When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 72: Her fear

Chapter 72: Her fear

Samuel stepped into the house, the weight of exhaustion settling heavily on his shoulders. He had spent the entire day with Timmy, scouring every lead they could find about James. Yet, despite their best efforts, they had come up empty, the last clue feeling more like a dead end than a breakthrough.

As he closed the door behind him, he rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension that had built up over hours of searching. Each lead that turned cold only deepened his frustration. With James still missing, Samuel felt the pressure to perform at his best for Zinnia and to keep her safe.

Meanwhile, Zinnia walked through the front door, her own weariness evident in her posture. The events of the last few days had taken a toll on her. Between dealing with the new recruits at work and the unexpected chaos surrounding her life, she felt drained.

As she stepped into the dimly lit living room, she barely noticed Samuel entering from the other side. Lost in her thoughts, she thought about the rumors at work and how quickly they spread. A knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach.

Their paths crossed abruptly, both startled by the sudden encounter. "Oh! Sorry, I didn’t see you there," Samuel exclaimed, his surprise evident. Zinnia blinked, momentarily taken aback. "No, it’s fine. I wasn’t looking either," she replied, offering a small smile, though her mind was still cluttered with thoughts.

They both paused, taking a moment to register each other’s presence. "How was your day?" Zinnia asked, attempting to bridge the silence. Samuel shrugged, his expression shifting to one of weariness. "Long. I’ve been busy with a lot of things," he admitted, running a hand through his hair.

Zinnia nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight he carried. "Mine was exhausting too. Just... a lot of new things to handle at work," she said, her voice trailing off as she recalled the tense meeting with the recruits.

"Did you eat?" Samuel inquired, concern flashing in his eyes. "Not yet," Zinnia replied, feeling her stomach rumble slightly. "I was going to, but... I just lost track of time."

"Same here," Samuel said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Let me cook for us. You should take a break. I know you’re still adjusting to everything."

Zinnia hesitated for a moment but then nodded, feeling grateful for his offer. "Okay, that sounds good. I really am too tired to cook right now," she admitted, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "I’ll go freshen up."

As she headed toward her room, Samuel moved into the kitchen, his mind racing with thoughts. Cooking had always been a way for him to relax, but tonight, it felt even more significant. As long as James was still missing, he wanted to do everything he could to make Zinnia appreciate his presence.

He took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. He needed to show her that he could be more than just a placeholder in her life. He had to find a way to win her heart, especially during this vulnerable time. He couldn’t afford to miss his chance.

Samuel opened the fridge and scanned its contents. He decided on a simple but thoughtful dish: chicken stir-fry. It was quick, healthy, and filled with vibrant vegetables. He wanted to create something that would comfort Zinnia and show her he cared.

He pulled out chicken breasts, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. As he washed the vegetables, he thought about the breakfast he had cooked for her. He liked to see her smile, and he hoped this one would also make her smile.

With the ingredients ready, he sliced the chicken into thin strips, feeling the rhythm of the knife against the cutting board. The sizzle of the meat in the pan brought a sense of calm over him. He added garlic, watching as it turned golden brown, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

The colors of the vegetables brightened the dish as he tossed them in, stirring everything together. He could picture Zinnia’s smile when she tasted the meal, and that thought motivated him further. Cooking for her felt like a chance to connect in a way he hadn’t been able to before.

As the stir-fry cooked, Samuel took a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew he needed to be there for Zinnia, to show her that he was capable of being a supportive partner. With everything she had been through, he wanted to be a source of comfort and strength.

Meanwhile, Zinnia finished freshening up and walked back toward the kitchen. As she entered, she paused, leaning against the doorway to watch Samuel as he moved about, his concentration evident in the way he focused on the meal.

There was something undeniably appealing about the sight of him cooking. It felt comforting, and she appreciated the effort he was putting in. She never expected this arrangement, but it was nice. It was a side of Samuel she hadn’t seen before.

Zinnia’s heart fluttered slightly as she observed him. She remembered how cold he used to be, and this change surprised her. She liked this version of him—thoughtful, attentive, and kind. But a nagging fear lingered at the back of her mind.

What if this was temporary? What if he turned cold again, as he had before? Zinnia found herself afraid to get used to this happy setup with Samuel, unsure if it would last. She wanted to hold on to this moment but feared it might slip away.

"Smells amazing," she finally said, breaking the silence. Samuel turned to look at her, a grin spreading across his face. "Thanks! I hope you like it," he replied, stirring the pan with enthusiasm.

As Zinnia watched him, she couldn’t help but wish this side of him would stick around. She liked how he seemed to care, and she hoped he would remain like this, consistently thoughtful and attentive. "I really do appreciate this," she said softly, her gaze lingering on him.

"Just doing my part," he said, and they shared a moment, their eyes locking briefly. In that instant, Zinnia felt a spark, a connection that reminded her why she was drawn to him in the first place.

She allowed herself to hope that Samuel’s warmth would continue. Maybe, just maybe, he would stay this way, and she could learn to let go of the fear that had haunted her. For now, she was content to watch him, soaking in the moment as he poured his effort into cooking dinner for them both.

As the last bit of sauce coated the stir-fry, Samuel plated the dish, his heart racing slightly as he prepared to serve Zinnia. He knew that moments like this mattered, and he wanted to make them count.

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Author’s Note:

Hi, Little Flowers!

I hope you’re still enjoying this story. A special thanks to Visible_ink and LotusLin for the castles I received today. Also, thank you to Art6733 for the castle last time. Thank you so much!

Love you all! ❣️