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

expression of pure

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 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 at a rare loss

placed Minnie back on the

scene unfold and, feeling a twinge of

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

Matthew's face

Marcus affirmed, a

his son clear as he responded, “It's

There, they didn't just build a dining set for Minnie; they crafted a small bed, too, with Marcus taking the time to smooth down every edge

bed was her own, leapt onto it with joy, her tail a cheerful

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

who was poring over a financial

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

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

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

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 to save it

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

get married. I'm not looking for a stepmom for Matthew.” Before Melissa could

name flashed on

didn't take the call but instead

lover? Need

with an eye roll from Melissa as she picked up the call. Jessie's voice, strained with emotion, resonated from the other end. “Melissa, how can you do this to

be at

remembered the significance of the date-

Melissa asked with genuine concern, “Hey, are you by yourself right now?” Through her tears, Jessie lamented. “They've all left. Its Like nobody cares about me anymore!” Her voice trailed off into soft

over. “Miss Brown, is this you? Its Elsie Miss Green has had too much to drink, and I'm afraid to call Mr.

her, I'm on

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

on her. Would you mind watching Matthew while

deliberate, unhurried motion. “And why should I do

Melissa began

a favor to me,” she asked softly, her

locked onto hers, intense and

to coax him with a ki*s, Marcus cut through the tension with a gravelly ultimatum. “Be back

Understood?” A flush of warmth spread across Melissa's cheeks as she nodded, a mix of embarrassment and

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

urgency of her mission,

been in such a state-crying and yelling. We didn't dare call her family. It's best

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed, offered no

appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albert's name amidst

and expressed her reluctance

Melissa's heart went out

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

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

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 on,

father of our

kept streaming down Jessie's face as she lamented, “How is he any different from Albert? Melissa... Tell me, why is it so

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

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

the retention of the villa were telltale signs of

with Albert before

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

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

yourself short,

don't treat me

briefly touching her own complicated

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 felt different.

Jessie, Melissa made

spot

Heron, likely not expecting a call

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

wellbeing?” The silence that

that she was overstepping boundaries with Albert, her superior, and the

arrangement with that woman, agreeing to marry her niece. It seems to be the most

words, eventually managing to convey, “Miss Green... she might still be holding out hope for you” Albert's response was dismissive, a

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

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?” Albert’ silence

best” With that, he ended the

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

Jessie on the staircase, her expression eerily calm and

“Jessie?”

voice was tinged with concern, her body

to have

plead with that man on my behalf,” she said, her tone light

he?” Melissa was at a loss, unsure of what to