A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

After along pause, he murmured, You still blame me for what happened, dont you? But Melissa, it was my backing off that led you to Marcus. If I hadnt let go of us, what would you have done? This is pointless.

Melissa tossed her briefcase into the white Bentley and moved to getin.

But Ryan grasped her hand suddenly, leaving her stunned.

He released her hand quickly, a bitter smile on his lips. Im leaving the country and will be transferred to some remote place. I heard it was Marcus idea and that it was arranged through HR. I think its because of that wedding gift I gave you. Melissa, Im not out to cause trouble. I just need a chat. Theres stuff you might not know, like what went down with Shawn last time. Doesnt it seem fishy? Howd he score that gig and cash? And hooking up with his boss girl? Plus, whod go for him with that mug? Melissa asked icily, Whats your point?

Finally seated in a cafe across from her workplace, Ryan passed her a recorder pen. He grinned, saying, Got a good rapport with Mr.

Roger Hill from Fowler Group. I recorded him blabbing while he was sloshed. Turns out, Marcus set Shawn up from the get-go. Even arranged for Shawns fling with that woman. And when Shawn got busted, Marcus bailed him out big time.

Melissa gazed at Ryan in silence for a moment, and then flicked on the recorder pen.

She recognized Rogers voice, though it came in bits and pieces. Yet, the message was clear.

Finally, Roger stuttered, Shawns like a puppet in front of Marcus Fowler. Marcus handed him twenty million as hush money but Shawn kept tight-Lipped. He tried crawling back to his wife but she wouldnt have a bar of it.

Ryan smirked, remarking, Do you hear that, Melissa? Your man isnt what he seems. Hes just a slimy snake, willing to do anything for your forgiveness.

With a sigh, Melissa switched off the recorder and slid it across to Ryan.

Ryan looked stunned. Arent you mad? Dont you want to grill him on this? Melissa replied calmly. This is between us. None of your business.

She rose to leave but Ryans voice stopped her in her tracks. If I swapped places with Marcus, would you still love him? You wouldnt, right? Melissa hesitated.

Then she answered. The truths, I never loved you.

Ryans face paled, his body seemingly crumbling. He didnt know why hed done this. Even if he could play dumb, hed still angered Marcus.

He had no clue what repercussions awaited him.

Perhaps he wasnt ready to let go just yet.

He envied Marcus seemingly perfect life. Ryan wondered, if he had it all, would Melissa choose him instead? Melissa slid into her car.

After a moment of silence, her phone buzzed. It was Marcus calling.

You had coffee with Ryan? Yeah. I see youve still got your guys tailing me. No one likes being watched, Marcus.

There was a pause before Marcus asked, What did he say? Thinking for a beat, Melissa replied, Lets head to the apartment.

Im craving your lamb chops.

Marcus, ever perceptive, sensed the underlying tension. Are you mad? Why would you think that? Melissa countered.

Silence lingered on the line.

Eventually, Marcus spoke softly. Lets talk later, alright? Take it easy on the road.

Melissa agreed and ended the call.

She realized her calmness wasnt from lack of anger but rather her growing feelings for Marcus overriding her logic.

Starting the car, she made her way to their old apartment.

Unlocking the door, Marcus stood waiting, a quiet intensity in his gaze. The scent of lamb chops filled the air. Ive got a bottle of fine wine too, he announced.

As Melissa dropped her bag and bent to change her shoes, she mused, Your words sound like youre seeking forgiveness.

Marcus pulled her close, his nose brushing hers.

Ina husky voice, he teased, Really? Did Ryan suggest I did something and need to make amends?

Melissa thought for a while and said, Lets cook first! Marcus stared at her for a moment, and then gave her a peck on the cheek. Go get changed. Ill be quick.

Melissa came out wearing comfortable home clothes.

Marcus was still in the kitchen. Her eyes lingered on the wine on the table before she entered.

Why dont you just wait in the dining room? lll be done here soon.

Marcus turned around at the sound of her footsteps.

Melissa leaned against the counter beside him, watching him cook.

Her face was calm, like the still waters of a lake on a day without wind.

Ina soft voice, she asked him, About Shawn Did you help him in the very beginning? His eyebrows arched at her question.

His movements slowed, a faint smile curving on his lips. Did Ryan

tell you that? Roger seems unable to keep his mouth shut.

Melissa went straight to the point. Did you ask Roger to do it? And That woman Was that also your doing? Marcus continued cooking.

Despite doing housework, he still managed to look elegant. His tone remained even as he answered, Julie was a big help to us. I dont see anything wrong with me giving his son a better job. As for that woman, it was a test of Shawns loyalty to his marriage.

Unfortunately, its clear that he cant resist temptation.

A low chuckle came from Melissa, her anger seeping out to her voice.

Was that really necessary? Do you know how heartbroken Janet is? Marcus hands stopped their movements and he put down the kitchen knife.

His deep eyes turned to Melissa. Then tell me one thing. Has Shawn always been loyal to Janet? Has he never betrayed her even once in all these years they were together? If you can tell me yes, then Ill

apologize.

Melissa knew that Marcus was being unreasonable, but she couldnt find words to refute it.

A brief, tense silence passed, and then Marcus turned on the tap.

Amidst the gurgle of the water, his voice came gently, Besides, Ive made up for it, havent I? I funded Shawns new business. As long as he shows Janet that hes sincere about winning her back, theyll work things out.

Melissa let her weight rest against the counter, staring at him without a word.

and asked softly, Are you mad at me? To be honest, a little bit, Melissa said lightly. No

talking as if youre not part of this too. If it werent for you, he wouldnt have been able to leave Warsew,

creditors, and Yvonne

Melissa was slightly stunned.

to Warsew once And well Anyway, Shawn and I have crossed paths long ago. And I also care about Janet. If Shawn doesnt change and straighten himself out, he would only cause his

out well now, dont you think? Think of

Logical thing would be to eliminate it so that it doesnt get in

with his eloquent

thought his words made sense, but something about it sounded a bit off But then again, it was true that Marcus had spent a lot of money on

pulled her into his arms and said in a low

Are you still mad?

at her for a long time before speaking slowly. What do I think? Well I think that you love me very much It was difficult to stay mad-not when his handsome

hold out for so long before

anger leave her face,

before murmuring, Dont be mad anymore, okay? Things turned out for the best. Shawn wont likely do anything reckless in the future, and Janet has also found her own goal for herself. I heard from Julie that she got promoted recently. Shouldnt we be happy for them? Melissa nodded in acquiescence. The next moment, she

was that for?

when they parted for air, Melissas annoyance still lingered and she resisted him. She leaned against his shoulder and

he looked at her. Heat crept over Melissas cheeks at his

turning on

Business giant, Weldon Smith, has died in the hospital this

Melissas expression, but her hands trembled

played on the screen. There was also one of Vanessa wearing sunglasses, hurriedly walking away from the

family were also there. Some of them wore grave expressions while others looked angry, mostly

was the only thought running in Melissas

she was

quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop

her some time to snap out of

tears. Marcus smiled gently at her

and walked over to

she said, Go

have to pretend to be calm in front of me. Theres no need for that. And that man I know you dont like him and even hate him, but its completely understandable that you would be emotional after hearing his death. You dont have to pretend

looked up at him, her

her closer, wrapping his arms around

hair softly and whispered. Im here for you, and I want you to

said, Somehow, I dont know, but It feels so surreal A crease appeared between Marcus

her up, carrying her to their bedroom and pushing her down on the bed. Melissa didnt resist. Maybe they could both use an outlet, and this was the simplest way

held him tight, answering his hot kises. Her teeth sank on his

forehead lined in sweat

ears. How

with his arm snug

Their breathing slowly eased.

asked, Are

white pillow,

on, Are you perhaps feeling shy now? Why should I be? This is

satisfied with

in silence for a bit before Melissa turned around. Im

hit the shower and grab a bite to eat, okay? She

Matthew was at home waiting for her, and she had

to stress. Matthews a good kid. Julie can

off once in a while,

home, Melissa murmured. Her voice barely above a

situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it up again himself,

second before saying, Well, it all depends on how you handle things later. Consider yourself under

Marcus whispered in her ear, But you did let

she simply headed into the bathroom. Seeing her beautiful figure, Marcus felt

drifted from the bathroom. From now on, you might

his pants. Instead of joining her in the bathroom, he strolled over to the French window, lit a smoke, and stood

one hand, he grabbed his phone

HR to give Roger the boot and send him abroad with Ryan to expand

raked in cash but he blabbered too much for

wasnt Marcus

phone aside. After finishing his smoke, he returned

emerged, she spotted him dressing. She couldnt resist asking, Why not take a shower? He replied, I already cleaned

his shirt and said softly, Lets head

grinned. s this our spot for our secret rendezvous from now on?

dinner, she seemed preoccupied and barely

lifted his gaze. That wont do. You

shook her head. I just

amoment, and then decided not to push it but he also lost his appetite. As they got into the car, Melissa asked, Arent you hungry? Marcus, you dont need to eat

ahead, Marcus smiled and replied, When youre

a

the drive, Marcus received several calls. The first few were from Thomas, urging Melissa to

a cold, distant tone, Marcus told Thomas, Melissa and I arent married yet, so she wont attend the Smith familys

to handle such things.

persistence, Marcus

from Waylen, who got straight

even Thomas? He just called

take a dime from the Smiths. Your moms right. The Smiths didnt raise Melissa, so why should she go to Weldons funeral? This is just ridiculous! already told Thomas. Yeah, Melissa isnt going, Marcus

at Melissa. The traffic light ahead turned

on the same: page. Youre staying put. Dont

Melissa nodded silently.

seemed composed, Marcus sensed she needed space. Back home, he

she now looked like a

Marcus bathed Minnie, she behaved

on her

Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

the scene,

piano practice while he dried Minnies fur, drowning out the noise.

in the bedroom, Melissa sat on the balcony, gazing at

could hear the sounds

streaked across