Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

Andrew did not say anything, he just resumed what he was doing before he called Rachael.

When he finished his meeting, Ben gave him Rachael's message. Later when he checked his phone, he saw her text message. Contemplating for a while, he called her back.

Andrew knew she was upset because of how he had been behaving since yesterday. He felt bad about it too but he couldn't help it.

He knew her past shouldn't bother him but when she told him she was going to meet Oliver, he didn't like it. He was mad and very upset.

He didn't wanna be so petty but he had no control over his emotions and how he was feeling. This made him feel very helpless.

Since his mood was evidently not nice, he was maintaining his distance until he managed to calm himself down. Lashing out on her was the last thing he wanted to do.

Was he really a rebound? Will Rachael ever love him back? Will the feelings she had for Oliver always overpower the feelings she harboured for him? Now that Oliver is back, will she want to get back with him?

What if whatever Samuel had said was right? What if he was really just a rebound?

All these questions crowded his head, making him feel more and more inferior.

He knew her feelings for him were not strong at the moment. He was afraid of losing her but at the same time, he didn't wish to force her to stay with him. The mere thought of letting her go was making his heart ache.

"Are you really going to let Samuel get into your head?" Owen sighed. "When did you become like this?"

Andrew had a very strong mind. He wasn't someone who could get manipulated easily. But since it was something related to Rachael, Owen assumed he took Samuels words a little seriously.

"I know you are a little sensitive when it comes to Rachael but that doesn't mean you will let some third person's stupid opinion get into your head." When Andrew did not say anything, he started to get annoyed, "Come on man, you are the smart one."

"It's not about what Samuel said—"

"Then what is it?" He inquired. "Did Rachael do something?"

Without waiting for his reply, Owen added, "I know something happened, otherwise you would never spend your weekend all alone in your office."

"Nothing happened," Andrew answered.

Owen did not say anything, he knew Andrew would not tell him what was bothering him until he figured things out by himself. He has always been like this.

"Alright," he gave up. "Do whatever you want but solve it with her as soon as possible. Dragging things will just keep pulling you both apart."

…..

[Mall]

After buying clothes and toys for Edward, they stopped by a cafe to eat something.

Since Rachael had to eat dinner later, she just ordered a cup of coffee.

"Will Andrew pick you up?"

"Yes," Rachael nodded. "I dropped him a message earlier."

Helping Edward take a bite of his pastry, Elsa said, "You were quiet the entire time today—don't worry too much Rach, he won't be able to stay mad for a long time. I mean, at the end of the day he has to come back to you, right?"

Rachael did not say anything, she just smiled and nodded.

Placing her hand over hers, Elsa consoled her. "Just relax, I know my brother and I know how he adores you, he will come around before you know it."

…..

[Entrance]

After dropping a message to Rachael about his arrival, Andrew stood outside the entrance waiting for her.

When he saw her, he was about to approach but he stopped when he saw a man doing the same.

"Rach—" Oliver called her out before walking towards her.

When Rachael saw him, she frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to buy some clothes," he answered. "But I didn't expect to see you here."

Looking around, he inquired, "Are you alone?"

"No," she shook her head. "Andrew is waiting outside, I should go."

"Listen—" He stopped her and was about to say something when someone interrupted him.

"Rachael—" Andrew approached them. Glancing at Oliver once, he looked at Rachael. "Are you done?"

"Y-Yes." She panicked a little. He was already upset over her meeting Oliver yesterday and now that he had seen them together again, she didn't want him to misunderstand.

"Let's go then." He took the bag she was holding and grabbed her hand.

"Wait—" Rachael looked at Oliver and said, "He is my husband, Andrew."

Oliver, who was in a daze, came back to his senses. He quickly extended his hand to greet him. "I-It's nice to meet you, I am Oliver."

Andrew took his hand and smiled, "It's nice to meet you too."

"This is a little awkward," Oliver nervously chuckled.

Raising his brows, Andrew inquired, "Why so?" Before he could answer, he added, "Because you are the ex-boyfriend and I am the husband?"

When Oliver did not say anything, he remarked, "If that is what you meant then I don't feel awkward at all." Wrapping his arms around Rachael's waist, he added, "I know my place in Rachael's life and I hope you know yours too. There is nothing awkward about it."

"T-That's not what I meant." Andrew's intimidating aura made him feel very flustered.

"Well, if that's the case then apologies for not understanding what you meant," he shrugged.

Not waiting for his reply, Andrew looked at Rachael. "We will be late for dinner if we don't leave now."

"Let's go." She wrapped her hands around his arm and walked away with him.

Oliver pursed his lips as sourness surged his heart when he saw them walking away together. When he came back, he still had a hope in his heart that Rachael would still have feelings for him even though she was married. But now when he saw them together, all his hopes were shattered into tiny pieces.

…..