Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"Well that's a relief," Owen sighed. "Riftan is really serious about not involving the women in whatever is going on between our families." He was still having a hard time believing that he had rescued Rachael. Not only that, he had also returned her back completely unharmed. 

"We would have also done the same thing, wouldn't we?" 

Owen shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe. I mean, if I found his sister Janet stuck in a similar situation, I would definitely help her. The poor woman has already been through a lot." 

Andrew couldn't help but agree. He did not intervene when Rachael gave Janet her number because he was sure that Riftan would never use his sister as a pawn to get back at them. If the two women end up being good friends, it would be a personal choice and not something enforced. 

"Do you think this is Riftan's way of calling peace?" Owen was curious, he wanted to know the real reason behind Riftan's kind gesture. 

"I really don't know." Andrew had an assumption of why Riftan had gone to such an extent to rescue Rachael but he didn't want to say it out loud. 

"Well, it's not like even if he wants a truce his uncle would let that happen," Owen scoffed. "That man is a devil." 

"He has kept a low profile for years now, I wouldn't be surprised if he has retired." 

They were talking about Ricardo Genovesse, Riftan's paternal uncle. 

Ricardo was the black sheep of the Genovesse family. He was known for his spoiled and reckless behaviour. This is why he did not inherit any of the Genovesse family business. Everything went to his younger brother, Riftan's late father. 

Even though Ricatdo did not inherit anything, rumours claimed that he had formed his own little army and ran his own organisation. 

...

[Volkov mansion] 

After they arrived home, Andrew carried Rachael, who was still asleep, to their room before going to the study. 

"Is she okay?" Daniel inquired as soon as Andrew entered the room. He, like everyone else, was very worried about Rachael. 

"She is asleep." Andrew slumped on the couch and sighed, "I don't know how she will react in the morning." He couldn't talk to her properly when they were still at Riftan's place. When they got inside the car, she fell asleep. He didn't feel like waking her up. 

When Owen entered the room, Daniel frowned, "Change your shirt." Just like Andrew, he didn't want anyone to see the blood stained shirt. 

"Chill, everyone is asleep." He poured himself a drink. "Why don't we discuss our next move fast? I need to take a shower and make some important phone calls." 

"I think you should leave the country with Rachael." Daniel looked at Justin. "Take Elsa too." 

"I don't think that is a smart move," Owen remraked. 

"I second him," Justin added. "Leaving the country isn't the solution to our problems." 

"It will make things worse." Andrew suggested. "Let's tighten the security to make sure nothing like today happens again." 

Justin nodded in agreement. "We can also escort them ourselves if they want to go somewhere." 

Though Daniel wanted to send everyone away including Kate, Justin was right. Leaving the country after what had happened would look like they are running away. This would make them look weak. 

"Alright then but we are leaving the country the very next day after sister Lisa's anniversary." 

"If it was up to me, I will take Rachael home the same day." Andrew pinched the space between his brows. "I don't like whatever is happening." 

Just then his phone buzzed.

When Andrew saw who it was, he raised his brows. "Genovesse sent me a message." 

"Open it." Owen stood right behind him. 

[Genovesse: I hope your wife is okay. She didn't eat much while she was here so make sure to feed her well] 

Owen chuckled after reading the message. "Seems like someone has a little crush on our little Rachael." But when Andrew glared at him, he quickly looked away. 

Andrew was about to delete the message when another one popped up. 

[Genovesse: Let's talk. Meet me at the neutral place tomorrow evening] 

[Genovesse: Make sure to leave your little gang behind. I want you to come alone. I won't bring anyone either.] 

"Woah, what does this guy want?" Owen took the phone from Andrew's hand and gave it to Daniel and Justin. "He is up to something." 

After reading the messages, Daniel looked at Andrew who hadn't said a word. "Are you going?" 

Keeping quiet for a while, Andrew answered, "Yes." 

…..

[Andrew's room] 

When he entered the room, Rachael was standing near the window with a thin quilt wrapped around her. 

Andrew tossed his jacket aside before walking towards her. "Why aren't you sleeping?" He hugged her from behind. "It's chilly outside, you will catch a cold." 

Rachael leaned in his embrace. "I woke up a while ago. Where were you?" 

"I was in the study with the boys." He pressed his lips on her bare shoulder. "Are you okay?" 

She took a deep breath and nodded. "Honestly, I was terrified before but I am okay now." 

When he did not say anything, she turned around and cupped his face. "Stop being so hard on yourself. Whatever happened was an accident." 

"Anything could have happened Rach—" 

"But nothing happened," she interrupted him. "I am right in front of you unharmed. Why think about something that didn't happen?" 

Andrew sighed and hugged her tightly. "I was so scared. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't find you." 

"But you did, you found me." She buried her face on his chest. "Let's leave soon after mom's anniversary. I miss home." 

He kissed the top of her head. "I miss our home too. I will take you back soon, okay?" 

"Let's go to bed, okay?" He gently caressed her cheeks before carrying her in his arms. 

Rachael hooked her arms around his neck. "Andrew—" 

"Hmm?" 

"What happened after Riftan told you the name of the man who had kidnapped me?" 

….