LOVE AND IT CIRCLE

chapter thirty three

Zach•

Almanzer appeared, catching me off guard.

"What do you want, Almanzer?" I asked, wary.

"Nothing," she replied, sipping her drink. "Just wondering if you're really marrying that clown of a woman?"

Her laughter and piercing gaze unsettled me.

"Look, if you think you can win me back, forget it," I stated firmly.

Almanzer's face reddened, but I didn't care. Her past betrayal still stung.

We sat in silence, avoiding eye contact, until she glanced at me and smiled slyly.

"Cheers to you, marrying fool," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Despite her disrespect, I needed a distraction from my troubles.

I chuckled, and we raised our glasses. "Cheers."

We downed our drinks, the booze burning away my tension.

Almanzer's words stopped me from leaving: "Enjoy now, because after tomorrow, you won't get this life again."

I turned, wondering if she was asking me to stay. "Are you asking me out?" I joked.

She giggled, and I rejoined her.

"Why him, and why this lifestyle?" I asked.

Almanzer's eyes showed disappointment and regret. "I had no choice. I love money and family."

I nodded, not pressing further.

"Why the clown?" she asked.

"I love her; she makes me feel complete and strong," I replied.

Almanzer posed a thought-provoking question: "What if someone else makes you feel that way, not who you think?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

Then, she dropped a bombshell: "What if I told you the real Amelia is dead?"

I felt a part of me freeze. "Why would you say that?"

"Because she is dead, Zach," Almanzer insisted.

I couldn't believe her. It was a lie.

I left the lounge, confused.

At home, I found Amelia with my family, laughing.

Almanzer's words lingered, but I saw nothing suspicious in Amelia.

"Brother, want to join our truth or dare game?" my cousin asked.

I pushed aside my doubts. "Yeah, sure."

"Pick a letter from the table," he said, gesturing to the scattered papers.

I chose mine and discovered I got a dare.

The others laughed, and I looked at them, perplexed. "What's funny?"

Amelia asked, curiosity etched on her face.

"Nothing, don't worry," Josh said, exchanging glances with the others.

"Big brother, I dare you to take your fiancée to bed," Josh announced, a mischievous grin spreading.

"Naughty," someone whispered.

Amelia chuckled. "Oh great."

I shrugged, smiling. "Genius, bro."

Given the truth or dare rules, I couldn't refuse.

Besides, fatigue and the late hour made the dare appealing.

"Let's call it a night," I said, standing up.

Amelia followed, and we bid the others goodnight.

As we ascended upstairs, Amelia seemed upset, having enjoyed the game with my family.

"I wanted to finish the game," she said.

"We can finish it here," I whispered, turning her to face me.

Our lips met, and I held her tight, feeling her warmth.

"Please stop, not now," she pleaded, but I continued.

My gentle bites on her lips silenced her protests.

Her moans were intoxicating.

I swept her into my arms, laying her on the bed.

"Truth or dare?" I asked, my lips tracing her neck.

This was my chance to uncover the truth.

"Truth, fiancé," she replied, her eyes closed.

I held my breath.

"Are you an imposter?"

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