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.

slipped into more comfortable clothes and joined them, just as Matthew began to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus,

sat on a chair, wearing an expression of pure innocence, as Matthew made

family. Why can't she have dinner with us?” Marcus, lifting an eyebrow, replied, “Minnie’s a dog, buddy. Our food 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 and knife, right?” Matthew's eyes,

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

scene unfold and, feeling a twinge

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

Matthew's face transformed

my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere

softly, a blend of fondness and exasperation in 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

for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with

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

Marcus brought them upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from

who was poring over a financial report in her post-shower

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

in the sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in his

on Amazon. They'll turn out better than anything we could make.” Yet Marcus was nonchalant, gently pressing, “Matthew mentioned he'd like

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

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

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

name flashed on

take the call but instead look up

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

up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated

you'll be at my bachelorette party tonight,

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

“Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears,

over. “Miss Brown, is this you? Its Elsie Miss Green has had too much to drink, and I'm afraid to call

“Look after her, I'm

already watching her, wood shavings still clinging to his clothing. “Jessie's not

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

clothes in a deliberate, unhurried motion. “And

began to clear the

favor to me,” she

gaze locked onto hers, intense and

ki*s, Marcus

across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded,

hers from then on, citing its “too girly” interior as his

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

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

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed, offered

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

expressed her reluctance to

heart went out

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

long?” “Why did you drink so much, huh? You know it's bad for you,”

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

of our

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 her

some soup for Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation, Elsie nodded and left them

her heart aching for her friend. It was

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

Jessie hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she tied

some early in life, others later on... Putting aside your situation with Mr. Watson, are you truly ready to marry this man,

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

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

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

smile, her thoughts briefly touching

offer advice to someone about love when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa

Jessie, Melissa

quiet spot downstairs and dialed Albert's

in Heron, likely not expecting a call

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

wellbeing?” The silence that followed weighed heavily on

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

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 involved at the moment.” “But Mr.

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

shared this with you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons. But if she

and urgency. “Mr.

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 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

her expression eerily calm and devoid

“Jessie?”

with concern, her body frozen, unsure how

seemed to have arrived at a serene

for making that call, Melissa. But there's no need to plead with that man on my behalf,” she said, her tone light

to marry on the same day, hasn't he?”