When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 42: Good day

Chapter 42: Good day

Samuel paused, still holding the edge of Zinnia’s coat. He swallowed, feeling the weight of her words. "Different how?" he asked quietly, though it seemed like he already knew what she meant but needed to hear it from her.

"You’ve been... more open, I guess," Zinnia replied, her eyes searching his face. "Like you’re letting your guard down. I don’t really know how else to say it."

Samuel looked at her for a long moment, his expression softening. "Maybe I am," he said at last, his voice low but sincere. "Maybe I’ve been holding back for too long."

Zinnia blinked, surprised by his honesty. This was a side of him she wasn’t used to—vulnerable, even a little unsure. "I’ve noticed," she said gently, her voice warm. "It’s... nice."

Samuel let out a small breath, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I’m trying," he confessed, his tone softening. "It’s not easy for me, but I’m trying."

Zinnia nodded, feeling a quiet understanding pass between them. "I know," she replied softly, her voice steady. "And I appreciate it."

They stood there in the stillness, a quiet moment stretching between them. The air felt thick with something unspoken, an unexpected connection neither of them had anticipated.

Finally, Samuel broke the silence, clearing his throat. "Ready to head back?" he asked, nodding toward the door.

Zinnia smiled and nodded. "Yeah, let’s go."

They walked back to her studio in comfortable silence. The night air was cool, and the soft glow of the streetlights guided them as they crossed the empty street. It was peaceful, almost as if the world had slowed down just for them.

Once they were inside, Samuel went straight for the painting. He carefully lifted the portrait, his fingers lightly tracing the edges as though it were the most delicate thing he’d ever held.

Zinnia watched him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Don’t worry, it’s sturdy enough," she said with a small laugh.

"I know," Samuel replied quietly, "but I want to make sure nothing happens to it."

With care, he wrapped the painting, making sure it was secure before they left the studio and walked to the car. Samuel opened the back door and gently placed the portrait inside, adjusting it until it was perfectly safe.

The drive home was peaceful, the hum of the engine the only sound between them. There was no need for words—both were content in the silence.

When they arrived at the house, Samuel parked the car and turned to Zinnia. "Thank you for today," he said softly, his voice full of sincerity. "It was... unexpected, but in a good way."

Zinnia smiled, her eyes warm and kind. "I should be the one thanking you," she said. "I didn’t think I’d enjoy it this much either."

They got out of the car, entered the house, and stood in front of Zinnia’s room for a moment, neither of them ready to go their separate ways just yet. The night still felt too perfect to end so soon.

"I guess we should call it a night," Zinnia said after a brief pause, her tone soft but hesitant. "We’ve both had a long day."

Samuel nodded, though part of him didn’t want the evening to end. "Goodnight, Zinnia," he said, his voice carrying a quiet depth. "Sleep well."

"Goodnight, Samuel," Zinnia replied, offering him one last smile before heading to her room.

Samuel lingered in the hallway for a moment, watching as she disappeared behind her door. He then walked to his own room, the warmth of the night still lingering in his chest.

The next morning, Samuel woke up feeling lighter than he had in a long time. He stretched in bed, a genuine smile pulling at his lips as the morning light streamed through the curtains.

He got up, heading down the hallway. When he passed Zinnia’s door, he hesitated, wondering if he should knock or let her sleep.

After a moment, he decided not to wake her. It was only six in the morning, and she deserved some rest after the long day they’d had yesterday.

Samuel made his way to the kitchen, half expecting to find Zinnia already up. But when he entered, the room was empty.

A soft chuckle escaped him as he realized she was probably still asleep. "She deserves it," he thought, remembering how much she had done the day before.

He stood there for a moment, thinking about what he could make for breakfast. Something light but nutritious to help her regain her energy.

After a few minutes, he decided on scrambled eggs with spinach, avocado toast, and a side of fresh fruit. It was simple but healthy—just what she needed.

He moved through the kitchen with ease, chopping, whisking, and sautéing like he’d done it a thousand times before. The smell of fresh eggs and toasted bread soon filled the room, making the kitchen feel warm and inviting.

Once the food was ready, Samuel sat down to eat his breakfast. He glanced at the clock—Zinnia still hadn’t woken up.

He carefully set aside a portion of the food for her, covering the plate so she could reheat it later. The thought of her enjoying the meal made him smile.

After cleaning up the kitchen, he went back to his room, took a shower, and put on his work suit. He then left the house and headed to his office. As he drove, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment, a silly grin spreading across his face. He hadn’t felt this way in a long time.

When he arrived at the office, he sat down at his desk, still smiling. He spun his chair around a little, chuckling to himself. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this happy.

Timmy, his assistant, stood at the doorway, watching him with wide eyes. He’d never seen his boss like this before, and it was starting to freak him out.

"Uh, sir?" Timmy asked cautiously, stepping closer but staying ready to bolt. "Is... everything okay?"

Samuel grinned, still spinning in his chair. "Better than okay, Timmy!" he said with a laugh. "It’s a great day!"

Timmy gulped, his face pale as he imagined the worst. "Has he finally snapped?" he wondered, panic rising in his chest.

His mind raced, thinking of all the pressure Samuel had been under lately—the company’s shares dropping, the board demanding answers, everything falling apart. And now his boss was smiling like a madman.