The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 80

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 80: From Bad To Worse**

[Evelyn’s POV]

I had genuinely hoped that my visit to the market would provide a much-needed escape from the swirling chaos in my mind. After all, this place was supposed to be my sanctuary, my happy place.

Yet, despite my intentions, the weight of all the conversations Wendy and I had shared lingered in my thoughts like an unwelcome shadow. I felt as though I had embarked on an endless journey through a maze of my own making, spiraling deeper into a labyrinth of worries and uncertainties.

How long had I been wandering? Time seemed to slip away from me as I realized I had probably traversed the entire marketplace at least three times. My feet ached with each step, a painful reminder of my aimless wandering.

I should have paused to appreciate the vibrant stalls surrounding me, each one brimming with colors, scents, and the promise of delightful discoveries. This was a place I adored, and yet here I was, neglecting its charm by being lost in my thoughts.

What was to become of my relationship with Alexander? The fact that we were married felt more like a heavy anchor than a source of joy. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were inching towards a reality where we lived as mere strangers sharing a roof, rather than partners in life.

This was not the future I had envisioned. It was never what I had desired.

From the very beginning, I had dreamed of marrying the man I loved, someone who would stand by my side through every storm. I longed for a partner who could see me for who I truly was, someone who would support my passions and share my dreams.

It would have been a delightful bonus if he had also shared my deep-rooted fascination with agriculture.

I craved a relationship filled with laughter, warmth, and passion. I wanted to share not just my dreams and aspirations, but also my fears and insecurities.

I recalled the day I was supposed to marry Alexander… It felt like a lifetime ago, as if I were a completely different person back then.

In truth, I had resigned myself to the reality that my marriage to Alexander was likely to become devoid of love—a mere business arrangement, devoid of the warmth I had once hoped for.

I had come to terms with that.

However, as time passed and Alexander and I began to navigate our lives together, the notion of an ‘arranged match’ started to fade into the background. We still led our separate lives, but there was an underlying current of respect and understanding that began to blossom between us.

Slowly, we were drawing closer. The kisses we exchanged, though few and far between, felt like promises—fragile yet hopeful. Promises that one day, love would find its way into our relationship.

That was the direction I believed we were heading toward. But then… everything came crashing down!

A swell of emotion surged within me as I abruptly stopped in my tracks. I blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. I refused to let my vulnerability be exposed in such a public space.

Oh, God. The last thing I needed was for someone to approach me and inquire if I was okay.

I needed to pull myself together.

As I surveyed the bustling market, I quickly concluded that it would be best to return to the manor. The ache in my feet and legs intensified, a nagging reminder of my weariness. I was beyond tired, and all I had accomplished was to deepen my own despair.

I didn’t want to taint my happy place with my negative feelings any longer.

Just as I turned to head back toward the parking lot, a voice called out my name, slicing through my thoughts.

“Evelyn!”

My heart raced as I turned to see who it was. Michael.

With everything Alexander had said and Wendy’s insightful analysis of Michael’s character within the Kingston family, I found myself grappling with mixed emotions about being near him. It wasn’t fear that gripped me, but rather an unsettling uncertainty.

I appreciated Michael’s keen interest in plants and their myriad properties; however, I knew so little about him beyond that. I felt torn, caught between a desire to learn more and the caution Alexander had instilled in me.

Apparently, Michael was dangerous—potentially dangerous. Yet, he had never displayed any signs of hostility or malice toward me. That in itself was puzzling.

Despite my unease, I forced myself to maintain a calm exterior. “Michael, hello,” I greeted him, my voice steady but my heart racing.

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