When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 117: Unexpected attention

Chapter 117: Unexpected attention

Zinnia had just finished sending an email to Victoria when her phone rang. The moment she saw Samuel’s name on the screen, a small smile appeared on her lips.

"Hi, Sam! You called—how’s your day so far?" she answered warmly.

On the other end of the line, Samuel’s face lit up the instant he heard her voice. The tension he had felt earlier seemed to vanish, replaced by a smile. "Zia, how are you? Do you have time for lunch?"

Zinnia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she responded, "Yeah, I have time. Where are you planning to treat me?"

"There’s a nice restaurant close to your office," Samuel said. "Should I make a reservation now?"

"Oh, that’s sad," Zinnia teased. "I thought Sam-Sam would cook for me."

He chuckled, catching onto her playful tone. "If that’s what my highness, Goddess Zia, desires, then this humble servant will gladly obey."

Zinnia laughed. "Oh? So, should I expect a grand feast, then?"

"Of course," Samuel replied happily. "My Goddess Zia deserves nothing less. A grand feast it shall be, prepared by your loyal servant."

"Come on!" Zinnia laughed again. "I’m just kidding. I know you’re tired from work. I’ll handle the reservation—no need for you to cook. You deserve a break. I’ll message you the place."

"No, let me take care of it," Samuel insisted. "I’m the one who wants to treat you."

"Let this one be on me," she replied gently. "Just prepare dinner for me later, okay?"

"Well, if you insist, I can only obey," Samuel said with a grin.

"Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll make the reservation. See you soon, Sam!" she said, smiling.

They said their goodbyes, each looking forward to lunch with an unmistakable warmth.

A little while later, they met at the restaurant. Zinnia, already seated, spotted Samuel as he entered, waving at him. "Sam-Sam, over here!"

As soon as he saw her waving, Samuel’s face broke into a bright smile, and he walked happily towards her.

People nearby began to murmur as Samuel made his way across the restaurant. "Who’s that handsome guy? Is he an actor?" someone whispered. Another voice added, "And that girl waving at him is gorgeous, too. Are they new celebrities?"

Almost every pair of eyes in the restaurant was on the two of them. The restaurant was known for being a hotspot where fans hoped to catch glimpses of their favorite celebrities. Yet, most celebrities from Lopez Digital Studios opted for the restaurant downstairs, avoiding the crowds outside. So, to see a couple who looked like stars here was an unexpected thrill.

Zinnia noticed the stares as soon as Samuel took a seat across from her. She leaned forward, whispering, "Maybe this wasn’t the best spot. I heard the food here is good, but I didn’t expect us to draw this much attention."

"You can’t blame them," Samuel replied teasingly. "My Goddess Zia is a beauty; of course, they’re going to react this way."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You’re just as much to blame. The second you walked in, all the girls started daydreaming. Mr. Heartthrob, as expected."

They both shared a laugh, enjoying the playful banter. After a moment, Samuel leaned in and asked, "So, what are we going to order?"

"I already did," Zinnia said with a smile. "It’ll be here soon. Don’t worry—I ordered your favorites."

Samuel’s face brightened, happiness clear in his eyes. Knowing that Zinnia remembered his favorite dishes made him feel warm and cherished.

Around them, girls were struggling to contain their excitement as they watched. Some whispered, "I want a guy like him," while another added, "I wish I could get his autograph or at least a picture!"

Zinnia noticed this and couldn’t resist teasing him. "Should I get your autograph too, Mr. Heartthrob?" she whispered, a mischievous smile on her lips.

Samuel laughed softly, shaking his head. "Only if you promise to make it a collector’s item, Goddess Zia."

Their laughter was shared, unaffected by the gazes around them. The world outside seemed to melt away as they enjoyed each other’s company, leaving only the warmth of their easygoing connection.

As the food arrived at their table, Zinnia and Samuel exchanged a smile before they began to eat. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere enveloped them, and the plates were filled with an array of dishes Zinnia had thoughtfully ordered, all of which Samuel enjoyed.

They shared casual comments on the flavors, and Samuel, savoring his favorite dish, gave Zinnia an appreciative look. She knew him well—he didn’t even need to order, and everything on the table suited his taste perfectly.

Lunch passed in a relaxed rhythm of laughter and light conversation, both of them momentarily putting aside their work concerns. When they finished, Samuel rose first, offering his hand to Zinnia with a slight grin.

As they stepped outside, he walked her back toward her office building, his pace unhurried, matching hers. They chatted along the way, sharing updates about their day. Samuel recounted an amusing incident involving his assistant, Timmy, while Zinnia mentioned her latest project updates.

The conversation filled the short walk back, both of them finding comfort in the simple routine of these moments together.

Before long, they reached her office building. Zinnia slowed her steps as they neared the entrance. She stopped, turning to face him. "See you at home, Sam," she said, her voice soft but cheerful.

Samuel returned her smile, his eyes warm. "See you at home, Zia," he replied, giving her a quick wave as he turned to head back to his own office.

On the upper floor of the building, Trish Watson happened to glance out the window just in time to catch sight of the pair bidding farewell. Her eyes widened as she recognized the man standing with Zinnia. "Isn’t that Samuel Lucas?" she muttered, almost to herself, disbelief coloring her tone.

It dawned on her, all at once. Samuel Lucas was engaged to the chairman’s daughter—Zinnia. Her shock melted into a quiet sense of relief, and she nodded to herself, understanding at last. "So, Zinnia is the chairman’s daughter," she murmured, feeling a sense of security in the realization.