Elena reached out, placing a comforting hand over Zinnia's. "It's okay to feel that way. Life isn't always simple, and love… well, love has a way of surprising us. All I want is for you to live a life without regrets. Follow your heart, and don't worry about what others might think. I will always support you."
Elena's mind raced as she spoke. This was her way of letting Zinnia know that, no matter what she decided, she had her full support.
The wedding with Samuel was just a week away, but if Zinnia chose to stop it and be with James instead, Elena would stand by her. Her daughter's happiness mattered more than societal expectations or fleeting opinions.
Zinnia nodded, her mother's words offering a small sense of comfort. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting to her father's still form. "I just want things to get better, Mom. For all of us."
