LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

Chapter twenty nine

Gabriel•

"Zach, I'm so glad we're getting married. There's no turning back now," I say, desperation creeping into my voice.

My mind races with the weight of my task: mimic Amelia's actions, marry Zach, drain his resources, and abandon him. But at what cost?

My mother's life hangs in the balance. I must protect her.

Zach's response breaks my reverie. "I know, my love. With you by my side, I have nothing to worry about."

I force a tender tone. "I'm scared of disappointing you again, Zach. I love you so much."

Zach's puzzled expression hints he misses my underlying message.

"A person who loves you will sometimes hurt you, so you know it's real," I venture, testing his understanding.

"What are you trying to say?" Zach asks, curiosity piqued.

I continue, "You and your son have shown me bravery and love. You've transformed my life."

Zach mentions his son, and my interest piques. "May I meet him before the wedding?"

Zach stands, and I follow suit. Nighttime fades into the background as love takes center stage.

"I'm excited to see Rumi again," I say, genuine enthusiasm bubbling up.

For Zach and Rumi, I want to be there. My heart belongs to Zach, but as Gabriel, not Amelia. I've accepted he'll never love me as Gabriel.

Zach chuckles. "Our late arrival will enrage our big girlfriend."

"Big girlfriend?" I ask, perplexed.

"Rumi calls Grandma 'big girlfriend,'" Zach explains with a smile. "She's humorous."

I wonder why Zach's grandmother, Mrs. Patel, is kept in the dark about Rumi.

As we drive to Rumi's house, I realize I'm doing this for Zach. He'll make an excellent father, deserving of love and support – even if it's just as Amelia.

After forty minutes, we arrive at a cozy, well-lit house radiating warmth.

"Wow, this is lovely," I say, genuine admiration shining through.

Zach smiles mischievously. "You'll soon know, but not now, fiancé."

I mimic his British accent, "Oh great, if I could ask Mr. Patel..."

Zach laughs, his eyes sparkling. "Ask my beautiful lady."

"Where do you go when you're feeling utterly broken, Zach?" I ask, curiosity genuine.

"My son is my solace," Zach replies, eyes lighting up. "He's the reason I come here. He always makes me happy and calms me down."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, moved by Zach's devotion. His love for his son is palpable.

I grasp the underlying truth: Zach's tumultuous life and desire to shield his son from unhappiness. He seeks a stable mother figure in Amelia.

But I harbor a secret, one that could shatter Zach's world.

"Not now," I silence my conscience.

"Wow, I love that, fiancé," I say instead, smiling.

"Can we go inside and see him now?" I ask, eagerness to meet Zach's son growing.

"Let's go," Zach says, and I follow, feeling an undeniable connection.

Being with him brings me joy, and I can't help but smile.

Why am I enjoying this charade as Amelia? The truth hits me: I've fallen for Zach, despite the deception.

We knock, and a lovely elderly woman answers, wearing a grey gown. Her warm smile and gentle features put me at ease.

"Big boyfriend!" she exclaims, eyes twinkling.

"Big girlfriend!" Zach replies, smiling.

She turns to me. "Come in, Amelia. I've missed you, sweetie."

She envelops me in a warm hug and cheek kiss. I play along, though we've never met.

"I missed you too, Big Girlfriend," I respond, trying to sound convincing.

As we waited for Zach's grandmother to bring Rumi, I admired her cozy home, perfect for an elderly woman.

"I'm so excited to see the little one," I said, breaking the silence.

Zach smiled, taking my hand. "I know, fiancé. He's here, but he's already asleep."

Grandma arrived with Rumi, and as she handed him to me, I felt his warmth. His peaceful face stole my heart – an angelic vision.

I thought of Rumi's mother, now in heaven, and how she'd want her child to have a loving mother.

"He's stunning," I whispered, earning laughter from Zach and his grandmother.

Rumi was adorable, chubby, and endearing.

After handing Rumi back to Zach, I excused myself to freshen up.

As I reflected, I realized I must protect my growing love for Zach. His family, except for Regina, was kind and compassionate.

Regina's behavior still irritated me, but now wasn't the time to address it.

I joined Zach and his grandmother in the kitchen, where they chatted about the wedding.

"Hey, I was thinking I'd join you two on your honeymoon," Grandma said with a sly grin.

Zach and I exchanged shocked glances. "What? No way," we chimed in unison.

Grandma teased, "Why not? It's just a vacation."

Zach chuckled. "Trust me, Big Girlfriend, honeymooning is more than that."

He winked at me, and Grandma playfully tapped his shoulder.

Their banter was infectious, and I laughed along.

Grandma said, "You're spending the night and leaving tomorrow. I'll see you on the wedding day."

Zach replied, "We wouldn't dream of leaving. I'm smitten with you."

I jokingly intervened, "Hello, I'm still here," making Grandma blush.

Just then, Zach called out, "Stella, can you make us tea, honey?"

Footsteps approached, and my heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly, a familiar face entered the kitchen – my cousin, Stella.

My mind reeled. I had assumed she was dead or kidnapped.

Tears threatened to spill, but I remembered my disguise.

I was Amelia, not Gabriel.

How was Stella, my "big cuz," here, alive and well?

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