LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

Chapter thirty

Gabriel•

I long to hug Stella, but hesitate, torn between emotions.

Stella continues speaking, oblivious to my turmoil.

Our gazes meet, and she senses my intensity.

Zach intervenes, "You're like family; no explanations needed."

Stella smiles, serves tea, and hums, defying my expectations.

Her question catches me off guard: "How's Gabriel doing?"

Zach's response, "She's fine, her father took her," feels like a dagger.

I know the truth – my father's betrayal.

Stella leaves, and I excuse myself, "It's been lovely, but I need rest."

As I depart, I realize I must confess my secret to Stella.

I enter the room, and Stella smiles, "Mam, your space is ready."

I shut the door and reveal, "Stella, it's me."

Stella's eyes widen in shock; her mouth opens to scream, but I gently silence her. "Stella, please calm down. I'm Gabriel, not a monster."

"YOU'RE...my Gabriel?" Stella stammers, incredulous. "How is this possible, Ms. Amelia?"

"I'm not Amelia," I correct.

Stella's confusion deepens. "My cousin is a black woman with brown skin, not white...and she's not...as attractive as you."

I bristle, "Are you calling me ugly?"

Stella presses on, "And how can you be my cousin if Amelia's not here?"

I clarify, exasperated, "Stella, I've told you – my name is Gabriel. I'm tired of these games."

Stella's expression transforms from shock to alarm. "Gabriel, what have you done?"

"I assumed Amelia's identity to find you and uncover the truth behind Zach's unhappiness," I explain.

Stella's skepticism remains. "You did all this alone?"

"I had help from Zach's mom," I admit.

Stella's eyes widen further. "She's aware of everything?"

"Yes," I reply.

Zach's potential reaction worries Stella. "Oh my god, Zach will kill you when he finds out you're marrying him!"

She covers her head, overwhelmed. "This is unbelievable."

"I know it's hard to take," I acknowledge.

Stella's voice rises, concern etched on her face. "I know this is overwhelming."

"Did you sleep with him?" she asks bluntly, her tone piercing.

I hesitate, "I...yes, I did."

An uncomfortable silence falls between us.

Stella's words cut deep. "Your flaw is sleeping with them when you cause trouble."

"I'm Amelia; I had no choice," I explain, desperation creeping in.

Stella's expression turns grave. "You and Zach's mom will face trouble when he discovers this. You don't know what he endured living with her."

I acknowledge my mistake. "What I've done is unacceptable, I understand."

But then I reveal my true feelings. "I live with Zach now, and I've fallen in love with him...and Rumi."

Stella's expression softens, and she opens her arms, embracing me warmly.

"You're unbelievable, but come here," she whispers.

Her comforting presence envelops me.

"Will you marry him like this?" Stella asks, her voice laced with concern.

"I don't know," I reply, hesitant. "Something's going on, but I'm not ready to share it."

My mind weighs the consequences of revealing more secrets.

Should I confess the truth about Fernando, Amelia, and Dad?

I've already crossed boundaries.

These past months have been chaotic; perhaps Stella can help.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to trust her.

"Stella, there's more," I begin, resolve firm.

"Everything started when Fernando..."

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