Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

'One man's mistake is another man's opportunity'

These words pinched Oliver's heart but he couldn't say anything as it was the truth. Leaving Rachael's hand for whatever reason he had was his mistake, a big mistake.

Grabbing her hand and giving her the love and respect she deserved was Andrew's opportunity.

"I know you came back with a hope in your heart but you are never gonna get what you want," Andrew added. "Rachael is mine now. She doesn't need you anymore because she has me."

Though all the misunderstandings and insecurities he had were gone, he wasn't okay with Oliver lingering around Rachael. Not because he didn't trust her, but to make sure he doesn't cross the boundaries and do something impulsive.

Just because they were married and he knew Rachael had genuine feelings for him now, doesn't mean he would stop being protective. If he didn't protect what was his, who would do it for him?

"You are right, Rachael doesn't need me anymore," Oliver forced himself to smile but his eyes were filled with pain and regret. "I don't know if she told you this but I asked her to come with me, I wanted us to get back together and make a fresh start. I wanted to compensate for every mistake I have made, I wanted her to give her everything we had once dreamed of together."

Andrew did not say anything, he quietly waited for him to finish.

"But she turned me down," he added. "She said she cannot even think about leaving you because she loves you. She also told me that you treat her very well and she is very happy with you. This marriage means everything to her."

Andrew's heart which was already at ease since Rachael had confessed to him but after hearing what she had told Oliver, he was on cloud nine.

"Listen Andrew, I understand you feel a little defensive when I am around. If I was in your place, I would feel the same too but I don't have any bad intentions. I came here with a hope in my heart of getting Rachael back but since she has made herself clear, there is nothing I can do. Trust me, I will walk out without causing any trouble," Oliver assured him. Ever since Rachael turned him down, he knew he had to walk out and that is what he was about to do. He also didn't wish to linger around and cause any trouble to her.

But before doing that, he wanted to see her for the last time, he wanted to apologize again for the last time. Was it too much to ask?

"I-I just want to talk to her for the last time before leaving." He looked at him with pleading eyes. "Please—" He swallowed the rest of his words. He wanted to say more things but couldn't.

Andrew did not say anything, he kept looking at him for sometime before walking away.

…..

[Inside the store]

When Rachael saw Andrew, she quickly approached him. "What took you so long?" Without waiting for his reply, she handed him the pile of shirts and t-shirts she was holding. "Here, try them on."

"For me?" When she nodded, he said, "But I have enough clothes, I don't need anything."

"One can never have enough clothes." She started pushing him towards the trial room. "There is always room for the new ones. Now go try them on, I'll look for some more. They have a very good collection."

Andrew sighed and helplessly shook his head. He didn't need more shirts or t-shirts but since she wanted him to try them out, what choice did he have?

"What's with the gloomy face?" Rachael frowned. "Seriously, I am doing the hard part of selecting the good ones and all you have to do is try the clothes and see if they fit. How tough is that?"

"I don't like trying clothes on, it's boring and I don't really like shopping," he remarked. Though he didn't mind accompanying Rachael while shopping, he wasn't a big fan of shopping for himself.

"Then how do you buy clothes?" She frowned.

"The shop has my measurements so they just send the stitched suits over after I select the color combination. And the other clothes, Ben or Owen buy whatever they like and I just wear it," he answered.

"What?" she exclaimed in a relatively higher pitch. "How the hell do you even buy clothes without trying them on?"

"Well—" he shrugged. "That's never a problem because everything looks good on me."

Rachael: " "

"Even if I wear a rug, I will look good," he shamelessly added. "Your husband is a very handsome man who can pull off anything."

A group of women standing near them outside the trial room giggled after hearing Andrew's words.

Rachael rolled her eyes and scoffed. Her husband was narcissistic and there was no doubt in that.

"Just go and try them on." She pushed him inside one of the empty trial rooms.

When she tried to walk away, Andrew grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.

"You—" Rachael widened her eyes in shock. "What are you doing?" She smacked his shoulders.

"Don't you wanna see if it will look good on me or not?" He questioned her as he locked the door.

"Didn't you say everything looks good on you?"

"Hmm it does but I want you to tell me how it looks." Without waiting for her reply, he pulled out his tucked shirt and started unbuttoning it.

Left with no other choice, she sat on the stool which was kept inside the trial room.

When he took off his shirt, Rachael couldn't help but ogle at his half naked body. She slightly parted her lips as her eyes scanned his slightly tanned skin, broad shoulders, toned chest and abs. He looked very hot and tempting.

Resisting the inner urge to jump at him, she tried to look away but her eyes kept getting diverted back to him.

…..