When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 266: Signs and Secrets
Zinnia took a deep breath, her mind still swirling with questions as she turned back toward James. Her tone was composed, though exhaustion lingered in her voice. "I’ll be going back home first," she said, tucking her phone into her bag. "In case you have any updates about the Lucas Realty Group matter... please let me know."
James straightened, his expression softening as he nodded. "I will," he promised, his voice calm and steady. "You’ll be the first to know if I hear anything."
There was a brief pause as they stood in the shadow of the closed gate. The quiet between them was filled with unspoken thoughts, but Zinnia was too drained to dig deeper into them. She offered him a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly, genuine but distant.
James hesitated for a moment, then took a step forward. "Should I drive you home?" he asked, his tone gentle, as though he was trying not to push too hard.
Zinnia shook her head firmly, though her expression remained polite. "No need," she replied. "I can handle it."
His brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering across his face. "Are you sure? You’ve been through a lot today. I don’t mind."
"I’m sure," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I just... need some time to process everything on my own."
James nodded again, though a trace of disappointment lingered in his eyes. "Alright," he said quietly. "But if you need anything, even if it’s just to talk, you know how to reach me."
Zinnia glanced at him one last time, her lips curving into a small, polite smile. "Goodbye, James," she said, her tone final but not unkind.
"Goodbye, Zinnia," he replied, his voice soft as he watched her turn and walk away.
At home, Zinnia paced back and forth in the living room, her bare feet softly padding against the wooden floor. The house felt too quiet, too empty, amplifying the storm of thoughts in her mind.
She hugged herself tightly, her mind racing with worry. Where could Samuel be? She had tried calling him again and again, but there was still no answer. The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her restless.
She stopped abruptly, glancing toward the clock on the wall. The minutes ticked by painfully slowly, each second dragging on like an eternity. What if something happened to him? she thought, her chest tightening. She shook her head, trying to push away the worst-case scenarios flooding her mind.
Just then, the faint creak of the front door opening broke the silence. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned toward the sound, her breath catching in her throat. The door swung open fully, revealing Samuel stepping inside.
He looked different—tired, almost hesitant. His suit was slightly wrinkled, and there was a hint of weariness in his usually sharp eyes. He stood there for a moment, his hand still on the door handle, as though unsure whether to step further into the house.
"Samuel?" Zinnia whispered, her voice barely audible. She stared at him, her emotions swirling between relief and confusion.
Samuel’s lips pressed into a thin line before he took a hesitant step forward. His movements were awkward, almost uncertain, as he finally met her gaze. "Zia... you’re back," he said softly, his voice carrying a mixture of guilt and longing.
Zinnia blinked, her worry overtaking her confusion. She took a step closer to him, her voice trembling. "Sam, are you alright? Where have you been? Why... why did you keep this from me?" Her tone was a blend of frustration and concern, her emotions spilling over. "I’ve been so worried. I’m sorry I wasn’t by your side to help you... with whatever you’re going through."
Samuel looked down, guilt etched into every line of his face. He let out a slow, uneven breath before lifting his eyes to hers. "Zia," he began, his voice heavy, "I’m the one who should be sorry."
She froze, her brows knitting together as she searched his face for answers.
"I wasn’t there when you needed me," he continued, his tone raw with regret. "Especially with what happened to your father... I should have been by your side. I should have supported you." He clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw tightening as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "But instead, I—" He broke off, his voice faltering as he looked away, unable to meet her gaze.
Zinnia felt her heart ache at the vulnerability in his voice. She took another step toward him, her voice softer now. "Sam... talk to me. What happened? Why did you disappear like that? Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?"
Samuel let out a shaky sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I’m sorry for making you worry. Just give me a little time, Zia. I will tell you everything afterward."
"Why can’t you tell me? I’m your fiancée, Sam. I’m supposed to share your burden. Please stop keeping me in the dark."
"Zia, I beg you, just give me a little more time. I will definitely tell you everything," Samuel pleaded.
Zinnia sighed. "Okay, fine, but this will be the last time. There won’t be a next."
Samuel looked at her, his gaze steady and filled with a mix of determination and regret. "Thank you," he said, his voice firm yet soft. "I swear, Zia, this will be the last time."
Zinnia held his gaze, searching his face for sincerity. The vulnerability in his expression tugged at her heart, and she gave a slight nod. "Alright, Sam. But remember, I’m here. You don’t have to carry everything alone."
Samuel managed a faint smile, his lips barely curving upward. "I know," he said quietly. "And I’ll make it up to you. Somehow, I’ll make it right."
As he spoke, Zinnia’s eyes drifted downward, almost unconsciously, to the shoes he was wearing. Something about them caught her attention—a familiarity that sparked a strange unease in her chest. Her brows furrowed slightly as she took a closer look. Wait...
Her heart skipped a beat. Those shoes. They were the same pair she had seen earlier—on James. The dark leather loafers with the distinctive stitching on the sides, even the slight scuff near the toe. It couldn’t be a coincidence... could it?
