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.

protest-why couldn't Minnie

expression of pure innocence, as Matthew made

at the table like we do, or use a fork and knife, right?” Matthew's eyes, round and earnest, didn't waver. “But you could feed Minnie like you feed me when I was little, couldn't you, Daddy?”

with a droop in his little shoulders, Matthew placed Minnie back on the sofa before shuffling back to the

watched the scene unfold and, feeling a twinge

make a special little table for Minnie. That way, she can have her meals

face transformed with hope.

word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise

clear as he responded, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, Matthew's not in pre-school until later this year. I want to cherish these moments.” Silence was

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

was her own, leapt onto

creations were complete, Marcus brought them upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his clothes, a stark contrast

Melissa, who was poring over a financial report in

amidst the evidence of his handiwork, he said, “I'm thinking of making a cushion and some other things for Minnie.

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

make.” Yet

bounded into the 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 the puppy's

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

could just get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.”

flashed

but instead look up at

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

strained with emotion, resonated

you'll be at my bachelorette party tonight,

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

mood, Melissa asked with genuine concern, “Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like

has had too

rush of urgency spurred Melissa into action. “Look after her, I'm on my

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

to drink, and with her engagement tomorrow... I need to go check on her. Would you mind watching Matthew while 'm out?” Melissa's request was

unhurried motion. “And why should I do this for

Melissa began to clear

as a favor to me,” she asked softly,

onto

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

of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded, a

handed Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then

the urgency of her mission, neither

“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 don't know about this place... They're likely unaware of her and Mr. Watson." Melissa

headed straight upstairs.

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

embarrassed, offered no

by her condition, whispering Albert's name

expressed her reluctance

this, Melissa's heart

as she sat beside her.

“Why did you drink so much, huh? You know it's bad for

raw vulnerability in her voice. “My fiance, 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

father of our children.

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 always treat

some soup for Miss

back to Jessie, Melissa tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend.

Elsie and the retention of the

hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she tied the

a soft, soothing tone, Melissa offered 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,” Jessie confessed, her voice breaking as tears

utterly useless. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In

with a gentle reassurance, “You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young, vibrant, and full

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

smile, her thoughts briefly touching her

her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed out of

Jessie, Melissa made a decision to step

found a quiet spot downstairs and

in Heron, likely not expecting a

company?” 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 with concern as she finally said, “Miss Green is quite intoxicated, and frankly, she’s not in a good state... She's having serious doubts about her engagement. Mr. Waston,

her wellbeing?” The silence that

she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the anxiety of the potential

are complicated. I've recently entered an arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry her niece. It seems to be the most viable solution for

“Miss Green... she might still be holding out hope for you”

you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons. But if

Melissa could barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the weight of the conversation, Melissa couldn't suppress her outrage. “Don't you think that's too cruel

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

sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was a stark reminder of

Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and devoid of

“Jessie?”

concern, her body frozen, unsure how to

have

making that call, Melissa. But there's no need to plead with that man on my behalf,” she said, her tone light

on the same day, hasn't he?” Melissa was at a loss,