When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 61: Family bonding

Chapter 61: Family bonding

Her father cleared his throat, turning back to her. "There’s something else, Zinnia. The company’s new project—it’s a movie. We’re partnering with Lily Oceanic Industries for it."

Zinnia blinked, surprised. "Lily Oceanic Industries? What do they have to do with a movie?"

"They own cargo ships," her father explained. "The movie needs some for filming. We’ve already set up a meeting with them for tomorrow."

Zinnia sighed. Everything felt like it was happening all at once. "And you want me to handle this?"

Her father nodded. "Yes. It’s time you get involved in these projects, Zinnia. It’s important for your future with the company."

Zinnia took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on her. "Alright," she said quietly. "I’ll go to the meeting."

Her parents exchanged a glance, and her mother smiled gently. "You’ll do great, sweetheart. Just be yourself."

Zinnia nodded, trying to ignore the anxiety growing in her chest. This was her life now, whether she was ready or not.

The tension was still there, lingering in the air, until her mom’s voice softened. "Now that you’re here, why don’t you stay for dinner? I’m making all your favorites."

Zinnia’s expression lightened for the first time that day. It had been a long time since she’d had her mom’s cooking—baked macaroni with golden breadcrumbs, garlic shrimp, and her mom’s slow-cooked chicken stew. Her stomach growled just thinking about it.

"That sounds perfect," Zinnia said, her voice warming. "It’s been so long since I’ve had those."

Her mom smiled and got up. "I’ll get started. It won’t take long."

As her mother headed into the kitchen, her dad gestured to the chessboard. "How about we pass the time with a game while we wait?"

Zinnia nodded and took her seat across from him. They set up the pieces, and her father made the first move, sliding a pawn forward. Zinnia quickly countered, placing her pieces carefully, anticipating his next move.

Each turn was strategic, and the air between them grew more focused. It wasn’t just a casual game—they were both trying to win. Zinnia kept her eyes on the board, avoiding obvious traps, but her father blocked her at every step.

She studied the position and moved her queen, threatening his king. For a moment, she thought she had him. Her father stared at the board for a moment, then moved his rook across, cutting off her attack. The tides shifted, and with one final move, he cornered her king.

Zinnia let out a breath, shaking her head. "I can’t believe I lost."

Her father smiled. "You’re getting much better. It’s hard for me to win these days."

Zinnia smirked. "You’re just being humble, Dad. I know how bad I play."

He chuckled, leaning back. "No, really. You almost had me there."

She raised an eyebrow. "I’m just checking if you were actually trying or if you let me get close on purpose."

Her father laughed heartily. "I was trying my best, trust me."

Before they could continue, Zinnia’s competitive side kicked in. "One more round?"

Her father smiled and reset the board. "Alright. Let’s see if we can make it more interesting this time."

The second game started, both of them cautious but determined. Zinnia moved her knights, trying to outmaneuver her father’s defenses. He countered with his bishops, and their pieces danced around the board, each move precise and calculated.

As the game progressed, they both found themselves with limited pieces. Zinnia managed to protect her remaining pawn, advancing it to the last row and promoting it to a queen. But her father had done the same, and soon both of their queens were facing off.

After several more tense exchanges, Zinnia and her father found themselves in a stalemate. Neither could checkmate the other, and their remaining pieces couldn’t be moved without repeating the same positions.

The game ended in a draw.

Her father leaned back, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Well, that’s a first."

Zinnia smiled, feeling proud of the progress. "I’ll take a draw over a loss any day."

"You’ve really improved, Zinnia. I wasn’t sure I’d make it out of that one," he said, looking at the board.

"Maybe next time, I’ll win," she teased, standing up.

Her father chuckled, "We’ll see about that."

Before they could start another game, her mother’s voice called from the kitchen. "Zinnia, could you come help me with something?"

Zinnia stood up, still smiling from the game, and walked to the kitchen. Her mom was stirring a pot on the stove, the smell of garlic and herbs filling the room. "Could you help me set the table?" her mom asked.

Zinnia nodded and began laying out plates, forks, and glasses. She arranged everything neatly, placing cloths by each plate, and set the serving dishes in the center of the table.

"Go call your dad for dinner," her mom said with a smile.

Zinnia walked back to the living room. "Dad, dinner’s ready."

They all gathered around the table, the smell of the food making Zinnia’s mouth water. Her mom had cooked everything perfectly—crispy baked macaroni, buttery garlic shrimp, and her signature chicken stew that Zinnia had loved since she was a child.

Dinner was filled with light conversation and laughter. Her parents exchanged playful teasing—her mom joking about her dad’s cooking skills, and her dad defending himself with mock outrage. Zinnia watched them with a soft smile, feeling a sense of warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.

It reminded her of when she was younger—of simpler times when the house was always filled with laughter and good food. She missed this.

As they ate, Zinnia found her mind wandering to Samuel. She wondered if he had eaten dinner yet. Without thinking too much, she pulled out her phone and sent him a quick message: I’m at my parents’ house for dinner. Hope you’ve eaten too.

After a few moments, her phone buzzed. Samuel had replied: Just finished. Thanks for asking. Enjoy your dinner.

Zinnia smiled at his message but couldn’t shake the feeling of distance between them. She put her phone away and focused on the warmth of being home with her parents.

After dinner, she helped clear the table and clean up. Her parents thanked her, and after a little rest, they called her into her father’s study.

"Let’s go over the company’s latest projects," her father said, gesturing for her to sit.