When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 139: Secret revealed

Chapter 139: Secret revealed

Samuel nodded upon hearing that there was no bomb, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Thank God, he thought, as the adrenaline began to wear off, leaving him feeling drained.

The lifeboats carrying the rest of the crew were already making their way back to land. The movie production had been postponed, and the priority now was getting everyone safely to shore. The helicopter flew over the open sea, the wind rushing past, until finally, the port near Lily Oceanic Industries came into view.

They landed smoothly, and the moment they stepped onto solid ground, Samuel felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The fear that had been clawing at his mind finally released its grip. He looked at Zinnia, who was holding onto his arm.

"We’re safe," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "It’s over."

Zinnia leaned into him, her own relief palpable. "Yeah," she whispered. "Thank God."

---

Inside the large function hall at Lily Oceanic Industries, the crew had gathered. People were talking in hushed voices, exchanging stories of the evacuation. The atmosphere was tense but slowly easing into something more manageable.

Samuel stepped forward, his heart still beating a little too fast. He needed to address the situation. He had to take responsibility.

He cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. "Everyone," he began, his voice strong but tinged with sincerity. "I owe you all an apology. The chaos, the panic—that was because of me. I thought there was a real threat, and I couldn’t take any chances. I’m truly sorry for the trouble I caused."

The room fell silent, people staring at him in a mix of curiosity and confusion. Someone in the crowd finally whispered, "Wait... is he...?"

Another voice cut in. "Samuel Lucas? The Samuel Lucas of Lucas Realty Group?"

Samuel nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, that’s me."

A ripple of shock went through the crowd. People exchanged incredulous glances. The realization that Samuel Lucas, heir to one of the most influential real estate empires, was standing in front of them hit hard.

Then, all eyes shifted to Zinnia. The whispers grew louder. "Zinnia...?" someone said, their voice trailing off in disbelief. "Samuel Lucas is engaged to the chairman’s daughter, so Zinnia... she’s the chairman’s daughter?"

Zinnia could feel the weight of their stares. The secret she had carefully kept was now out in the open. She took a deep breath, stepping forward to stand beside Samuel. She met the eyes of her colleagues, her gaze unwavering despite the flood of emotions swirling inside her. The air felt heavy, the room silent but thick with unspoken questions and curiosity.

"Yes," Zinnia said, her voice clear and steady. "I’m Zinnia Lopez, the chairman’s daughter." She had never intended for her family background to become public knowledge, not like this. She had always valued being seen for who she was, not defined by her family’s influence. But here they were, the truth out in the open.

The crowd buzzed with conversation. People murmured to each other, exchanging hushed words of surprise and disbelief. A few members of the production crew shifted uneasily, the reality of their proximity to wealth and power hitting them anew.

Samuel’s hand found Zinnia’s, his touch a silent show of support. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but seeing Zinnia stand there with so much resolve stirred something inside him. He admired her strength, the way she faced the crowd without flinching.

One of the staff stepped forward, clearing her throat. "Well, this has certainly been an... eventful day," she said, her voice a mixture of shock and humor, trying to lighten the mood. "I suppose we all learned something new."

After all, they really couldn’t blame Samuel; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

A few people chuckled nervously, the tension starting to ease. Victoria, standing a few steps away, crossed her arms over her chest. Her expression was stern but softened as she observed Zinnia and Samuel together.

She stepped up, her heels clicking on the polished floor, drawing attention. "Listen up, everyone," Victoria announced. "I know today’s events were overwhelming, but the important thing is that we’re all safe. We’ve been through a lot, but we’re a team, and we’ll recover from this together."

The crew murmured in agreement, some nodding. The sense of unity was starting to return, albeit slowly. It wasn’t perfect, but it was something.

Zinnia turned to Victoria, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly. Victoria gave her a small, knowing smile.

Samuel took a step forward, drawing in a deep breath. "I know today’s incident disrupted your filming schedule," he said, addressing the crowd once more. "And I realize that my decisions, while based on a genuine concern for everyone’s safety, caused unnecessary fear. If there’s anything I can do to make amends, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I also promised to compensate for the damages it caused, especially to the equipment."

One of the lighting technicians raised his hand, a tentative smile on his face. "How about treating us all to a meal?" he joked, his attempt at humor breaking some of the remaining tension.

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Samuel’s lips curved into a genuine smile. "Done," he replied, his voice warm. "Dinner’s on me. Everyone deserves to relax after today."

---

As the crew dispersed, ready to unwind and accept Samuel’s generous offer, Zinnia and Samuel found a quieter corner of the hall. Zinnia studied Samuel’s face, noting the fatigue etched in his features. The composure he had displayed earlier was cracking, revealing the weariness underneath.

"You’re not okay, are you?" she asked, her voice gentle but insistent. It wasn’t an accusation but a genuine concern.

Samuel ran a hand through his hair, the motion making him seem younger, more vulnerable. He exhaled, the weight of the day pressing down on him. "No," he admitted finally. "I hate the water. The idea of being stranded out there... it terrifies me."

Zinnia’s heart softened. "You were so calm, though. I had no idea you were struggling."

He gave her a wry smile. "I didn’t want you to worry," he said. "I thought if I acted strong, maybe it would be enough."

Her fingers tightened around his. "You don’t always have to be strong for me, Samuel," she whispered. "It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to show it."

For a moment, the mask he always wore slipped. The fear, the vulnerability, the pressure of always trying to be the composed one—it was all there in his eyes. "I’m trying," he said, his voice low. "I’m trying to be someone you can rely on. Someone who deserves you."

Tears pricked at Zinnia’s eyes, but she blinked them away. She reached up, her hand resting gently on his cheek. "You already are," she said, her voice steady. "You don’t have to prove anything to me. I just want you to be you. Stop putting up walls."

Samuel closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. Her words washed over him, offering a comfort he hadn’t realized he needed so desperately. When he opened his eyes again, there was a hint of warmth there, a flicker of hope.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Zinnia smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made the chaos of the day feel a little more distant. "Come on," she said, her hand slipping into his. "Let’s go join the others. Dinner’s waiting, and I think we could both use a good meal."

Samuel’s smile widened, a real, unguarded one this time. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice lighter. "Let’s go."