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."

set off down the forest path

orange juice, a full bowl of oatmeal, fresh bread, and even packed roasted chicken wings, chocolate, and a thermos of milk. There's no way I can't keep up!" But it turned out she had really overestimated

finished all her snacks,

back. Zayn hasn't even slowed down

grumbled under her breath. "It's just a lap around the lake

fare just to buy groceries. If I could do it then,

legs and shook out her muscles

pulled out her

the silence. "As a kid, he even ran away and changed his name so many times, but in

the way, is

doesn't seem to age, è with tears that could rival any soap opera star. Even Victor can't say a word after a look from his dad and a

runaway attempts later-and just as many tear-filled scenes he finally dropped

giving Tina an annoyed look.

with you. This is peak enjoyment! A scenic walk, fresh

a few things," Zayn said, and, with

distance-a dot she couldn't hope to catch up with. Exhausted, she

by the Donovan

right into the surveillance camera, hands on her hips. "Think you've left me in the dust? Just wait-I'll

the last of

the evening, after getting ready, Tina received a text from Maria with a line of smiling emojis. [I am home

door, running the short distance to the Donovan

dressed in her own jewelry designs, was waiting at the entrance. When she spotted Tina,

time inviting a friend