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.

soft laugh and replied with a hint of teasing in his tone, Tempting as it may be, Id wager the buttons wont

his teasing admonition, Melissa could

in the morning, loaded with

for expecting mothers but also a dazzling set

looked extra festive. Matthew proudly introduced Minnie to Waylen, pointing out her tiny buttons. Hey, Grandpa,

took Matthew and

a storm in the kitchen, Leaving Rena and Melissa to share a heartfelt chat. Despite Melissa

With the new baby coming, you might feel swamped. But Melissa, if you want to keep working, weve got your back. We can help with the kids, or you

Melissa was deeply moved.

their eventful past. As for the baby, itt was Marcus and her who truly wanted it. There was

baby arrives. And about work Gently stroking her belly, Melissa murmured, Once this little ones off to preschool, Ill only be thirty. Still plenty of time for a fresh

hesitated for a moment, but then broke into a gentle

must really adore

Melissa grinned back.

she grinned genuinely, a

of Edwins wife, Laura. Marcus and

and Marcus

together. Youll probably see more of

just like

in agreement, and Rena kept the chat going for a bit before they

Just then, Shawn arrived.

filled with goodies from his hometown, some

lady from Duefron before. But he straightened up, not wanting to embarrass Melissa,

my mom that Melissas expecting again, so I

How considerate of you! Scratching his head, Shawn said, I hope shell like

practically family, Rena

all family here. Its no trouble

with two kids

Roger phoned, he spilled everything Marcus

Waylen felt torn.

could pull off such

the cheerful vibe around, it didnt feel right to bring the past up again. So, Waylen politely started a nice conversation

a bit, Waylen headed

for Melissas and scolded, What are you doing here? Didnt I

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

his hip, he pulled out a cigarette, lit

footsteps? Your wife got the

killed the

wasnt one to be trifled with.

trying to deny it, so

First off, Shawns tight with Melissa. Even if hes got quirks, you have to respect that. You can throw cash to hush Shawn, but now his missus knows. How you going to smooth that over? Melissa hasnt got much kin left. The one

gentle tone, Marcus replied, I just brought Shawns family issues to light

erupted, Youre slick with those weak justifications. I reckon Melissas

naive. She figured

struggled to roast

drag from his cigarette, Waylen continued, What about Roger? Hes a big-shot VP, and you got him doing some absurd task like that for you. Now

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

Marcus spoke softly. Dad, youve 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 Ive had it with him. If

Waylen was floored.

around slowly, a smile playing on his lips.

folks know

Waylen asked, Did you set

didnt deny

smoked, gave Marcus a pat on the shoulder, and said, Son, youve

play hardball with others all you want but, with your

I getit, Dad.

watched as

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

hunch this baby she was

lunch, Janet arrived to visit her daughter Yvonne. Seeing Waylen and Rena there, she felt a bit awkward, thinking

insisted, Whats wrong with joining us? Have a

down, Shawn pulled out the chair for her fawningly and acted

here. Janet didnt want to embarrass Melissa,

You look stunning in that dress

pursed her lips and

son had caused the rift between Shawn and Janet, felt ashamed. He turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are unlike us. Hey, when was the last time you praised me? Rena

Matthew piped up. Grandpas scared

Matthew might bring up embarrassing topics

and Rena had a chat

Janet had to clock in for work later, she exchanged a few words with Yvonne and took off.

him yet,

choice, Shawn trailed Janet to the villas gate. He watched her board

Shawn decided hed leave after checking on

the intricately carved black

you doing here, Melissa? Its scorching out. What if you get sunburnt? Marcus must be worried

grinned. Oh,

They strolled and talked.

you twenty million bucks without blinking. He doesnt

Shawn got her drift.

brow. Hed been feeling uneasy

he halted and confessed quietly, Melissa,

Even 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 long as Janets willing, Ill treat her right

taking it all

word but walked alongside

by

glanced at Marcus, and then at Shawn.

around. ll stand by Janet. If I slip up again, lll be

Melissa flashed a smile.

depart, and then waved

Yvonne, Dads off to work. Ill get you a

stayed put, neither responding nor ignoring

his gaze fixed

wiped his face, delivering a self-inflicted slap. You let your daughter Live under someone elses roof. Even if Melissa and Marcus are decent people, they arent Yvonnes real folks. Youre a real piece

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

Waylen and Rena prepared to depart, they couldnt resist a few parting words. With an arm around Melissa,

of folks. Look how youve looked after Julies

a deeper meaning behind

Rena was in the dark, looking

settled into the car, Rena scolded Waylen for his

only natural for Marcus to look after Julies kin. Remember how Julie cared for Matthew back then? Wavlen couldnt bear