When Love is a Question Mark

She was sure she would never marry in this life. Yet, ever since she came home from abroad, her parents have constantly nagged her to go on dates and get married. Finally, unable to bear their insistence any longer, she agreed to a blind date.

She was told to come to a restaurant near her home. The date was set for 5 p.m. She was used to arriving early—being late was never an option for her. So, even though she was not interested in the blind date, she arrived ahead of time.

She had a beautiful face, a slim body, long brown hair, and warm brown eyes. With a soft, kind face and a gentle smile, she walked into the restaurant.

The server was awestruck upon seeing her before he managed to compose himself and greet her warmly at the entrance. With a genuine smile, the server asked, "Are you Zinnia Lopez?"

When Zinnia confirmed, the server led her through the softly lit dining area. To her surprise, the restaurant was completely empty, yet it was beautifully decorated with romantic touches—tables draped in white linen, flickering candles, and delicate heart-shaped decorations.

The atmosphere was intimate and enchanting, clearly set up for a special occasion, but her heart had long been numb. It no longer fluttered at such things.

She sat down and played with her phone, disinterested in her surroundings. She just wanted to end this blind date and go home.

At exactly 5 p.m., she heard the door open and the server ask the name of the person who had entered. She didn't pay much attention; she was too absorbed in her phone. When the person finally walked toward her and took a seat across from her, she continued her disinterest.

"Let's be truthful with each other," she began. "I only came here because my parents asked me to. But in this life, I will—"

Her words caught in her throat as she looked up and saw the man in front of her. Her mouth fell open in surprise. He was incredibly handsome—tall with a muscular build, short black hair, and sharp features. His confident demeanor was highlighted by his strong jawline.

His deep brown eyes met hers, and she realized she had been staring intently.

"Sorry for my rudeness," she mumbled, trying to look away, but she couldn't help herself. His presence made her heart race—a whirlwind of emotions she thought she would never feel again.

Speechless, she continued to stare at him. The man cleared his throat and spoke, "It's good that you're straightforward. As you said, let's be honest. I'm fine with being in a relationship with you. After all, even if it weren't you, my parents would still set up countless blind dates until I agreed to marry."

His voice sounded like her favorite music, though it was a bit assertive. Her eyes welled up with tears, which she fought to hold back.

"I agree," she blurted out hastily.

The man looked at her, paused for a moment, then said, "Then it's settled. Don't go back on your word. I'll tell my parents about our marriage when I return home."

The food arrived, and they ate in silence, with Zinnia occasionally glancing at him.

After some time, he stood up to leave. "I'm sorry, but I have an urgent business meeting, so I won't be able to stay. It was nice meeting you, Zinnia Lopez. Happy cooperation."

He extended his hand for a handshake. "I'll call you to discuss the details of the marriage."

Still lost in her thoughts, Zinnia shook his hand as he walked away. The words "I will call you to talk about the details of a marriage" echoed in her mind.

Everything had happened so fast that she wondered if she was hallucinating or dreaming. She slapped her face to wake herself up, but felt the sting instead.

Returning home, she was still in shock from the restaurant. Her mom's voice broke her daze.

"Sweetie, how did it go? Did you like him? Why are you back so soon? Didn't you go on your date?"

She snapped out of it and asked her mom for a hug, tears streaming down her face. "Mom."

Her mom hugged her, trying to comfort her. "What's wrong, sweetie? Did he bully you? It's okay if you don't like him. I won't let you marry him. Don't cry."

She stopped crying and looked at her mom. "Mom, I agreed to marry him."

Her mom blinked in surprise. "Huh? What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly."

"I agreed to marry him, Mom."

"Really? That's great! But why are you crying?"

"Nothing, Mom. I'm just happy I met him."

"You're so happy you cried tears of joy? He is handsome, right?" Her mom teased.

"Yes, he is. I'm going to my room now. You can tell Dad about it."

"Okay, sweetie. Rest up. I'm sure Dad will be happy to hear the news."

"By the way, Mom, what's his name?"

"Oh, sweetie, you were so awestruck by his handsomeness that you forgot to ask his name?" Her mom giggled.

"Come on, Mom, stop teasing me."

"His name is Samuel Lucas, the heir of Lucas Realty Group. You can look him up online."

"Samuel Lucas," she murmured as she went to her room. The name sounded familiar, especially the surname. It was etched deeply in her memory.

A week later, the media buzzed with news about the day's event. The engagement ceremony between Lopez Digital Studios, where Zinnia was the sole heiress, and Lucas Realty Group, Samuel's family company, was the talk of the town.

When a beauty and a handsome man unite in marriage, it is often seen as a match made in heaven. Their status as rich heirs and heiresses turned it into a true fairy tale of royalty.

The celebration was met with widespread congratulations and media coverage. It seemed like a happy occasion for the entire country.

By that time, Zinnia thought she still had a chance at happiness, but she soon realized it was only the beginning of her misery. Samuel treated their engagement as a business transaction, while she found herself hopelessly in love, begging for his affection.

It wasn't until a man from her past, whom she thought was dead, returned to the present.

Samuel was caught off guard when he saw the face of that man.

Was that the reason she agreed to marry him?