Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"That's a great idea," Michael exclaimed. "Andrew, you should stay over too. We can have our first small family get together."

"That's a great idea but maybe we can do it next time. My things are arriving from Russia today so I need to be there to settle everything." Andrew politely turned him down. As much as he wanted to stay, he didn't wish to interrupt their family time. He wanted Rachael to enjoy her time with her family all by herself.

"Can't you at least come for dinner? I'll make your favourite chicken," Reeta remarked.

When Andrew hesitated, Rachael stepped in. "You can take some time out and come for dinner, right?"

"Of course, I'll take some time out," he immediately agreed. How could he turn his wife down?

"Alright then." Michael gave him a hug. "We will wait for you."

"Okay—" Glancing at his watch, Andrew said, "I should leave." He then looked at Rachael.

"Yes sure, Rachael will see you out," Michael stated.

….

[Outside]

"Thanks for saving me in there, I really appreciate it." If not for Andrew, she was doomed.

"It was just a small thing, you don't have to thank me. Have a good time with your family, okay?" He took out his keys and unlocked the car. "I should go."

"Wait—" She grabbed his arm. "Do you really have some important work? Can't you stay?" The idea of having a small overnight get together didn't sound that bad.

"It's not like I don't want to stay but I want you to have some private time with your family. You will be leaving with me tomorrow, I understand how tough it is for you and them." When she did not say anything, he placed his hand on hers. "I'll pick you up early in the morning, okay? Be ready by then."

Rachael smiled and nodded. She loved how considerate he was of her feelings and emotions. She felt so touched.

When he was about to leave, she stopped him again. "But you will come for dinner, right?"

"Yes I will."

"Okay, drive safe." Rachael stood there until he drove away.

"Oh my God, you are already smitten by him." Hooking her arms around Rachael's shoulder, Emma grinned, "But I don't blame you, when the package is that handsome and sexy, you don't really have a choice."

"I am not smitten." Slapping her hand away, Rachael remarked, "I was just seeing him off."

"Can't you stay? You will come for dinner, right?" Emma mimicked Rachael's smitten voice.

"You were eavesdropping?" she smacked her arm. "That's so unethical."

Emma scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Oh please, after all the stuff we have done together, nothing is ethical between us. Anyway—" she grabbed her hand and dragged her inside. "We have so much to talk about and so many things to do before you move to your hot husband's house."

"Like what?"

"Like how did you even end up getting married? Who proposed whom—" Emma stopped midway. "Oh but first we have to call Tina and tell her about this." She took out her phone, "She is gonna freak out.when I tell her that I called for maid of honor already."

Awkwardly scratching the back of neck, Rachael stood there without saying anything. How was she supposed to tell Emma that Tina already knew about it? And not only that, she was also the legal witness of her marriage?

Just then Tina entered the mansion.

"There you are—I was just calling you to tell you something exciting," Emma beamed. "Rachael and Andrew got married."

Tina was about to tell her that she already knew about it but Rachael gestured her not to.

Emma frowned at her late reaction. "What happened? Aren't you excited or shocked?"

"Oh I am very very shocked," Tina stated. "In fact, I don't remember when was the last time I felt so shocked."

Rachael sighed and helplessly shook her head. How could she forget that Tina sucked at acting as well as lying. She was very sure that Emma could see right through her fake overreaction.

Looking at Tina and Rachael simultaneously, Emma inquired, "Tina knew about it beforehand, didn't she?"

"No," Rachael firmly stated.

"Yes," Tina answered.

Rachael sighed and slapped her forehead.

"You told her before telling me? How could you do this to me Rachael?" Emma snapped.

"She didn't tell me," Tina remarked.

"Uh huh—then how did you find out?"

"I—I sensed it as soon as I entered the mansion—"

"Tina, please stop talking," Rachael sighed.

"So you really told her? We three are best friends, we are supposed to do things together." Emma felt betrayed.

"I know, I am sorry." Rachael grabbed her hand. "The plan was not to tell anyone but I needed some documents and she was the only one who could get it at the moment. So I really didn't have a choice."

Tina frowned. "Hey, don't forget that I am the only reason why you were able to register your marriage today. Anyway, since I am your maid of honor, I forgive you."

"I am the maid of honor—we flipped for it," Emma stated.

"That flip doesn't count. And besides, Rachael already promised me."

"Rachael promised me too."

When both of them looked at her, Rachael shrugged, "I don't understand why you two are even fighting over this? There will be no maid of honor because there is no wedding."

Tina and Emma looked at each other and quickly raised their arms in the air.

"I call Godmother," They yelled together.

…..