When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 193: Just You!

Chapter 193: Just You!

"I’ve been so unfair to you, Sam," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper now. "But I promise, from now on, it’ll be just you. Just you and me. I’m done with living in the past. I want to move on, truly move on from James. I want to love you—you, Sam. The man you are. Not someone I’m holding on to because of someone else’s face. I want you to give me a chance. A real chance to love you, just as you are. No more pretending, no more comparisons."

Her eyes locked onto his, searching for any sign that he was truly listening, that he could forgive her. "I’ve made up my mind," she said, her voice steadier now, filled with resolve. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you—just you. As the Samuel—the Sam—I know."

Samuel sat there for a long time, not saying a word. His mind raced, processing everything she had just told him. He didn’t know if he could ever fully understand how deep her struggle had been, but he did know one thing: She was being honest with him now. She was choosing him.

He inhaled sharply, his chest tight with emotion. Slowly, he reached out and cupped her cheek with his hand. "Zinnia," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You don’t have to apologize. I know how hard this has been for you, and I can’t say I’m perfect either. But if you can love me—just as I am—then I’ll fight for us, too. I’ll be here, and I’ll do my best to be the man you deserve."

His thumb gently brushed against her skin, his eyes filled with sincerity. "No more regrets, no more pretending. I’m here for you, Zia. Just you."

Tears welled up in Zinnia’s eyes, but this time, they weren’t of guilt or regret. They were of relief, of gratitude. She leaned into his touch, her own hand coming to rest over his. The quiet moment between them felt like everything had shifted. Like they were finally both ready to face whatever came next.

They held each other’s gaze for a long while, their hands still intertwined. It felt like time had stopped, leaving them in a bubble of shared understanding, of forgiveness, and of a new beginning.

But then, at the same time, their stomachs growled in unison. The sound echoed in the room, breaking the silence and causing them both to laugh.

Samuel chuckled softly, his eyes brightening with amusement. "I guess we’ve been too caught up in our conversation," he said with a small smile. "I should hurry and prepare dinner."

Zinnia smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Let me help," she offered, eager to keep the moment of connection alive.

Samuel shook his head with a grin. "No, I’ve got it covered. You’ve done enough today. Let me take care of dinner."

Zinnia arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Are you sure? I could at least chop some vegetables or set the table."

Samuel chuckled again, shaking his head. "No, I can handle it. Besides, you deserve a break after everything you’ve been through today."

She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with affection. "Well, I’ll keep you company then," she said, leaning back in her chair. "But if you need anything, just ask."

Samuel leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before standing up to start preparing their meal. The simple gesture sent warmth through her chest. It was moments like these—quiet, intimate ones—that made her realize just how much she liked being close to him. How much she needed him.

She watched him move around the kitchen with ease, the same comforting precision she had grown so familiar with. As he began to cook, Zinnia felt a wave of peace wash over her. They were still finding their way back to each other, but in this moment, things felt right. Things felt like they could be okay.

"I’ll be here, Sam," she whispered to herself, knowing that this was just the beginning of their new Chapter. "I’ll be here for you, always."

Samuel moved about the kitchen with practiced ease, his hands steady as he reached for the ingredients. The rhythmic sound of slicing filled the air, blending with the gentle sizzle of the stovetop.

Zinnia sat at the table, her chin resting on her hand, watching him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. She knew he was skilled in the kitchen, but the sight of him preparing something simple yet thoughtful for her still warmed her heart.

"You’re really set on doing this alone, aren’t you?" she teased lightly.

He glanced over his shoulder with a small smile. "It’s not every day I get to cook for you without you trying to take over."

Zinnia chuckled. "That’s because I’m usually the one who cooks."

Samuel smirked as he sprinkled some spices over the frying pan. "You should let me handle that job now."

She leaned back, crossing her arms. "Fine. But I’m starving, so please tell me we’re not waiting forever for dinner."

He glanced at her with a mock-serious expression. "Do you trust me to feed you or not?"

"Depends. What are you making?"

He turned back to the counter, his hands busy assembling a quick flatbread wrap. "Something simple—flatbread with sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a quick salad on the side. Hungry enough for that?"

Her stomach growled in response, loud enough to make him pause and raise an eyebrow. "I’ll take that as a yes," he said, amused.

"Fine, fine. I trust you," she relented with a laugh. "But don’t keep me waiting too long."

The scent of warm, toasted flatbread filled the kitchen as Samuel layered a mix of mushrooms and onions, cooked down with garlic and a hint of balsamic vinegar, onto the bread. He topped it with shredded mozzarella, folded it over, and pressed it lightly onto the hot pan to crisp up.

Zinnia leaned forward, watching him work. "You’re seriously showing off now."