A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

Thomas seemed eager to say more, but Marcus interjected with a gentle suggestion to the woman, Why not wait for me in the car? Melissa lingered momentarily, but then complied.

After her departure, Marcus shared a few words with Thomas.

When he rejoined Melissa in the car minutes later, she caught Thomass retreat to his black limousine from the corner of her eye.

Turning to Marcus, curiosity piqued, she inquired, What words were exchanged between you two? Starting the car with a subtle grin, Marcus replied, Nothing important! Despite his casual dismissal, Melissa remained skeptical.

Under the cloak of night, Thomas approached the Smith familys hall of mourning.

His black limousine came to a halt, its door opening to let him emerge.

He advanced toward the hall, his footsteps deliberate.

Surrounding him, white candles burned in silent tribute to the lost.

Without hesitation, Thomas made his way to the forefront and knelt, lighting incense in a solemn gesture.

He whispered into the stillness, Melissa carries new life, Weldon.

Shell soon bring another child into the Fowler fold. Be it a boy or girl, theyre destined for joy, cradled in Marcus love. Im contemplating perhaps we ought not to burden her with the Smith legacy. Claims of her ambition have been made, yet Marcus contends that her aspirations lie in the joys of home life-cooking, caring for pets, nurturing her children-Marcus, it seems, understands Melissas heart with clarity. Should guilt weigh upon us, we must allow her the freedom to choose her own path.

He then paid his respects to Weldons image with three solemn bows.

With Vanessas spirits waning, Thomas accepted his inevitable role at the helm of the Smiths, ready to embrace duties long evaded.

The candles cast a flickering glow as dawns light began to promise anew day.

Marcus and Melissa arrived at the villa as midnight was nigh.

Once the car was parked, Marcus eagerly phoned his parents to share the update.

Waylens enthusiasm bubbled over. He was set on dashing to Marcus

home for a celebration. Rena interjected with a pointed remark, though. Melissas his wife. Whats the celebration for you? Waylen snapped back, attributing her comment to envy.

If it werent for me, how would Marcus have come into this world, let alone Melissa carrying his child? Rena merely gave an eye roll in response and ascended the staircase with poise. Waylen, perplexed, hurried after her to probe, What was that look for? I need the truth, Rena.

Her response was nonchalant. If youve figured it out, why press for an answer?

Waylen, frustrated, demanded, Rena, I want a straight answer! Rena paused, a slight smile gracing her lips, and as Waylen joined her, she straightened his shirt, speaking softly, Im off to find a present for Melissa. And we might need to consider a new date for their wedding.

The thoughtfulness in her gesture warmed Waylen.

He tenderly held her face, planting a fervent kis before murmuring, Darling, thats incredibly thoughtful.

When Marcus and Melissa returned, the household staff greeted them, bubbling with congratulations.

In high spirits, Marcus generously rewarded each with a bonus.

Ascending the stairs, they were met with a surprise. The two children and Minnie the puppy were all wide-eyed and waiting.

The three little ones converged in the master bedroom, the children and Minnie aligning themselves in an orderly queue.

The moment the door swung open, Matthews excitement couldnt be contained. Hooray! A baby sister is on the way! he cheered.

Marcus swiftly scooped him up, ensuring a careful distance from Melissa.

Gentle now, buddy! Mommys carrying a little one.

Cradled in his fathers arms, Matthew peered at Melissas tummy, a blush coloring his cheeks. When will the baby sister arrive? he inquired with caution. i Marcus replied with gravity, Shell be here in about eight and a half months.

Matthews gaze lingered, full of wonder.

With a comforting hand, Marcus smoothed back Matthews hair. You and I will be bunkmates for now, letting Mommy and your sister get the rest they need, alright? Contemplating the arrival of his new sister, Matthew gave an earnest nod.

He was so taken with the idea that he offered his beloved Minnie to keep Melissa company. At night, when sleep evades me, I find comfort in the buttons on Minnies belly. Shes such good company, he confided.

Melissa, puzzled by his remark, looked to Marcus for clarification.

Buttons? Marcus, cheeks tinged with a sudden flush, clarified quickly, Hes referring to Minnies dress! But Matthew persisted, adamant. No! She has two rows of buttons on her belly, maybe six or eight.

Realization dawned on Melissa about the innocent observation.

The explanation, however, was not forthcoming to Matthew.

Yet, the confusion was short-lived as the topic soon slipped from the young boys mind.

Once the children were nestled in their beds, Marcus checked in on Melissa.

Fresh from the shower, Melissa donned comfortable pajamas and was absorbed in a pregnancy guide. Marcus, seating himself beside her, eyed the manual curiously. When did this come into our home? I never noticed it before.

Melissas voice was soft as she answered, Its been with me for quite some time.

Marcus playfully feigned shock, teasing, Have you been scheming our future for that long, Mrs. Fowler? Melissa couldnt help but roll her eyes at his remark.

booksbybunny s booksbybunny She countered, Youre the one who leaps at every chance, and now you dare to play the accuser? Marcus cast the book aside and leaned in, pressing his brow to hers,

whispering, Indeed, youve got me there, Mrs. Fowler. Yet, its your guileless gaze that undoes my restraint each time. Challenging for any man, wouldnt you agree? Melissa responded by tenderly caressing his cheek.

Her voice was light with jest. Well, to become a worthy partner of Mr.

