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.

cant seem to 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 his tone, Tempting as it may be, Id

his teasing admonition, Melissa could only roll her eyes once

Rena arrived early in the morning, loaded with

not only brought tonics for expecting mothers

extra festive. Matthew proudly introduced Minnie to Waylen, pointing out her tiny buttons. Hey, Grandpa, isnt Minnie just adorable?

took Matthew and

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

if you want to keep

Melissa was deeply moved.

heard Alberts tales about Rena and Waylen, Melissa felt they deserved to kick back after their eventful past. As for the

Once this little ones off to preschool, Ill only be thirty. Still plenty of time for a

a moment, but then broke into a gentle

You must

Melissa grinned back.

she grinned genuinely, a cute canine tooth peeked

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

Edwin and Marcus

more

just like you. Youll

Rena kept the chat going for

Just then, Shawn arrived.

from

eyes widened. Hed never seen such a high-society lady from Duefron before. But he straightened up, not wanting

expecting again, so I brought her

returned his smile. How considerate of you! Scratching his head, Shawn said, I hope shell like them. I know Ive been a bit of a hassle for

Shawn was practically family, Rena gave him

family here. Its no trouble at

with two kids by

When Roger phoned, he spilled everything Marcus did,

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

Waylen headed to

are you doing here? Didnt I say rest up and chat with Mom? Its rare you all see each other

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

on his hip, he pulled out a cigarette, lit

even recognize your own dads footsteps? Your wife got the same stomp? Youre losing it,

the stoves

his stoic expression. Marcus wasnt one to be

Marcus wasnt trying to deny it, so Waylen let out a relieved

the heck 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

calm, gentle tone, Marcus replied, I just brought Shawns family

those weak justifications. I reckon Melissas just being

smile, Marcus countered. Melissa isnt naive. She figured I did right after weighing

struggled to

cigarette, Waylen continued, What about Roger? Hes a big-shot VP, and you got him doing some absurd task like that for you. Now that its out, you want to shuffle him off to the

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

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.

Waylen was floored.

turned around slowly, a smile playing

folks know whats

his composure, Waylen asked, Did you set him up

didnt deny it.

quietly smoked, gave Marcus a pat

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

I getit, Dad.

watched as

plate. It looked mouthwatering, just

she was carrying

Rena there, she felt a bit awkward, thinking it might not be appropriate to dine

insisted, Whats wrong with joining

Shawn pulled out the chair for her fawningly and acted

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

Shawn complimented her. You look stunning in

her lips and

turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are unlike us. Hey,

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

embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly changed

a chat planned

in for work later, she exchanged a few words with Yvonne and took off. Shawn

wasnt ready to forgive him

gate. He watched her board a bus at the stop, feeling all flustered

of sight, Shawn decided hed leave after checking on his daughter, not wanting to

stepped through the intricately carved black gate,

Its scorching out. What if you get sunburnt? Marcus

Oh,

They strolled and talked.

handed you twenty million bucks without blinking. He doesnt dole out favors like

Shawn got her drift.

Hed

confessed quietly, Melissa,

really. Even without that woman, Id still be trapped one way or another. Even though Janet barely speaks to me now, shes got a life and shes happy. Yvonne and

taking it all

utter a word but walked alongside Shawn back to the

lingered by the doorway.

at Marcus, and then at Shawn.

If I slip up again, lll be utterly

Melissa flashed a smile.

watched her depart, and then waved

to work. Ill get you a Ferrari once Im

put, neither responding

his gaze

a self-inflicted slap. You let your daughter Live under someone elses roof. Even if

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

Rena prepared to depart, they couldnt resist a few parting words. With

scoffed. Youre good at taking care of folks. Look how youve looked

was a deeper

was in the dark, looking

into the car, Rena scolded Waylen for

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