When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 47: Public attention

Chapter 47: Public attention

As the sun began to set, its warm glow filtered through the windows of Samuel’s office, casting long shadows across the room.

The day had been long, and Samuel felt the weight pressing on him. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, the tension in his body evident.

Papers were scattered across his desk, filled with details of the company’s operations, none of which made his thoughts any clearer.

"Keep me updated on anything suspicious, no matter how small," Samuel finally said, his voice low but firm as he spoke to his assistant, Timmy.

Timmy, who had been silently organizing files, hesitated before responding. "Sir, do you really think Sir Raver could be involved in this? He’s family."

Samuel let out a sigh, sitting up and resting his elbows on the desk. "That’s what makes it harder, Timmy. Family is the first place betrayal happens. Uncle Raver is close to Revilo. They’re brothers—if Revilo has a plan, it’s likely Uncle Raver is involved in some way."

Timmy shook his head slightly, still in disbelief. "But Sir Raver has always supported you," he said. "He’s been loyal for years."

"I know," Samuel said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "And that’s what makes it worse if he’s turned against me."

The room fell into a heavy silence, with only the sound of the ticking clock filling the air. Samuel stared down at the documents scattered across his desk, feeling like every piece of information was slipping through his fingers. No matter how hard he tried to focus, the weight of suspicion gnawed at him.

After a few moments, Samuel checked his watch. "Let’s call it a day, Timmy," he said, standing up from his desk. "We’ll pick this up tomorrow. I need to get home and prepare for dinner."

Timmy nodded, gathering his things. "Goodbye, sir. I’ll keep you updated if anything comes up."

"Thanks, Timmy. Drive safe," Samuel replied, walking out of the office alongside him.

As they reached the parking lot, Timmy waved goodbye before heading toward his own car. Samuel paused for a moment by his car, unlocking it with a click. His mind wandered to dinner.

Zinnia was at home, and he wanted to prepare something special, something that might bring a little warmth between them. He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, thinking over his options.

After a few moments of thought, he decided on something simple yet elegant: creamy chicken alfredo with garlic bread and a side salad. Zinnia liked meals that were rich in flavor, and this was something he could manage. He smiled faintly at the thought of her reaction.

Samuel drove to the nearby grocery store, parking and heading inside to pick up the ingredients. The store was busy, filled with the usual bustle of people trying to get their errands done before the evening.

He grabbed a cart and made his way through the aisles, grabbing pasta, cream, chicken, and fresh vegetables.

As he reached for a loaf of garlic bread, he noticed a group of young women nearby, whispering and glancing his way. At first, he paid them no attention, continuing with his shopping. But their voices grew louder, and soon, they were giggling openly, clearly trying to get his attention.

"Wow, he’s so handsome," one of them said, not bothering to lower her voice.

"Do you think he’s single?" another added, her eyes lingering on Samuel.

Samuel’s jaw tightened. He hated drawing attention, especially when it was this kind. He didn’t have the patience for it, especially not today.

One of the girls, bolder than the rest, stepped closer to him. "Excuse me," she said with a smile that was a little too wide. "Are you looking for something? I could help you find whatever you need."

Samuel didn’t even bother to look directly at her. His voice was cold and clipped when he spoke. "No. I’m fine."

The girl blinked, clearly not expecting such a curt response. "Are you sure? You seem like you could use some help," she pressed, still smiling.

Samuel finally turned to face her, his gaze icy and intimidating. "I said, I’m fine." His words were sharp, and the underlying edge in his tone left no room for further conversation.

The girl quickly backed off, her smile faltering. Her friends exchanged glances, whispering again, but none of them dared approach him after that. Samuel turned his attention back to his shopping, grabbing the last of the items he needed.

As he made his way to the checkout, he could feel more eyes on him, but he ignored them. His intimidating presence kept anyone else from trying to approach him, and he was grateful for it.

Being surrounded by people was exhausting, especially when they only saw him as some object of attention.

After paying for his groceries, he carried the bags back to his car, finally letting out a sigh of relief as he set them down in the passenger seat. "Next time, I’ll have someone else do the shopping," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Being surrounded by people is a nightmare."

He started the car and drove home, the streets bathed in the soft light of dusk. The tension in his body began to ease as he neared the house. He parked in the driveway and grabbed the bags from the car, making his way inside.

The house was quiet, save for the distant sound of a voice. As he entered the living room, he spotted Zinnia with her back to him, standing near the window, her phone pressed to her ear. She was speaking softly, too focused on her conversation to notice Samuel’s arrival.

He hesitated for a moment, wanting to greet her, but something stopped him. There was a strain in her voice, a heaviness that made him pause. He watched her for a moment longer, torn between interrupting and heading to the kitchen.

Deciding against disrupting her call, Samuel turned to head toward the kitchen, but before he could take a step, Zinnia’s words stopped him in his tracks.

Samuel froze, his heart pounded in his chest as her words echoed in his mind, leaving him standing there, uncertain of what to do next.