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.

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

wearing an expression of pure innocence, as Matthew made his

And you know she can't sit at the table like we do, or use a fork and knife, right?” Matthew's eyes, round and earnest, didn't waver. “But

placed Minnie back on the sofa before shuffling

the scene unfold and, feeling a

special little table for

Matthew's face

my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere

fondness and exasperation in her Voice. “You're spoiling him." But Marcus just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded,

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

onto it with joy, her tail

brought them upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his clothes, a stark contrast to his

Melissa, who was poring over a financial report in her post-shower

“I'm thinking of

took in the sight of him dusty, disheveled, but

out better than anything we could make.” Yet Marcus

at the financial report she set aside. Melissa quickly put that away to save it

petted the puppy with a smile and teased Marcus, “Seems 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

not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could reply, her

flashed on the

call but

from your lover? Need

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

at my bachelorette party

suddenly remembered the significance of the date- Valentine's Day

are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented.

you? Its Elsie Miss Green has had too

into action. “Look after her, I'm on

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

to go check on her. Would you mind watching Matthew while 'm out?” Melissa's request was

clothes in a deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do

between them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust

as a favor to me,” she asked softly, her

locked onto hers, intense

ki*s, Marcus cut

rules. Understood?” A flush of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded,

gesture was unexpected; he handed Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on, citing its “too girly” interior as his reason for

caught between surprise and the urgency of her mission, neither accepted nor rejected the

in such a state-crying and yelling. We didn't dare call her family. It's best they don't know about this

headed straight upstairs.

alcohol hit her immediately. With a concerned frown, she asked, “Exactly how much did she

embarrassed, offered

her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albert's name amidst

expressed her reluctance

Melissa's heart went

a towel and gently began to wipe Jessie's face as she sat beside her. Slowly coming to, Jessie

you drink so much, huh? You know

“I don't care! Nobody does.” Tears brimming, Jessie turned to lie on her back, a raw vulnerability in her voice. “My fiance, he's seemingly perfect in every way. Yet, he envisions our marriage as an

he will be the father of

so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me? Why do men always treat me so harshly?” Attempting to steer Jessie away from

Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation, Elsie nodded and

placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie's heart still lingered with Albert, not

presence of Elsie and the retention of

Jessie hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she tied the knot.

Mr. Watson, are

supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a parallel between Jessie and Minnie,

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

sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat

offered a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated situation

she offer advice to someone about love when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed out of Jessie and Albert's tumultuous relationship, but tonight felt different.

over Jessie, Melissa made a

spot

likely not expecting a call at

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

The silence that followed

with Albert, her

with that woman, agreeing to marry her niece. It seems to be the most viable

out hope for you” Albert's response was dismissive, a stark contrast to the emotion

I haven't shared this with you or anyone else in

know she shouldn't waste her time on me anymore.” Melissa could barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by

this is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing

company-Melissa’s sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was a stark reminder of the ruthlessness that sometimes lay behind

thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and

“Jessie?”

with concern, her body frozen, unsure

seemed to have arrived at a

no need to plead with that man on

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