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.

them, just as Matthew began to protest-why

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

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

watched the scene unfold and,

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

Matthew's face transformed

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

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 not in pre-school until later this year. I want to cherish these moments.” Silence was Melissa's

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

own, leapt onto it

upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from his clothes, a stark contrast to his usually

poring over a

of his handiwork, he said, “I'm thinking of making a

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

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

into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at

“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 Office tomorrow to change his

I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could reply,

flashed

call but

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

Melissa as she picked up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the other end. “Melissa, how can

you'll be at my

need clarity.” ) Melissa suddenly remembered the significance of the date- Valentine's Day was also the day

tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares about me anymore!” Her voice trailed off into soft

the line as someone else took the phone over. “Miss Brown, is this you? Its Elsie Miss Green has had too much

rush of urgency spurred Melissa into action. “Look after her,

Marcus, who was already watching her, wood shavings still clinging

too much 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

a deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do

Melissa began to clear the

favor to me,” she asked softly, her voice

onto hers, intense and

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

flush of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded, a mix of embarrassment

keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on, citing its

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

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 place... They're likely unaware

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed,

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

lamented his absence and expressed her

heart went out to

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

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

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

of our

so

mind preparing some soup for Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation, Elsie

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

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

Jessie hoped for one last encounter with Albert before

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

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

a gentle reassurance, “You're selling yourself

sarcasm. “Please, Melissa, don't treat me like

a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated

out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa

Elsie watched over Jessie, Melissa made a decision to step

a quiet spot downstairs and dialed

Heron, likely not expecting a call at this

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 is quite intoxicated, and frankly, she’s not in a good state... She's having serious doubts about her engagement. Mr. Waston, do

wellbeing?” The silence that followed weighed heavily on

with Albert, her superior,

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

be holding out hope for you” Albert's

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

on me anymore.” Melissa could barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of 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?”

Melissa thought 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 harshness of the

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

thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily

“Jessie?”

tinged with concern, her body frozen, unsure how

have arrived

no need to plead with that man on my behalf,” she said, her tone

on the same day, hasn't he?”