Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"Coffee is fine."

Andrew instructed Ben to get two cups of coffee for them before following Rachael to the couch.

"I didn't know she was here."

The single sentence was enough for her to understand what he meant.

"I didn't say anything." Straightening his slightly crooked tie, she added, "I didn't know that anyone could enter the CEO's office as they please."

"Third day of marriage and I am already being accused of cheating," Andrew chuckled.

When Rachael did not say anything, he defended himself. "No one is allowed to enter my office without permission except for a few people and Mr.Stephen is one of them. She could only come inside because she was with him."

"Again, I did not say anything."

Just then Ben entered the office with the coffee.

"Ben, how many people are allowed to enter my office in my absence?"

"Only a few including madam," Ben answered.

Andrew then looked at Rachael. "See, I wasn't lying."

"I did not say anything." She grabbed her coffee and started drinking it.

…..

[Conference room]

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All the employees of the Collins corporation had gathered in the conference room to celebrate Mr.Stephens last day in the company. All these years when Andrew was not around, he had managed all the work and the employees were more familiar with him.

A good number of reporters were also invited to attend the program

The program lasted for about an hour. Mr.Stephen gave a speech and so did Andrew. Everything went very smoothly.

At the end, Andrew went up to the stage again.

"As you all know, this program was organised to show our gratitude to Mr. Stephen who dedicated his previous years to the company. But I would like to take this opportunity to introduce someone to everyone present here."

Andrew looked at Rachael. "Please welcome the new Vice President of the company, my wife, Rachael Watson."

Rachael got up from her seat and made her way towards the stage while everyone applauded.

"She is boss' wife? When did they get married?"

"I thought they were just dating."

"I cannot believe this, I thought boss was still single."

"Damn look at them, they look so cute together."

"I know right? They match so well."

The reporters couldn't stop snapping pictures. They were here to cover a normal program but who would have thought they would actually walk out with HOT news.

"Mrs.Rachael is a very talented individual and Collins Cooperation is very fortunate to have her. Our company was lucky enough to take her away from Watson Corporation," Andrew added.

Andrew said a few more words before passing the mic to Rachael, who kept her speech very short and sweet.

While everyone was busy admiring the new power couple, someone was burning in jealousy and anger.

Sitting in the front row with her father, Carol was gritting her teeth and glaring at Rachael. It was hard for her to accept that Andrew had married someone else.

When he hadn't officially returned back, he visited their house every now and then to discuss business with her father, Stephen.

She had fancied Andrew and had developed a liking towards him ever since she saw him. Who wouldn't fall for a perfect rich man?

Ever since he had returned back to the country, all women were ready to throw themselves at him and Carol was no exception.

…..

After the program, Andrew quickly took Rachael away before the reporters could swamp them.

After getting inside the car, he asked her, "Where do you wanna go now?"

"We should go to see grandma," Rachael suggested. They were supposed to meet her yesterday but couldn't as it was too late.

"Hospital called Ben when we were at the program. They had to give grandma strong analgesics this morning for the chronic pain. She is not fully conscious at the moment."

"Are you okay?" She placed her hand on his arm.

He sighed and nodded. "Yeah, they do it once in a while." The way grandma Collins' health was deteriorating everyday, Andrew knew he had to be prepared for the worst.

"When can we visit her?"

"They will let us know once she is fully awake," he answered.

...

[Collins Mansion]

Rachael and Andrew drove straight home after Emma and Tina decided to pay them a surprise visit.

When they entered the mansion, Emma and Tina were busy eating the delicious homemade snacks aunt Maria had served them.

"Oh my God, you have to try this." Shoving another spoonful of apple custard inside her mouth, Emma groaned in satisfaction.

"I swear, I am one step away from having a foodgasm," Tina exclaimed.

Rachael sighed and helplessly shook her head. "Eat slowly, the food isn't running away anywhere."

"I'll be in the study room, okay?" When Rachael nodded, Andrew left. He understood that the girls would definitely have many private things to talk about. He didn't wanna stay behind and ruin their gossip session.

"Madam, do you want some custard?" Aunt Maria asked.

"I ate some snacks at the company. But can you keep some for me? I'll have it later."

"Woah…you are saying no to dessert? What happened?" Emma immediately inquired.

"Did something happen?"

Pinching the space between her brows, Rachael sighed, "It's weird."

"Okay—" Putting the custard down, Emma remarked, "Come on, start spilling."

Rachael kept quiet for a couple of seconds before telling them everything about the little incident and Carol.

"Damn—what a s*lut."

"I know right?"

"L-Like I know this shouldn't bother me but—" Rachael sighed. "I can't stop thinking about it. And the more I think, the more it bothers me."

"And why do you think it shouldn't bother you?" Emma frowned. "Rach, you saw an almost naked woman in your husband's office. It should bother you."

"I agree with Emma, If that didn't bother you, we would definitely have a problem there," Tina added.

"But don't you think I am overreacting or fussing about it way too much? I mean, given how Andrew and I started, isn't it too early to feel this way?" No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't take the incident off her mind. The image of Carol standing in front of them purposely half dressed, was still bothering her.

Though she did not tell him anything directly, she definitely did not like what she saw. This made her wonder if she was being paranoid and overthinking.

….