When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 188: Samuel’s Next Step

Chapter 188: Samuel’s Next Step

Samuel sat alone in his office, the glow of city lights spilling through the tall windows. The blueprints for his proposal lay on his desk, their lines crisp and detailed, but his focus had shifted. His pen tapped softly against the wood, his mind elsewhere.

He leaned back in his chair, the weight of his father’s words heavy in his thoughts. "Don’t miss the opportunity to have her before someone else takes her from you." The advice echoed in his head, both a warning and a push he hadn’t known he needed.

The thought of losing Zinnia made his chest tighten. This wasn’t about securing his future or fulfilling anyone’s expectations. It was about her—about the way she softened his world without even trying.

He closed the blueprint and set his pen down, drawing a deep breath. Tomorrow, he would act. But tonight, he just wanted to be home with her.

Samuel grabbed his coat and strode out of his office, his steps purposeful. The cool night air hit him as he exited the building, clearing his thoughts. On the drive home, his mind raced. What could he cook? Something comforting, something simple but special.

As soon as he stepped through the door, Zinnia’s warm voice greeted him. "Welcome back home, Sam!"

He stopped in his tracks, her words wrapping around him like a hug. Her smile was bright, her eyes warm.

"Thanks," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "It’s good to be home."

Zinnia tilted her head, noticing the unusual brightness in his expression. "You look like you had a good day."

"Maybe," he said, setting his briefcase down and shrugging off his coat. "Or maybe it’s because of how you welcomed me just now."

She laughed lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Flattery won’t get you out of helping with dinner."

Samuel grinned, rolling up his sleeves. "Wouldn’t dream of it. What’s on the menu tonight?"

They moved to the kitchen, their steps easy and familiar. Zinnia started pulling out vegetables while Samuel set a pot on the stove.

"Let’s keep it simple," she said. "How about pasta?"

"Pasta sounds perfect," Samuel agreed. He grabbed the knife and began slicing onions, glancing at her every now and then.

Zinnia washed the tomatoes, sneaking a look at him. "You’re getting better at that," she teased.

"Three years of cooking lessons," he said, shaking his head. "I should hope so."

Her laughter filled the kitchen, soft and genuine. "You’re doing great, Chef."

They worked in quiet harmony, the clinking of pots and the hum of the stove filling the space. Samuel stirred the sauce while Zinnia set the table, their movements a dance of quiet companionship.

When the food was ready, they sat down together. The pasta was simple but delicious, and the mood was light.

"This is really good," Zinnia said, twirling her fork. "You’re full of surprises lately."

Samuel smiled but stayed quiet, savoring the moment.

After dinner, they cleared the table together. Zinnia washed while Samuel dried, their conversation flowing easily.

In the living room, they settled onto the couch. Samuel leaned back, watching her with a teasing smile. "So, you livestreamed today?"

Zinnia blinked, then smiled knowingly. "You saw it?"

"Yeah," he admitted, his tone warm. "You were amazing."

She laughed softly, her cheeks tinged pink. "Thanks. I didn’t think you’d have time to watch."

Samuel shrugged, trying to appear casual. "I always make time for you."

Zinnia’s eyes softened as she remembered the bouquet of flowers. She leaned closer, meeting his gaze. "Thanks for the flowers. They were beautiful."

Samuel’s ears turned red, and he scratched the back of his neck. "I’m glad you liked them," he said, his voice quieter than usual.

"I did," she said, smiling.

The night ended with a quiet exchange of goodnights, each of them retreating to their rooms. But the warmth of the evening lingered, filling the spaces between them with something unspoken but deeply felt.

---

The first rays of sunlight filtered through Zinnia’s curtains, painting the room in soft gold. She stretched under the covers, feeling unusually light, as if the world was hinting at something good.

In the kitchen, the smell of coffee greeted her as she poured herself a cup. She stood by the window, looking out at the garden.

Samuel’s flowers were still on the counter, vibrant and full of life. She traced a petal with her finger, her thoughts lingering on his recent gestures.

Upstairs, Samuel was already dressed, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. Today wasn’t just another day. It was the start of something new.

This was the day he would take the next step, no matter the risks. He couldn’t wait any longer.

Zinnia stood in the kitchen, unaware of the whirlwind Samuel was preparing to unleash. The quiet morning wrapped around her like a cocoon, offering her a moment of peace before everything changed.

As she sipped her coffee, the soft morning light spilled across the dining table. Her eyes fell on the neatly arranged breakfast—a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly browned toast, and a bowl of fresh fruit. Beside it was a small jug of orange juice and a steaming teapot.

A smile tugged at her lips. Samuel had done it again. She could picture him, waking up early, carefully plating everything like he always did when he cooked. He wasn’t one to show his emotions easily, but little gestures like this spoke volumes.

Zinnia stepped closer, touching the edge of the table. "He really pays attention to the little things," she murmured to herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. She turned just as Samuel entered the dining room, looking sharp in his tailored suit. His tie was perfectly knotted, but his hair was still slightly mussed from getting ready in a hurry.

"Good morning," he said, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. His gaze softened when he saw her standing by the table.

"Good morning," she replied, setting her coffee down. "You’re up early again."

Samuel gave a small shrug, his lips quirking in a faint smile. "I figured I’d make breakfast before the day gets away from us."

Zinnia chuckled, gesturing to the spread. "Thanks for the breakfast."

He stepped closer, adjusting his cufflinks. "It’s not much. I just thought... you might like it."

Her smile widened. "I do. Thank you, Sam."

"Come on," he said, motioning to the chair. "Let’s eat before it gets cold."