When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 226: Another Encounter

Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of it. The wedding dress. The final piece to the puzzle of their impending wedding. It suddenly felt so real. She had always imagined this day would come, but hearing Samuel speak of it so casually, as if it was already a given, made her feel a bit giddy inside.

"You really want to do this today?" she asked, her voice teasing. "I thought we were going to take it easy after everything with my parents."

Samuel chuckled, his hand brushing against hers as they walked. "We’re taking it easy, but I can’t let you delay this any longer. We’ve got a wedding to plan, Zia, and the dress is a big part of that. Plus, I can’t wait to see you in it."

Zinnia laughed softly, feeling a flutter in her chest. His words made her feel special, like the dress wasn’t just something to wear, but something to be seen in.

"Alright, alright," she said, giving in with a smile. "But you better be prepared to tell me how beautiful I look when I’m in it. That’s the deal."

Samuel grinned, his gaze warm as he looked at her. "You already know how I feel about you. But yes, I’ll say it again. You’re going to look stunning."

Zinnia felt her cheeks flush slightly at his words, her heart swelling with affection. "You’re too kind," she said, though the smile on her face couldn’t hide the happiness she felt inside.

---

Lily sat on her couch, a cup of coffee in one hand and a stack of colorful brochures in the other. She flipped through them, her mind racing with possibilities for how to spend the day. She smiled as she came across one promoting a botanical garden tour and another showcasing local museums.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her attention away. Setting the brochures aside, she picked up her phone and opened the message. It was from Zinnia.

Zinnia: Hey Lily, I’m heading to the wedding dress shop this morning. Here’s the address. Can you join me? I’d really love your help picking the dress.

Lily’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a smile. She quickly typed out her reply.

Lily: Of course! I’d love to help. I’ll head over there right away.

Putting down her phone, Lily hurried to get ready. She grabbed her purse and coat, glancing at the brochures one last time before deciding they could wait for another day. On her way out, she paused in the hallway, her phone buzzing again.

It was Timmy.

She opened the message with a smile.

Timmy: Good morning, Lily! If you’re free today, let me know. I’d love to explore the city with you.

Lily hesitated, feeling a slight pang of guilt. She typed her response carefully.

Lily: Good morning, Timmy! I’d love to, but I have something to do this morning. I should be free by the afternoon. Let’s plan something then?

Satisfied with her message, she hit send and stepped out the door, hurrying toward the wedding dress shop.

---

Timmy stood near the counter at the wedding dress shop, his tablet in hand as he coordinated with the staff. The boutique was serene, with soft classical music playing in the background and rows of exquisite gowns on display.

"Make sure the main fitting room is ready," he said to one of the assistants. "And bring out the designs we discussed earlier. They should match the bride’s preferences perfectly."

The staff nodded, bustling around to make final preparations. Timmy checked his watch, noting that Samuel and Zinnia would arrive soon. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see a message from Lily.

Lily: Good morning, Timmy! I’d love to, but I have something to do this morning. I should be free by the afternoon. Let’s plan something then?

A grin spread across his face as he quickly typed a reply.

Timmy: No problem at all. I have some work this morning too, but I’ll be free by the afternoon. Looking forward to it!

He hit send, sliding his phone back into his pocket as he turned to the staff. "Everything’s set, right?"

"Yes, sir," one of the assistants replied.

Timmy nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Today was shaping up to be productive and, hopefully, enjoyable later in the day. As he walked to the boutique’s entrance, he glanced down the street, keeping an eye out for Samuel and Zinnia.

"Let’s make this day perfect for them," he murmured to himself, mentally preparing for the busy morning ahead.

Timmy stood by the entrance of the wedding dress shop, his arms crossed as he scanned the street for Samuel and Zinnia. He was mentally running through his checklist to ensure everything would run smoothly. Lost in thought, he almost didn’t notice someone approaching.

The sound of heels clicking on the tiled pavement pulled his attention, and when he looked up, he froze.

It was Lily.

She walked with effortless grace, her hair catching the morning sunlight as she approached the boutique. Timmy blinked in disbelief, his usually quick mind drawing a blank. What was she doing here?

Lily noticed his stunned expression and tilted her head, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Timmy? Are you okay?"

When he didn’t respond, she waved a hand in front of his face. "Timmy, it’s nice to see you here. I didn’t expect we’d bump into each other."

Her words jolted him back to reality. He blinked rapidly, clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses in an attempt to regain composure. "Oh, uh, yeah! I didn’t expect to see you here either," he said, his voice a little higher-pitched than usual.

Lily chuckled softly, her mind racing. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. He is Samuel’s personal assistant, after all, she thought.

Timmy laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. Before he could say anything more, he caught movement out of the corner of his eye.

Turning his head, he saw Samuel and Zinnia walking down the street toward them. Relief washed over him, thinking he could finally redirect his awkwardness. But then, something happened that left him speechless again.