The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 181

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 181: A Second Chance**

[Evelyn’s POV]

I genuinely tried to push aside the weight of my disappointment. It was hard to shake the feeling that I wasn’t the only one grappling with the challenge of being untrainable. Yet, a nagging guilt gnawed at me, knowing I had squandered Erik and Thomas’ time.

Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, and for what? The agony I felt didn’t even come close to being justified. I had spent the entire morning in front of that wretched punching bag, and all I had to show for it was a profound sense of exhaustion and defeat.

Dragging my weary body back to the house, I craved the soothing embrace of a hot shower. I absentmindedly rubbed my thumbs against my throbbing wrists, contemplating how I would manage any work in the greenhouse with such sore hands.

But the more pressing concern was how I would face Erik and Thomas again. The thought filled me with dread. I simply couldn’t bring myself to throw a punch at someone who had never done anything to harm or threaten me, even if it was all just part of the exercise.

Yet, I had no qualms about pressing a jagged shard of glass against Samantha’s face not long ago.

I exhaled loudly, shaking my head in frustration. “There’s definitely something wrong with me,” I muttered under my breath, my voice barely above a whisper.

As I ascended the patio steps and pushed through the back main doors, I could hear muffled voices drifting from down the hall. I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, silently hoping it was just a few staff members and not Alexander.

He had been nothing but supportive regarding my training, and I wasn’t sure I had the courage to face him and confess how poorly it had gone. I moved as quietly as I could, rounding the corner with my head bowed, desperately trying to remain unnoticed.

Just a few more steps, and I’ll be—

“Evelyn?”

“Damnit,” I hissed under my breath, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise to my cheeks.

I lifted my gaze to find Alexander and Oliver looking at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

“Hello,” I managed to say, my voice tinged with awkwardness.

Alexander’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “How was training? I’m surprised to see you back so soon.”

“It was… enlightening,” I replied, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

“Oh?” he raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“I don’t think it’s going to work out,” I confessed, watching as his expression shifted to one of concern. His brows furrowed as he stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

He placed a reassuring hand on my hip, a silent reminder that I wasn’t alone in facing the turmoil within me. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

I shook my head and raised my hand, trying to dismiss the topic. “Quite the opposite, actually.” The puzzled look on his face told me he wasn’t satisfied with my vague answer. “Look, I feel gross and sweaty. I really need to shower.”

I gently slipped from his touch and finally made my way to my bedroom. Grabbing a fresh set of clothes, I headed straight for the shower, turning on the water and waiting for it to warm up.

As the steam enveloped me, I pressed my hands against the cool tiles, allowing the hot water to wash away the tension in my muscles. At least it provided a temporary relief from the disappointment that weighed heavily on my heart. I was frustrated with myself, and I couldn’t fathom how to navigate this mental barrier that seemed insurmountable.

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t noticed the bathroom door open, nor had I sensed another presence in the shower with me. But as familiar hands wrapped around my waist, I instinctively recognized who it was. Alexander’s touch was a comfort, grounding me in my vulnerable state.

The next day, I found myself in a whirlwind of thoughts, seriously debating whether to return to the training tent. Perhaps it was wiser to push the entire idea from my mind for now.

After breakfast, I made my way back to the greenhouse, eager to check on the various elements I intended to incorporate into the serum. During my extensive research in the library, I had come across the benefits of Rosehip Seed oil, and I was excited to explore its potential.

Time seemed to slip away until I heard a soft knock at the door. Turning my head, I was greeted by Thomas.

“Hello, Thomas,” I said lightly, attempting to mask my apprehension.

He smiled warmly, tilting his head. “Evelyn, would you please come back to the training tent?”

I bit the inside of my cheek, uncertainty flooding my mind. “I’m not sure it would be worth anyone’s time if I did,” I admitted, my voice wavering.

“Trust me,” he replied earnestly. “We’ve discussed it and decided to try a different approach.”

Why did that sound so familiar?

With a reluctant sigh, I followed behind Thomas, glancing around the camp as we made our way to the tent. When we arrived, I waved to Erik but stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes fell on the familiar figure waiting inside.

“Alexander?”

He met my gaze with an encouraging smirk. “We’re going to pick up where you left off yesterday,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Go stand on the mat.”