When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 85: Hope

Chapter 85: Hope

He watched her open the door to her room, hesitating for a moment to glance back at him. That small, fleeting look, a brief warmth in her eyes, gave him hope. Even if just for a moment, it made him believe that things could get better.

Samuel walked back to his own room. As he closed the door, he felt a flicker of hope. It was faint, like a candle in a storm, but it was there. And right now, that small glimmer was enough. It was something he could hold on to, a sign that maybe, just maybe, things could change.

He lay down on his bed, shutting his eyes and letting out a slow breath. There was still a long way to go. They still had so many things left unsaid, but tonight was a start. For the first time in what felt like forever, he sensed he was moving in the right direction.

He told himself to take it one step at a time, small and steady. Maybe, with enough patience, he could find a way to close the distance between them. But as he lay there in the dark, doubts crept in. His thoughts wandered to places he didn’t want to admit.

He knew it was wrong to think this way, but he couldn’t help it. I really hope James doesn’t show up soon, he thought, his brow furrowing. Not yet. Not until I know if Zinnia will choose me.

He hated himself for it. Wishing for James’s absence felt selfish, but he couldn’t ignore the truth. Seeing Zinnia smile, hearing her laugh, and feeling her lean against him—it stirred something inside him—something he thought he wouldn’t feel. He wanted more of it, and he wasn’t ready to have it all taken away. Not yet.

For now, he would just hope. Hope that this fragile start could grow into something stronger. Hope that, when the time came, Zinnia would see how much he was willing to do for her, to make things right.

But until then, he would keep trying. He would keep moving forward, one small step at a time, even if the future was uncertain.

---

The next morning, Zinnia woke up feeling more rested than usual. The room was still dim, the early morning light barely sneaking through the curtains. She stretched, a soft smile playing on her lips as she remembered the night before. Samuel had stayed with her, even if just for a little while, and it felt... nice. For once, she didn’t feel so alone.

She got out of bed, her feet padding softly on the floor as she made her way to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, took a shower, and did her usual morning routine, but it felt different today—lighter, somehow.

After freshening up, she headed to the kitchen, half-expecting Samuel to still be asleep. As she got closer, the smell of coffee drifted toward her. She heard the faint sound of humming, and she paused at the doorway, peeking inside.

Samuel stood by the stove, already busy with breakfast. His back was to her, dressed in casual clothes, his hair a bit messy. It was a simple, domestic sight that made her chest feel warm. For a moment, she just stood there, watching him, not wanting to break the peace.

"Morning," she said, her voice soft, almost shy.

Samuel turned, surprised but glad to see her. "Morning, Zia," he said with a smile. "Didn’t think you’d be up yet."

"I could say the same about you," she teased, stepping further into the kitchen. "You’re up earlier than usual."

He shrugged, turning back to the stove. "Wanted to make sure you had a good breakfast before work," he said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "Coffee’s ready, by the way."

Zinnia’s heart did a little flip. She moved to pour herself a cup, feeling touched by the gesture. "You didn’t have to," she said, though she didn’t really mean it. "But thank you."

"Of course I did," he said, glancing over his shoulder at her. "It’s the least I can do."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the soft sizzle of the eggs on the stove. Zinnia sipped her coffee, savoring the warmth, and watched him move around the kitchen. He seemed at ease, like he had done this a hundred times before. She wondered how many times he had practiced, perfecting each dish, and the thought made her smile.

After a few minutes, Samuel placed two plates on the table—scrambled eggs, toast, and slices of fresh fruit. "I didn’t go all out this morning," he said, almost apologetic, "but I hope it’s okay."

Zinnia looked down at the food, then back up at him, her eyes soft. "It’s perfect," she said simply.

They sat down to eat, and for a while, it felt like they were just two people, sharing a quiet breakfast together. Samuel was the first to break the silence, his tone casual but curious. "Got a busy day at work?"

Zinnia nodded, swallowing a bite of toast. "Yeah, a bit. But I’m hoping it won’t be too bad. What about you?"

"Same," he said. "But I was thinking... maybe we could have dinner together again tonight? If you’re not too tired."

She looked up, a little surprised by the suggestion. "You want to cook again?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips.

"I do," he said, his eyes earnest. "But only if you want to. I don’t want to make you feel pressured or anything."

Zinnia felt a small flutter in her chest. She wasn’t used to seeing him like this—so open and willing to reach out. It was a side of him she didn’t usually see, and it was one she wanted to see more of. "I’d like that," she said softly. "Dinner sounds nice."

Samuel’s face lit up, and he nodded, clearly pleased. "Great. I’ll think of something special."

They finished their breakfast, the simple meal stretching into a quiet, warm moment between them. Soon, it was time for Zinnia to head out for work. She gathered her things, glancing back at Samuel as he cleared the table.

"I’ll see you tonight," she said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth.

"Yeah," he said, looking up at her with a smile. "See you tonight, Zia."