When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 56: Girl’s day out

Chapter 56: Girl’s day out

As the hours dragged on, Samuel remained glued to his desk, his brow furrowed as he sifted through document after document.

The clock ticked loudly in the silence of the office, each passing minute amplifying his frustration. Half of his mind wrestled with the paperwork while the other half drifted back to Zinnia.

He pictured her laughing with Lily, perhaps grabbing coffee or wandering through a trendy boutique. That image brought a rare smile to his face, but it quickly faded, replaced by the dark reality of the threats lurking around them. He shook his head, trying to push away the worry creeping in.

A knock on the door broke his concentration. Timmy stepped inside, carrying a file that looked thicker than usual.

"Sir," he said, placing the folder on Samuel’s desk. "These are the most recent financial reports you asked for. And there’s something else."

Samuel raised an eyebrow and gestured for him to continue. "What is it?"

Timmy hesitated, glancing at the documents before continuing. "There’s a discrepancy in some of the overseas accounts. It’s small, but noticeable if you look closely. I think it could be linked to what you’ve been investigating."

Samuel leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Show me."

Timmy opened the folder and laid out several documents, pointing to the subtle differences. "It looks like whoever’s behind this has been rerouting funds through shell companies. Nothing illegal on the surface, but it doesn’t add up. I think it’s worth looking into."

Samuel studied the papers, his jaw tightening as he processed the information. "They’re trying to bleed us slowly," he muttered. "It’s a smart move. Just enough to go unnoticed unless you know what to look for."

"Exactly," Timmy nodded. "We can trace it back, but it’ll take time. They’ve been careful."

"Do it," Samuel ordered, leaning back in his chair. His mind raced as he connected the dots. This wasn’t just a random attack; someone was systematically targeting his family’s business. And it wasn’t just about money. They wanted something deeper, something personal.

"Keep me updated," Samuel said, his voice cold and determined. "And make sure the bodyguards stay alert. I don’t want any surprises today."

Timmy nodded and left the office, leaving Samuel alone with his thoughts. He sat there for a moment, drumming his fingers on the desk as he contemplated the bigger picture.

---

Meanwhile, Zinnia had a much lighter day than Samuel. After getting dressed and calling Lily, she left the house feeling lighter than she had in days. The tension of the past weeks had weighed heavily on her, but today felt like a brief reprieve.

Lily picked her up in her small car, smiling brightly when Zinnia slid into the passenger seat. "Well, look at you, all dolled up for a girl’s day out!" Lily teased, pulling out into the street.

Zinnia laughed, feeling her mood lift. "I needed this. We haven’t hung out like this in forever."

"I know! I missed you," Lily said, giving her a quick side-eye as she drove. "You’ve been so busy with... everything."

Zinnia glanced out the window, her thoughts flickering briefly to Samuel. "Not really busy, just everything’s been a little crazy lately."

"Well, today, no craziness allowed. Just fun," Lily declared, turning the music up slightly as they sped down the street.

They spent the morning wandering around the city, visiting their favorite café and chatting about everything from old memories to Lily’s latest travel adventures.

At the vibrant marketplace, colorful stalls displayed everything from handmade jewelry to exotic spices. The air buzzed with laughter and chatter, and Zinnia’s heart felt lighter with every step.

"I can’t believe you still have that awful green scarf I convinced you to buy in college!" Lily laughed, pointing at the hideous piece hanging in a stall.

Zinnia rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, it was trendy back then! Besides, you’re just jealous you didn’t have one."

"Jealous? Of that? I’d rather wear a potato sack!" Lily chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.

They moved on to a clothing store, where Zinnia tried on a bright yellow dress. She spun in front of the mirror, the fabric swirling around her. "What do you think?" she asked, a smile spreading across her face.

Lily clasped her hands dramatically. "You look like a sunbeam! You have to get it."

"I can’t; it’s too bright!" Zinnia protested, laughing.

"Too bright? Zinnia, when was the last time you wore something that made you feel happy?" Lily countered.

After a moment of contemplation, Zinnia nodded. "Okay, you win. I’ll get it." She felt a thrill of excitement at the idea of wearing something so cheerful.

They explored more shops, trying on ridiculous hats and taking silly selfies. Zinnia felt free, the weight of her worries slipping away. She twirled in her new dress, laughing at Lily’s goofy poses, and even tried on a pair of oversized sunglasses that made her look ridiculous.

"Perfect!" Lily said, snapping a photo. "Now you can’t be sad, even if you wanted to!"

As they left the store, Zinnia felt a sense of liberation. She laughed more than she had in weeks, the burden of her worries temporarily forgotten.

Thoughts of Samuel, the mysterious messages, and the ghost of James faded into the background. For the moment, she was just Zinnia, out with her best friend, enjoying a sunny day.

---

Back at the office, Samuel’s day had been anything but light.

His phone buzzed again. Timmy.

"Sir, I just wanted to update you. Miss Zinnia is with her friend, as expected. Everything looks normal, and they were keeping their distance, as you requested."

"Good," Samuel replied, relief washing over him, though he kept his voice neutral. "Keep me informed, but only if something unusual happens."

"Yes, sir," Timmy said. "We’re on it."

He ended the call and leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. At least she was safe. At least for now.

But Samuel knew that whoever was after him wouldn’t stop. They were patient, calculating, and they knew exactly how to strike without being seen. The closer he got to uncovering the truth, the more dangerous things would become.

He wasn’t just fighting for the company anymore—he was fighting for Zinnia. That thought fueled his determination.

As evening arrived, Samuel glanced at his watch, realizing he hadn’t spoken to Zinnia since breakfast. He wondered how her day had gone, whether she was still out with Lily or if she had returned home.

He picked up his phone, staring at her number for a moment before deciding against calling. She deserved a day without interruptions from him.