NOVEL WEB Chapter 866: Bigger Fish
Villain Ch 866. Bigger Fish
Sophia stood with Mark near the weight benches, occasionally glancing over at Allen and Gerry. She noticed how Gerry had spotted her talking to Mark and promptly reported it to Allen. Though she couldn't hear their conversation and Allen never looked her way, she could sense the impact her actions were having.
From her vantage point, she saw the subtle shift in Allen's demeanor. He was usually so composed, his focus unwavering during his workouts. But today, she managed to disturb that calm. She observed how Allen's concentration faltered, and how he had to lower his weights before finishing his set. It was a small victory, but a significant one. Her plan seemed to be working.
Sophia felt a surge of satisfaction. Despite the years that had passed, she still had the ability to get under Allen's skin. It reminded her of the power dynamics, the push and pull of their relationship. She knew Allen well enough to recognize the signs of irritation and distraction.
His stiff movements, the slight tension in his jaw, and the way he had taken a break to talk to Gerry—all of it indicated that her presence and actions were affecting him.
She turned back to Mark, her expression open and engaged, though her mind was still half-focused on Allen.
"So, what's the best way to balance cardio and strength training?" she asked, her tone genuinely curious.
Mark nodded, keeping his response measured. "It depends on your goals. For overall fitness, I'd recommend alternating days—one day focused on strength, the next on cardio. It gives your muscles time to recover."
"That's interesting," Sophia replied, leaning in slightly, flashing a cute smile to Mark. "I've always focused more on cardio, but I want to build more muscle. Do you think adding more protein to my diet would help?" she said though she wasn't interested in it at all.
"Yes, protein is essential for muscle repair and growth," Mark said. "But make sure you're getting a balanced intake of carbs and fats as well. Too much of one thing can throw off your diet." His voice was serious.
Sophia smiled, trying to steer the conversation slightly off course. "You really know your stuff. How long have you been going to this gym?"
Mark's professional demeanor didn't waver. "I've been here for about five years now. I've seen a lot of people achieve their goals, which is really rewarding."
"That sounds fulfilling," Sophia said, her eyes twinkling with interest. "So, what's your take on high-protein diets?" Sophia asked, flashing a charming smile.
Mark returned her smile with a polite one of his own. "They can be effective for building muscle mass, but it's important to balance it with other nutrients. Too much protein can strain your kidneys over time."
Sophia nodded, leaning in slightly once more to reduce their distance. "That's good to know. I've been trying to find the right balance. Do you have any specific recommendations?"
"Well, it depends on your goals," Mark said, his tone still professional. "For general fitness, a balanced diet with lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats is best."
"Sounds practical," Sophia replied, batting her eyelashes subtly. "I guess it's all about moderation. Maybe you can share a healthy recipe or two with me," she threw her bait so she could invite him to her apartment or vice versa.
"Exactly," Mark agreed. "And consistency is key. You can't expect results overnight. For the recipes, you can find them online. Just type healthy recipe keywords and add your favorite ingredients. They will give a lot of it."
Sophia sighed dramatically, making sure to keep it playful. "Okay," she said. "But… Patience has never been my strong suit."
Mark chuckled softly. "It's something we all have to work on. Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint."
Sophia decided to test the waters a bit more. "Do you spend a lot of time here? I've noticed you around quite a bit."
"Yes, I'm here most days," Mark replied, maintaining his professional tone. "I like to keep a regular schedule."
"That's impressive," Sophia said, genuinely curious. "What keeps you motivated?"
Mark's eyes flickered with a hint of personal passion. "I enjoy helping people reach their fitness goals. It's rewarding to see the progress."
Sophia sensed an opening. "That's really admirable. Do you find time for other hobbies?"
Mark smiled, though it was clear he was keeping the conversation within safe bounds. "I try to balance my time, but fitness is a big part of my life."
Sophia pressed on. "Do you ever feel like it's all-consuming?"
"Sometimes," Mark admitted, "but I think it's important to have a healthy work-life balance. It's something I strive for."
"Any tips for achieving that balance?" Sophia asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Mark nodded thoughtfully. "Prioritize your time and make sure to set aside moments for yourself and loved ones. It's all about creating a sustainable routine." Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire
Sophia's mind briefly wandered to Allen and their past, but she quickly refocused. "That's great advice. I'll try to keep that in mind."
Mark's gaze shifted briefly to the gym floor, then back to her. "You'll do well if you stay dedicated."
Sophia kept the conversation with Mark going, though she quickly realized he might be a bit guarded, likely because she was new and had only recently joined this gym. Mark maintained a professional distance, steering their dialogue firmly within the topic of health, fitness goals, and general gym-related topics.
Despite her attempts to lure him into more personal territory, he didn't deviate from these subjects.
But that was okay for her. Sophia acknowledged to herself that Mark had a quite handsome face and an athletic body, different from Allen's aura but equally appealing in its own way. If the expensive bike outside did belong to him, it indicated wealth—a much bigger plus point compared to Allen.
She had to admit that even though her initial plan was to make Allen jealous, if Mark showed interest, she wouldn't mind exploring a relationship with him. She needed to be realistic about her options and Mark was a bigger fish than Allen or even Elio.