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 explainer, tried to

expression of

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

shoulders, Matthew placed

and, feeling a twinge

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

Matthew's face

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

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

a dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with Marcus taking the time to smooth down every edge

onto it with joy,

upstairs, sawdust sprinkling from

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

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

Lifting her eyes, Melissa took in the sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in

guard, Melissa paused 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

and leaped into Melissa's arms, sniffing curiously at the financial report she set aside. Melissa

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

just get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could reply, her phone disrupted the

name flashed on the

take the call but instead look

your lover? Need me to

teasing was met with an eye roll from Melissa as she picked up the call. Jessie's voice, strained

at my bachelorette party

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

now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares about me

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

rush of urgency spurred Melissa into action. “Look after her, I'm on my way,” she

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

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

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

between them, Melissa began to

favor to me,” she asked softly,

locked onto hers,

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

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

Melissa the car keys, declaring the vehicle hers from then on, citing its “too girly”

urgency of her mission,

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 place... They're likely unaware of her and

headed straight upstairs.

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

embarrassed, offered no

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

lamented his absence and expressed

watching this, Melissa's heart

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

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

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.

of our children.

it? Talk about being ‘progressive” Tears kept streaming down 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

soup for Miss Green?” With a moment's

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

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

one last encounter with Albert before she

soft, 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 voice breaking as tears gathered in her

years, I've just been drifting, feeling so utterly 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

selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young,

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

weak smile, her thoughts briefly

could she offer advice to someone about love when she couldn't even figure out her own relationship with Marcus. Melissa had always stayed out of Jessie and Albert's tumultuous relationship, but tonight

Jessie, Melissa made a decision

a quiet spot downstairs

in Heron, likely not expecting

her gesture. “No, it's not about work. It's about Miss Green.” Melissa hesitated, her voice laced

concern for her wellbeing?” The silence that followed

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

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!”

might still be holding out hope for you” Albert's response was dismissive, a stark contrast

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

barely hide her shock, her voice a mix of dismay and urgency. “Mr. Waston!”

for the best” With that, he ended the call, leaving Melissa standing alone, grappling with the harshness of the

decision-to marry another for the sake of consolidating his position within the company-Melissa’s sympathy for Jessie deepened. It was a stark reminder of the ruthlessness that sometimes lay behind the facades people

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

“Jessie?”

concern, her body frozen, unsure how to approach

however, seemed to have arrived

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

he's chosen to marry on the same day, hasn't he?” Melissa was at a loss, unsure of what