Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

Andrew was about to say something when he saw Rachael. 

"Andrew—" She rushed towards him and pounced in his embrace. "You are okay." She pulled away and cupped his face. "Thank God you are okay." 

"Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" Andrew tightly wrapped his arms around her and buried his face on her neck. He couldn't express how relieved he was feeling at the moment. He knew Rachael was safe but his heart felt at ease only after holding her tightly. 

"I am so sorry babe," he muttered before kissing the top of her head. "I am so sorry." The guilt of not being able to keep her safe was killing him. She had to go through everything only because he had let his guard down. 

"You don't have to apologize, it wasn't your fault." She knew he would blame himself for whatever had happened but Rachael didn't want that. Whatever happened was an accident. 

Andrew did not say anything, instead he just hugged her tightly with no intention of letting her go. 

The couple kept hugging each other ignoring the people around them. 

"They are so in love," Janet smiled. 

Riftan nodded in agreement without saying a word. It would be a lie if he said he didn't envy Andrew at the moment. 

Andrew had something most people craved for in their world and not many managed to achieve in a lifetime, a loving wife with whom he could start a family of his own. 

Janet wrapped her arms around his and rested her head on his arm. "I hope you also find love someday, Rif. And the day you do, it will be my happiest day." 

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. "I don't know about myself but you will definitely meet someone lovely someday." 

"You think so?" 

"I believe so." Nothing would make him happier if Janet found someone who would love and cherish her the way she deserved. Someone who would love and respect her. 

Janet looked at Andrew and Rachael and smiled. "I like Rachael. If not for the rift between you and her husband, I see us being good friends." 

"Friends? You want to make friends again?" He couldn't believe what he had just heard. After so many years, this was the first time Janet was willing to socialise with someone apart from him and Kazi. This was a major step up for her mental and emotional health. 

"If it's someone like Rachael, why not?" She looked at him. "Why? Don't you want me to make friends? If you don't—" 

"No, that's not what I meant," he interrupted her. "I have absolutely zero problem with you going out and making new friends. In fact, I will be happy if you do that." 

He then looked at Rachael. "Rachael is nice, you can make her your friend, hang out with her and—" 

"We are literally at war with the Volkov's," Janet chuckled. "What are you talking about?" 

"You being friends with her has nothing to do with it. The war is between me and the Volkov men." 

She leaned against him and sighed, "I don't see the friendship happening as long as this feud between us and them isn't over." 

Riftan did not say anything, he just kissed the top of her head and kept quiet. 

Meanwhile, Andrew and Rachael were done with their small reunion. 

"Let's go home, okay?" Andrew gently caressed her cheeks. 

She smiled and nodded, "Let's go home." She then looked at Janet and Riftan who were already walking towards them. 

"Thank you for today." She smiled at Riftan and gave Janet a hug. 

"I know the circumstances sucked but I am glad I got to meet you again." Janet pulled away. "I couldn't thank you properly for helping me at the mall that day." 

"I am just glad you are okay now," Rachael grabbed her hand and smiled, "Stay in touch, okay?" 

"Y-Yeah sure." Rachael was about to leave when Janet tightened her grip on her hand. "I was wondering if you would like to hang out someday. I mean, while you are in the country." 

"I would love that," she smiled. "Why don't you take my number and give me yours and we will stay in touch?" 

"Sure." Janet quickly pulled out her phone and dialled Rachael's numbers as she narrated it. 

"We are here till next week, right honey?" She looked at Andrew who nodded in response. 

After exchanging numbers, Rachael left with Andrew while Janet couldn't contain her excitement.

"I haven't seen her this happy since—" Kazi smiled. "It's been a really long time." 

"I know," Riftan also couldn't contain his smile. He had tried every possible thing to bring back the lost smile on his sister's face. But who would have thought all he needed to do was to rescue his enemy's kidnapped wife and bring her home. 

"The Volkov's cleared the east coast for us. We can finally receive our shipment." Kazi got the information a while ago. "Maybe this is a way of them thanking you for saving Mrs. Volkov." 

"Should we start saving all their women one by one?" Riftan chuckled. "Maybe they will clear all our shipments." 

"I see the possibility of that happening." Kazi looked at Janet again. "Will you really let her be friends with Rachael?" 

"Why? Is it bad?" He shook his head. "Then I don't see any problem." Riftan didn't mind the budding friendship between Ravhael and his sister. In fact, he was happy that his sister was finally coming out of the box she was trapped in for years. 

"Okay so tell me one thing, how will it work when you try to kill your sister's best friend's husband?" Kazi raised his brows. 

"Then maybe I will never try to kill him." Riftan winked at him before walking away. 

...

[Andrew's car] 

"Did you do what I told you?" 

Owen nodded. "Yes, they will receive their shipment by morning." He looked at Rachael who was soundly asleep in Andrew's arm. "How is she now?" 

"She is much better than I had imagined." Andrew kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer. 

...