LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

Chapter fourteen

Gabriel•

"I just want to introduce you guys to Almanzer, she will be replacing Stella who was once working here as our housekeeper. "Zach said.

What? How on earth did she manage to pull that off? I exclaimed in my thoughts, utterly astounded by the situation unfolding before my eyes. It was as if she was determined to make my life a living hell. Questions flooded my mind - who is she to Zach? How did he agree to let her work here?

"No, she can't be working here," I said without realizing.

Unable to contain my shock, I stood up abruptly, causing Zach to shift his gaze towards me, clearly curious about my reaction.

"Why not?" He asked, My mind raced, desperately searching for the right words to express my disbelief. I turned to Mrs. Patel, my eyes pleading for some sort of explanation or guidance.

"Well because we have hired one and she is going to start tomorrow. "

With unwavering confidence, Mrs. Patel spoke up, breaking the tension.

Her words brought me a small sense of relief, and I couldn't help but smile gratefully at her. However, the satisfaction was short-lived as I noticed Almanzer's face turning red with anger. There was an undeniable threat emanating from her, as though she held some truth about me that she was willing to expose. Little did she know, her perception of me was far from reality - all she had was the knowledge that I was not Amelia.

"Mother, why didn't you tell me about that earlier?" Zach asked, it's like he was trying by all means to let her in the house, but why?
"How would I tell a busy man." Mrs Patel chuckled, "I didn't want to disturb you son."

Zach shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and said.

"Then she can work as a gardener. "

Mrs. Patel and I exchanged stunned glances as Zach made a second option.
"What! A gardener?"
Confusion clouding his expression, he darted his eyes between us, "But son we already have George. " Mrs Patel added. puzzled by the mention of someone named George. It suddenly clicked - George must be the gardener I had encountered earlier, the same one I may have inadvertently harmed.

Oh boy.

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Frustration welled up within me; this situation was far from right, and I couldn't allow this woman to impede my progress. I am Gabriel, and she had no idea what she was up against. But in that moment, doubt crept into my mind - did I truly understand the extent of what I was dealing with?

A thought occurred to me, but I questioned my ability to execute it. However, I couldn't let my reservations hold me back any longer.

"Mother I have a great idea." As I looked at her, she appeared clueless, unaware of what I was about to reveal. Hoping not to shock her too much, I took a deep breath and let it out. "I can be the maid," I explained my audacious plan, fervently hoping that Mrs. Patel would understand and support me.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Patel seemed restless, her gaze flickering around the room as she contemplated the implications of my plan.
"What? Are you crazy? You disguised yourself as Amelia now you want to be Gabriel in the other part? No, you can't do two jobs at once it's going to the very suspicious. "Mrs Patel responded.

"Mrs Patel you need to understand don't you think it's suspicious that I disappeared and out of a sudden Amelia is back? Almanzer doesn't know my true identity so if I am myself a bit it will not be obvious to them but to have them believe that Amelia is back."

I explained, hoping Mother would understand.
Uncertainty filled my mind - would my gamble be worth it? Or would it only lead to more trouble? I had to believe that becoming Gabriel, even temporarily, would allow me to reclaim my true self as Amelia. But the real question was where were these going to end?
"Fine but be careful. "She said.

"I promise," I assured her.

Zach•

I awoke in my bed, unclothed for reasons unknown, hastily using a pillow to shield my modesty as I confronted a distressed woman. She fervently argued that the familiar Amelia I encountered daily was a counterfeit.
"Zach I'm telling you she is an imposter, I don't know what she wants from you but trust what I'm saying. "She added.
"Maybe she wants the same thing as you, don't you think?" I said trying my best to get the worst of her.

A hint of disbelief crossed her eyes as they fell upon my makeshift shield, possibly indicative of an unhealthy fixation on me. "Just give me a job here and I will give you proof."

No rational woman would go to such lengths merely to make a point unless driven by insecurity or a lack of self-worth.
"Why would I hire a sex worker in my estate?"I added.

"You can insult me as how you want but you should think this through carefully why I'm doing these or else you will spend another two years broken and miserable. "She said with a high tone trying her best to hurt me with her words.

While her assertions failed to sway me, a nagging thought lingered: perhaps there was merit to her claims. Granting her the opportunity to substantiate her allegations against Amelia held the promise of a revelation worth exploring, albeit fraught with uncertainty. What if she was wrong?

How would I proceed then? Would Amelia ever forgive me for delving into her life so intrusively? A deluge of questions inundated my mind simultaneously, intensifying my internal quandary.

Who, I pondered, possessed the audacity to deceive me in such a manner, manipulating my trust for their ends throughout this charade?

Who would it be?

Another enemy?but who?

I hope she is wrong in all of these.

I truly hope she is wrong....but what if she is right?

Oh...boy...

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