When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 24: Engagement Party

Chapter 24: Engagement Party

As Samuel drove back to the home he shared with Zinnia, his mind was filled with anticipation. He was preparing to confess his true feelings to her, but memories of their engagement party flashed in his mind.

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Zinnia and Samuel’s Engagement Party – Three Years Ago

The evening light filtered through the large windows of the elegant ballroom, casting a soft glow over the gathering. Zinnia and Samuel’s engagement party was in full swing.

The room buzzed with guests, all dressed in their finest, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries. Soft classical music played in the background, adding to the lively yet refined atmosphere.

Samuel stood near the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived. Dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair neatly styled, he appeared calm and collected, offering polite smiles and shaking hands. But inside, he was nervous. Tonight was a big night. Even though he and Zinnia barely knew each other, he felt a sense of excitement, a hope that this engagement could be the start of something real.

He glanced across the room, where Zinnia stood with a small group of her friends. She looked stunning in a simple, flowing champagne-colored dress, her long brown hair softly curled. Her smile was warm as she laughed at something one of her friends said, but Samuel noticed the slight tension in her posture. He knew this evening wasn’t easy for her either.

After greeting the last of the guests, Samuel made his way over to Zinnia. His heart beat a little faster as he approached her, but he pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the moment.

"Hey," he said gently as he reached her side. Zinnia turned to him, her smile still in place, but her eyes were guarded.

"Hi," she replied softly.

"Everything okay?" he asked, glancing around at the busy room.

Zinnia nodded. "Yeah, it’s just... a lot of people."

Samuel gave her a reassuring smile. "I know. But they’re all here for us, right?"

Zinnia’s smile wavered, but she nodded. "Right."

There was a brief pause before Samuel spoke again. "You look beautiful tonight."

Zinnia’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down at her dress. "Thank you," she said quietly. "You look nice too."

Samuel’s heart lifted at the small compliment. He wasn’t expecting much, knowing how formal and distant their relationship had been so far, but he was determined to make the best of tonight.

As the evening wore on, more people came up to them, offering congratulations and well wishes. Samuel found himself glancing at Zinnia often, wanting to make sure she was okay. Every now and then, they’d share a look. Though Zinnia’s expression was always polite, Samuel hoped she was starting to feel a bit more comfortable.

Later, the lights dimmed slightly, and Samuel’s father took the microphone, calling for everyone’s attention. The room quieted as he prepared to give a speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Steven Lucas began, his voice strong, "Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the engagement of my son, Samuel, and the lovely Zinnia. This is a special night, not just for them, but for our families."

The crowd clapped politely, and Samuel’s hand instinctively reached for Zinnia’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. Zinnia glanced up at him, surprised, but she didn’t pull away.

"I’ve watched Samuel grow into the man he is today, and I couldn’t be prouder," his father continued. "And Zinnia, we are so happy to welcome you into our family. May this engagement mark the beginning of a long and happy journey together."

There were more claps and smiles, and Samuel looked at Zinnia. "You okay?" he whispered.

Zinnia nodded, her face still composed. "I’m fine. It’s just... a lot."

"I know," Samuel replied. "But we’ll get through it. Together."

She offered him a small, genuine smile this time, and for the first time that evening, Samuel felt a bit of hope. Maybe this could work. Maybe they could actually be happy.

As the night wore on, more toasts were made, and soon it was time for their first dance. The music shifted to a soft, slow tune, and Samuel turned to Zinnia. "Shall we?"

Zinnia hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Okay."

They stepped onto the dance floor, the room quieting as the guests watched them. Samuel gently took her hand, placing his other hand on her waist. They began to sway to the music, their movements slow and cautious, but in sync.

"This is... nice," Zinnia said after a few moments, her voice barely audible over the music.

Samuel smiled. "Yeah, it is."

For a few minutes, it felt like the world faded away. Samuel focused on Zinnia, on the way her hand felt in his, the way they moved together. It wasn’t love—not yet—but there was a connection. At that moment, Samuel made a silent promise to himself: he would do everything he could to make this work.

The song ended, and the guests clapped as the couple stepped off the dance floor. Samuel looked at Zinnia, his heart full of hope.

"We’ll be okay," he said quietly, almost to himself.

Zinnia looked up at him, her expression softening. "I hope so."

For the rest of the night, Samuel stayed close to Zinnia, making sure she was comfortable. It wasn’t perfect, and they still had a long way to go, but for tonight, things felt right. There was a sense of peace between them, and Samuel clung to that.

As the night drew to a close, Samuel looked around at the smiling faces of their family and friends. He turned to Zinnia once more.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"For what?" she asked, a little confused.

"For being here. For giving this a chance."

Zinnia smiled—a small but real smile—and for the first time that night, Samuel felt like maybe, just maybe, they could make it after all.

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Back to the Present

I was so full of hope, Samuel thought. I was determined to make things work. What happened? What have I done these past few years? I’ve only made her sad. Does she even still want to be with me?

This time, he vowed to make it right. This time, he would fight for her and make her happy. I can’t lose my Zia, Samuel muttered to himself, his eyes full of determination as he drove back to where Zinnia was waiting.