When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 113: Just here

Chapter 113: Just here

Samuel placed the plates on the table, the warm aroma of his cooking filling the room. He’d prepared a simple stir-fry—vibrant vegetables mixed with tender pieces of chicken. It was nothing elaborate, but there was a comforting warmth in its simplicity.

Zinnia looked down at the food, a small, surprised smile flickering across her face. "This looks great," she said, picking up her fork. "I’m still surprised you have this side to you, Mr. CEO."

Samuel let out a soft laugh, and the air between them seemed to relax. "There’s a lot you don’t know about me," he replied, taking his own seat across from her.

They began eating, settling into a quiet rhythm. For a few moments, they focused on their plates, the clinking of forks breaking the silence. But Samuel noticed the way her gaze drifted occasionally, as if she was far away in her thoughts.

"So," he said, trying to bring her back to the present, "how’s the movie project going?"

She paused, considering his question. "It’s coming together," she said, giving a small sigh. "Long days, though. Everyone has their own vision, and I’m just trying to get us all on the same page. It’s exhausting, but... it’s good work."

She took another bite, glancing back at him. "And this is really good, by the way. I could get used to this," she added with a sincere smile.

"Glad to hear it," he replied, feeling a bit lighter himself.

A comfortable silence fell between them, and for a moment, they just ate in peace. But soon Zinnia’s expression softened, and her eyes lowered slightly.

"Sometimes... I feel like I’m barely keeping up," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s like everyone else is moving forward, and I’m just... here."

Samuel set down his fork, his gaze steady on her. He understood that feeling all too well. "It’s hard, watching things change and feeling like you’re stuck," he said quietly. "But that doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward."

She looked up at him briefly, her eyes distant but touched by his words. "Maybe," she replied, a bit lost in thought. "It’s just... some things don’t come back. It’s hard to accept that."

He felt a stab of frustration, thinking of James. The past hung over them, shadowing every moment like an invisible wall he could never fully break through. He wanted to tell her, to remind her that he was here, right in front of her. Instead, he reached across the table, his hand resting near hers. "I’m here, Zia. Whatever you’re feeling... I’m here."

She glanced down at his hand, and for a brief second, he thought she might reach back. But she didn’t; she only nodded, a small, grateful smile on her lips. "Thank you, Sam. I... I appreciate that."

They finished their meal, lightening the mood with a bit of small talk. Samuel found himself hanging onto every smile she gave him, every laugh that escaped her lips at his dry remarks.

After clearing the plates, she joined him at the sink, the two moving in sync as they washed and dried the dishes. It was a simple thing, almost mundane, but it felt peaceful in a way neither of them expected.

"Maybe I’ll keep this up," he joked, glancing at her. "A second career in cooking. Just in case the board ever gets tired of me."

She let out a soft laugh, the sound filling the kitchen. "Just make sure it doesn’t distract you from running an entire company."

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile. "It’s all about balance. Maybe cooking will keep me grounded." They shared a quiet laugh, the moment easing the space between them.

As they finished, he sensed a shift in the air. Something unspoken lingered, and Samuel felt the weight of it.

"Zia," he said, turning to her. "About everything with... with James. I know it’s a lot. But I want you to know that I’m not going anywhere."

She looked at him, her face soft but unreadable. "I know. It’s just... I thought I’d moved on, but sometimes it feels like I’m still there, holding onto something that might never come back."

He nodded, choosing his words carefully. "You don’t have to let it all go at once. Just... don’t let it stop you from living."

She nodded back, a small, appreciative look in her eyes. They stood there a moment, just looking at each other, a quiet understanding passing between them. "Thank you, Sam," she said softly.

After a pause, she glanced over to the living room, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Feel like watching a movie?"

"Sure," he replied, grateful for the chance to ease into a lighter note. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Maybe that new comedy everyone’s talking about. I could use a laugh." Her smile warmed, lighting her face.

"Sounds perfect." He grabbed the remote, setting up the movie as they settled onto the couch side by side. As the film started, he noticed her lean just a little closer, a subtle warmth settling between them.

Laughter and bright scenes filled the room, drawing them both in. Every now and then, he’d glance over, watching her eyes crinkle with laughter, the way she seemed a little lighter, as though she’d let some of her burdens slip away for the moment. By the time the credits rolled, they were both more at ease, the earlier tension replaced by a gentle calm.

"That was fun," Zinnia said, turning to him with a smile as the movie ended, the glow of the screen still lighting her face.

"Yeah, it was," he replied, unable to keep his own smile from growing. "Thanks for sticking around tonight."

She met his gaze, a soft sincerity in her expression. "And thank you, for dinner and just... for being here."

They sat in comfortable silence as the night settled around them, both feeling a quiet warmth that words couldn’t quite capture.

As the evening wore on, Zinnia stifled a yawn, stretching her arms overhead. "Guess it’s time for bed," she said, rising from her seat.

"Yeah," Samuel agreed, standing as well, feeling the weight of the day lifting.

She turned to him, a thankful smile on her lips. "Goodnight, Sam. I’ll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Zia," he replied softly, watching her head toward the stairs.

"Goodnight, Sam," she called over her shoulder, the warmth of the evening lingering in the quiet house as they exchanged one last look before parting ways.