THE ROOKIE driver ✔

Chapter14: Summer break part one

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"Come on, Matteo! Just one more rep!" Stefano's voice rang out, strong but calm, cutting through the steady rhythm of the gym. It wasn't the busiest time, so the only real noise was the clang of weights, the soft hum of a treadmill in the background, and Matteo's labored breathing. He gripped the dumbbells like they were his lifeline, every muscle screaming at him to stop, but his determination pushed him through another set of bicep curls. His arms trembled, sweat dripped down his face, and it felt like his muscles were being roasted alive.

Stefano stood in front of him, watching closely, making sure Matteo's form was on point. "Keep those elbows in. Don't cheat yourself. Focus," he said, his tone cool but demanding. Standing just a step behind, Adam as usual chimed in too. "You've got this, Matteo. One more push!"

Matteo's jaw clenched, teeth grinding as the fire in his arms spread through his entire body. He was close, so close to finishing, but it felt like the weight had tripled in his hands. His breath came in heavy bursts, each exhale timed with every lift, his vision narrowing down to the dumbbells in front of him.

"Two more! Push it, Matteo!" Adam's voice now mixed with Stefano's steady instructions. It was a relentless duo, refusing to let him off the hook. Matteo's arms screamed, but he wasn't about to quit. He wouldn't quit. Not with Stefano's and Adam's eyes on him. The last rep came like a miracle, his arms shaking so hard it felt like they might just give up and fall off.

With a deep, guttural grunt, Matteo hoisted the weights one final time before dropping them to the floor with a loud, satisfying thud. He hunched over, hands on his knees, gasping for air like he'd just run a marathon. His shirt was soaked through, clinging to him like a second skin, and the ache in his muscles was like nothing he'd felt in a long time. It was the kind of exhaustion that settled deep in his bones.

Between breaths, Matteo managed a weak smile, grabbing his water bottle and unscrewing the cap with shaky hands. "I thought I was supposed to *gain* weight, not sweat it all off," he muttered, the cool water providing some much-needed relief as it slid down his throat.

Stefano cracked a grin, but Adam jumped in before he could. "You're rebuilding muscle, Matteo. You lost a lot, and it's not just about shoving calories down your throat. Strength first, weight second." His voice was firm but encouraging, just like always. Matteo could tell Adam was pleased with his effort, even if it felt like his body was falling apart.

Matteo wiped the sweat from his face with a towel, still feeling the tremors in his arms. "I hate both of you," he mumbled, though there was more frustration in his voice than real venom.

Stefano chuckled softly, glancing at Adam with a knowing look. "You say that now, but we know better."

Adam flashed Matteo a teasing smile. "Love you too, buddy. Now, go hit the showers. You're stinking up the place."

Matteo groaned, pushing himself off the wall, his legs dragging as if they were filled with cement. The thought of a long, hot shower was his only saving grace. As he walked toward the locker room, he threw a playful middle finger over his shoulder, not bothering to turn around.

"Nice form on that finger, Matteo!" Adam called after him, laughing. Stefano just shook his head, already moving to tidy up the gym, but there was a proud look in his eyes. They both knew Matteo was giving it everything, even if the young driver didn't realize how much progress he was making.

August 10 was one of those days Matteo had been dreading for weeks, and it had finally arrived. The summer break was halfway done, and while most people were soaking up the sun or unwinding on vacation, Matteo's reality looked very different. Today wasn't just a checkpoint—it was a full-on crossroads for his recovery. The big question hanging over him like a storm cloud: Could he finally go home for the rest of the break, or was he stuck in London, grinding away at the factory and battling through his recovery plan?