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.

To be honest, a little bit, Melissa said

not part of this too. If it werent for you, he wouldnt have been able to leave

his creditors,

Melissa was slightly stunned.

what she wanted to say even without asking. Marcus nodded and said, When you left that year, I went to Warsew once And well Anyway, Shawn and I have crossed paths long ago. And I also care about Janet. If Shawn

now, dont you think? Think of

thing would be to eliminate it so that it doesnt

with his eloquent

off But then again, it was true that Marcus had spent a lot of money on Shawn, and he did care for Yvonne like she was his own

his arms

Are you still mad?

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 face was so close, his eyes

could only hold out for so

watched the anger leave

his head and kised her 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

that for? My lips

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

at her. Heat

free and escaped to the living room, turning on the TV to watch the news before dinner

died

expression, but her hands trembled as she gripped

There was also one of Vanessa wearing sunglasses, hurriedly walking away from the

Some of them wore grave expressions while others looked angry, mostly because of the unequal distribution

dead. It was the only thought running in

was truly

her. He had also seen the news. He stood behind Melissa quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop on the table.

out of her daze and

filled with unshed tears. Marcus smiled gently at her

up and walked over to

the wine bottle, she said, Go grab two

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 to be

looked up at him, her

he pulled her closer, wrapping

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

said, Somehow, I dont know, but It feels

suddenly picked 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

hot kises. Her teeth sank on his shoulder when he got

forehead

voice echoed in her ears. How about now? Does it

were sweating buckets. Marcus, with his arm snug around Melissas waist, pulled the thin

Their breathing slowly eased.

asked, Are you feeling any

face into a white pillow, giving it a

silence, Marcus pressed on, Are you perhaps feeling shy now? Why should I

nodded, satisfied with her

silence for a bit before Melissa turned around.

as a cucumber, Are you still hungry? Their gazes locked. After lingering moment, Melissa broke away first. Lets hit the

Melissa a bit, she figured they shouldnt mess with her life. Matthew was at home waiting for her, and she had to keep an

need to stress. Matthews a good kid.

in a while, it

Her voice barely above a whisper, she

me anymore? Marcus was talking about the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it up again himself, it

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

ear, But you did let me

she got up. Without dodging him, she simply headed into the bathroom. Seeing her beautiful figure, Marcus felt a Lump form in his

From now on, you might find

of joining her in the bathroom, he strolled over to the French window,

phone

and send him abroad with Ryan to expand

cash but he blabbered too much

wasnt Marcus strong

sending the message, he tossed his phone aside. After finishing his smoke, he returned to the bed, grabbed his shirt, and

she spotted him dressing. She couldnt resist asking, Why not take

She smoothed his shirt and said softly,

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

seemed preoccupied and barely

gaze. That wont do. You

shook her head. I

then decided not to push it but he also lost his appetite. As they got into

When youre not hungry, it

felt a twinge

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

tone, Marcus told Thomas, Melissa and I arent married yet, so she wont

such things. Please, Mr. Smith,

persistence,

call came from Waylen, who

with you? You cant handle even Thomas? He just called me. Listen, Melissa has nothing

and Matthew on our own. We wont 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 said

up, glancing at Melissa. The traffic

My dad and I are on the same: page. Youre staying put. Dont sweat it. As

Melissa nodded silently.

Marcus sensed she needed space. Back home,

she now looked like a little French

Marcus bathed Minnie, she behaved well.

why does Minnie have these buttons on her belly? Can I poke them? Matthew

letting Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

the

encouraged her to go back to her piano practice while he dried Minnies

on the balcony, gazing at the stars

the sounds

star streaked across