A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

Thanks to Sylvia's arrangements, six poodle puppies awaited them.

They were all so adorable and Matthew wanted them all.

But Marcus stood firm. “We're only taking one home.” Matthew sulked briefly.

But soon, he perked up, eagerly eyeing the poodles before finally settling on a white one. The shop assistant handed the puppy over, and Matthew cradled her carefully.

The assistant beamed. “It looks like he's taken a liking to her” As the paperwork commenced, they learned the puppy-Minnie-was only three months old.

Matthew adored Minnie and was already planning a wardrobe for her.

Marcus intervened. “It's spring; she'll be uncomfortable in clothes.

Plus, her white fur's perfect ass, don't you think?” Matthew cuddled Minnie, proclaiming, “She's not as beautiful as Mom though” Marcus grinned.

Melissa didn't want to quarrel with Marcus anymore. She was supposed to be mad but, gazing at the tender puppy, she couldn't help but feel drawn toi too. Maybe it was because Melissa had never had a doll growing up. Touching the soft puppy made her uneasy, stirring up memories from her childhood.

Marcus observed Melissa petting Minnie’s fur.

Out of the blue, he offered, “If you fancy, pick another one for yourself” Melissa was lost in thought.

When she snapped out of it, she declined with a smile, “No, one's plenty.” Matthew glanced at his dad, and then at his mom, muttering under his breath, “Didn't dad say we could only have one?” Marcus playfully tapped Matthew's head. “Each person gets one. You've got Minnie.” Though it was a bit of a fib, Matthew bought it.

He even thought his dad was being super fair! Melissa stole a glance at Marcus. When he swiped his card, he added an extra $20, 000. “Get the other pups top-notch food. If you can't find them homes, give me a shout” The shop assistant was taken aback. She hadn't pegged Marcus as a big-hearted guy.

But soon it clicked.

Melissa had a soft spot for these pups. Even though they didn't take them all, she still cared. The assistant envied Melissa.

Back home, Matthew was strapped into his seat, unable to hold the puppy.

So Melissa cradled Minnie.

Matthew leaned in and they both showered Minnie with affection.

Minnie was exceptionally gentle, always nuzzling Melissa's fingers.

It seemed Minnie fancied her new owner too.

Behind the wheel, Marcus stole a glance at Melissa through the rearview mirror. “If you're so keen on pups, why not bring home one more?” Melissa didn't look up but her eyes softened a tad.

“I've got work and Matthew to tend to. 'm stretched thin as it is.” Marcus dropped the subject, steering them back home. Meanwhile, the cook was busy whipping up a feast in the kitchen.

Hearing the car, the housekeeper dashed out, fussing over Matthew's new furry friend before announcing, “Dinner will be ready in half an hour, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler.” Marcus nodded.

Once the housekeeper left, Matthew darted to the lawn with Minnie.

Melissa glanced at Marcus.

Twilight blanketed the sky, the sun dipping low.

Leaning against the car, Marcus lit a smoke.

In the dimming light, his silhouette stretched, his profile striking against the dusk. Melissa spoke softly. “Could you tell the staff not to use that title?” Marcus’ gaze flicked to Matthew briefly.

Then, shifting his focus back to Melissa, he replied, “If they don't call you that, what should they call you? ‘Miss Brown? Do you want everyone knowing we're living in sin?” Suddenly, he pulled Melissa close, whispering, “Miss Brown, you surprise me with your candor. I never saw it coming.” Today, Marcus had been needling Melissa non-stop. She had a temper too. She clenched her jaw and retorted, “You're no saint either. You acted

like it's been ages since you last touched a woman.” Marcus released her grip.

With a cigarette dangling from his slim fingers, he took a slow drag, looking suave and debonair.

After a moment, he smirked. “I haven't been with any woman in years.

I've been remaining chaste for you.”

Melissa thought he had some nerve. - Marcus stubbed out the cigarette and headed off to find his son.

Watching him go, Melissa felt a twinge of confusion.

Marcus seemed possessive, yet his pace was deliberate. He didn't even insist sharing her bed when she moved in. It was like he was slowly melting her, and she really felt vulnerable.

Melissa felt trapped, like there was no way out.

The evening sky was growing dim, cloaked in the velvet hues of impending twilight.

Matthew ran around the spacious backyard, his laughter filling the air.

The puppy, thrilled with the new space, zipped around after him, both of them completely engrossed in the game.

Marcus watched them from a distance, a quiet figure observing the boundless energy of the boy and his dog.

They continued their play until the yard had been thoroughly explored and the shadows grew long. Finally, Matthew, with the puppy in his arms, trotted over to Marcus.

“Dad, Minnie's got all dirty. Can you help me clean her up?”

Carefully, Marcus took the slightly muddy puppy from Matthew's arms, ready to tackle the mess.

