chapter 21 - Rival

The next day, Rowena left, and Amy couldn't help but wonder why she had even come. From the way Rowena talked, it was clear she didn't really care for her son. Was it guilt or just some pity for her only child?

Amy looked sideways, her eyes catching sight of Zahn below, heading somewhere with books in his hands. A smile spread across her face as she decided to go to him. As she took a step down the stairs, her foot slipped on a small puddle of water she hadn't noticed. Her heart raced as she felt herself falling, fear gripping her.

Zahn looked up just in time to see Amy lose her balance. Without a second thought, he dropped his books and sprinted towards her, his heart pounding with worry. He reached her just in time to catch her in his arms before she hit the ground.

"Amy! Are you okay?" Zahn asked, his voice filled with concern.

Amy clung to him, her breath coming in quick gasps. "Zahn! Whoa, thanks!" she whispered, her voice shaky with relief. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she realized how close she had come to a nasty fall.

His anger flared up, not from annoyance, but from genuine concern. "Gosh, Amy, are you always falling? How come you're always in trouble?" he asked, his voice a mix of frustration and worry.

Amy laughed slightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, hey, it's not my fault this time. The stairs were slippery," she said, her eyes softening as she looked at him.

He gently let her down, shaking his head. "What will you even do without me? I need to look after you all the time," he said, his tone more tender.

Amy was still amused, and his scolding barely affected her, but she appreciated his care. "Where are you heading?"

He leaned down to pick up the books. "To the library, to return these," he replied, his voice calming down.

Amy picked up the fallen books as well. "That's boring. Zahn, let's skip classes and go to the arcade," she suggested, her playful side showing.

"…No, thanks." He pinched her nose gently. "Don't even think about it. Go back to your classes," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, Zahn, I really want to go to the arcade with you."

"Next time, alright?" he promised, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

"Well, fine if you say so," she responded, her playful pout giving way to a small, reluctant smile.

While Zahn wasn't looking, Amy quickly pressed her lips against his cheek, stunning him. "Amy…" His cheek turned red. "We are in college," he said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection.

She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Don't worry. Nobody is here."

Zahn sighed, a soft smile forming despite his initial embarrassment. "You always know how to catch me off guard," he said, shaking his head slightly.

Amy laughed, her laughter light and carefree. "That's part of my charm," she teased, nudging him playfully.

Zahn's smile widened as he looked at her, his eyes filled with affection. "I can't argue with that," he said softly. He reached out, taking her hand in his, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Zahn left for the library, leaving Amy to stroll through the quiet campus. With nothing much to do, her gaze fell on a beautiful flower near the pathway. She leaned down to pluck the flower, appreciating its delicate beauty.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Don't pluck the flowers here."

Startled, Amy straightened up and turned to see a girl standing a few steps away. The girl had her hair neatly tied into a bun and wore round glasses on her face, giving her an air of old-fashioned charm.

"Oh, sorry," Amy said, her eyes taking in the girl's composed demeanor.

The girl offered a plain smile. "I'm Ella, by the way. I'm in the same major as Zahn."

"Okay?" Amy replied, already feeling an inexplicable unease around Ella.

Ella continued, her tone calm and measured. "Honestly, you should leave Zahn."

Amy's eyes widened, wondering if she was hearing a joke. "What the...?" She furrowed her brows in confusion and irritation.

"Zahn is so much better than you," Ella said, her voice unwavering. "He is intelligent and ambitious. Don't use him for your selfish motives."

Amy's initial shock gave way to anger. "Excuse me?" she almost laughed at the audacity. "Who are you to even speak on our relationship? Zahn and I like each other, got it?"

Ella's eyes gleamed with a mixture of determination and disdain. "Fine, I will be clear. I like Zahn. His goals and mine align perfectly. I'm moved by his determination and ambition. You both don't even match. I've seen you guys a few times; it's like he's raising a big child who couldn't grow up. Be serious and leave him. It's for your own good."

"Anger bubbled inside Amy, evident in her eyes and the clenching of her fists. 'You're running your mouth too much, Ella. Zahn is only mine and nothing you say will change that. He cares about me more than you can ever imagine.'"

Ella gave her a side-eye, a hint of a smirk on her lips. "Your immaturity is showing, Amy. But to let you know, your relationship won't last long anyway. I won't even have to do anything." With that, Ella walked away, her posture confident and unyielding.

Amy stood there, stunned and seething. Her worst fear had materialized. Gosh. We are already dating, yet she is still eyeing him. I’ve got to deal with her.

Later at home, Amy went closer to Zahn, hugging his neck. It had almost become a habitual action to embrace him as soon as she returned home. Warmed by her actions, Zahn brought her closer to his lap.

An idea sparked in Amy's mind, brightening her expression. "Zahn, let's take a selfie. Show a cute pose!"

