She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 409

Zayn didn't slow down just because Tina was struggling to keep up. For the next hour or so, he stuck to his own pace, walking his usual route.

Tina, though, was struggling. After over an hour of following him, she finally made it back to her place, her legs aching like they had been through a marathon. "Ugh, okay, exercise is good and all," she groaned, sinking her feet into the hot water, rubbing her sore legs and stomach. "But this is a bit much, isn't it?" She sighed, thinking to herself, "If I quit now, he will just think I'm all talk. Like, I'm not actually serious about this."

She paused, wiping away an imaginary tear. "I brought this on myself. I chose the male lead, so even if I'm crying, I have to keep chasing him." Just then, Maria's message popped up: [Tina, I'm finishing my advanced studies tomorrow and will be back in Kitmore City in the evening.] Tina's face lit up. [That's awesome! I can't wait!]

Maria: [How about dinner tomorrow night? My family is hardly ever home lately, so there will only four people, maybe. It's gonna be chill.]

In Maria's mind, Tina was a bit of a homebody. Since it was her first time coming over, she figured Tina would feel more comfortable with just a few people around.

Tina quickly typed back. [Sounds perfect, I will be there.]

She giggled to herself after sending the message.

When Maria got back, Tina would have her support to get closer to the Donovan family-and to Zayn. It was a solid plan.

In a great mood, Tina wrote over seven thousand words that night before heading to bed feeling satisfied.

*****

The next morning, Zayn stepped outside and spotted Tina waiting for him, dressed in casual clothes with a little waist bag slung around.

"Morning, Zayn!" she called out, waving at him with a grin. "I am here to join you for your morning walk."

Zayn just shrugged. "If you think you can keep up, go ahead."

he set off down the forest path

oatmeal, fresh bread, and even packed roasted chicken wings, chocolate, and a thermos of milk.

finished all her snacks, and Zayn

scowled at his back. Zayn hasn't even slowed down to let her catch my

it if I gave up now, wouldn't you?" she grumbled under her breath. "It's just a lap around the lake and

to save on bus fare just to

stretched her legs and shook out her muscles

she finally caught up to Zayn, panting as she pulled out her phone, turned the volume up,

narrator's voice filled the silence. "As a kid, he even ran away and changed his name so

by the way, is his

age, è with tears that could rival any soap opera star. Even Victor

many tear-filled scenes

Tina an annoyed look. "Do you have to torture me with

big grin. "Torture? No way. I'm just sharing an amazing story with you. This is peak enjoyment! A scenic walk, fresh air, and a good book in the background-what's

said,

keep up. Soon enough, though, she lost sight of him completely. Zayn became a tiny dot in the distance-a dot she couldn't hope to catch up with. Exhausted,

the Donovan

the surveillance camera, hands on her hips. "Think you've left me in the dust?

seen the last of

ready, Tina received a text from Maria with a line of smiling emojis. [I am home and

darted out the door, running the

spotted Tina, she blushed and greeted her, a bit flustered.

time inviting a friend over