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.

Melissa had slipped into more comfortable clothes and joined them, just as Matthew began to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus, ever the patient explainer, tried to lay

chair, wearing an expression of pure

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

end, with a droop in his little shoulders, Matthew placed Minnie

unfold and,

I'll make a special little table

good?” Matthew's face

Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise to his

“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 not

There, they didn't just build a dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too,

own, leapt onto it with

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

approached Melissa, who was poring over

he said, “I'm thinking of making a cushion and some

of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in his labors

before 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 a resigned nod, Melissa

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

the puppy with a smile and teased Marcus, “Seems Like you're treating Minnie 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

spoke earnestly. “You know, we could just get married. I'm not

name flashed on the

but instead look

from your lover? Need me to step out

voice, strained with emotion, resonated

at my

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

tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its

had too much to drink, and I'm afraid to call Mr. Watson. What

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

to face Marcus, who was already watching her, wood shavings still clinging to his clothing. “Jessie's not doing

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

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

the distance between them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust from

she asked softly, her voice a tender

gaze locked onto

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

my rules. Understood?” A flush of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks

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

the urgency of her mission, neither accepted nor

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

headed straight upstairs.

hit her immediately. With a

embarrassed,

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

lamented his absence and expressed her

this, Melissa's heart went out to

began to wipe Jessie's face as she sat

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

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

father of

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 her painful ruminations, the servant interjected,

preparing some soup for Miss Green?” With

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

continued presence of Elsie and the retention of the villa were

hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she

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

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

“You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young,

of sorrow and sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat

a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her

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

Melissa made a

spot

was in Heron, likely not expecting a call at

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

The silence that followed

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

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 viable solution for all involved at the moment.” “But Mr. Waston!” Melissa interjected, taken aback by the revelation and its implications

Green... she might still be holding out hope for

tomorrow. I haven't shared this with you or anyone else in Duefron for specific reasons. But if

voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the weight of the conversation, Melissa couldn't

this is for the best” With that, he

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

she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and devoid

“Jessie?”

voice was tinged with concern, her

have arrived

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

hasn't he?” Melissa