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.

to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them?

of pure innocence, as

you know she can't sit at the table like we

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

unfold and, feeling a

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

Matthew's face

have my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise

just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded, “It's no

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 Marcus taking the time to smooth down

leapt onto it

upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his

over a financial report in

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

took in the sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably

They'll turn out better than anything we could make.” Yet Marcus was nonchalant, gently pressing, “Matthew mentioned he'd like them more if you made them.” With a resigned nod,

moment, Minnie, full of energy, bounded into the room and leaped into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial report

a playful challenge. “What do you think about adding another kid to the mix?” Melissa remained silent at the suggestion. Marcus, sensing the weight

into her eyes, Marcus spoke earnestly. “You know, we could just get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could reply,

name flashed on

didn't take the call but

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

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

you'll be at my bachelorette party

clarity.” ) Melissa suddenly remembered the significance of the date-

concern, “Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares

Green has had too

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

was already watching her, wood shavings still clinging to his clothing. “Jessie's

too much to drink, and with her engagement tomorrow... I need to go check on her. Would you mind watching Matthew

a deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do this for you?” he teased,

began to clear the sawdust from his

to me,” she asked

onto hers,

Marcus cut through the tension

across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded, a mix

was unexpected; he handed Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on, citing its “too

surprise and the urgency of her mission, neither accepted nor

dare call her family. It's

headed straight upstairs.

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

embarrassed, offered no

sprawled across the bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albert's name amidst her sobs and angry

his absence and expressed her reluctance to

watching this, Melissa's heart went out to

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

so much, huh? You

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 open relationship. Do you understand what that means, Melissa?” A bitter smile crossed her face

the father of our children.

from Albert? Melissa... Tell me, why is it so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me? Why do men

for Miss Green?”

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

retention of the villa were telltale

last encounter with Albert before she tied

later on... Putting aside your situation with Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man, Jessie’ “Honestly, I don't know

with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a parallel between

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

response was a mix of sorrow and sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat

a weak smile, her thoughts briefly

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

over Jessie, Melissa made a decision

quiet spot downstairs and

was in Heron, likely not expecting a call at this

surprise. “Melissa? Is there a problem at the 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

her wellbeing?” The silence that followed

aware that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the anxiety of the potential repercussions gnawed

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 all involved at the moment.” “But Mr. Waston!” Melissa interjected, taken aback by the revelation and its implications for

to find the words, eventually managing to convey, “Miss Green... she might still be holding out hope for you” Albert's response was dismissive,

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

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 to her?” Albert’ silence

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

the cruelty of Albert's decision-to marry another for the sake of consolidating his position within the company-Melissa’s sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was

noticed Jessie on the staircase, her

“Jessie?”

tinged with concern, her body frozen, unsure how to

however, seemed to have arrived at a serene

no need to plead with that

hasn't he?” Melissa was