When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 205: Rest and Reassurance

Chapter 205: Rest and Reassurance

Zinnia nodded, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open gently.

The scene inside was quiet and comforting. Ricardo was asleep in the hospital bed, his face pale but peaceful. The steady beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, reassuring them of his stable condition.

Elena sat in a chair beside him, her posture weary but upright. She looked up at the sound of the door and offered a tired smile when she saw them.

"Zinnia, Samuel," Elena greeted softly, standing up as they entered.

Zinnia walked over to her mother, immediately taking her hands. "How is he, Mom?"

Elena sighed, her eyes flicking to Ricardo. "He’s resting. The doctor said he’s stable for now, but we need to watch him closely."

Samuel stepped forward, placing the fruit basket on the small table near the bed. "I brought this for you and Dad," he said gently, his voice low.

Elena’s gaze shifted to the basket, her expression softening. "That’s very kind of you, Samuel. Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"It’s the least I could do," he replied, stepping back to give them space.

Zinnia moved to her father’s bedside, pulling up the chair her mother had been sitting in. She reached for Ricardo’s hand, holding it gently, her thumb brushing over his skin.

Samuel leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he observed quietly. After a moment, he spoke, his tone gentle. "Mom, you should take a break. You’ve been here all day."

Elena shook her head, her gaze fixed on her husband. "I can’t leave him," she murmured.

Zinnia turned to her mother, her voice soft but firm. "Mom, Samuel’s right. You need to rest, even if it’s just for a little while. I’ll stay here with Dad."

Elena hesitated, her tired eyes meeting Zinnia’s. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders sagging. "All right," she said quietly. "But call me if he wakes up."

"We will," Zinnia promised, giving her mother a reassuring hug.

Elena stepped out of the room, leaving Zinnia and Samuel alone with Ricardo. Zinnia settled into the chair, her eyes fixed on her father. The worry that had been pressing on her chest eased slightly with Samuel’s presence beside her.

Samuel stayed near the wall, his gaze steady on Zinnia. "Do you need anything? Coffee? Water?"

She shook her head, offering him a small smile. "No, I’m fine. Thank you."

The room remained calm and silent for a while, with only the beeping of the machines breaking the stillness.

Ricardo stayed asleep, his breathing steady and calm. Zinnia sat quietly by his bedside, her fingers lightly brushing his hand, as if her presence could somehow ease his condition. Samuel stood nearby, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his eyes flicking between Zinnia and the sleeping figure of her father.

The sound of the door opening drew their attention. Elena walked in, her steps soft but purposeful. She looked at the two of them, her expression a mix of gratitude and exhaustion.

"Zinnia, Samuel," Elena began, her voice gentle but firm, "it’s late. You both have work tomorrow. Go home and rest. I’ll stay with your father tonight."

Zinnia shook her head, her brow furrowing in concern. "Mom, I can stay. You need rest, too."

Elena gave her daughter a reassuring smile, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I’ll be fine, Zinnia. Your father needs someone here, and I want to be the one. But you have responsibilities, and I need you to take care of yourself."

Samuel spoke up, his tone supportive. "Mom is right. You’ll be better able to handle everything if you’re rested."

Zinnia glanced at her father, reluctant to leave, but she knew her mother wouldn’t back down. Finally, she sighed and nodded. "Okay, Mom. But call me if there’s any change."

"I will," Elena promised.

Zinnia leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her father’s hand before standing up. "Goodnight, Dad," she whispered.

Samuel followed her to the door, pausing to give Elena a respectful nod. "Please let us know if you need anything, Mom."

"Thank you, Samuel," Elena said warmly. "Drive safely."

The two left the room, walking silently through the hospital corridors. Once outside, the cool night air greeted them, and Samuel unlocked the car.

As they drove back home, Zinnia rested her head against the window, her thoughts lingering on her father. Samuel glanced at her briefly, his hand tightening on the wheel. He didn’t say much, but his steady presence was enough to ease some of her worries.

When they reached the house, Samuel parked in the driveway and turned to her. "Get some rest tonight, okay?"

Zinnia nodded, offering him a faint smile. "Thank you for everything, Sam. You too."

---

The next morning, both were already prepared to leave. Samuel went ahead to get the car, while Zinnia stepped out of the house a few minutes later with her bag slung over her shoulder. She looked more refreshed, though a hint of worry still lingered in her eyes.

Samuel got out of the car to open the passenger door for her. "Ready for the day?" he asked.

"As ready as I can be," Zinnia replied, sliding into the seat.

The drive to her office was quiet but comfortable. Samuel occasionally glanced at her, checking if she was holding up.

When they reached her building, Samuel parked by the entrance. "I’ll pick you up later," he said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

"Thanks, Sam," she said, giving him a small smile before stepping out.

Zinnia walked into the office, the familiar buzz of activity greeting her. Marcos, was already waiting by her desk.

"Good morning, Zinnia," he greeted, holding a clipboard. "We’re all set for the meeting to finalize tomorrow’s schedule."

"Good," Zinnia said, placing her bag down. "Let’s make sure everyone is on the same page. I want the shoot to go smoothly, especially with the changes we’ve made."

A few minutes later, the production team gathered in the conference room. Zinnia stood at the head of the table, her expression calm but determined.

"Thank you all for being here," she began. "As you know, we’re starting the continuation of the Seas of Deception shoot tomorrow. I need everyone to be on time and fully prepared. The schedule has been adjusted, and I expect no delays."

Katherine Lee, the casting director, nodded. "Understood, Zinnia. I’ll make sure the actors are informed and ready."

Michael Zhen, the stunt coordinator, added, "The stunt team is prepped. We’ll do a final run-through first thing in the morning."

"Perfect," Zinnia said, her tone firm but encouraging. "Let’s work together to make this a success. And remember, communication is key. If any issues come up, I want to know immediately."