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.

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

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

“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, round and earnest, didn't waver. “But you could feed Minnie like you feed me when I was little, couldn't you, Daddy?”

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

the scene unfold and, feeling a twinge

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

Matthew's face transformed with

have my word,” Marcus affirmed,

clear as he responded, “It's no trouble at all. Besides, Matthew's not in pre-school until later this year. I want to cherish these moments.” Silence

Minnie disappeared into the tool room. There, they didn't just build a dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too,

own, leapt onto

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

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

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

of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in

anything we could make.” Yet Marcus was

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

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 at the suggestion. Marcus, sensing the weight of the moment, smoothly shifted gears. “I'm taking Matthew to the Civil

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

flashed on

take the call but instead

from your lover? Need

the call. Jessie's voice, strained

me you'll be at my bachelorette party tonight,

of the date- Valentine's Day was also

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

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

into action. “Look after her, I'm

wood shavings still clinging to his clothing. “Jessie's not doing

and with her engagement tomorrow... I need to go check on her. Would you mind watching Matthew

deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do

began to clear the

me,” she

gaze locked onto hers, intense and

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

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

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

and the urgency of her mission, neither

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. It's best they don't know about this

headed straight upstairs.

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

embarrassed, offered

was sprawled across the bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering

his absence and expressed her reluctance

heart went out to

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

did you drink so much,

“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

of our children. Beyond that,

Jessie's face as she lamented, “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 Jessie away from

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

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

and the retention of the villa

encounter with Albert

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

I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but

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

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

weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated

relationship with Marcus. Melissa

over Jessie, Melissa made a decision to

a quiet spot

not expecting a call at this late

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

her wellbeing?” The silence that followed weighed

acutely aware that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior,

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

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

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

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

Melissa thought he wouldn't respond, he finally said, “Perhaps this is for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa

the company-Melissa’s sympathy for

her expression

“Jessie?”

tinged with concern, her body frozen, unsure how

however, seemed to have arrived at a serene

making that call, Melissa. But there's no need to plead with that

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