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.

just as Matthew began to protest-why

a chair, wearing an expression of pure innocence, as

like we do, or use

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

unfold and, feeling a twinge of

After we eat, I'll make a special little table for Minnie. That way, she can have her meals next to

Matthew's face

Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise to

shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, Matthew's not in pre-school until later

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

was her own, leapt onto it with joy, her tail

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

who was poring over a financial

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

him dusty, disheveled,

responding, “I'l just order them on Amazon. 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

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

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 name instead of

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, her phone disrupted the

flashed on

the call but instead look up at

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

call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the other end. “Melissa, how can you do this to me? My engagement is

me you'll be at my bachelorette party tonight,

the significance of the date- Valentine's Day

by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like

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?

“Look after her, I'm on my way,” she said quickly before

turned to face Marcus, who was already watching her, wood shavings still clinging to

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

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

distance between them, Melissa began to clear

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

gaze locked onto hers,

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

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

between surprise and the urgency of her mission,

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

headed straight upstairs.

of alcohol hit her immediately. With a concerned frown, she asked,

embarrassed, offered

marred by

expressed

Melissa's heart went out

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

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

envisions our marriage as an open relationship.

be the father of our children.

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

soup for Miss

aching for her friend. It

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

last encounter with Albert before

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 gathered in her

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

selling yourself short, Jessie.

“Please, Melissa, don't

her thoughts briefly touching her own

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

over Jessie, Melissa made

found a quiet spot downstairs and dialed Albert's

expecting a call at this late

her gesture. “No, it's not about work. It's about Miss Green.” Melissa hesitated, her voice laced with concern

no concern for her wellbeing?” The silence

acutely aware that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her

of his own circumstances. “Melissa, things here in Heron are complicated. I've recently entered an arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry

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

this with you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons.

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 think that's too cruel to her?” Albert’ silence

Melissa thought he wouldn't respond, he finally said, “Perhaps this is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing alone, grappling with the harshness of the

within the company-Melissa’s sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was a stark

her expression eerily

“Jessie?”

her body frozen, unsure how to

have

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

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