From Farm to FIFA: Hidden Desire
past
Strong-willed, independent, and secretly carrying a flame from her teenage years. Daughter of the longtime cowboy on the Holland estate, she returns to help her father and earn money, never expecting to come face-to-face with the boy she once chased around the stables.
The golden boy of English football. Captain of the national team, worshipped by millions, with a jaw-dropping estate that hides his need for peace.
The afternoon sun beat down on the sprawling Holland family estate. Zendaya wiped sweat from her forehead, pushing the wheelbarrow full of fresh hay toward the stables. Her dad walked beside her, boots kicking up dust.
Zendaya(fl)
Dad, I’ve been helping you here every summer since I was little. I think I know how to move hay by now.”
...
Her dad chuckled, adjusting his cowboy hat. “Still my little girl. Even if you’re all grown up and taller than half the boys in town
They reached the main stable block attached to the big mansion. Tom Holland’s family estate was massive — private fields, horses, and the main house that looked like it belonged in a movie.
Tom Holland(ml)
Walking out from the side door of the mansion, wiping his hands on a towel, wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans
Tom Holland(ml)
Uncle Marcus! How are you doing today?
Zendaya’s dad straightened up immediately, a warm smile spreading across his face.
...
Tom, my boy! I’m doing alright. Just showing Zara the ropes again. How’s training going? You looked strong out on the pitch last week
Tom Holland(ml)
Grinning, walking closer Training’s brutal but good. Coach is pushing us hard for the next international window. l
Tom Holland(ml)
Looks at Zendaya, tilting his head slightly Wait… Uncle, who is this? She looks familiar.
...
Patting Zendaya’s shoulder proudly This is my daughter, Zara. Zendaya, actually. You two used to play together when you were kids. Running around the farm, chasing the chickens, all that mess. Then you and your brothers started traveling more for football… she was about thirteen or fourteen back then.
Tom Holland(ml)
Eyes widening a little, stepping closer with a surprised but friendly smile No way. Zara? extends his hand Hi. I’m Tom. It’s been years, huh? You’ve… grown up a lot.
Zendaya(fl)
Shaking his hand, trying to keep her voice steady even though her heart was suddenly racing Hi… yeah. Nice to meet you again, I guess. Or re-meet you. Dad talks about you all the time
Tom Holland(ml)
Still holding the handshake a second longer than necessary, smiling softly All good things I hope. lets go and rubs the back of his neck Sorry I didn’t recognize you right away. You were this tiny girl with braids always trying to ride the old pony.
Zendaya(fl)
Laughing lightly, feeling her cheeks warm Yeah, and you and your brothers were the ones who always convinced me I could jump the fences. I almost broke my arm once.
...
Laughing lightly, feeling her cheeks warm Yeah, and you and your brothers were the ones who always convinced me I could jump the fences. I almost broke my arm once.
Zendaya(fl)
Dad! nudging him, embarrassed Stop it.
past 1
Tom Holland(ml)
Raising an eyebrow, amused Crush, huh? teasing tone Well, I’m flattered. Most people just want selfies these days
Zendaya(fl)
Crossing her arms, trying to play it cool I was a kid. Now I’m just here helping Dad while I figure things out. Cart duty, cleaning the guest stables, whatever needs doing.
Tom Holland(ml)
Nodding, looking at her more seriously That’s good. Uncle Marcus has been with us forever. Best cowboy on the property. If you need anything while you’re here, just say. The mansion staff can be a bit… much sometimes.
...
She’s tough, Tom. Been working with me since she could walk. But I appreciate you looking out.
Tom Holland(ml)
Glancing at Zendaya again Of course. smiles Nice to properly meet you, Zendaya. Or Zara? Which do you prefer?
Zendaya(fl)
Either is fine. Most people call me Zendaya now.
Tom Holland(ml)
Zendaya it is. checks his watch I’ve got a call with my agent in ten, but I’ll be back out later. Maybe I’ll see you around the stables?
Tom Holland(ml)
Gives a small wave and starts walking back toward the mansion, then pauses and turns Oh, and Uncle Marcus — tell me if she gives you any trouble. I’ll put her to work myself.
Tom Holland(ml)
Gives a small wave and starts walking back toward the mansion, then pauses and turns Oh, and Uncle Marcus — tell me if she gives you any trouble. I’ll put her to work myself.
...
Laughing She’s already better than half your city boys who come for riding lessons
Tom disappears inside. Zendaya lets out a long breath and leans against the wheelbarrow.
crush
Zendaya(fl)
Quietly, to her dad He’s… really tall now. And famous. Like, everywhere.
...
Smiling knowingly He’s still the same kid who used to steal apples from the orchard with you. Just got bigger dreams. Don’t let that fame fool you though. He works hard.
Zendaya(fl)
Biting her lip, heart still fluttering Yeah… I remember playing tag with him and his brothers. He was always the fastest. Now he’s on TV every weekend.
...
Patting her back Life’s funny sometimes. You two running around this farm as kids… now look at him. Captain of the national team. But he still comes back here to train and clear his head. This place keeps him grounded.
Pushing the wheelbarrow again, trying to hide her smile He remembered me. Sort of.
...
Chuckling He remembered enough. Come on, let’s finish this before the horses get impatient.
They continued working. Later that evening, as the sun dipped low, Tom came back out in a fresh shirt, hair still damp from a shower
Tom Holland(ml)
Walking over to where Zendaya was brushing one of the horses Hey again. Need a hand?
Zendaya(fl)
Surprised, handing him the brush You sure? Isn’t the big football star supposed to be resting?
Tom Holland(ml)
Taking the brush and starting to help, shoulder to shoulder with her Resting is overrated. Plus, I like it out here. Quiet. No cameras. glances at her So… how long are you staying on the estate?
Zendaya(fl)
Whole summer, probably. Dad needed extra help and I needed the money. College doesn’t pay for itself.
Tom Holland(ml)
Respect. Most people see the big house and think everything’s easy. It’s not. pauses brushing Your dad… he’s been like family. Helped me a lot when I was younger. I owe him.
Zendaya(fl)
He speaks highly of you too. Always says you never forgot where you came from.
Tom Holland(ml)
Small smile Trying not to. looks at her directly It’s good to have you here, Zendaya. Really.
Zendaya(fl)
Feeling that old crush rush back hard Thanks, Tom.
They worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the horse between them. Tom’s arm brushed hers accidentally.
Tom Holland(ml)
You know… if you ever want to watch training or something, I can get you a pass. No cart duty required.
Zendaya(fl)
Trying to get me out of actual work already?
Tom Holland(ml)
Maybe. Or maybe I just want to catch up with the girl who used to beat me at hide and seek.
Zendaya(fl)
I let you win sometimes.
Tom Holland(ml)
Grinning Liar.
Her dad called from the other side of the stable.
...
Zara! Time to head back to the cabin for dinner!
Zendaya(fl)
Calling back Coming, Dad! turns to Tom Duty calls.
Tom Holland(ml)
Handing the brush back, fingers brushing again See you tomorrow, Zendaya
Zendaya(fl)
Yeah… see you tomorrow.
She walked away with her dad, heart pounding. That old teenage crush? It just came back full force.
...
Noticing her smile Careful, kid. He’s a good boy… but that world he lives in? It’s complicated.
Zendaya(fl)
I know, Dad. Just… it’s nice to see him again.
As they headed toward their small cabin on the edge of the property, Zendaya couldn’t stop replaying his smile, his voice, the way he said her name.
Little did she know, Tom was watching her walk away from the stable door, a thoughtful look on his face.
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