When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 77: Alone

Chapter 77: Alone

Samuel had ordered their pizzas and leaned back in his chair, looking at Timmy. Timmy’s heart began to calm a little, but doubt still crept in. Maybe this wasn’t as serious as he’d thought. Perhaps Samuel just wanted to unwind after a long day. That made more sense. But still, a part of him wondered, What if this was goodbye?

It wouldn’t be the first time someone got close to Samuel, only to be pushed away. Timmy had seen it happen before. When Samuel started in the company, he wasn’t alone. He had a mentor, an assistant who guided him through his training, showing him the ropes. Timmy was new back then, too, just learning how things worked. He wasn’t Samuel’s right-hand man yet; he was just starting out, observing everything quietly from the background.

Samuel’s first assistant was a man named Aaron. He had been with Samuel for months, helping him settle in, managing his schedule, and preparing him for meetings. Aaron had been patient, teaching Samuel not just the business but how to navigate the internal politics. Samuel trusted him, relied on him. Timmy remembered the way Samuel used to smile more back then, his guard not as high. Aaron and Samuel worked closely together, and for a while, it seemed like things would be that way.

But then one day, Aaron was gone. No explanation, no warning. Just like that, he was out of the company, and Samuel never mentioned him again. People whispered, speculating on what might have happened. Some said Aaron had gotten too comfortable, others said Samuel had grown tired of him. Timmy had always wondered if Samuel had felt betrayed, or if he simply decided it was time to cut ties.

Since then, Timmy had stepped up, slowly earning Samuel’s trust. It took years. He learned how to anticipate Samuel’s needs, how to read his moods, when to speak up, and when to stay silent. Timmy valued what they had built over the years. He didn’t want to end up like Aaron, discarded without a word. He wasn’t just Samuel’s assistant; he was the one person who had stuck around, through the ups and downs.

As Samuel finished placing their order, he leaned back in his chair, a rare, relaxed smile on his face. "Good choice, Timmy. I’ll grab us some drinks from the fridge," he said, getting up.

Timmy watched him, his thoughts still swirling. Is this a casual dinner, or is it a farewell? He hoped it was the former. Samuel wasn’t acting like he was about to let him go, but Timmy couldn’t shake the worry. He had seen how quickly things could change.

"Hey, Timmy?" Samuel’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

Timmy looked up. "Yes, Sir?"

"You’ve been doing great work. Just wanted you to know," Samuel said, his tone sincere.

Timmy’s heart warmed at the compliment. "Thanks, Sir. That means a lot."

They sat together, waiting for the pizza to arrive. Timmy decided to enjoy the moment, pushing his doubts aside. Whatever happened next, he had given his best.

Unknown to Timmy, Samuel wasn’t planning to let him go. Samuel just wanted someone to eat with. These past few days, he had gotten used to having dinner with Zinnia. They would eat together, talk about their day, even if it was just small talk. It was a routine he had started to cherish. But tonight, Zinnia was busy, and Samuel found himself missing that. He didn’t want to eat alone. The house felt too quiet, too empty when he was by himself.

Just as they were about to start their meal, Samuel’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Zinnia.

"I won’t be coming home tonight. I’ll be staying at my parents’ house. I have some things to discuss with Dad."

Samuel read the message and let out a quiet sigh. He had been hoping she would come back. He typed out a quick reply.

"I understand. Hope everything goes well. Have a good dinner."

He put his phone down, trying to hide his disappointment. Lately, he felt like he was just starting to reconnect with Zinnia. Slowly, they were finding a rhythm, a way to be around each other that felt comfortable, almost natural. But now, she seemed busy, distant. He feared they were starting to drift apart again, and he didn’t know how to stop it.

What if I lose her? The thought crossed his mind, heavy and unsettling. He knew how easily things could slip away, how hard it was to keep them once they did. He was losing his chance to show Zinnia his feelings, to prove to her that he could be someone she could rely on. Someone she could love.

And then there was James. The shadow of James, always lingering. Samuel felt like he was constantly competing with a ghost, someone he could never fully replace. He was trying so hard to make Zinnia see him, not just as Samuel but as someone she could choose. But now, she was slipping through his fingers, and he didn’t know what to do.

Later, after dinner with Timmy, Samuel drove home. As soon as he opened the door, the emptiness hit him. No lights were on, no sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway. He stepped inside, flicking on the lights, but it didn’t make much difference. The house still felt cold, lifeless.

He wandered through the living room, his footsteps soft on the polished floor. He glanced at the dining table where they used to sit, remembering the nights when Zinnia would be there, her presence filling the space. Tonight, there was just silence.

As he walked down the hallway, he passed by Zinnia’s room. The door was slightly ajar, the room dark inside. Samuel hesitated for a moment, then pushed the door open a little more, peeking inside. Everything was neat, untouched. It was like she hadn’t been there in weeks, though he knew she had.

Samuel’s heart ached. He closed the door gently and continued down the hall, his mind heavy. When he reached his own room, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The bed was neatly made, the room just as he had left it that morning. He tossed his keys onto the dresser and sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands.