LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

Chapter twenty-seven

Zach•

I pace, trying to make sense of Gabriel's entanglement in this mess. Why her? I grab my phone and dial Amelia's number.

"Amelia, are you safe? Where are you?" I ask, anxiety creeping in.

The line remains silent. I'm losing it.

Just as I'm about to try again, Amelia's voice echoes from behind. "I'm right behind you."

I spin around, relief washing over me as I pull her into a tight hug. "I thought he did something to you. Are you okay?"

Amelia's puzzled expression meets mine. "Zach, I'm fine. I was out for a day, remember? I'm alright. What's wrong?"

I hesitate, unsure how to share the truth without revealing my feelings for Gabriel. Our kiss still lingers in my mind.

"I was just worried," I settle for, trying to sound nonchalant.

Amelia nods and excuses herself to change.

As she disappears from view, my anxiety resurfaces. Questions swirl: Why would James sell his daughter? Are they partners in something sinister?

My business dealings with James come to mind, but I never suspected him capable of this. Gabriel's modeling work for my company now seems tainted.

Fernando's involvement fuels my anger. If I knew how to use a gun, I'd aim it at his head.

I dial Fernando's number, my patience wearing thin as it rings. Finally, he picks up.

"You asshole, why did you take her?" I demand.

Fernando's sly tone sends a chill down my spine. "I couldn't get Amelia, so I settled for the famous maid."

"What do you want?" I press, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Gabby's safety is my weakness. I cannot risk her life or anyone else's.

"Your ex-wife," Fernando responds, his voice dripping with malice.

"That's never going to happen. You know Amelia and I are getting married," I assert.

Fernando's laughter sends a shiver down my spine. "You've made your choice, Patel."

I'm trapped. Amelia, my fiancée, or Gabriel, the woman Fernando's holding captive.

As I sit on the bed, my mind racing, Amelia's footsteps approach. My eyes follow the sound, my thoughts still reeling.

How can I choose between them? My wedding is in two days. Our families will be here. I'm cornered.

"Is something wrong?" Amelia asks, concern etched on her face.

I force a smile. "No, just tired. Work."

The lie feels bitter on my lips.

I shed my shirt and collapse onto the bed, hoping to escape my thoughts.

"I missed you," Amelia says, her voice soft.

"I missed you too," I reply, unsure if it's true.

Amelia's words surprise me. "Come on, get up. We're going out."

"Where are we going, honey?" I groan, still trying to shake off my worries.

Amelia's smile is infectious. "I don't know. Somewhere. Anywhere."

We tumble to the floor, laughing. Amelia's eyes sparkle, and for a moment, I forget my troubles.

I lean in to kiss her, drawn to her radiant smile.

But Amelia gently pushes me away. "Strong woman, how are you not drained by how you were all over me?"

We both chuckle.

As we prepare to leave, Amelia helps me up. I follow her, still reeling from our playful moment.

Amelia's silence speaks volumes, her thoughts seemingly heavier than mine. I resist asking, knowing she'll deny anything's wrong.

We walk behind my estate, and I follow her to a hidden gem I've never noticed before. The cozy playhouse-like structure astonishes me.

Inside, candles flicker softly, and a plush bed-couch beckons. Red roses and wine – my obsession since teenage years – await. I'm touched; she knows me so well.

"Did you do all this yourself?" I wonder, impressed.

Amelia's smile radiates. "Do you like it, babe?"

My heart swells with affection. In this moment, she's the love of my life.

Amelia's silence speaks volumes, her thoughts seemingly heavier than mine. I resist asking, knowing she'll deny anything's wrong.

"Where are you taking me, madam?" I inquire, curiosity piqued.

"Someplace I've discovered and found comforting," she replies, her eyes sparkling.

We stroll behind my estate, and I follow her to a hidden gem I've never noticed. The massive playhouse-like structure astonishes me.

Inside, candles flicker softly, and a plush bed-couch beckons. Red roses and wine – my lifelong obsession – await. I'm touched; she knows me so well.

"Did you do all this yourself?" I wonder, impressed.

Amelia's smile radiates, but her previous quietude still lingers in my mind. Was it just a bad day, or perhaps her monthly cycle? I push the thought aside, focusing on the romantic ambiance.

"Did you do all this yourself?" Zach asks, his eyes wide with admiration.

I smile, choosing not to reveal the truth. "Let's just say I wanted to surprise you."

In reality, Mr. Domingo and Mrs. Patel lent a helping hand. I wanted to catch Zach off guard, put an end to his suspicious glances.

My thoughts drift back to the events leading up to this moment. I had to do things I never imagined, things I'd rather forget.

Then, Fernando's menacing words echo in my mind: "You'll give me Zach's everything – the company, the restaurants – or you'll regret hearing about your mother's demise."

My heart skips a beat. The threat still lingers, fueling my determination.

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