Unexpected Encounter: A Second Chance at Love

"I never said I was complaining," Rachael smiled. "It's good that you are getting used to me, at least I don't have to worry about you running away with another woman."

"Actually, that doesn't sound like a really bad idea." When he pretended to think, she pouted her lips and slapped his chest.

"Don't even think about it," she threatened. "First I'll kill you and then the mistress before fleeing the country."

"Oh my—" He chuckled. "You know I have heard many threats in my life but this is by far the scariest one."

"It's good that you are scared." She patted his chest. "At least this way you'll always be careful."

"Why would I even need a mistress when I already have such a beautiful and fiesty wife?" He raised his brows. "And if I ever end up getting one, feel free to admit me to some mental asylum because I am a freak."

Rachael tightened his tie and chuckled. "I know you won't. You love me way too much to keep a mistress by your side."

"Well—" He shrugged. "At least you are aware of the fact that my love for you is unconditional."

He smiled and ran his finger through her damp hair. "It's mom's birthday next month, grandma wants us to come home for a couple of days to celebrate. Do you wanna go?"

"Russia?" When he nodded, she hesitated for a while before asking, "I thought it wasn't safe."

"As long as you are with me, I'll always keep you safe," he assured her. "And besides, even Owen, Elsa, Justin and Daniel will be coming so—"

"Okay, let's go."

...

[Emma's Apartment]

When someone knocked at the door, Emma googily opened her eyes and lazily walked towards the door. Though it was almost lunch time, she hadn't woken up yet.

When she opened the door and saw who it was, she widened her eyes in shock.

"You look awful—" Rachael scoffed before entering the apartment.

"I just woke up." Emma closed the door before following her inside.

"No work?"

"I took a day off."

Rachael sat down on the couch. "Why? Is this a guilt break you are trying to take after lying to your best friends?"

"Rach—"

"Your first mistake was to think that I would get mad just because you are dating my brother." She interrupted her. "Your second mistake was to purposely keep this away from me even though you very well know I would get hurt when I found out about it."

Emma sighed and nodded, "I know and I am really very sorry about that. I shouldn't have lied to you."

Rachael crossed her arms in the front and gave her a look.

"And I promise I'll never do it again," she added.

"I don't have words to express how disappointed I am with you Emma." Rachael sighed. "We have been best friends for so many years and this is the first time you have done this. Did you think I would oppose your relationship with George or something?"

When Emma shook her head, she added, "Then what is it? Did you think it would be weird?"

"I didn't know how you would react," Emma answered. "I thought things would get weird too."

"Emma, dating George is a completely different thing. It has nothing to do with the fact that we are best friends," Rachael remarked. "And in the future, if things don't work out between the two of you, our friendship will remain the same. Of course things will get super awkward between you and him. But that is none of my concern."

She moved closer and grabbed Emma's hand. "You have to understand that you and George have separate special places in my heart. It doesn't overlap. And just because you are dating my brother now doesn't mean you have to start closing yourself and hide things. You can freely bitch about him like all your other boyfriends."

Emma smiled and gave Rachael a hug. "Thanks Rach and I am sorry, I shouldn't have—"

"It's okay, you have apologised enough." She patted her back. "I suggest you save your apologies for someone who will obviously be more enraged than me."

...

[Two week later]

[Cyper restaurant cum bar]

"Please, I need the money," the woman begged.

The man smirked as he waved the bundle of cash at her. "That desperate?"

She glanced at her wrist watch and started panicking. "Listen, I'll do whatever you want me to but right now, I need the cash and—"

"Strip yourself," the man commanded.

When the woman frowned, the man repeated his words. "Didn't you hear what I said? Strip yourself."

The woman balled her hands into a fist and looked around. Though the bar wasn't that crowded, there were many people around.

"What? You are ashamed?" The man chuckled. "I thought a slut , like you don't have any shame."

Juliana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't let her emotions overpower her because she was a needy one. She needed the money.

The man smirked and threw half of the cash from the stack on the floor. "Strip and I'll give you the whole thing."

She was about to pick up the cash from the floor when someone grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the bar.

…

[Outside]

As soon as they stepped out, Owen let go of her hand and grabbed the sides of her arms. "What the fuck were you about to do?"

Juliana did not say anything, she just kept staring at him.

At first she was surprised but when she saw his face, her entire body froze. How could she forget him? How could she forget his touch?

She hoped he would never find her but a part of her was happy that he did.

"I have to go inside—" she muttered as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"For what? To strip in front of everyone for some extra cash?" Owen tightened his grip around her arm. He was enraged.

…