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.

began to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus, ever the

expression of pure innocence,

the table like we do, or use a fork and

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

watched the scene unfold and, feeling

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

face transformed

affirmed, a sincere

and exasperation in her Voice. “You're spoiling him." But Marcus just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he

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

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

upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his clothes, a stark contrast

who was poring over a financial report in

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

in the sight of him dusty,

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

moment, Minnie, full of energy, bounded into the room and leaped into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial report she set aside. Melissa quickly put

the mix?” Melissa remained silent

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

name flashed on the

didn't take the call but instead look up at

call from your lover? Need me to

voice, strained

at

the date-

Jessie's 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

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

into action. “Look after her, I'm on my

watching her, wood shavings

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

debris from his clothes in a deliberate, unhurried motion.

between them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust from his

a favor to me,” she asked softly, her

gaze locked onto

to coax him with a ki*s, Marcus cut through the tension with a gravelly ultimatum.

across Melissa's

car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on,

surprise and the urgency of her mission,

Brown, you're finally here! Miss Green has been in such a state-crying and yelling. We didn't dare call her family. It's best they don't know about this place...

headed straight upstairs.

hit her immediately. With a concerned frown,

embarrassed,

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

and expressed her reluctance to

watching this, Melissa's heart

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

you drink so much, huh? You know it's

response was filled 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, “In plain terms, our marriage is

the father of our children.

“How 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

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

Jessie, Melissa tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was

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

one last encounter with Albert before

Watson, are you truly ready

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 innocent puppy, both

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

was a mix of sorrow and sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat me like a child. I'm far from being your

thoughts briefly touching

her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed

Melissa made a

found a quiet spot

not expecting a call

It's about Miss Green.” Melissa

for her wellbeing?” The silence that followed weighed

boundaries with Albert, her

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.

Green... she might still be holding out

you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons. But

me anymore.” Melissa could barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by

the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing alone,

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

Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and devoid of the turmoil Melissa had

“Jessie?”

her

to have arrived at

plead with that man on my behalf,” she said, her tone

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