Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

Andrew's expressions turned cold after hearing Jessica's words. Mentioning the 'Ex Boyfriends' name in front of the lawfully wedded husband….. he knew what she was trying to do.

Though he didn't mind Rachael's past at all, he couldn't help but feel a weird soreness in his heart. No matter how understanding he was, he was still a man. He didn't like it when someone associated his wife with anything other than him. He was possessive of her but in a healthy way.

Assuming that Rachael must be uncomfortable after the whole conversation, he was about to suggest that they had to go when he felt her hand on his arm slowly relax. She didn't look as stiff or tense as before.

"That's really nice, next time you bump into him, please tell him that my husband and I said 'Hi'," Rachael remarked. The smile on her face remained the same.

She was taken aback for the first few seconds when she heard Oliver's name which unconsciously made her tighten her hand which was holding Andrew's arm. But she quickly managed to snap back to reality and compose herself.

Jessica had purposely mentioned Oliver's name in front of Andrew to make Rachael feel flustered. But she didn't expect her to act so boldly.

She quietly glanced at Andrew whose expression also remained unchanged. He didn't seem to be bothered.

Not wanting Rachael to entertain the scheming woman any longer, Andrew said, "We should go."

"Okay." She was glad he said that. She really had no intention of talking to Jessica any longer. But she didn't want to walk right away after Jessica had mentioned Oliver's name. She didn't want Andrew to get wrong ideas.

"I don't think you'll get a table here," Jessica remarked. "My fiance and I have been waiting for almost 45 minutes now but we still didn't manage to get one."

Just then a man formally dressed in a suit approached them in a haste.

"I apologise for the wait Mr.Collins—your table is ready." The man couldn't help but glance at the woman who was holding Andrew's arm.

Without saying anything, Andrew just nodded at the man. He then looked at Rachael. "If you want, a table for your high school classmate can be arranged." He purposely refrained from calling Jessica Rachael's 'Friend'.

"You don't have to take the trouble—"

"It's not a problem, we own this place," Andrew stated.

Without waiting for her reply, he instructed a manager. "Arrange a table for two, she is my wife's acquaintance so take good care of her."

The manager was baffled. Andrew was back in the country for less than a week now and he was already married? How and when did that happen?

When the manager kept staring at them, Andrew raised his brows. "Is there a problem?"

"N-No Mr.Collins." The manager then looked at Rachael and politely greeted her. "Welcome madam."

"Thankyou." Rachael smiled.

"This way please, the table is long ready."

Before leaving, Rachael looked at Jessica who was standing in a daze. "Enjoy the dinner."

…..

[At the table]

When they arrived at the table, the first thing Andrew did was pull the chair for her.

"Thanks," Rachael smiled.

"So what do you wanna have?" He picked up the menu and gave it to her.

"Anything will do—" She paused for a while. "Andrew, about what Jessica said—I had no idea. I haven't met him even once after what happened." Though he did not say anything, Rachael still wanted to come clean with him. She didn't want him to think otherwise.

Understanding who she was talking about, Andrew nodded. "I didn't say anything."

"I know," she sighed. "I just don't want you to think that—"

"Rachael, I am not thinking about anything. Your past has nothing to do with your present or future."

Her heart finally calmed down after getting his assurance. Whatever he had said was true. Oliver was her past which she had long forgotten and had already moved on. This marriage and her relationship with Andrew was her present and future.

"So now stop overthinking and order something before both of us starve to death."

...

[Collins Mansion]

After having dinner, Andrew and Rachael directly came home.

They had to attend the ceremony at the company tomorrow. Since it would be the first time Rachael would be introduced as the Vice President of the company, he wanted her to rest early. It was a big day for both of them.

When they entered the bedroom together, realisation finally hit Rachael.

She had to share the room with Andrew. And seeing that there was only one bed, she had to share a bed with him too.

Though they were legally married and sharing a bed with her husband was legal and normal, she couldn't help but feel anxious.

"I wanted to arrange different rooms for us but I thought that would be inappropriate. I mean, Aunt Maria is not a problem but there are other people in this mansion too." He didn't want to give other people a reason to talk about their marriage. He didn't mind getting judged but he would definitely not take it well if the one getting judged was his wife.

Rachael on the other hand couldn't help but feel embarrassed. The man had seen right through her. This made her wonder if her expressions were too obvious.

"But you don't have to worry, you take the bed and I'll take the couch," he added. He wanted to make it clear that he had no other intentions. He would definitely never force her to do things she didn't want to or wasn't comfortable with.

Glancing at the couch, Rachael frowned. "Will you be comfortable there?" The couch was definitely small for him.

"I will be fine."

"I don't think you will be fine." The frown on her forehead deepened.

"So are you suggesting we share the bed?" He raised his brows. If that's what she really meant, he really didn't mind.

...