When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 83: Together

Zinnia took a small sip of the chicken tinola, letting the warm, savory broth fill her mouth. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the taste before looking up at Samuel with a soft smile.

"This is really good, Sam," she said, her voice gentle and sincere. "Thank you."

Samuel’s heart skipped a beat. He’d hoped she would like it, but seeing her smile over something he made felt like a small victory. "I’m glad," he said, trying to keep his tone casual, though there was a hint of relief in his eyes. "I wasn’t sure how it would turn out."

Zinnia took another bite, letting the warmth spread through her. "You’ve been practicing, haven’t you?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "It’s almost as good as the tinola my mom makes."

Samuel chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I have, actually. But your mom’s is still unbeatable."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the meal. Zinnia could hardly believe how peaceful this felt. It was a simple dinner, yet it carried more meaning. She glanced up at Samuel, watching him as he ate. His usual stern expression was softer, his face relaxed. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"So," she began, setting her spoon down, "what made you decide to cook tonight?"

Samuel looked up, meeting her eyes. He hesitated for a moment, like he wasn’t sure how much to share. "I just thought... we don’t get to have dinners like this often. I wanted to change that."

Zinnia’s gaze softened. "I appreciate it, Sam. Really."

A small, almost shy smile tugged at Samuel’s lips. "Well, I hope we can do this more often."

The thought warmed Zinnia’s heart. For so long, things between them had been complicated, full of unspoken words and awkward silences. But this felt like a step forward, a tiny step, but a step nonetheless.

After they finished eating, Samuel stood up and began clearing the dishes. Zinnia watched him for a moment before getting up to help. "You cooked, so I’ll do the dishes," she said, reaching for the plates.

Samuel shook his head and gently took the plates from her hands. "No, I got this. You just relax."

Zinnia opened her mouth to argue, but then she saw the determined look on his face and decided against it. She sat back down, resting her chin on her hand, watching as he moved around the kitchen. It was strange, seeing him like this—domestic, almost casual, without the weight of his usual business responsibilities. It was a side of him she didn’t see often, but she found herself liking it.

She let out a small sigh, her mind drifting. Is it okay to get used to this? she thought. I really wish he would stay this way and not turn cold again like before.

Samuel glanced over his shoulder at her as he washed the dishes. "You’re staring," he said, his tone playful.

Zinnia blinked, realizing she’d been lost in her thoughts. "Sorry," she said, a little embarrassed. "I’m just... I don’t know, it’s nice seeing you like this."

Samuel didn’t respond right away, just kept washing. But there was a slight smile on his lips, and when he finished, he turned to face her, drying his hands on a towel. "I’m trying, Zia," he said softly. "I know I haven’t always been easy to be around, but I’m trying to do better."

Zinnia felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn’t expected him to say that, and it caught her off guard. "I see that," she whispered. "And I appreciate it, Sam. I really do."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt like they were finally acknowledging something that had been left unsaid for too long.

Samuel took a step closer, his eyes searching hers. "I want us to have more moments like this," he said. "I want to make things right between us."

Zinnia’s heart skipped a beat. For so long, she had wondered if they could ever bridge the gap between them, and now, here he was, taking the first step. "I want that too," she said, her voice steady.

Samuel’s eyes softened, and he nodded, as if her words had given him the reassurance he needed. "Then let’s work on it. Together."

Zinnia thought about her fears. She was scared he would suddenly turn cold again, just like he had before. But seeing the sincerity in his eyes now, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe he won’t do that again, she thought. He deserves a second chance... and I wasn’t fair with him either, not with my history with James.

She smiled, and for the first time in a long while, it felt genuine, reaching her eyes. "Together," she echoed.

When the dishes were done, they moved to the living room. Both of them settled on the couch, and Samuel brought out a small tray with two cups of tea, setting it down on the coffee table.

Zinnia took a cup, the warmth spreading through her fingers. She leaned back, feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks. "I’m glad I decided to come home for dinner tonight," she said softly.

Samuel looked at her, his expression gentle. "I’m glad you did too."

They sipped their tea, the room quiet but not empty. There was a sense of peace, a calmness that felt almost foreign, but welcome. For once, there were no words needed, no forced conversations. Just the simple act of being together, and that was enough.

As the evening wore on, Zinnia felt herself getting drowsy, the warmth of the tea and the comfort of Samuel’s presence lulling her into a sense of ease. She leaned her head back, her eyes half-closed, and let out a small sigh.

"Sleepy?" Samuel asked, his voice low.

"A little," she admitted, her lips curving into a small smile. "But I don’t want to go to bed just yet."

Samuel’s gaze softened. "Then stay a little longer," he said. "There’s no rush."

Zinnia nodded, closing her eyes for a moment, letting herself just be. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring or how things would unfold between them, but for now, she was content. And for now, that was enough.