Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"Even the kids had no idea I was coming," Simeon added.

"That's why I was wondering why Andrew did not tell us you will be coming over," Michael remarked.

"Oh that brat has no idea I was coming over," he chuckled. "If he knew, he would never let me come here."

His words made Michael frown but he quickly controlled his expressions. Ever since he had seen Simeon for the first time during Andrew's parents' funeral, he didn't get a good feeling from him and that hadn't changed. But since he was now his daughter's in-law, he was just trying to be polite.

He was aware of the strained relationship between Andrew and his maternal family, especially his grandfather. But he never questioned Andrew about it or tried to find out since it had nothing to do with him. But now that his daughter was also a part of their family, he made up his mind to talk to Andrew about it in private.

"They don't let me travel much because of my age," Simeon added. "But I had to come this time, it's only right for me to give my last respect to my daughter's mother-in-law."

Just then George approached them and sat beside his father.

"It's good that you are here—" Michael patted George's shoulder before looking at Simeon. "He is George, my son."

Semion smiled. "You are a handsome young man."

Not knowing what to say, George gave him a polite smile.

After a few minutes, Andrew and Rachael entered the mansion in a haste.

When they saw Simeon with Michael and George, Rachael grabbed Andrew's hand and looked at him.

When he looked at her, she said in a low voice. "Be calm, okay?" After she told him about his grandfather's sudden visit to her parents place, his mood had completely changed. She could easily say that he was mad and not happy about his grandfather visiting her parents.

She wanted to calm him down and ask him to relax to avoid any kind of unnecessary chaotic events in front of everyone.

"There they are," Michael exclaimed. "I was just wondering why you both haven't arrived yet."

When Simeon turned around and looked at them, Rachael smiled at him while Andrew's expression remained unchanged.

The corner of his lips curled upwards when he saw his beloved grandson's cold expression. Simeon very well knew Andrew wouldn't like the idea of him visiting his in-laws in his absence but he still took the step. He wanted to test the waters.

Andrew's grabbed Rachael's hand as they approached the group. He then greeted Michael and George first before moving to Simeon.

"Grandpa—" He gave him a brief hug before sitting beside Rachael.

"Well, coming here uninvited wasn't a bad idea." Simeon looked at Rachael and Andrew. "At least I got a chance to see my grandson and granddaughter-in-law."

Helplessly shaking his head, he chuckled, "Michael, after marrying your daughter, my grandson doesn't want to come home at all. It seems like he doesn't need his family anymore as he has found a new one."

"I am sure that is not the case," Michael awkwardly chuckled. "I am sure Andrew will visit home as soon as the workload is less."

Taking a sip of the tea, Simeon said, "I don't think so, I know he has plans of settling down here permanently."

"When you know what my plan is, why are you mentioning it again and again?" Andrew scoffed. Whenever the man opened his mouth, he got even more annoyed.

Rachael placed her hand on Andrew's thigh, in an attempt to remind him not to lose his cool.

"Look at you—" Semion chuckled. "You are so short tempered, just like your mother."

"I will not mention it anymore, okay?" he added. "You kids are all grown ups now, you can do whatever you want."

"You are right," Michael agreed. "It's best to let the kids do what they are comfortable with. At the end of the day, their happiness is what matters the most."

To avoid further awkwardness or conflicts, Michael changed the subject. "So for how long are you in town?"

"Till next week," Simeon answered.

…..

[After Dinner]

As soon as they finished dinner, Simeon excused himself saying that he had to visit an old friend before going back to the hotel.

"Andrew, why don't you see your grandpa out?" Michael looked at him.

Andrew nodded and followed Simeon outside.

After they left, George sighed, "Geez, this was the most stressful dinner I have ever had." He looked at Rachael. "What happened between them?"

"I don't know." Rachael sat down. The tension between Andrew and his grandfather escalated to the level where she couldn't leave his side anymore. She sat near Andrew all the time to make sure he didn't snap or lose his cool.

"You know how messed up things can be between family members," Michael remarked. "So don't worry about it too much."

…..

[Outside]

"What a sweet family," Simeon smiled. "You in-laws are very nice people."

Keeping quiet for a while, Andrew inquired, "Why are you here?"

"What do you mean? I rushed over after receiving the news of your beloved grandmother's demise," he answered. "I was there at the funeral too but you and Owen were too busy greeting other guests."

"And since you won't bring your wife home, I decided to pay her and her family a visit by myself," he added. "I had to make sure what my grandson has married into."

When Andrew did not say anything, Simeon chuckled, "What happened? You don't believe me? Or—" He took a step towards him. "Are you worried? Worried that I will harm your innocent in-laws."

"I swear—if you even try to touch them—"

"Woah—what's with that sudden rage?" Simeon smiled. "First of all, is that rage or fear?"

He threw his head back and chuckled, "Isn't this funny? A few months back, you used to stand in front of me with nothing but pure disgust and hatred in your eyes but today, I see fear in your eyes. Fear of losing your loved ones."

…..