When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 37: His decision

Chapter 37: His decision

Last night at the hospital, after leaving Zinnia’s room, Samuel lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His mind wandered between the complexities of his life and the woman who had always been at its center—Zinnia. She was the one person who made him feel something deeper than any business victory or financial gain.

As he turned over in bed, his resolve hardened. No more holding back. He had kept his emotions locked away for too long, hiding behind work and responsibilities. But everything had changed.

He made a decision—he would show Zinnia how he truly felt. He wanted her to understand how much he cared and valued her. He would help her find James if it came to that; he had promised her as much. But he wouldn’t just stand by and watch her slip away.

James might have the company, but he couldn’t have Zinnia. She was his—his Goddess Zia.

Samuel closed his eyes, feeling determination surge within him. As long as James wasn’t around, he would seize every opportunity to show Zinnia why she should choose him. And if James ever returned? Samuel would fight for her. He would make her fall in love with him for real this time. No more doubts. No more half-hearted efforts.

This time, he was ready to fight for his love.

---

After breakfast, where Samuel had cooked for the first time, he sat in his study, sunlight filtering through the tall windows and casting warm shadows across the room.

He wasn’t paying much attention to the stack of papers on his desk. Instead, his eyes were focused on Zinnia, who was in the garden below. She was watering the flowers, her face radiant as she moved from one plant to the next. The simple joy on her face filled Samuel with warmth, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. Watching her, he felt an unfamiliar lightness in his heart. Zinnia looked so peaceful, so happy tending to her flowers, and all he could think was how much he wanted to be part of that happiness.

Unbeknownst to him, Timmy, his assistant, stood in front of his desk, observing him with a side glance. Timmy had just finished restocking the kitchen with groceries, following Samuel’s request to fill the fridge and cabinets with supplies.

Samuel had been unusually specific about what to buy—fresh vegetables, eggs, fruits, ingredients for meals. It had surprised Timmy at first, but now, seeing how Samuel stared at Zinnia, he couldn’t help but smirk.

"Boss, I finished putting everything away in the kitchen," Timmy said, trying to get Samuel’s attention.

Samuel didn’t respond right away. His eyes were still locked on Zinnia, his smile growing wider as she hummed a tune to herself. It wasn’t until Zinnia glanced up toward the window that Samuel blinked. Instead of looking away like he used to, he waved at her with a genuine smile. Zinnia returned the gesture with a small wave of her own before going back to her flowers.

Timmy raised an eyebrow at the sight. This was new. Years ago, Samuel would’ve avoided Zinnia’s gaze, pretending to be too busy with work to notice her. But now, he was smiling and waving at her.

"Boss?" Timmy prompted again, now wearing a knowing grin.

Samuel finally looked at him, shaking his head as if he had just realized he’d been caught. "Right. Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I said I stocked the kitchen, as you asked," Timmy replied, leaning casually against the desk. "I even picked up that special herb for the omelets. You’re planning on cooking every day now?"

Samuel nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. I thought it was about time I made more of an effort. Zinnia deserves that."

Timmy chuckled, giving Samuel a sly look. "You, cooking every day? For Miss Zinnia? I’m impressed."

Samuel rolled his eyes but smiled, the lightness in his heart not fading. "It’s not just about the cooking, Timmy. I’m serious this time. I want to show her how much she means to me."

Timmy folded his arms, nodding thoughtfully. He had noticed the shift in Samuel’s behavior the moment he walked into the study earlier.

As Timmy left the study, heading back to the kitchen, he couldn’t help but reflect on what he had just witnessed. This was different. Years ago, the first time Samuel had called him into the study to talk about his plans, Timmy had noticed something off. Samuel kept glancing out the window at Zinnia, who had been busy in the garden back then too.

Every time Zinnia looked their way, Samuel would quickly avert his gaze, pretending to focus on his work, like a schoolboy caught staring at his crush. Timmy had to bite back a laugh as he watched his boss try to act serious and composed, only to sneak glances at Zinnia when she wasn’t looking.

But now? Now things had shifted.

Samuel didn’t look away anymore. He didn’t hide behind his desk or bury himself in papers. Today, he looked right at her. When Zinnia glanced back at the window, Samuel even waved at her, a genuine smile on his face. He was finally taking action, finally showing Zinnia how he felt.

Timmy couldn’t help but nod to himself. This was a good thing. His boss had been stuck in limbo for too long, acting like Zinnia was out of his reach, like he didn’t deserve her. But now, it seemed Samuel had made up his mind. He was going to fight for her love, and honestly, Timmy was all for it.

He knew how much Zinnia meant to Samuel, even if his boss had been too stubborn to admit it out loud. This was the start of something new, and Timmy was rooting for him. Forget James, whoever he was. Timmy was fully behind his boss on this one.

He was going to be their number one fan.

"Forget James," Timmy muttered to himself with a smile as he walked down the hallway. "Team Samuel all the way."