life?"

I froze. Even after spending two years with Alexander, we'd never held hands. Still, I felt so ridiculous and guilty inside.

I didn't dare mention Alexander. I just said, "I met a god."

Thankfully, Evan didn't ask any more questions and simply came with me as we left the Netherworld.

For the next few days, we were inseparable, always by each other's side.

Everything else no longer mattered. I realized the greatest happiness in my life was getting back someone I thought was gone forever.

All the hardship I'd endured taking care of Alexander over the past two years just melted away right then.