Chapter 130: Comfort of Ho
Lily and Zinnia both burst out laughing while talking to each other on the phone, and it was the kind of laughter that made Lily feel completely free, a world away from boardrooms and business deals.
Zinnia had no idea about her serious side, the one that spent hours poring over contracts and dealing with high-stakes decisions. To Zinnia, she was just Lily, the friend who loved to travel, tell jokes, and obsess over handso n she would never get tired of admiring.
Their conversation continued, full of lightness and joy. "So, where are you now?" Zinnia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Guess," Lily challenged.
"Hmm... let
think," Zinnia said, pretending to be deep in thought. "Are you in Paris, sipping espresso and planning your next art heist?"
Lily snorted with laughter. "Close, but no. I’m by the ocean, actually. The kind of place you’d love. The waves are so calming."
Zinnia let out a dreamy sigh. "Sounds amazing. And I bet you’re wearing sothing fabulous, as always."
Lily glanced down at her sundress, smiling. "Only the best for my grand beach escape," she joked. "Anyway, I wish you were here. We could sit and people-watch together. Maybe judge so terrible tourist outfits."
Zinnia’s laughter echoed through the phone. "I’d love that. Next ti, we’re doing it together, okay?"
"Deal," Lily agreed, her heart full. Sohow, talking to Zinnia made everything feel more colorful, more alive.
---
anwhile, just across the room, Timmy was trying to shake off his embarrassnt from earlier. The incident had left him rattled, and his mind kept spinning with questions about Miss Aquila.
He’d only seen a picture of Lily Aquila once, taken when she and Zinnia had gone shopping together. Even then, he hadn’t paid much attention; his focus had been on the mission to keep Zinnia safe, not on the woman in the photograph.
So when he glanced up and noticed the laughing woman from earlier, he didn’t make the connection. She looked so carefree, the kind of Lily when she is with Zinnia.
At the sa ti, he couldn’t say she was the Miss Aquila he had t earlier, the one who had saved him from drowning, because the Miss Aquila he rembered was stern and serious, so dedicated to work that he couldn’t imagine she was the sa woman laughing right now while talking on the phone.
He shook his head, feeling foolish. "Get it together," he whispered. "There’s no way she’s here."
Still, he couldn’t help but watch the woman a little longer. Her laughter filled the room, warm and genuine, drawing more glances from nearby tables. Her energy was infectious, and Timmy found himself smiling despite his confusion.
"Maybe I just need sleep," he mumbled, rubbing his forehead. His thoughts were all over the place, and he felt ridiculous for even thinking about Miss Aquila in such a casual setting.
Timmy sighed, feeling a small, hollow ache in his chest. "What is wrong with ?" he muttered. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing sothing important, sothing just out of reach. But for now, he had no choice but to push those thoughts away. He was here to enjoy his vacation and not be muddled.
---
On the other hand, Zinnia pushed the front door open and stepped inside, her tiredness lting away at the comforting sll that filled the air. She could hear Samuel in the kitchen, the sound of a pan sizzling as he cooked. The aroma was mouthwatering, a mix of garlic, herbs, and sothing savory that made her stomach rumble.
She set her bag down by the couch, still holding her phone to her ear as she laughed at sothing Lily had just said. Her shoes felt heavy after a long day, but her spirit was light, the conversation with Lily bringing back mories of simpler tis.
"Hey, Lily, Samuel is cooking again," Zinnia said, her voice full of warmth.
Lily’s laughter ca through the phone, bright and infectious. "Lucky you. If I had soone cooking for
every day, I’d never leave ho."
Zinnia leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching Samuel work. He had his back to her, his shirt sleeves rolled up and his hair slightly tousled. He moved with a kind of focused grace, chopping vegetables and stirring pots like he was in his own world.
"Yeah, it’s the one good thing about having a perfectionist," Zinnia teased, though her voice softened as she watched him. "But don’t tell him I said that."
Samuel glanced over his shoulder, catching her eye with a half-smile. "What was that?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
Zinnia quickly covered the phone with her hand. "Nothing, nothing at all," she replied, her tone playful.
Lily laughed again, but there was a hint of longing in it. "You’re so lucky, Zinnia. Treasure those little monts, okay?"
"I will," Zinnia promised, feeling her heart squeeze a bit. "Anyway, I’ll call you later. Dinner’s ready."
"Go enjoy it. And send my love to that chef of yours," Lily said before hanging up.
Zinnia ended the call and slipped her phone into her pocket. She took a mont to breathe in the scene before her: Samuel standing there, finishing up the al he’d prepared, his expression serious yet content. She couldn’t help but smile.
---
"Zia," Samuel called, breaking her thoughts. "Can you please help
set the table? It’s almost done."
Zinnia moved quickly, grabbing plates and silverware. "Slls amazing," she said, her voice light and genuine.
He glanced at her, his eyes softening just for a mont. "Hope it tastes good too."
She placed the plates on the table and paused, taking in the delicious spread he’d prepared: roasted chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a bowl of creamy pasta. The sight made her heart feel full. This was becoming her favorite part of the day, a small slice of normalcy she’d grown to love.
When they finally sat down to eat, the first few bites were quiet. Samuel watched her reaction closely, waiting to see if she’d like it.
"This is... incredible," Zinnia said, her eyes lighting up. "How do you keep outdoing yourself?"
A small, proud smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Just lucky, I guess," he replied, though they both knew it was more than that. He put so much effort into everything he did, even if he rarely showed it.
They ate in companionable silence for a while. The sound of silverware clinking against plates, the hum of the air conditioner in the background—it all felt comfortable, like a scene from a life she wanted to hold onto.
"So," Samuel started, breaking the quiet. "When does your movie project start?"
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Author’s Note (Nov. 12, 2024)
Yay! A magic castle appeared! Thanks to our dear LotusLin for the blessing!
Also, shoutout to Slowestcook and Hansora for buying my privileged Chapters. Love you, lovely ladies! ??
Thanks to everyone who is here and continues supporting this book with powerstones, golden tickets, and gifts.
Thanks for all the comnts too!
Lovelotssss????
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