When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 218: Finalizing Things

Zinnia stood at the airport gate, a soft smile on her lips as she waved goodbye to Samuel. Beside her, Elena adjusted her scarf while Ricardo rested a hand on his daughter’s shoulder, his face calm yet slightly weary.

"Take care of yourself, Zia," Samuel said, his tone gentle but firm. "I’ll join you as soon as everything here is finalized."

Zinnia nodded, her gaze steady. "I know. Don’t overwork yourself, though. I’ll be waiting."

Elena chimed in, her voice warm but teasing. "You better not be late, Samuel. Zinnia and I have plans for the wedding, and we need your input."

Samuel chuckled lightly. "I wouldn’t dare miss it. Have a safe flight."

With a final wave, Zinnia and her parents disappeared into the bustling terminal. Samuel watched until they were out of sight before turning back to Timmy, who stood a few steps behind, waiting for instructions.

Over the next few days, Samuel buried himself in work, determined to clear his schedule so he could fully dedicate himself to the wedding preparations. Timmy, ever efficient, managed the tasks with precision, coordinating meetings and pushing through deadlines.

One afternoon, as Samuel signed off on the last set of documents, he leaned back in his chair with a sigh of relief. "Finally," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Timmy entered the office, carrying a file. "That’s the last of it, sir. All urgent matters have been addressed. You’re officially free to leave for the wedding."

Samuel smiled, a rare moment of ease breaking through his usual stoicism. "Good. Let’s book the tickets and head out tomorrow."

Timmy raised an eyebrow. "Already done, sir. I figured you’d want to leave as soon as possible."

Samuel’s smile widened slightly. "What would I do without you, Timmy?"

Timmy smirked. "Probably still be buried under paperwork."

Later that evening, Steven stopped by Samuel’s office. His demeanor was lighter, almost jovial. "Son, I’m heading back to your mother now. I’ve done my part—finalizing your takeover and setting things in order. The company is officially yours to run."

Samuel glanced up from his desk, surprised by his father’s haste. "You’re leaving already?"

Steven chuckled, adjusting his cufflinks. "Of course. Do you think I came back just to linger? I’ve waited for this day for years, Samuel. Now that everything is settled, I can finally relax and spend my time where it truly matters—with your mother."

Samuel’s brow furrowed slightly. "You’re acting like you’ve been planning your escape from the business for decades."

Steven gave him a pointed look. "Because I have. I’ve done my part, built the foundation, and now it’s your turn. Don’t let me down."

Samuel sighed, shaking his head. "I won’t. But I’m curious—why did you and Mom divorce in the first place? You seem to get along so well now."

Steven paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Some things are better left in the past, son. Let’s just say we’ve found a way to respect and care for each other, even if things didn’t work out the way we planned."

Samuel nodded, though the curiosity lingered. "Well, I’m glad you’re both happy now."

Steven smiled. "That’s all that matters. Focus on your wedding, Samuel. Make Zinnia happy. That’s your priority now."

With that, Steven clapped his son on the shoulder and walked out, leaving Samuel alone with his thoughts.

As he stood in his office, Samuel let his mind wander to Zinnia. A small smile crept onto his face at the thought of her. She’s waiting for me. I need to get there soon.

"Sir?" Timmy’s voice broke through his reverie, pulling him back to the present.

Samuel glanced over. "Yes?"

Timmy grinned. "Everything is ready. We can leave tomorrow morning."

Samuel nodded, his resolve firm. "Good. Let’s get some rest. We have a lot to do once we’re there."

As Timmy left the room, Samuel looked out the window, his smile returning. The thought of seeing Zinnia again filled him with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to finally focus on their future together.

Just as he was about to call it a night, his phone buzzed. Seeing Zinnia’s name on the screen, his lips curled into a small smile.

"Zia," he answered warmly, his tone instantly lighter. "How are you?"

"Hi, Sam," Zinnia’s voice came through, soft but lively. "I just wanted to check on you. How’s your day going? Are you almost done with work?"

Samuel chuckled, the tension from his day melting away. "It’s been busy, but I’m finally done. Timmy and I wrapped up everything today. I’ll be joining you tomorrow."

"That’s great," Zinnia said, her voice carrying a hint of relief. "I was worried you’d be stuck there longer."

"I wouldn’t let that happen," he assured her. "How’s everything over there? How’s your dad doing?"

"He’s doing well," she replied. "The doctors are optimistic about the surgery. Mom’s been keeping busy organizing everything while I’ve been trying to stay out of her way."

Samuel laughed softly. "I can picture that. Your mom does love to keep things running smoothly."

Zinnia joined in his laughter before pausing. "Oh, by the way, did you see the news? Seas of Deception is a blockbuster now!"

Samuel’s eyebrows rose, a proud smile spreading across his face. "I did. Congratulations, Zia. I’m so proud of you. You really are amazing, you know that?"

Her laughter was light but modest. "Thank you, Sam. But it wasn’t just me. The whole team worked so hard on it."

"Maybe," he replied, his tone teasing, "but you were the heart of that project. Everyone knows it."

Her voice softened. "That means a lot coming from you."

There was a comfortable silence for a moment, both taking solace in each other’s presence despite the distance.

"I can’t wait to see you tomorrow," Samuel said, his voice sincere. "It feels like it’s been weeks."

"Same here," Zinnia admitted. "It’s strange not having you around. I’ve gotten used to it."

"Well," he said with a small laugh, "you won’t have to wait much longer. Tomorrow, I’ll be there, and then we can focus on what really matters—our wedding."

Zinnia chuckled softly. "You’re surprisingly enthusiastic about it now. What happened to the Samuel who kept postponing the wedding in the first place?"

"I guess I realized how much I needed you," he said, his voice low and genuine.

Her breath hitched slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I’m glad you did."