LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

Chapter twenty-six

Zach•

I sit in stunned silence, surrounded by the eerie quiet of my empty house. Gabriel's absence gnaws at me, and I'm baffled by my own emotions. Why does her departure feel like a punch to the gut?

My gaze drifts to the photo of Amelia on my desk. My fiancée, the woman I'm supposed to love. But instead of excitement, I feel numb.

My mind wanders back to Gabriel – her fiery spirit, her captivating smile. I recall the night we shared a kiss, and my lips curve into an involuntary smile.

I shake my head, attempting to clear the fog. "Get it together, Zach," I mutter to myself.

But focus eludes me. Thoughts of Gabriel seep into my work, and I find myself scrolling through blank pages on my laptop.

An hour passes, and frustration boils over. "Mr. Zach Patel, focus!" I shout at myself, slamming my fist on the desk. "Get her out of your head!"

My voice echoes through the room, a stark reminder of my inner turmoil.

"Mr. Zach Patel, focus!" I shout at myself, frustration boiling over. I spin my chair forcefully, only to lock eyes with my stunned employees. Their wide eyes and open mouths make me realize my outburst was louder than intended.

Irritated by their reaction, I snap, "You're all fired!"

My employees scramble to return to their tasks, hastily retreating from the glass wall surrounding my office.

---

I sink into the comfort of my car's leather seat, eager to reunite with Rumi at Grandma's house. Video calls can't replace the warmth of his presence.

As I drive, thoughts of showcasing our bond to the world fill me with pride. Being a father is my greatest accomplishment.

Lost in these musings, my phone rings, displaying Josh's name. I answer.

"Josh, I'm busy. Not now, please."

"Bro, you'll want to hear this," Josh insists.

"As I said, not now." I hang up, silencing the distraction.

As I pull up to Grandma's suburban home, memories flood my mind. The garden's vibrant yellow and pink blossoms evoke a sense of serenity.

I spot Rumi playing alongside Grandma and her maid. My heart swells with love.

Grandma rises from her chair, opening her arms wide. "Big boyfriend, I missed you aah! Look at you."

I envelop her in a warm hug, unable to mask my somber mood. "I missed you too, big girlfriend."

"Getting married soon, and finally, a mother for Rumi," she says, her eyes sparkling.

I force a smile, conflicted emotions swirling within. Do I truly love Amelia, or is it just convenience?

"I'd do anything for him, big girlfriend. You know that."

As we enter the house, the maid presents Rumi to me. I marvel at his growth and chubby cheeks, teasing Grandma about her secret feeding regimen.

"Big girlfriend, what are you feeding this guy?" I chuckle, settling Rumi onto my lap.

He gleefully plays with his toys as Grandma asks, "What's wrong, Zach? You didn't come all this way just to see him?"

"I actually did," I reply, meeting her gaze. "I missed him a lot."

Grandma raises an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes, really," I affirm.

Gabriel's words about her cousin resurface, and I feel an unexpected urge to reach out to her. I realize I've grown tired of referring to her as just the maid, given her exceptional care for Rumi and Grandma.

"Stella, I need to talk to you," I say, my voice gentle.

She turns, her eyes clouded with hurt. As she approaches, her sullen expression and slumped shoulders reveal a deep-seated unhappiness.

"Let's talk later, Stella. I have to bathe this young man," she says, reaching for Rumi.

Grandma intervenes, taking Rumi from Stella and settling him onto my lap. "Go, talk to Zach. I've got Rumi."

As we step aside, I begin, "Stella, I know life hasn't been easy since I separated you from your cousin. I'm sorry. I was angry. I'd like to make it right – bring you back home or let you decide."

Stella's expression softens. "I forgive you, Zach. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Rumi and Josh."

My smile falters at Josh's name. How does Stella know him? Does Josh know about Rumi? The possibilities send my mind racing.

"What do you mean, Josh?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

Stella's eyes lock onto mine, and I sense a hidden truth.

"Did you just say Josh?" I ask, incredulous.

Stella nods, her arms folding across her chest. "Yes, Josh – your brother."

I'm stunned. "How do you know him?"

"We met on a dating app before you and Amelia divorced," she explains. "We've been online dating since. When Josh visited Grandma, we met in person. I had no idea he was your brother; he never mentioned you."

My phone rings, interrupting my thoughts. Josh's name flashes on the screen. I answer, "So, you're dating my house maid and hiding it from me?"

Josh chuckles. "You can't control who you feel something for, Zach."

My mind drifts to Gabriel, and I wonder why I'm still thinking about her.

"What's this really about, Josh?" I press.

"It's not that," Josh says. "Gabriel didn't return home."

A mix of relief and concern flickers within me. "She's stubborn, what's new?"

Josh sighs. "Fernando has her. Her father sold her to him."

My world stops. "What? James Knowles sold his own daughter?"

Josh's grave tone confirms my worst fears. "Fernando tried calling you, but he reached me instead. Zach, he's evil."

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