When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 82: Home

Chapter 82: Home

Zinnia hesitated for a moment, her mind still half in work mode. But then she found herself smiling, a warmth spreading in her chest.

I’ll be home. Yes, I’ll eat dinner at home. She replied, keeping her message simple.

Samuel’s phone buzzed with her reply, and he couldn’t hide the grin that spread across his face. He quickly typed back. What do you want for dinner?

Timmy, standing nearby, couldn’t help but chuckle. Watching his boss act like a teenager texting his crush was a rare sight, but he liked it. I wish he’d always be like this, Timmy thought, happy and approachable.

Zinnia looked at her phone, thinking for a moment. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, then started typing. I feel like having chicken tinola tonight... and maybe some garlic fried rice, if you don’t mind.

Samuel’s reply was quick. Chicken tinola and garlic rice it is. I’ll cook them for you. See you at home, Zia.

Zinnia couldn’t help but smile. See you at home, Sam!

Samuel read Zinnia’s message, and a small grin spread across his face. He looked up at Timmy, who was waiting by the door, quietly observing.

"I need you to buy the ingredients," Samuel said, still smiling. "Chicken, vegetables, and garlic. The last time I went to the grocery store, I ended up drawing too much attention. Better if you handle it."

Timmy nodded enthusiastically, happy to see his boss taking steps to win Zinnia’s heart. "Of course, sir," he said. "I’ll make sure to get everything fresh."

As Timmy headed out, he couldn’t help but smile to himself. It was rare to see Samuel like this, and he silently rooted for their relationship. I’m glad he’s finally making an effort, Timmy thought. Maybe this is what he needs—someone to make him more human.

---

Samuel returned home earlier than usual, eager to start cooking. He immediately headed to the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients Timmy had bought. As he unpacked the grocery bags, he arranged everything on the countertop—fresh chicken, ginger, garlic, green papaya, and chili leaves.

He washed the chicken, patting it dry before slicing it into pieces. He set a pot on the stove, heating up oil, and added the ginger and garlic, letting the aroma fill the kitchen.

As the ingredients sizzled, Samuel added the chicken, browning each piece before pouring in water. He tossed in the green papaya and chili leaves, stirring occasionally. The kitchen filled with the comforting, familiar scent of chicken tinola.

Next, he prepared the garlic fried rice, heating another pan and sautéing crushed garlic until it turned golden. He added the cooked rice, mixing it thoroughly, making sure each grain was coated in the fragrant oil.

Samuel worked quietly, his movements smooth and deliberate. He glanced at the clock, satisfied that everything would be ready by the time Zinnia came home.

---

Meanwhile, in her office, Zinnia glanced at the time and smiled. It was finally the end of the workday. She gathered her things, feeling a lightness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As she stepped out of her office, she saw Marcos, her father’s assistant, waiting to see her off. She waved at him, saying, "Goodnight, Marcos. I’m heading home now."

Marcos nodded, smiling back. "Have a good evening, Ms. Zinnia."

Zinnia made her way to the parking lot, walking quickly, her heart already half home. She was excited—something she hadn’t felt in ages. The thought of Samuel cooking dinner made her smile, and she couldn’t wait to see him.

As she approached her car, she didn’t notice Trish watching her from a distance. Trish had seen Zinnia leave the building many times, always accompanied by Marcos. Today, she was alone, but it was the car Zinnia drove that caught Trish’s attention—a simple, modest sedan, nothing flashy.

So, she’s not exactly splurging, but she’s always with Sir Marcos... Trish’s mind began to wander, piecing together the bits of information she had gathered. She had seen Zinnia enter the building several times, always heading to the top floor, but she didn’t fit the usual image of someone with such access.

Is she an actress? An office worker? An idol trainee? Trish wondered, feeling more confused than ever. She had seen the way people treated Zinnia, almost as if she were untouchable. Yet, there she was, driving a basic car.

Trish leaned against her own vehicle, lost in thought. The gossip about Zinnia getting special treatment had spread before, and Trish had been part of stirring it up. She couldn’t quite figure out why someone who seemed so ordinary could be so significant. Why is she always with the chairman’s assistant? she thought. What exactly is she?

She watched as Zinnia got into her car, completely unaware of the scrutiny. The way Zinnia carried herself, so calm and composed, made it all the more puzzling. She doesn’t act like someone who’s getting special favors, but something is definitely off. Trish’s curiosity grew, her mind already buzzing with plans to pry out more information.

---

Zinnia drove home, still oblivious to Trish’s watchful eyes. All she felt was a warm excitement, a feeling that had been rare for her lately. She couldn’t wait to get home, to see Samuel and the dinner he had prepared.

It was a simple thing, but it felt special, like a promise of better days. She parked her car and quickly made her way inside, her heart beating a little faster as she thought of Samuel waiting for her.

As she stepped into the house, the smell of cooked food greeted her, warm and inviting. She could hear the faint clinking of dishes being set, and she couldn’t help but smile. She walked toward the kitchen, her footsteps light, and then she saw him, placing the last of the dishes on the dining table.

"I’m home," she said, her voice soft yet filled with warmth.

Samuel turned, his face lighting up the moment he saw her. "Welcome back, Zia," he replied, his smile reflecting the joy he felt.

Zinnia stepped closer, taking in the sight of the dinner he had prepared—the chicken tinola and garlic fried rice, both still steaming. She looked up at Samuel, feeling a warmth in her chest.

"Did you make all this?" she asked, her eyes bright with surprise and gratitude.

"Of course," Samuel said, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "I wanted to make something special for you."

Zinnia’s heart swelled, and she felt something stir inside her, a feeling of comfort and belonging that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. "It smells amazing," she said, her smile widening.

"Well, let’s eat then," Samuel said, gesturing toward the table. "I hope you like it."