Akuma's eyes widened in concern as she took in Zela's worried expression. "What's going on?" she asked, feeling a sense of determination. "Tell me everything."
Zela took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the surrounding area as if she was afraid of being overheard. "My mother... she's not what I expected," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's always been demanding and controlling, but this time... it's different. She's demanding that I marry some man she's chosen for me."
Akuma's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she exclaimed. "You can't be serious."
Zela nodded, her expression grim. "I'm afraid I am," she said. "My mother has always wanted me to marry well and secure our family's fortune. But I've never been interested in marrying some man just for his wealth and title. I want to marry for love, not convenience."
Akuma felt a surge of anger on Zela's behalf. "That's ridiculous," she said. "You can't be forced into a marriage you don't want."
Zela shook her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "You don't understand, Akuma," she said. "My mother is a powerful woman with a lot of influence. If she wants me to marry this man, she'll stop at nothing to make it happen."
Akuma felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the extent of Zela's mother's power. But she was determined to help Zela, no matter what.
"Don't worry, Zela," she said, taking Zela's hand in hers. "We'll figure something out. We'll find a way to stop your mother and her plans."
Zela smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "Thank you, Akuma," she said. "Just knowing that you're on my side makes me feel better."
As they stood there, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes, Akuma felt a sense of connection with Zela that she couldn't ignore. It was as if they were two kindred spirits, united in their determination to defy Zela's mother and her plans.
But as they stood there, lost in each other's eyes, Akuma was suddenly aware of a presence behind them. She turned to see Lila, Zela's servant, standing behind them with a curious expression on her face.
"Mistress Zela, I'm sorry to interrupt," Lila said, bowing low. "But your mother is waiting for you in the manor. She's not pleased that you're late."
Zela's expression turned grim, and she released Akuma's hand. "I'll go," she said, her voice firm. "But Akuma, promise me you'll be careful. My mother is not a woman to be trifled with."
Akuma nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I promise," she said. "I'll be careful. And I'll find a way to stop your mother and her plans."
Zela smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "Thank you, Akuma," she said. "I don't know what I would do without you."
As Zela turned and walked away, Akuma felt a sense of resolve wash over her. She was determined to help Zela, no matter what it took.
And as she watched Zela disappear into the distance, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had a feeling that her adventure with Zela was just beginning.
Over the next few days, Akuma barely saw Zela. She was busy with her duties in the gardens, and Zela was occupied with her mother's demands.
But despite their busy schedules, Akuma and Zela managed to steal away a few moments together. They would meet in secret, hiding behind the gardens' many waterfalls and fountains.
And as they talked and laughed together, Akuma found herself falling more and more in love with Zela. She couldn't believe how much she had grown to care for the wealthy woman, and she couldn't help but wonder if Zela felt the same way.
But as the days turned into weeks, Akuma began to realize that their secret meetings were not as secret as they thought. Lila, Zela's servant, had been watching them from afar, a curious expression on her face.
And one day, as Akuma and Zela were meeting behind a particularly large waterfall, Lila appeared out of nowhere, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"Mistress Zela, I think it's time I had a word with you," Lila said,her voice low and mysterious. "I've been watching you and Akuma, and I think I know what's going on."
Zela's eyes widened in surprise, and she took a step back, her hand on Akuma's arm. "Lila, what are you talking about?" she asked, her voice firm but wary.
Lila's grin grew wider, and she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I'm talking about the way you two look at each other," she said. "The way you smile at each other, the way you touch each other's arms. You're falling in love, aren't you?"
Akuma's face went bright red with embarrassment, and she looked away, trying to hide her feelings. But Zela just stood there, her eyes locked on Lila's, a look of calm determination on her face.
"Yes, Lila," Zela said, her voice firm. "Akuma and I are falling in love. And we're not going to let anyone or anything come between us."
Lila's grin faltered for a moment, and she looked at Zela with a mixture of surprise and admiration. "I knew it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I knew you two were meant to be together."
Akuma's eyes snapped back to Lila's face, and she felt a surge of gratitude towards the servant. "Thank you, Lila," she said, her voice sincere. "That means a lot coming from you."
Lila smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm just glad to see Mistress Zela happy," she said. "You two deserve each other."
As Lila turned and walked away, Akuma felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had been worried about how Lila would react to their relationship, but it seemed that the servant was on their side.
Zela turned to her, a smile on her face. "I'm glad Lila is okay with us," she said. "I was worried about how she would react."
Akuma nodded, feeling a sense of agreement. "Me too," she said. "But I'm glad she's on our side. We're going to need all the allies we can get if we're going to defy your mother and her plans."
Zela's expression turned serious, and she nodded. "You're right," she said. "We need to be careful. My mother will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and if she finds out about us... I don't know what she'll do."
Akuma felt a surge of determination, and she took Zela's hand in hers. "Don't worry," she said. "We'll face whatever comes our way together. We'll find a way to stop your mother and her plans, and we'll be happy together."
Zela smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "I love you, Akuma," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Akuma's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a surge of love and affection for Zela. "I love you too, Zela," she said, her voice sincere.
As they stood there, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes, Akuma felt a sense of happiness and contentment that she had never felt before. She knew that she and Zela still had a long and difficult road ahead of them, but she was ready to face whatever challenges came their way, as long as she had Zela by her side.