Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"Wow, that's a lot of people." Rachael tightened her grip around Andrew's hand. She was sure almost everyone here would or have already judged her. She didn't care what they thought of her but it would be nice if they liked her even a little bit.

"Don't worry, this is the last time you will be seeing them so relax." He kissed the back of her hand. "Just stay with me and smile if you feel like it."

"Is this just the Volkov family?"

"The Volkov family is very big, they have relatives everywhere," Andrew explained. "These are the relatives who live close by. I am sure grandma invited some family friends too."

He let go of her hand and wrapped it around her waist. "All eyes are on you already, I have to keep you close."

When he frowned and started looking around, she chuckled, "Are you worried that someone will steal me away from you?"

Andrew scoffed, "They can try. Let me also see who has the guts to take my wife away from me."

"Rachael, Andrew—" Helen quickly approached them. "All the guests and waiting to see you both."

Before they could answer, someone sprinted towards them from the crowd. "Andrew—"

Rachael raised her brows when she saw the woman. She didn't know who it was but it was hard for her to guess.

Completely ignoring Rachael, Alina's eyes were fixed at Andrew. "When did you come back? And why didn't you call me?"

"Have I ever called you?" Andrew looked at his grandmother. "I know you were very eager and excited to throw this party to welcome Rachael to the family but that doesn't mean you invite whoever you feel like."

Before Helen could answer, Rachael said, "Don't tell grandma anything, I am sure she didn't invite anybody to make things uncomfortable."

"Of course not," Helen smiled. "The Smirnoff's are like family. Since it's a happy occasion, how can we exclude them?"

Rachael looked at Alina and smiled, "Alina, right?" Alina nodded. "I was expecting to see you but not today."

"It's surprising that you know my name," Alina chuckled.

"Don't be surprised, you are quite famous because of the things you have done," Rachael remarked.

Just then Daniel called Andrew over.

He wanted to take Rachael with him but she asked him to go first. "I'll be back soon. Wait for me, okay?" When she nodded, he placed a kiss on her forehead before walking away.

Helen also left when someone summoned her, leaving Rachael and Alina by themselves.

"I am sorry, I didn't get your name yet—"

"You can call me Mrs. Collins," Rachael answered. She didn't like Alina, especially the way she was dressed. She was wearing an evening gown with a deep cleavage and not to forget about the deep slit up to her right mid thigh.

Alina was good looking and attractive. She was shorter than Rachael even when she was wearing stilettos.

Helplessly shaking her head, Alina chuckled, "Mrs. Collins—Do you have any idea how many women still want that title? But look at you, you got it so easily."

"Well, what can I say?" Rachael shrugged her shoulders. "It's really not my fault that Mr. Collins fell in love with me even though many women, including you, were chasing him for years."

When Alina did not say anything, she added, "It must have sucked right? I mean, you couldn't win a man over even though you threatened him to kill yourself in public."

Rachael looked at Alina's wrist which still had a scar. "You gave yourself a scar for nothing."

"And I will willingly do it all over again if that's what it takes to win him back," Alina stated and this time, the gentle and casual tone she had been using was gone. She sounded determined, dominating and harsh.

Rachael on the other hand was very calm. Unlike Alina, she had a smile on her face. "Well, you can try." She took a step forward. "Who am I to stop you from snatching my husband away, right?"

"How long have you been chasing him? Five years? Ten years?" She sighed, "Maybe you didn't try as hard as you claim."

Alina pursed her lips and frowned. She didn't like how Rachael was mocking her.

"You can try as hard as you want Alina, but even you know you will never succeed," She stated. "Now coming to me, I don't even have to try."

Rachael smirked. "Andrew is already mine and he is head over heels for me. I just look at him and the man goes crazy. He does what I say, wears whatever I pick out for him and eats whatever I cook for him."

"Unlike you and all the other women, I don't have to chase him," she added. "If someday I decide to walk away, he will chase me."

Before Alina could say anything, Andrew arrived.

Seeing how red Alina's face was, he frowned and quickly looked at Rachael to make sure she was okay. "Are you okay?"

Rachael wrapped her hands around his arm and smiled. "Everything is okay. Are you done talking to Daniel?"

"Hmm—" He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. "I want you to meet a few people. Let's go, okay?"

"Sure—" Rachael looked at Alina and smiled, "It was nice to meet you Alina and I am sure this won't be the last time I will see you."

"Of course," Alina forced herself to smile. "I can assure you that we will meet many times in the coming days."

"I am looking forward to it."

When Alina walked away, Andrew curiously asked, "What did you tell her?"

"Why do you want to know?" Rachael raised her brows. "Are you worried that I was rude to your pretty stalker?"

"Pretty?" he chuckled. "You think she is pretty?"

"Why? You don't find her pretty and attractive?" she questioned him.

"Well—" Andrew shrugged his shoulders.

She didn't like his vague response. She let go off his arm and walked away. But before she could even take a step away from him, he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer.

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