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.

more comfortable clothes and joined them, just as Matthew began to protest-why

of

for her. She only eats dog food. 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

the end, with a droop in his little shoulders, Matthew placed Minnie back on the

the scene unfold and, feeling a

eat, I'll make a special little table

face transformed

have my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise

her Voice. “You're spoiling him." But Marcus just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, Matthew's not in pre-school

Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with Marcus taking

onto it with joy, her

sprinkling from his clothes, a stark contrast

poring over a financial report in her

“I'm thinking of making a cushion and some other things for Minnie.

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

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, Melissa

of energy, 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

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

earnestly. “You know, we could just get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa

name flashed on

didn't take the call but instead look up at

your lover? Need me to step

eye roll from Melissa as she picked up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the other end. “Melissa, how can you do this to me?

be at my bachelorette

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

disheartened mood, Melissa asked with genuine concern, “Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares about

is this you? Its Elsie Miss Green has had too much to drink, and I'm afraid to call Mr. Watson. What should I do, Miss Brown?" Elsie? The same Elsie from Albert's villa-was

urgency spurred Melissa into action. “Look after her, I'm

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

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

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

distance between them, Melissa began to

to me,” she

locked onto hers, intense

hoping to coax him with a ki*s, Marcus cut

A flush of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks as she

vehicle hers from

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

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.

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

embarrassed,

by

his absence and expressed her

heart went out to

and gently began to wipe Jessie's face as she sat

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 plain terms, our marriage is nothing

be the father of our

‘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

you mind preparing some soup for Miss

attention back to Jessie, Melissa tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie's

Elsie and the retention of the villa

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

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

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 between Jessie and Minnie, the

reassurance, “You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're

Melissa, don't treat me like a

her thoughts briefly touching her

about love when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed

Melissa

spot downstairs and dialed

likely not expecting a call at this late

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

her wellbeing?” The silence that followed weighed

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

the gravity of his own circumstances. “Melissa, things here in Heron 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

still be holding out hope for you” Albert's response was dismissive, a stark

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

urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the

is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing alone, grappling with

decision-to marry another for the sake of consolidating his position within the company-Melissa’s sympathy for Jessie

the staircase, her

“Jessie?”

her body

have arrived at a

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

he?” Melissa was at a loss,