**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 79: Get Out Of Your Head**
[Third-Person’s POV]
Alexander was acutely aware of the formidable death glare he had inherited from his grandmother. It was a piercing look, one that could have been patented for its sheer intensity. When Wendy unleashed it upon someone, it was universally acknowledged that a storm was brewing, and the consequences would be severe.
It was rare for Alexander to find himself on the receiving end of such an infamous expression, but today felt different. A gnawing sensation in his gut hinted that he was about to uncover the reason behind his grandmother’s unexpected visit.
“Why don’t you take a seat?” he suggested, attempting to diffuse the tension that hung in the air like a thick fog.
Wendy feigned surprise, her eyebrows arching dramatically. “My, my. And here I thought you had completely abandoned the manners I so diligently instilled in you,” she retorted, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes as she settled into one of the chairs across from him. Her gaze was unwavering, sharp as a knife.
“I’m not going to prolong this conversation because, quite frankly, I have no desire to waste the rest of my afternoon discussing this particular issue with you,” she declared, her voice icy and resolute.
Alexander raised his eyebrows, the message clear: Wendy was furious. No, not just furious—she was incandescent with rage.
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in a gesture of reluctant acceptance, silently inviting her to continue.
“I know that Rena left a mark on you,” she began, her tone shifting slightly as she prepared to delve into the heart of the matter. Alexander opened his mouth to interject, but a pointed finger from Wendy silenced him instantly. “Don’t interrupt.”
Clearing her throat, she pressed on. “As I was saying, I understand that your relationship with her has caused you to lock away both your mind and your heart for far too long. It fueled your ambition and molded you into the Alpha you are today. But what you seem to overlook is that you are no longer trapped in that past.”
A wave of confusion washed over Alexander, and he instinctively folded his arms tighter across his chest. “I am fully aware of that,” he replied, his voice tinged with irritation.
“Are you, really? Because from where I’m standing, it seems you’re doing everything in your power to push Evelyn out of your life,” she countered, her voice steady yet piercing.
Frustration bubbled within him, a feeling that had been festering for the past week. His emotions toward Evelyn had been a confusing whirlwind, and every time he considered reaching out to her, he was haunted by the memory of their staggering encounter in the greenhouse.
“I know about the so-called conversation you two had the other day,” Wendy remarked, her eyes narrowing.
“It was merely a conversation,” he corrected, defensive. “I wouldn’t classify it as a ‘confrontation.'”
“Really? If that’s your stance, then I’m afraid I must question both your intelligence and your behavior. Evelyn told me all about how you confronted her in the greenhouse. You practically demanded she never speak to or be around Michael.”
Alexander scoffed, the sound escaping him like a hiss. “Yes, a request she blatantly ignored.”
“She ignored it because you failed to provide her with a proper explanation,” Wendy huffed, exasperated.
“Honestly, when have you ever done anything without questioning it?”
Damn it… She had a point.
He knew that Evelyn was a fierce, independent thinker. It was one of the many traits he had come to admire about her. Yet, what right did he have to be taken aback when she had outright refused his request?
His brow furrowed deeper, forming a grimace. “I’m trying to keep her safe.”
Wendy’s tone softened, revealing a hint of understanding. “I know that, dear. But all you needed to do was explain the situation to her fully.”
He fought against the urge to sneer. “It’s not as if she would have believed me.”
She shook her head, her expression firm. “You know she would have if you had just told her the truth. Instead, you left her confused and angry. And on top of that, you’ve been purposefully avoiding her for days. I know you’re stubborn, but sometimes you can be downright foolish.”
In truth, did she genuinely believe Evelyn would simply accept being ordered around?

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander)