When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 213: Her Answer

Chapter 213: Her Answer

"Zinnia Lopez," Samuel said, kneeling down on one knee, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. His eyes locked with hers, and she saw a vulnerability in him that had always been hidden behind his confident exterior. "I don’t want to just fulfill an obligation or live up to expectations. I want to build a life with you—a real one, full of love, trust, and everything we’ve both been too afraid to admit we wanted."

Zinnia’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. She watched as Samuel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He opened it slowly, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled under the warm glow of the string lights that decorated the room.

"Will you marry me, not because we’re supposed to, but because we choose to?" he asked, his voice quiet yet full of sincerity.

Tears immediately welled up in Zinnia’s eyes. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm the overwhelming emotions that surged through her. She didn’t know if it was the beauty of the moment or the weight of his words, but it all hit her at once.

For a moment, the room was silent, save for the soft hum of the string lights. The air between them felt thick with anticipation, and Zinnia could barely breathe, her heart racing in her chest. She took a shaky step forward, then another, until she was standing directly in front of Samuel.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but it was enough. "Yes, Samuel Lucas, I will."

A rare, genuine smile spread across Samuel’s face. His eyes softened, filled with relief and joy. He took her hand gently and slid the ring onto her finger, the cool metal fitting perfectly.

Zinnia stepped closer, pulling him up by his arm. Then, without a second thought, she wrapped her arms around him. The embrace was hesitant at first, but then it deepened, as if they both realized this was a new beginning.

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Finally, Samuel pulled back just enough to look at her, a playful glint in his eyes.

"There’s one more thing," he said, his voice low.

Zinnia looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Samuel gestured toward the easel in the corner of the room. "I thought... we could start a new painting. Together. Something that represents us."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You... you want to paint with me?" she asked, astonished. She had always loved painting, but Samuel? She never thought he’d be interested in it, especially after all these years.

Samuel chuckled nervously. "I’m not exactly an artist, but I’m willing to try if it means creating something with you." His voice was filled with a quiet sincerity that melted her heart.

Zinnia smiled through her tears, touched by his willingness to step into her world. She grabbed a palette of paints and handed it to him. "Okay, then. Let’s do this."

She dipped the brush into a vibrant shade of green and made the first stroke on the canvas, a bold, sweeping line that represented new beginnings. Samuel followed suit, his strokes less precise but filled with earnestness. Together, they began to fill the canvas, their movements syncing as if they had done this a thousand times before.

As they worked, the painting began to take shape—a picture of two people standing side by side in a garden, watering the flowers. In the background was their home, warm and inviting. The flowers they were tending to symbolized their shared life—something that had to be nurtured, something that would grow and flourish.

"I love it," Zinnia murmured, her eyes soft as she looked at the canvas. "This... this feels like us. A new beginning."

Samuel paused for a moment, looking at the painting with a sense of accomplishment. "Me too. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours. And that’s all that matters."

As they continued painting, Timmy and Zinnia’s parents quietly observed from the doorway. They had come to congratulate the couple after Zinnia’s affirmative answer to Samuel’s proposal, but they hadn’t been noticed. It seemed the two lovers were so wrapped up in their own world, they had forgotten about their presence entirely.

Timmy stood off to the side, watching the scene with a small smile. He had seen Samuel like this before—guarded, distant, never showing this side of himself to anyone—but now, in front of Zinnia, he was different. It was as if all the walls had come down, and the man he worked for had finally allowed himself to be vulnerable.

Zinnia’s parents, Elena and Ricardo, stood beside Timmy, sharing a quiet moment of understanding. Elena gently squeezed her husband’s arm, a proud smile on her face. They had always known their daughter had a big heart, but seeing her in this moment, so deeply loved and supported, filled them with a sense of peace.

"They’re perfect together," Elena said softly, her voice filled with affection.

Ricardo nodded, his expression thoughtful. "They really are."

The soft hum of the music filled the room, and still, neither Zinnia nor Samuel seemed to notice that anyone was watching. It was as though time had slowed for them, and everything else had faded into the background.

After some time, Zinnia’s parents exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they knew it was time to leave the two to their moment. Quietly, they made their way to the door, careful not to disturb the couple. Timmy followed them out, not wanting to interrupt, but feeling content knowing how happy Samuel and Zinnia were.

As they reached the door, Elena turned to Timmy and said softly, "We should go. We’ll congratulate them tomorrow at the house. We’ll throw a party for them. A small one, just family."

Timmy nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a great idea. I’ll let everyone know."

Elena smiled and placed a hand on Ricardo’s arm. "Let’s leave them to it. They deserve this moment."

With that, they quietly exited the studio, leaving behind only a note for Samuel and Zinnia. It was simple and heartfelt—just a few words wishing them congratulations and telling them they would celebrate tomorrow with the family at the Lopez home.

Hours later, the painting was far from finished, but it already told a story. A story of hope, vulnerability, and the promise of a brighter future. Samuel and Zinnia stood back, admiring their work, their arms still around each other.

Samuel turned to her, his expression serious but full of love. "Thank you for saying yes. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you don’t regret it."

Zinnia leaned her head against his shoulder, her heart finally at ease. "And I’ll spend mine reminding you that you’re worth it."