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.

to protest-why couldn't Minnie dine with them? Marcus, ever

chair, wearing an expression of pure

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,

his little shoulders, Matthew placed Minnie

scene unfold and, feeling a

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

face transformed

have my word,” Marcus affirmed,

blend of fondness and exasperation in her Voice. “You're spoiling him." But Marcus just shrugged, his love for his son clear as he responded,

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

own, leapt onto it

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

approached Melissa, who was poring over a financial report in her

handiwork, he said, “I'm thinking of making a cushion and some other things for Minnie.

sight of him dusty, disheveled, but unmistakably content in his labors

just order them on Amazon. They'll turn out better than anything we could make.” Yet Marcus

sniffing curiously at the financial

“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

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

flashed on

the call but

from your lover? Need me to step out for

teasing was met 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

me you'll be at

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

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

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

her, I'm on

was already watching her, wood

on her. Would you mind watching Matthew while 'm out?” Melissa's request was timid, edged

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

them, Melissa began to clear the sawdust from his

to me,” she asked softly, her voice

gaze locked onto hers, intense and

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

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

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

her mission, neither

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

headed straight upstairs.

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

maid, embarrassed, offered

bed, her engagement-ready appearance marred by her condition, whispering Albert's

lamented his absence and expressed her reluctance to marry

watching this, Melissa's heart went out

face as she

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

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. Do you understand what that means, Melissa?” A bitter smile crossed her face as she went on,

the father of our children. Beyond that,

me, why is it so hard

for Miss Green?” With a moment's hesitation,

on her shoulder, her heart aching for her friend. It was clear to Melissa that Jessie's heart still lingered with Albert, not her

presence of Elsie and the retention of the

hoped for one last encounter with Albert before she tied

a 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

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,

reassurance, “You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young, vibrant,

don't treat me like a child. I'm

smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own

figure out her own relationship with Marcus.

Elsie watched over Jessie, Melissa made a

spot downstairs and

not expecting a

problem at the company?” She 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

concern for her wellbeing?” The

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

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

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

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

waste her time 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,

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

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

she noticed Jessie on the staircase, her

“Jessie?”

with concern, her body frozen, unsure how

have arrived at a

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

same day, hasn't he?” Melissa was at