A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

Melissa met his gaze without faltering.

After a moment, Weldon's voice, rough with emotion, broke the silence.

“You bear such a striking resemblance to your mother... Please, take a seat.” As Melissa seated herself across from him, Weldon lapsed into memories of her mother, recalling

their first meeting with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with his usual demeanor. “When I first encountered her, she seemed like a gentle force, unexpectedly entering my life. You remind me of her, eliciting a similar sense of empathy.” Perhaps the combination of his authoritative position and vast influence lent a tone of regret to his reflections on past romances.

Bears However, for Melissa, these musings rang with unmistakable irony.

Melissa held back her emotions. “Yet, you deceived her. You led her to believe you were unmarried, without a wife waiting at home. So, at just 20, she chose to follow you, a man on the verge of 40.” Weldon let out a soft sigh. “I did love her, truly” Melissa's response was edged with scorn. “Your so-called love was nothing but a profound mistake. Perhaps there was love at the start.

However, when she became pregnant with your child, when she became a threat to your family, you discarded her like something worthless.

Are you aware of the hardships she faced giving birth alone? Can you even imagine the pain she endured afterward, or the struggle of the child she raised on her own? You know nothing. You remain oblivious, wallowing in self-pity only when it suits you” Her voice faltered slightly. “Had I been given the chance for a normal

family, Marcus and I wouldn't have had to break up in the first place.

And now, you presume to act as a concerned father? Don't you find pointless?” Weldon asked quietly, “Do you hate me?” “I don't,” Melissa replied, her voice steady. “It's my mother who had every reason to. You betrayed her trust, and she carried that betrayal to her grave. Now, with no ties binding us, I wish for no further contact. I refuse to bear the Smith name.” Weldon's laughter broke the heavy silence.

He regarded Melissa intently. “You still lack understanding. Whether it's marrying into the Scott or the Fowler family, do you really believe you can secure such a match without significant support?” Melissa realized their worlds were irreconcilably different and there was nothing more to talk about.

Rising to her feet, she stated plainly, “Such aspirations hold no appeal for me. A home, a place to rest, a simple meal... A simple life is all seek.” With those final words, she departed, leaving the conversation behind.

They spoke no further of her mother.

As Melissa reached for the door, Weldon called out with a heavy tone, “You'll come to regret this. Melissa, I'm sincere in wanting to make amends. Just call me Dad and everything will be alright”

Melissa halted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I... don't have a father.” With those words, she exited.

Behind her, the sound of teacups shattering echoed, a testament to the conversations impact.

Yet, Melissa moved on, unaffected.

Thomas attempted to offer solace. “These things take time. Perhaps what's needed is a period of adjustment.” Weldon, frustration evident, gestured towards the exit. “Three years have passed, and yet she remains unchanged! Her perspective is as limited as her mother’s. What harm is there in being a mistress?

Why stir up drama, accusing me of deceit —" Thomas cut him off, “But the deceit was real” Left without a response, Weldon fell silent.

Melissa stepped into the night alone, her spirits lower than before.

Marcus, now appearing more composed, was still in the lobby.

‘s Upon noticing Melissa, he stood and offered, “Let me give you a lift” Melissa gently refused, “A company car is waiting for me out there.” Under the glow of the streetlights, Marcus’ features were striking.

“I've asked your driver to depart earlier” “Marcus... you..." With a soft smile, Marcus placed his coat over her shoulders, suggesting, “Think of it as a walk for digestion. Besides, the Japanese cuisine tonight was disappointing.” Perhaps in need of companionship, Melissa found herself accepting his offer.

The club was situated near a river, the night view Lending a serene backdrop to their silent promenade. Marcus, a cigarette between his lips, glanced at her to gauge if she minded.

Melissa offered a slight smile in response.

Marcus lit his cigarette, the smoke curling into the night air.

Leaning against the railing, he broached the subject of Alan's son.

“What are your thoughts on him?”

Melissa adjusted the coat draped around her, the fabric carrying the distinct aroma of tobacco as well as Marcus’ cologne. As her cheek grazed the collar, a subtle expression of longing emerged...

Marcus regarded her in silence, taking in her delicate features, the fairness of her skin, and the grace of her neck.

He softly uttered her name, “Melissa.” Melissa gave a gentle “Hmm” in response, turning towards him to inquire, “Why did you come here today?” Marcus chose not to answer directly.

Instead, he simply watched her, noting how vulnerable yet pretty she looked wrapped in his coat.

After a moment, he moved closer, his hands finding their way inside the coat as he leaned in, their foreheads touching. His voice, soft and slightly rough, broke the silence. “Is the coat keeping you warm? You seem quite fond of it” His hands gently circled her waist, the touch light through the fabric of her shirt.

Viflen Melissa instinctively leanéd back, he drew her closer again.

In that moment, Melissa acknowledged the turmoil within her.

Maybe it was her clouded mood or the lingering effects of the alcohol, but she found herself willing to surrender to the moment.

Their ki*s was fervent, a dance of lips and breath.

Marcus’ voice was low as he looked into her eyes. “What's next for us?” Their understanding of one another's intentions, shaped by their shared history, needed no words. Melissa, without hesitation, embraced him, her voice a whisper, “Let's find somewhere private.” “Are you certain?” Marcus sealed their intentions with another prolonged ki's, offering Melissa a moment to reconsider.

‘s But tonight, Melissa sought solace in indulgence, never once asking him to halt their advance. Together, they made their way to a nearby luxury hotel, Melissa's form nestled against Marcus, concealed by the swath of his coat.

The receptionist, curious, tried to glimpse the woman by Marcus’ side.

