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.

asked softly, I 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

admonition, Melissa could only roll her eyes once

arrived early in the

for expecting mothers but also

looked extra festive. Matthew proudly introduced Minnie to Waylen, pointing out her tiny buttons. Hey, Grandpa, isnt Minnie just adorable? Waylen scooped up Minnie, agreeing, Oh yeah,

fond of kids, Waylen took

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

you want to keep working, weve got your back. We can help with

Melissa was deeply moved.

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

Gently stroking her belly, Melissa murmured, Once this little ones off to preschool, Ill

a moment, but then

You must

Melissa grinned back.

she grinned genuinely, a cute canine

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

adding, Edwin and Marcus are tight.

see more of Laura in

quiet one, just like

kept the chat going for a bit

Just then, Shawn arrived.

with goodies from his hometown, some freshly dug from the

Hed never seen such a high-society lady from Duefron before. But he straightened up, not wanting to embarrass Melissa, and

Mrs. Fowler. I heard from my mom that Melissas expecting

his smile. How considerate of you! Scratching his head, Shawn said, I hope

family, Rena gave him

here. Its no trouble at

two kids

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

Waylen felt torn.

pull

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

Waylen headed

dads footsteps for Melissas and scolded, What are you doing here? Didnt I say rest up and chat with Mom? Its rare you all see each other

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

out a

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

the stoves

faced his father, reading his stoic expression. Marcus wasnt one to be

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

have to respect that. You can throw cash to hush Shawn, but now his missus knows.

brought Shawns family issues

with those weak justifications. I

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

to roast

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 boonies. Listen up, Rogers got a family. You cant

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

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

Waylen was floored.

slowly, a smile playing

know whats

Waylen asked, Did you set him

deny

smoked, gave Marcus a

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

I getit, Dad.

that, Marcus watched as Waylen

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

baby she was carrying was

she felt a bit awkward, thinking it might not be

wrong with joining us? Have

for her fawningly and acted like a gentleman. Janet usually ignored Shawn but,

didnt want to embarrass Melissa, so she didnt say

complimented her. You look stunning in that dress

her lips

between Shawn and Janet, felt ashamed. He turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are unlike

them and only Matthew piped up. Grandpas

embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly changed

a chat planned with their

a few words with Yvonne and took off. Shawn rushed to catch up, eager to give her alift

ready to forgive him yet, refusing his offer

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

after checking on his daughter, not wanting to

the intricately carved black gate, he

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

Oh, its no

They strolled and talked.

handed you twenty million bucks without blinking.

Shawn got her drift.

his brow. Hed been

halted and confessed quietly, Melissa, its

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 my

silent, taking

but walked alongside

lingered by the

and then at

If I slip up again, lll

Melissa flashed a smile.

then waved

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

responding nor

gaze fixed

under someone elses roof. Even if Melissa and Marcus are decent people, they arent Yvonnes real

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

few parting words. With an arm around Melissa, Marcus murmured, Mom, Dad, dont worry. lt look after

at taking care of folks. Look how youve

a deeper meaning

Rena was in the dark,

they settled into the car, Rena scolded

Its only natural for Marcus to look after Julies kin. Remember how Julie cared for Matthew back