Chapter 389: Make Things Difficult on Purpose
At the Houston Martial Arts School—on the open-air training ground—Sophia was drenched in sweat as she ran laps under the scorching sun.
She had only recently begun her martial arts journey and, like any beginner, had to start with the fundamentals. Running was one of the most basic yet crucial forms of training, meant to strengthen her body and temper her willpower.
But her teacher, Brian Wood, was clearly making things difficult for her on purpose.
While all the other students had been allowed to rest under the shade, only Sophia was still being pushed relentlessly. Every time she so much as slowed down, Brian would appear behind her like a shadow, his whip slicing through the air before striking her back.
"Faster! Faster! Keep those legs moving!" he barked. "Your martial arts talent is the worst I've ever seen. If you want to survive here, you have to work twice as hard as the others!"
His voice boomed across the field like thunder. "If you're too soft to take the pain, then quit. I'll allow you to rest—so long as you never come back! Go home and rest for good!"
Sophia's legs burned. Her lungs felt like they were on fire. Sweat blurred her vision, turning the dirt track in front of her into a distorted haze.
But she didn't utter a word of complaint. She clenched her teeth and ran on.
This opportunity was hard-earned. She couldn't afford to let it slip away.
Ever since the Flaherty Family had been destroyed, the Long Family had lost its backing. Sophia had no one to rely on but herself.
If she failed here—if she showed any weakness—she knew exactly what fate awaited her. She would be forced to marry Hardy. The Long Family would offer her up like a bargaining chip without hesitation.