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.

and joined them, just as Matthew began to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with

a chair, wearing an expression of pure innocence, as Matthew

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 you could feed Minnie like you feed me when I was little, couldn't you, Daddy?” At that, Marcus found himself at a

a droop in his little shoulders, Matthew placed Minnie back

unfold and, feeling a twinge

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

good?” Matthew's face transformed with hope.

word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise

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 Melissa's

dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with Marcus taking the time to smooth down every edge until it

leapt onto it with

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

who was poring over a financial report in

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

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

Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial report she set aside. Melissa quickly put that away to save

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.”

name flashed

the call but instead

lover? Need me

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

the date- Valentine's Day was also the day of Jessie's

genuine concern, “Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all

somber tone replaced Jessie's on the line as someone else took the phone over. “Miss Brown, 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

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

wood shavings still clinging to his clothing. “Jessie's not

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

motion. “And why should I

them, Melissa began to

as a favor to me,” she asked softly,

onto hers, intense and

with a ki*s, Marcus cut through the tension with a gravelly ultimatum. “Be

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

keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then

surprise and the urgency of her mission, neither accepted nor

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 nodded, a silent understanding

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed, offered no

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

absence and expressed her

watching this, Melissa's heart went out

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

you so long?” “Why did you drink so much, huh? You know

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 open relationship. Do you understand what that means,

of

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 me so harshly?” Attempting to steer Jessie away from

suggested, “Elsie, would you mind preparing some soup for Miss

her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa

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

with Albert

others later on... Putting aside your situation with Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry

I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a

with a gentle reassurance, “You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're

don't

thoughts briefly touching her own complicated

when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa

Elsie watched over Jessie, Melissa made a

a quiet spot downstairs and dialed

Heron, likely not expecting a call at this

“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 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.

wellbeing?” The silence

aware that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the

spoke, his voice conveyed 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

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

haven't shared this with you or anyone else in

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 the weight of the conversation, Melissa couldn't suppress her outrage. “Don't you

he finally said, “Perhaps this is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing alone, grappling with the harshness

on 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 a stark reminder of the ruthlessness that sometimes

interrupted when she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her expression

“Jessie?”

tinged with concern, her body

have

need to plead with that man

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