The puppy was a bundle of softness, its fur Like silk-except for its belly, which was tender and hairless. Just as Marcus started cleaning the playful pup, Matthew hurried back with a towel, his eyes full of anticipation.

Once Minnie was clean, Marcus, with a strong but gentle hand, scooped up Matthew and headed toward the villa.

Matthew, a mix of sheepish pride and affection, rested his head on his dad's shoulder, his fingers unable to resist reaching out to pet Minnie once more.

comfortable clothes and joined them, just as Matthew began to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus, ever the patient explainer, tried to

of pure innocence, as

like we do, or use a

Matthew placed Minnie back on the sofa before shuffling back

scene unfold and, feeling a twinge of

little table for Minnie. That way, she

Matthew's face transformed with

my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise to

just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, Matthew's not in

Matthew, and Minnie disappeared into the tool room. There, they didn't just build a dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with

her own, leapt onto it with joy, her tail a cheerful

complete, Marcus brought them upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his clothes,

approached Melissa, who was poring over

handiwork, he said, “I'm thinking of making a cushion and some other things for

eyes, Melissa took in the sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in his labors of love.

anything we could make.” Yet Marcus was nonchalant, gently pressing, “Matthew mentioned he'd like them more if you made them.”

room and leaped into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial report she set aside. Melissa quickly put that away to save it from

Like you're treating Minnie as if she were your little girl” Marcus, with a hint of something deeper in his gaze, threw out a playful challenge. “What do you think about adding another kid to the mix?” Melissa remained silent at the suggestion. Marcus, sensing the weight of the moment, smoothly shifted gears. “I'm taking Matthew to the Civil Office tomorrow to change his name and address.” The words hung in the air; Matthew was to take Marcus’ last

we could just get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could reply, her phone disrupted the

flashed on

but instead look up at

a call from your lover? Need me to step out for a

teasing was met with an eye roll from Melissa as she picked up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the

you'll be at my

suddenly remembered the significance of the date- Valentine's Day was also the day of

her tears,

Its Elsie Miss Green has had too much to drink,

into action. “Look after her, I'm on my way,” she said quickly before hanging

who was already watching her, wood shavings still clinging to his

with her engagement tomorrow... I need to go check on her. Would you mind watching Matthew while

unhurried motion.

them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust from

me,” she asked softly, her voice a

locked onto hers, intense

Melissa leaned in, hoping to coax him with a ki*s, Marcus cut through the tension with

across

vehicle hers from then on, citing its “too girly”

the urgency of her mission, neither

arrival, the servant-Elsie-rushed to her, urgency in her voice, “Miss Brown, you're finally here! Miss Green has been in such a state-crying and yelling. We didn't dare call her family. It's best they

headed straight upstairs.

the bedroom door, the pungent smell of alcohol hit her immediately.

embarrassed, offered

across the bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition,

and expressed her

Melissa's heart went out

face as she sat beside her. Slowly coming to, Jessie saw Melissa and burst into

drink so much,

he's seemingly perfect in every way. Yet, he envisions our marriage as an open relationship. Do you understand what that means, Melissa?” A bitter smile crossed her face as she went on, “In plain terms, our marriage is nothing but a facade. We're allowed

father of our children.

about being ‘progressive” Tears kept streaming down Jessie's face as she lamented, “How is he any different from Albert? Melissa... Tell me, why is it so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me? Why do men

gently suggested, “Elsie, would you mind preparing some soup for Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation, Elsie nodded and left

heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie's heart still lingered with

continued presence of Elsie and the retention of the villa were telltale signs of her unresolved

encounter with Albert before

comfort. “Everyone faces their trials, some early in life, others later on... Putting aside your situation with Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man, Jessie’ “Honestly, I don't know anymore,”

I've just been drifting, feeling so utterly useless. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a parallel

selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young,

sorrow and sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat me like a

her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated

relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed out of Jessie and Albert's tumultuous relationship, but

Elsie watched over Jessie, Melissa made a decision to

spot downstairs and

Heron, likely not expecting

She shook her head, even though he couldn't see her gesture. “No, it's not about work. It's about Miss Green.” Melissa hesitated, her voice laced

The silence that followed

overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the anxiety of the

own circumstances. “Melissa, things here in Heron are complicated. I've recently entered an arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry her niece. It

might still be holding out hope for

or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons.

barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the

he finally said, “Perhaps this is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa

sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was a stark reminder of the ruthlessness that sometimes lay behind the facades people

interrupted when she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and devoid of the turmoil

“Jessie?”

tinged with concern, her body frozen, unsure how to approach

seemed to have arrived at

there's no need to plead with that man on my behalf,” she said,

hasn't he?” Melissa was at a loss, unsure of what to