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.

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

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

dog food. And you know she can't sit at the table like we do, or use a fork and knife,

Matthew placed Minnie back on the

scene unfold and, feeling a twinge of

compromise. “How about this? After we eat, I'll make a special little table

good?” Matthew's face transformed with hope.

my word,” Marcus affirmed, a sincere promise to his

his love for his son clear as he responded, “It's no trouble

for Minnie; they crafted a small

leapt onto it with joy, her

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

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

sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in

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

curiously at the financial report she set aside. Melissa quickly put that away to save it from the puppy's

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

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

name flashed on the

call but instead

lover? Need me to step out

up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the other end. “Melissa, how can you do this to me? My engagement

you'll be at my

significance of the date- Valentine's Day was also the day of Jessie's

tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares

“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 Elsie from Albert's

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

watching her, wood shavings still clinging to

on her. Would you mind

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

Melissa began to clear

a favor to me,” she asked softly, her

locked onto hers, intense and

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

Understood?” A flush of warmth spread across Melissa's

gesture was unexpected; he handed Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on, citing its “too girly” interior as his

between surprise and the urgency of her mission, neither accepted

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... They're likely

headed straight upstairs.

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

embarrassed, offered no

by her condition, whispering Albert's name

expressed her

watching this, Melissa's heart

as she sat beside her. Slowly coming to, Jessie

did you drink so much, huh?

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 nothing but a facade. We're allowed

of our children. Beyond

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 her painful

some soup for Miss Green?” With

heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie's heart still

the retention of the villa were telltale

hoped for one last encounter with

soothing tone, Melissa offered comfort. “Everyone faces 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 don't know anymore,” Jessie confessed, her

feeling so utterly useless. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa” In that moment, Melissa

yourself short, Jessie. You're young, vibrant, and

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

briefly touching

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

watched over Jessie, Melissa made a

spot downstairs and dialed

likely not expecting a

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 a good state... She's having serious doubts about her engagement. Mr. Waston, do

The

with Albert, her superior, and the anxiety of the potential repercussions

marry her niece. It seems to be the most viable

out

tomorrow. I haven't shared this with you or anyone

dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!” Overwhelmed by the weight of the conversation, Melissa couldn't suppress her outrage. “Don't you think that's too cruel to her?” Albert’ silence stretched painfully

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

sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was

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

“Jessie?”

voice was tinged with concern, her

seemed to have arrived at a

need to plead with that man

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