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 couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus, ever the patient explainer, tried

an expression of

isn't good for her. She only eats dog food. And you know she can't sit at the table like we do, or use a fork

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

scene unfold and, feeling a twinge of

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

Matthew's face transformed

affirmed, a sincere promise

his son clear as he

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

own, leapt onto

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

poring over a

said, “I'm thinking of making a cushion

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

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

into the room and leaped into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial

adding another kid to the mix?” Melissa remained silent at the suggestion. Marcus, sensing the weight of

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

flashed

the call but

from your lover? Need me

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

be at

of the date- Valentine's Day

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 me anymore!” Her voice trailed off into

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

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

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

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

brushed the debris from his clothes in a deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do this for you?”

between them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust from

she

locked onto hers, intense

ki*s, Marcus cut through the tension

across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded,

gesture was unexpected; he handed Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then

of her mission,

servant-Elsie-rushed to her, urgency in her voice, “Miss Brown, you're finally here! Miss Green has been in such a state-crying and yelling. We didn't dare call her family.

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed, offered no

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

lamented his absence and expressed her reluctance to

watching this, Melissa's heart went

fetched a towel and gently began to wipe Jessie's face as she

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

with despair. “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 open relationship. Do you understand what that means, Melissa?” A bitter smile crossed her face as she went on,

he will be the father of our children.

Melissa... Tell me, why is it so hard to find someone who genuinely cares about me?

“Elsie, would you mind preparing some soup for Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation, Elsie nodded

her attention back to Jessie, Melissa tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her

of Elsie and the retention of the villa were telltale signs

Jessie hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she

Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man, Jessie’ “Honestly, I don't know anymore,” Jessie confessed, her

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

selling yourself short,

and sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat me

a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated

could 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

Melissa made a

found a quiet spot downstairs and dialed

in Heron, likely not expecting a call at this late

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,

her wellbeing?” The silence that followed

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

I've recently entered an arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry her

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 the emotion swirling around

shared this with you or anyone else

urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the weight of the conversation, Melissa

the best” With that,

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

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

“Jessie?”

concern, her

have arrived at

But there's no need to plead with that man on my

to marry on the same day, hasn't he?” Melissa was