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.

replied with a hint of teasing in his tone, Tempting as it may be, Id wager the

Melissa could only roll her eyes

early in the morning, loaded

tonics for expecting mothers but also a dazzling set of

Hey, Grandpa, isnt Minnie just adorable? Waylen scooped up Minnie, agreeing, Oh yeah,

kids, Waylen took Matthew and

kitchen, Leaving Rena and Melissa to share a heartfelt chat. Despite Melissa already being a mom, Rena gently shared

you might feel swamped. But Melissa, if you want to keep working, weve got

Melissa was deeply moved.

tales 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 it. There was no

And about work Gently stroking her belly, Melissa murmured, Once this

hesitated for a moment, but then broke into a

must really adore

Melissa grinned back.

she grinned genuinely, a cute canine tooth

so much of Edwins wife, Laura. Marcus and Edwin seem

and Marcus

together. Youll probably see more of Laura

a quiet one, just like you. Youll get

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

Just then, Shawn arrived.

lugged in big bags filled with goodies from his hometown, some freshly dug

a high-society lady from Duefron before.

I heard from my mom that Melissas expecting again, so I brought

hope shell like them.

Shawn was practically family, Rena gave him a nod

all family here. Its

with two

Shawn, Waylens mind drifted to Roger. When Roger phoned, he spilled everything

Waylen felt torn.

pull off such

with the cheerful vibe around, it didnt feel right to bring the past up again. So, Waylen politely started a nice conversation with Shawn, who was as smooth

a bit, Waylen

Didnt I say rest up and chat

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

hip, he pulled out a

footsteps? Your wife got the same stomp?

killed the stoves

reading his stoic expression. Marcus wasnt one to be trifled with. Turning back to the stove, he muttered,

to deny it, so

have you done? 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

tone, Marcus replied, I just brought Shawns family issues to light early. There is no harm

those weak justifications. I reckon Melissas just being fooled by

naive. She

struggled to roast

and you got him doing some absurd task like that for you. Now that its out, you want

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

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

Waylen was floored.

turned around slowly, a smile playing on his

folks know whats

composure, Waylen asked, Did you set him

didnt deny it.

He quietly smoked, gave Marcus a pat

he added, You can play hardball with others all you want but, with your partner Melissa, you should

I getit, Dad.

Marcus watched as

on a plate.

baby she was carrying was going to be

Waylen and Rena there, she felt

insisted, Whats wrong with

Shawn pulled out the chair for her fawningly and acted

parents-in-law were here. Janet didnt want to embarrass Melissa, so

complimented her. You look stunning in

her lips

turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are unlike us. Hey, when was the last time you praised me?

mock them and only Matthew piped up. Grandpas

might bring up embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly

and Rena had a chat planned with their

a few words with Yvonne and took

him yet, refusing his offer to

to the villas gate. He watched her board a

Shawn decided hed leave after checking on his daughter,

intricately carved black

taken aback. What are you doing here, Melissa? Its scorching out. What

grinned. Oh, its no

They strolled and talked.

come you and Marcus are suddenly tight? He handed you twenty million bucks without blinking. He doesnt

Shawn got her drift.

brow. Hed been feeling uneasy for

halted and confessed quietly, Melissa, its all my

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

stayed silent, taking

she didnt utter a word but walked

lingered by the doorway.

at Marcus, and then at Shawn. You better stick to

by Janet. If I slip up

Melissa flashed a smile.

depart, and then

off to work. Ill get

responding nor ignoring him as

gaze

he 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

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

couldnt resist a few parting words. With an arm around Melissa, Marcus murmured,

scoffed. Youre good at taking care of

was a deeper

Rena was in the dark,

they settled into the car,

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