When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 131: Before Goodbye

Chapter 131: Before Goodbye

Zinnia took a sip of her water, thinking. "Tomorrow," she said. "We’re heading to the port near Lily Oceanic Industries first thing in the morning. Need to check the equipment and get everything set up."

He nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "You’ll be there all week?"

She nodded, pushing a piece of pasta around her plate. "Yeah. I’ll be on board for the first week to make sure everything goes smoothly. Once we reach the first stopover, I can come back home."

Samuel’s jaw tightened, just a fraction, but he didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he focused on his plate, chewing slowly. "Sounds intense," he finally said, his voice measured.

Zinnia watched him carefully, wondering if he was worried or just trying to be supportive. "It will be," she admitted. "But I’m excited. It’s a good opportunity."

He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. "Just... be careful, okay?"

Her heart softened at the concern in his eyes. "I will," she promised. "Besides, you know me. I always land on my feet."

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. "True. But still, call me when you can. Even if you’re busy."

She nodded, feeling warmth spread through her chest. "I will. And you better save some of your amazing cooking for when I get back."

Samuel’s smile grew, just a little. "I’ll think about it," he teased, though they both knew he’d be waiting.

They continued eating, the conversation flowing more easily. Zinnia told him about the set designs and the challenges they’d faced. Samuel shared some stories about work, the new projects he was overseeing.

For a while, it felt like they were just two people enjoying dinner, sharing bits of their day. The tension that so often lingered between them was gone, replaced by something softer, something that felt almost like hope.

And as Zinnia listened to Samuel talk, she realized how much these simple routines meant to her. How, despite everything, she wanted this feeling to last forever.

Soon after eating, "I’ll handle the dishes," Samuel said, getting up from the table. "You should relax. You’ve got a long day tomorrow."

Zinnia stood up too, following him to the sink. "I can help," she offered, grabbing a dish towel.

He shot her a look, one that was almost amused. "You don’t have to."

"I know," she said, smiling. "But I want to."

They worked side by side, the clinking of plates and running water filling the quiet. Every so often, their hands would brush, sending little sparks through Zinnia’s skin. It was an ordinary task, but the shared silence felt meaningful.

When they finished, Samuel leaned against the counter, drying his hands. "You should get some rest," he said, his voice softer now. "Big day, right?"

Zinnia nodded, but she didn’t move. Instead, she lingered, her gaze tracing the lines of his face. "Thank you," she said suddenly.

He looked at her, confused. "For what?"

"For... this," she said, gesturing around them. "For cooking, for being here. I know I don’t say it enough, but I really do appreciate it."

Samuel’s eyes darkened, and for a split second, she thought he might step closer. But he stayed where he was, his shoulders tense. "You don’t have to thank me," he replied. "It’s nothing."

But to her, it wasn’t nothing. It was something. She wanted to tell him that, but the words felt heavy, too loaded for this fragile moment.

Instead, she simply nodded. "Goodnight, Sam," she said, her voice gentle.

"Goodnight, Zia," he replied, watching as she turned and walked toward the stairs.

---

Morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the small table where Zinnia and Samuel sat for breakfast. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft clinking of cutlery. Zinnia was dressed casually but neatly, ready for her day at the port. She glanced at her watch, noting the time.

Samuel placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of her, his expression unreadable as he took a seat across from her. "Eat up," he said, his voice steady but a little quieter than usual.

Zinnia picked up her fork, but she couldn’t help noticing how he kept glancing at her. She took a small bite, trying to ignore the way his gaze seemed to linger. After a few moments of silence, she decided to break it.

"Thanks for breakfast," she said, offering him a smile. "I’ll need the energy today."

He nodded, but his mind seemed far away. "Big day," he said, his brow furrowing slightly. "You’ll be at the port all week, right?"

"Yeah," she replied, taking a sip of her coffee. "I’ll be on the ship, making sure the equipment is set up properly. Once we reach the first stopover, I’ll come back home."

His jaw tightened, but he tried to hide it. "A whole week," he murmured, more to himself than to her. He focused on his plate, moving his food around with his fork, the worry lines on his face deepening.

Zinnia noticed, her heart softening. "Hey," she said gently, reaching across the table to touch his hand. "I’ll be fine. You know me."

He looked up, meeting her eyes. There was something vulnerable there, something he rarely let her see. "I know," he said. "But still, be careful. Call me when you can."

Her lips curved into a small smile. "I will. And don’t forget to save some of that amazing cooking for when I get back."

His expression softened, a ghost of a smile breaking through. "I’ll think about it," he teased, but his eyes told a different story. She could see how much he was going to miss her.

They finished their breakfast, and the conversation flowed more easily.

When the time came for Zinnia to leave, she stood up and grabbed her bag. She paused by the door, turning back to him. "I guess this is it," she said, trying to keep her tone light.

But before she could step outside, Samuel was there, his hand gently gripping her elbow. "Wait," he said, his voice firm but almost shy. "I’ll drive you."