Yet, Marcus shielded her from view.

With the room key in hand, they entered the elevator, the tension

palpable despite their mutual consent. Melissa rested her head on his shoulder, her breaths shallow.

Marcus, displaying a gentleness that was rare for him, inquired softly, “Should we head to my apartment or return to the villa?” Melissa, her resolve clear, brushed a lock of hair from her face and murmured, “Let's stay here” No further words were exchanged as Marcus tenderly ki*sed her cheek.

elevator reached

navigated to their room. Upon unlocking the door, his earlier fervor gave way to caution. “Do you need to check in with Julie? 'm

call Julie, crafting a

worry, advising Melissa

over Melissa's cheeks at

the moment, noting

on bathrobes. I'll contact the front

voice over the phone

with him! Melissa couldn't offer much explanation, simply replying, “Ran into a social

been there, Julie understood

I'l take care of Matthew. You two have a good chat!” After the call ended, Melissa found herself

phone, Melissa took a moment to collect herself before responding lightly, “Weren't you going to call the front desk?” Marcus sidestepped her question, his touch lingering on her waist

take a shower.” Marcus couldn't help but

remarked with

unguarded now, fueled by a bit of alcohol. Any pretense

conversation had taken on a decidedly flirtatious

and collarbone, his warm breath tickling

enveloped him in a tight embrace, her arms winding around

long hair cascaded down, framing her delicate face, which glowed softly in the dim light. Her voice, tinged with raspiness, broke the silence. “So, are you going to take that shower or not?” Marcus continued to ki*s her fervently, his hand gently tracing her slim waist. Though he remained silent, his dark eyes spoke volumes, filled

called for an extra bathrobe from

Melissa was engrossed in her

her from behind, wrapping his arms around

a buzzkill.” Melissa turned her head to meet his lips in a ki*s. After a lingering exchange, she murmured softly, “I thought you were

turned her head to meet his

had both been alone for too long or because of all that they had been

herself surprisingly cooperative, swept up in

wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes

the initiative to ki*s

before,”

“Do you like it?" At that moment, Marcus experienced a sensation he had never felt before, as if his blood was flowing in reverse. It overwhelmed him to the point where he did something he had never done before.

Melissa, undeterred, wrapped her arms around him, pressing seductively against his

in hindsight, neither dared to meet the other's

awoke to find herself alone in

slightly sore, it was a

morning light gently filtered into the room, casting a soft, golden glow that was

stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, engrossed in a phone call

am. meeting, reschedule it for tomorrow... Nothing else changes.” After hanging up, he turned

black hair. “Hungry? Ill call

the spacious bed, reaching for the phone to dial the front desk. All the while, he maintained his comforting embrace around her shoulder,

heart, prompting him to desire to

spirits, Marcus shrugged off any concerns, saying, “Alright, just make it quick. Your blood sugar may drop since you haven't had breakfast!” Picking up the bath towel

resist, Marcus enveloped her from behind, murmuring tender words that lovers often share. “You were absolutely irresistible

a faint smile, but as she showered, her thoughts turned introspective. The steam fogged up the glass, and she

way of leading one astray, Melissa

seemed like the devil's

His motives were evident, yet Melissa harbored

lingering in the bathroom, she emerged, wrapped in

casually flipping through the newspaper handed to him by the waiter. The front-page headline caught his attention. It was about the CEO of Fowler Group spending the night

the hotel lobby, Melissa draped in his coat,

joined him at the table, her

attempting to gauge her reaction. After a moment, he set the newspaper aside, intertwining his fingers. With a soft voice, he asked, “Do you want to make our relationship official?” “What relationship?” Melissa pretended ignorance as she took the newspaper, scanning its contents before nonchalantly remarking, “Scandals are merely scandals, after all.

But Marcus persisted.

heart, he was not completely oblivious,

the night before, this morning, alongside her

she had no intention of

slept together. There should be some sense of responsibility.” Marcus pressed,

milk, maintaining her composure as she replied with a smile, “I don't need you to be responsible for me. We're both adults here, no need for such melodrama.” Marcus’ smile, however, held a

met” After the eventful night, Melissa didn't feel inclined to argue with

did exert a lot of effort last night, I'l give you that. Ill whip up something nice to

left no room

child, it would have been akin to a one-night stand between consenting adults. Marcus reclined in his chair, observing her

his body still

beneath it

an

Melissa hummed lightly.

sharing a bed once won't resolve our issues” Last night... truly meant nothing.” His bitter laugh hung in the air as he rose from his seat, walking up behind her and whispering

he let go of

car. He glanced at Melissa as he spoke into the phone. “Yes, 'm with Melissa. Bring over a set of clothes for her.” Marcus instructed Sylvia. “Hers are too wrinkled to wear” Frustrated, Melissa threw a pillow at

Was this his idea of retaliation? On the other end of

he happy or unhappy? Half an hour later, Sylvia arrived with

downstairs. She was ready to hail a cab, but Marcus surprised her by opening the car door. “Get in! ll take you to the company.” Melissa

sensed a change in

turned up his

felt her heart soften slightly as she hummed in agreement and settled into the backseat, Marcus following suit.

laughter as she sat beside

and Melissa sat in silence as Sylvia conversed with Ross

smiled in agreement. “Isn't that the truth!” Ross offered his advice, saying, “That's why it's essential to check the weather forecast before heading out, unless you want to end up soaked! Getting drenched can easily lead to sickness, and when you're under the weather, you're bound to feel grumpy and look as sour as my wife going through menopause. So annoying!” Sylvia fell silent, slightly uncomfortable