He laughed slightly. "Cute pose? How do I do it?"

"You know, like a cat. Show your paw—I mean, hand—like this." She made a gesture like a cat's paw.

Zahn felt these things were very childish, but anything for Amy, after all. He did the pose, still slightly embarrassed. Amy placed her hand under his chin, capturing the moment in a playful selfie.

"The photo looks great. I'm gonna post it," she said, amused by the adorable photo.

"Wait, don't do that..." he said, somewhat embarrassed.

"It's okay, Zahn. I just want to let others see, okay?" she replied and posted it, hoping Ella would see how happy they were together and give up on her fantasies over Zahn.

It was the first time Amy posted a picture with Zahn on social media, and her followers went crazy seeing the adorable picture of them. They were mostly surprised by how expressive Zahn seemed with Amy, posting their good wishes.

User1: "You guys look so adorable together!"

User2: "Haha, the pose is adorable. Never expected Zahn to do that. Such a perfect couple!"

User3: "So cute! You guys should marry already."

Amy chuckled as she read the comments. There were hardly any negative ones. She replied to the last comment, "Thanks, we will do it soon."

Why did I stay in a secret relationship for so long? It's more comfortable being open, she thought, a smile curving on her lips.

The next day during classes, someone came over and sat next to Zahn.

"Hey dude," said the guy, a classmate of Zahn, in the same major.

He had a wide, easygoing smile, thick brows that framed his expressive eyes, and an effortlessly fashionable look that made him stand out.

"Who are you?" Zahn said, momentarily looking up from his book before gazing down at it again.

"Ah, I'm Jack. Dude, we've been classmates for a while, but of course, you never pay attention to anyone. Anyway, I saw your picture yesterday... You looked something with that pose... haha," suddenly his laugh broke when he saw the sharp, cold eyes of Zahn gazing at him.

"So?" Zahn said, his voice cold.

Jack continued, "Uh, I'm surprised you and Amy are dating."

Zahn guessed this was just another person ready to voice their unsolicited opinion on his relationship. "Is this any of your business?" he retorted, his voice cold and unyielding.

...It's really hard to talk to him, just as everybody else said...! Jack thought.

"Chill, man. I am not here to say any rubbish. I'm surprised like everyone else, but in my opinion, you both look good together!"

Zahn still ignored him, picking up his books and bag, intending to head for the next class.

Jack followed persistently. "Do you want to be friends? You seem kinda interesting."

"No," Zahn said coldly, leaving the spot without a second glance.

How rude! Jack thought, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity about the enigmatic Zahn.

Ella quickly came over to Zahn, seizing the opportunity to get closer. "Zahn, did you hear about the Innovative Business Showcase?"

Zahn merely looked at her, his eyes sharp and indifferent. "I know that."

The program was designed for business studies students to present their innovative business ideas, projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. The event included presentations, networking opportunities, and guest speakers from the industry. It was considered very important for all the students.

Ella gazed at Zahn's sharp features, her eyes hopeful. "Can we form a group if you don't already have one? I assure you, I will try my best on the project."

Zahn nodded while walking down the corridor of the second floor. As he glanced downward, his eyes instantly noticed Amy with her friends, laughing and radiating energy and cheerfulness as always. His lips turned upward, a rare smile breaking through his stoic facade.

Ella's eyes widened slightly, and discomfort gnawed at her heart. She felt like someone like Zahn belonged to her, not to Amy, who she believed didn't match his values and was inconsiderate and selfish.

Ella calmed her racing heart. It won't go long. This relationship won't work out.

A few days passed, and it was time for the Innovative Business Solutions Showcase. Zahn and his group were ready to present their innovative project on sustainable packaging. The event hall hummed with activity as students, professors, and industry professionals mingled and prepared for the presentations.

Ella looked over at Zahn, a smile forming on her lips, happy for the time they had spent together during the project. She was prepared to perform well today and perhaps even impress Zahn.

Just as they were about to be called up, Zahn's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Amy:

"Zahn, my mom fell down the stairs! Can you come??"

Zahn's heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he turned to his teammates. "I have to go. It's an emergency."

Ella's eyes widened in shock. " Huh? What? You're leaving? What about our project..."

"I'm sorry, everyone. There's an emergency"

Zahn's voice was firm, but his eyes were filled with urgency. He quickly apologized to the rest of the group and rushed out of the event hall, his heart pounding as he made his way to Amy's side.

Ella watched his disappearing figure, disappointment etched on her face, while others around her looked bewildered. Zahn, who had always been so dedicated and responsible, how could he miss such an important event?

Is it because of Amy?

Ella thought, jealousy and resentment building up inside her, clearly reflected in her eyes.

She is ruining his life, his dreams..!