When Riftan smiled, Kazi scoffed, "I know since we were five but I still don't understand certain things about you."

"Well, a man needs to have some mystery in his life, doesn't he?"

Keeping quiet for a while, Kazi asked, "Do you like her?"

When Riftan raised his brows, he added, "Have you developed a liking towards Andrew's wife?"

He had never seen Riftan this way. Apart from his sister, Janet, he had never shown any form of softness to others.

"She is married."

"I did not ask if you are planning to marry her, I asked if you like her." Kazi snapped at him again. The sudden change in Riftan was really annoying him.

"If I say that I like her, will you kidnap her and bring her to me?" Riftan chuckled.

When Kazi raised his brows, he added, "I just find her interesting."

He really did. He found Rachael very interesting. Not many women managed to catch his attention but something about Rachael intrigued him.

Maybe it was her innocence and the lack of idea of how cruel their world could be, how cruel he could be. Or maybe it was the kindness she has shown Janet, who was a complete stranger to her.

Kazi did not answer immediately, he kept looking at his friend for a while. It was as if he was trying to read his thoughts, trying to figure out what was going on in that head of his. "Well, it's nice that you are showing some interest in someone."

"You have been too occupied with Janet after—" He paused and sighed, "It's already been three years Rif, no one will harm her again."

"I know." Riftan knew no one would harm her again. He had made sure that the people who did were dead. But the fear never left him. It couldn't harm to be careful, right?

"You can let your guard down now, Rif. Everything is over, you can think about yourself now."

Riftan knew exactly what Kazi was talking about. But nothing could make his mind feel at ease, not after what had happened three years ago in his absence.

He leaned against the headboard and smirked, "Think about myself? What do you want me to do? Fall in love?"

"You can try that," Kazi grinned. "May be go to a bar or something and try to woo the next beautiful woman you see."

"Is it okay to woo a married woman?" When Kazi frowned, he chuckled, "What? I am joking."

....

[Volkov Mansion]

When Andrew and others arrived home, Rachael, Kate and Elsa were already having breakfast.

"Oh there you people are," Kate exclaimed. "Where did you all go early in the morning?"

The four of them glanced at each other before Daniel said, "We went for a morning run."

"Dressed like that?" Elsa suspiciously looked at them. "You guys are wearing suits and ties."historical

"It was a smart run." Owen winked at his sister before stealing her untouched pancake.

Andrew sat down beside Rachael and stroked her back. "How are you feeling now?"

"I am okay." She leaned against his arm and looked at him. "Where did you go?"

"We had a meeting scheduled with Riftan Genovesse," He answered.

"See now that is the kind of honesty I expect from my husband." Kate glared at Daniel. "How hard would it be for you to tell me that?"

"Wow, you guys are back after meeting Genovesse without any blood stains on your clothes and face—Do we have a truce with them now?" Elsa asked.

"A truce with the Genovesse, my dear niece is something that will never happen." Daniel took his seat. "We just had to discuss a few things with him."

When the helper brought over more pancakes, Andrew picked up a couple of pieces and placed them on Rachael's plate. "Eat, you didn't eat properly last night as well."

She placed her hand over his. "Is everything okay now?"

He sighed and kissed the back of her hand. "You don't worry about anything. Everything was and is under control. Don't let Semion get inside your head, okay?"

When she nodded, he kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too."

When Andrew pressed his lips against hers, Owen scoffed, "Oh please, will you stop?"

Daniel, Andrew and Justin grinned at him before kissing their partners.

Owen scoffed harder and grumpily shoved pancakes into his mouth. "You people are sick." He then glared at Justin. "That's my sister, you are not allowed to shove your tongue down her throat in my presence."

"Well, let's talk about who is sick when that empty chair beside you is not empty anymore." Kate grinned.

"That reminds me—" Rachael looked at Owen. "Juliana called me a while ago. She was telling me about some job—"

"She is not taking it," Owen snapped before she could finish talking.

"Oh so you have started making decisions for her now?" Elsa grinned. "Impressive."

"Well, while we are on the topic, why don't you invite your housekeeper here?" Daniel suggested. "We have plans of taking Rachael for some sightseeing, I am sure Juliana will like it too."

"That's actually a great idea," Kate exclaimed. "I haven't met her yet so—"

"She is not coming here." When everyone gave him a look, Owen added, "It's not safe." Keeping Elsa, Kate and especially Rachael was hard enough for them. He didn't want to add Juliana to the mess.

He didn't want his enemies to see him with her. This would make her vulnerable and her life would be in danger. He didn't want that.

No one objected, especially the men. They knew what Owen was implying to was correct. Their main aim at the moment was to take their woman out of the country as soon as possible. It wasn't safe.

...

[Study Room]]

"Andrew—" Rachael tried to protest but his lips sealed hers. When his tongue met hers, she melted in his embrace.

After having breakfast, Andrew dragged her to the study room saying that he had something important to tell her. But who would have thought that something important was shoving his tongue down her throat.

....

Author's Note:

Greetings,

This is a special announcement to inform everyone that Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance At Love has won a nomination prize in The Webnovel Spirity Awards 2022 :)

I take this opportunity to thank each and everyone for your immense love and support. It wouldn't have been possible without you guys.

I know the updates have been irregular. I had so many papers to submit before my finals so that took all my time.

But now since my finals are over, I can finally focus on writing.

I will also be taking part in the new Webnovel Spirity Awards 2023 with a new book. I will let you guys know when it's up.

Thank you for the love and patients. ?

....