When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 234: The Man’s Face

After several solo shots, the photographer waved Lily and Timmy over. "Alright, let’s get the whole group involved for a few fun, candid moments."

"Us? Really?" Timmy asked, glancing nervously at Lily.

"Come on, it’ll be great!" Lily said, grabbing his hand and pulling him forward.

The four of them stood in a line, their toes just brushing the edge of the water. The photographer directed them to link arms, creating a casual and lively pose.

"Lily, give us a big laugh! Timmy, try to keep up!"

Lily threw her head back in exaggerated laughter, while Timmy attempted to match her energy, resulting in a series of photos filled with genuine joy.

For another shot, the photographer suggested a playful scenario: Samuel and Zinnia standing together while Timmy tried to ’steal’ Zinnia away, only for Lily to intervene. The scene turned into lighthearted chaos, with everyone laughing so hard the photographer had to pause to refocus.

"For the final shot, I want something truly romantic. Samuel, stand behind Zinnia and wrap your arms around her. Both of you, look out at the ocean."

They followed the instructions, the warm hues of the sunset painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Samuel’s arms rested gently around Zinnia’s waist, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the sound of the waves and the two of them in each other’s presence.

Lily and Timmy stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold.

"They look good together, don’t they?" Lily said softly.

Timmy nodded. "Yeah, they really do."

The photographer captured the moment, a perfect ending to a day that felt almost magical.

As they wrapped up, Samuel turned to Zinnia and murmured, "Not bad for a day’s work, wouldn’t you say?"

Zinnia smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Not bad at all."

---

The evening air was cool as the last traces of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon. The photoshoot had wrapped up, and the group decided it was time to call it a day. Samuel, looking as relaxed as ever in his casual clothes, turned to Timmy with a nod.

"I’ll grab the car," Samuel said, voice low and confident. "You coming, Timmy?"

Timmy, who had been taking a few final photos with his phone, quickly slid his phone into his pocket and nodded. "Yeah, right behind you."

Zinnia and Lily, walking behind them, exchanged a few quiet words, still feeling the lightness of the day’s fun and excitement. The sound of their footsteps echoed on the empty path leading to the parking lot.

Zinnia was lost in thought, her mind wandering over the photos they’d just taken, when a sudden jolt from behind interrupted her musings. She felt a soft bump as someone brushed past her, and she instinctively took a step back to regain her balance.

"Oh! I’m sorry," a voice said, and Zinnia froze at the sound of it—deep, urgent, and oddly familiar.

She raised her eyes, and her breath caught in her throat.

Standing before her was a man, dressed in a simple coat and trousers, his face hurried yet unmistakably familiar. His features were sharp, his expression flustered as he glanced over his shoulder, clearly in a rush. But it wasn’t his hurried manner that left Zinnia frozen in place—it was his face.

It was James. The very same face she had spent countless nights wishing to see again.

Her heart raced as she blinked, hoping she was mistaken, but there was no denying it. The man in front of her was the same James Lucas who had disappeared from her life.

"I’m sorry, Miss," the man apologized, his voice tight with urgency. "I’m just in a hurry. The last bus for tonight will be coming soon, and I don’t want to be left behind."

Zinnia stood frozen, her hand slowly moving to her chest as she tried to process the sight before her. Was this really him? Could it be?

Without thinking, her hand reached out, her fingers brushing his sleeve. "James?" she whispered, her voice shaking with disbelief.

The man turned slightly, his brows furrowing as he looked at her with confusion. "Huh? Sorry, miss, but my name isn’t James. I really need to hurry now, or else I’ll be left behind. I’m so sorry for bumping into you."

Zinnia’s heart thudded painfully in her chest. Her grip on his sleeve tightened as she tried to steady herself. "But—James, is it really you? Where have you been?" Her voice cracked, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself.

The man’s confusion deepened. He glanced at her once more, a brief flicker of recognition crossing his face, but it was gone in an instant. "I’m really sorry, miss," he said again, his voice apologetic but distant. "I don’t know who James is, but I really need to go."

Before Zinnia could say anything else, he pulled his arm away from her grasp and stepped back. Without another word, he hurried toward the bus stop, glancing over his shoulder one last time as if he couldn’t afford to waste another second.

Zinnia stood there, breathless, as the man hurriedly made his way toward the bus stop. Her mind raced, the uncertainty and confusion swirling inside her. She looked toward Lily, who had stopped beside her, her face filled with concern.

"Zinnia?" Lily asked gently, her voice laced with worry.

Zinnia shook her head, still watching the man.

He was almost there now, his pace quickening as he neared the bus stop. She could see the bus pulling up right on time, its headlights cutting through the evening fog.

The man reached the bus just as the doors opened. He stepped inside with a relieved exhale, his face softening for a moment before he disappeared into the bus, the doors closing behind him with a decisive hiss.

Zinnia stood motionless, staring at the bus as it pulled away into the night, her mind racing.