Fowler, I must devote myself to work. I should claim my role in Heron swiftly, lest the dowry slips through our fingers.

Marcus met her tease with an unexpected earnestness.

He drew her close, sealing his pledge with a kis. Worry not.

Embrace your ambitions, honey. Post-delivery, Ill hold down the fort and rear our little ones. Should you wish, you can be the one to sustain us while chasing your dreams.

Melissa, taken aback by his words, questioned with a mix of surprise and skepticism, Really? I can hardly believe it! Marcus responded with a light-hearted laugh, What do you propose I do instead? Should I escort you to Heron myself? After holding his gaze for a moment, Melissa playfully nipped his

chin, emphasizing each word. Mr. Fowler, your craftiness seems to know no bounds. But dont think Im falling for it.

Amidst their playful banter, they both knew it was all in jest.

As sleepiness crept up on her, Melissas mind wandered to Minnie, who was nowhere to be found.

drift off. Do you think itll work, the button trick Matthew brought up? Marcus let out a soft laugh and replied with a hint of teasing in

Melissa could

in the morning,

for expecting mothers

buttons. Hey, Grandpa, isnt

fond of kids, Waylen took

share a heartfelt chat. Despite Melissa already being a mom, Rena gently shared her

baby coming, you might feel swamped. But Melissa, if you want to keep working, weve got your back. We

Melissa was deeply moved.

about Rena and Waylen, Melissa felt they deserved to kick back after their eventful past. As for the baby, itt was Marcus and her who truly wanted

the baby arrives. And about work Gently stroking her belly, Melissa murmured, Once this little ones off to

moment, but then broke into

murmured, You must

Melissa grinned back.

a cute canine tooth

Rena remarked, You remind me so much of Edwins wife, Laura. Marcus and

adding, Edwin and Marcus are tight.

more of Laura in the

just like you.

going for a bit before they headed downstairs for lunch

Just then, Shawn arrived.

filled with goodies from his hometown,

spotting Rena, Shawns eyes widened. Hed never seen such a high-society lady from Duefron before. But he straightened up,

heard from my mom that Melissas expecting again, so I brought her some stuff. Good

Scratching his head, Shawn said, I hope shell like them. I know Ive been a bit of

practically family, Rena

family here. Its no trouble

returned with two

to Roger. When Roger phoned, he spilled everything Marcus did,

Waylen felt torn.

Marcus could pull off

the past up again.

Waylen headed

cooking, mistook his dads footsteps for Melissas and scolded, What are you doing here? Didnt I say rest

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

hip, he pulled out

footsteps? Your wife got the same stomp?

killed the

reading his stoic expression. Marcus wasnt one to

Marcus wasnt trying to deny it, so

respect that. You can throw cash to hush Shawn, but now

family issues to light early. There is no

erupted, Youre slick with those weak justifications. I

Melissa isnt naive. She figured I did right after weighing

struggled to

task like that for you. Now that its

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

been retired for a while now. Rogers not the same guy who worked for you. When 1 took over as president, he probably saw me as an easy mark, so he crossed some serious lines. He even raked in nearly two billion for himself abusing his position. I let him off the hook for Grandpas and your sake. I hinted and nudged Roger, but instead of pulling back, he thought he could outsmart me. Now

Waylen was floored.

turned around slowly, a smile playing on his

folks know

Waylen asked, Did you set

didnt deny

He quietly smoked, gave Marcus a pat

with others all you want but, with your partner Melissa, you should tread

I getit, Dad.

Marcus watched as

around, placing the mushrooms on a plate. It looked mouthwatering, just as Melissa had

baby she was carrying

daughter Yvonne. Seeing Waylen and Rena there, she felt a bit awkward, thinking it might not be appropriate to dine together

Whats wrong with

Shawn pulled out the chair for her fawningly

were here. Janet didnt want

Shawn complimented her. You look stunning in that dress

lips and said

to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are

and only Matthew piped up. Grandpas scared of Grandma. He listens to

bring up embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly changed

a

she exchanged a few words with Yvonne and took

forgive him yet, refusing his offer to drive

trailed Janet to the villas gate. He watched her board a bus at the

of sight, Shawn decided hed leave after checking on his daughter, not wanting to take any cues from his

intricately carved black gate, he came

Melissa? Its scorching out. What if

Oh, its

They strolled and talked.

Marcus are suddenly tight? He handed you twenty million bucks without blinking. He doesnt dole out

Shawn got her drift.

brow. Hed been feeling uneasy

he halted and confessed quietly, Melissa, its all my

though Janet barely speaks to me now, shes got a life and shes happy. Yvonne and my mom are also living well. What more could I ask for in life? Im genuinely turning over anew leaf. As

silent, taking it

didnt utter a word but walked

lingered by

and then at Shawn. You better stick to

stand by Janet. If I slip

Melissa flashed a smile.

watched her depart, and then waved at Yvonne

Hey, Yvonne, Dads off to work. Ill get you a Ferrari once

stayed put, neither responding nor

his gaze fixed

slap. You let your daughter Live under someone elses roof. Even if Melissa and Marcus are decent people, they

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

resist a few parting words. With an arm

care of

was a deeper meaning behind

in the dark, looking

into the car, Rena scolded Waylen for his

Marcus to look after Julies kin. Remember how Julie cared for Matthew back then? Wavlen couldnt bear to recount his inner