When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 105: Facing the truth

Chapter 105: Facing the truth

Zinnia put her book down, her gaze steady on Samuel. "You’re not just busy, are you? You seem... different."

"I’m fine," he said quickly, a little too quickly. "Just a lot on my mind."

"Samuel," she said softly, "you can talk to me. You know that, right?"

He hesitated, the tension of the day weighing heavily on him. "I appreciate it, Zinnia. I really do. But it’s complicated."

She frowned, worry deepening in her eyes. "Complicated how? You can’t keep pushing me away."

"I’m not trying to," he insisted, running a hand through his hair. "It’s just... some things are better left unsaid."

"But that just makes it worse," she said, her voice rising slightly. "You can’t just shut me out. I’m here for you!"

"I know," he said, frustration creeping into his voice. "But I need to handle this myself. I don’t want to drag you into my mess."

Zinnia crossed her arms, hurt flashing in her eyes. "So you’d rather go through this alone?"

He sighed, feeling the weight of his choices. "It’s not that simple."

"Then make it simple! You’re my fiancé. We’re supposed to be a team," she urged, her voice steady despite the emotion behind it.

"I’m trying," he replied, the strain in his voice evident. "I just... I need to figure things out first."

Zinnia looked at him, her expression softening. "Just promise me you won’t shut me out completely."

"I promise," he said, though he wasn’t sure how he would keep that promise.

As he stepped away, the weight of their conversation lingered. He could feel her gaze on his back as he walked away. But as he moved to his study, the knot in his stomach tightened again. The danger was real, and he had to confront it. But at what cost?

---

In the dim light of his study, Samuel closed the door and let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He sat down at his desk, the night stretching out before him. The conversation with Zinnia replayed in his mind, each word a reminder of the distance growing between them.

His phone buzzed again. A message from Timmy: "Sir, I think I’ve found something. We need to meet."

Samuel’s heart raced. This could be the breakthrough he needed. He typed back quickly: "Where?"

"Same place as before. I’ll be waiting."

Samuel grabbed his jacket and headed out again, determination coursing through him. The night was far from over, and he had to find answers before it was too late.

As he drove to the meeting point, he couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was spiraling out of control. But he couldn’t allow fear to paralyze him. He had to keep moving forward, for himself and for Zinnia. She deserved the truth, even if it was hard to face.

---

When he arrived, Timmy was waiting, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "You’re late," he said, but the tension in his voice was gone.

Samuel rolled his eyes. "You’re getting cocky now, Timmy."

Timmy smirked, his eyes twinkling. "I’m just kidding, sir. I’m only trying to lighten the atmosphere and ease the tension."

"Let’s just get to it," Samuel said, impatience creeping into his voice.

Timmy pushed himself off the wall, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a look of grim determination. "I found out where they’re meeting next," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Cain and Marlo are planning something big. Tonight, actually."

Samuel’s jaw tightened. "Where?"

"An old warehouse near the docks," Timmy replied, glancing around to make sure they weren’t overheard. "It’s abandoned. They’ll be there in an hour, maybe less."

Samuel’s mind raced. He couldn’t let this slip through his fingers. If he confronted them now, he might finally get the answers he needed—answers about what Cain was forcing Marlo into and why this felt so personal. "Alright, let’s go."

Timmy hesitated, watching Samuel with a look of concern. "You sure about this? Cain’s not one to mess around, and if things go south—"

"I’m done waiting around. I need to know what they’re planning," Samuel replied, his voice steely. "Besides, I won’t let him keep using Marlo like this. Whatever Cain’s got on him, it ends tonight."

With a reluctant nod, Timmy led the way to his car, and they drove in silence to the docks. The streets were quiet, the moon casting eerie shadows over the old buildings, and the distant sound of waves echoed against the rusted metal.

When they reached the warehouse, they parked a safe distance away and approached on foot, keeping to the shadows. Through a crack in the warehouse’s old, weathered door, Samuel could see Marlo and Cain standing in the middle of the room, their voices low but tense.

"I did everything you asked, Cain," Marlo was saying, desperation evident in his voice. "But I can’t keep going like this. It’s getting too dangerous. People are starting to notice."

Cain sneered, stepping closer to Marlo. "You think I care? You’re in this because you owe me. Don’t forget that."

Marlo shrank back, his shoulders slumping as he looked away. "I know. But there has to be another way. This is tearing me apart."

"Then toughen up," Cain spat. "Or I’ll make sure everyone knows exactly who’s been pulling the strings. And trust me, Marlo, you won’t like the consequences."

Samuel felt his fists clench. He’d known Cain was ruthless, but seeing it firsthand, seeing how he manipulated people, made his blood boil. He wanted to charge in, but he held himself back, knowing he needed proof, something concrete he could use against Cain.

Timmy leaned close, his voice barely a whisper. "What’s the plan?"

Samuel’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "We wait. Let them finish, and we follow them out. We need to know everything."

The minutes ticked by slowly, each one a test of patience. Cain continued berating Marlo, pushing him further and further into a corner. Marlo tried to argue back, but every time, Cain shut him down, using threats and leverage to keep him in line.

Finally, Cain turned on his heel, signaling the end of their conversation. "Don’t forget, Marlo," he called over his shoulder. "Tomorrow night. And make sure you’re not followed. If you screw this up, it’s over for you."