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.

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 wager the buttons wont help with sleep tonight. Remember, Mrs. Fowler, now

Melissa could only roll her eyes once

arrived early in

for expecting mothers but also a

buttons. Hey, Grandpa, isnt Minnie just adorable? Waylen scooped up Minnie,

fond of kids, Waylen took Matthew and Yvonne for a

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

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

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

quit before the 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

moment, but then broke

must really adore

Melissa grinned back.

genuinely, a cute canine

me so much of Edwins wife, Laura.

adding, Edwin and Marcus

together. Youll probably see more of

just like you. Youll

agreement, and Rena kept the chat going for a bit before they headed downstairs for lunch

Just then, Shawn arrived.

from his

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

expecting again, so I brought

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

was practically family, Rena gave him a nod of

all family here. Its no trouble

two kids

to Roger. When Roger phoned,

Waylen felt torn.

could pull

right to bring the past up again. So,

Waylen headed to

you doing here? Didnt I say rest up and chat with Mom?

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

he pulled out a cigarette, lit

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

killed the

expression. Marcus wasnt one to

trying to deny it, so Waylen let out a

You can throw cash to hush Shawn,

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

Youre slick with those weak justifications. I reckon Melissas just being fooled by

a smile, Marcus countered. Melissa isnt naive. She figured

struggled to roast

task like that for you. Now that its out, you want to shuffle him off to the

Marcus kept cooking, unfazed.

crossed some serious lines. He even raked in nearly two billion for

Waylen was floored.

slowly, a smile playing on his lips.

folks know whats

his composure, Waylen asked, Did you set

didnt deny

a pat

he added, You can play hardball with others all you

I getit, Dad.

watched as

a plate. It looked mouthwatering, just

baby she was carrying

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

insisted, Whats wrong with joining us? Have

Shawn pulled out the chair for her fawningly and acted like a gentleman. Janet usually

were here. Janet didnt want to embarrass Melissa, so she

complimented her. You look stunning

her lips and said

felt ashamed. He turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these

up.

Matthew might bring up embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly changed

a chat planned

with Yvonne and took

to forgive him yet, refusing his offer to drive

Janet to the villas gate. He watched her board a bus at the stop, feeling

Janet was out of sight, Shawn decided hed leave after checking on his daughter,

through the intricately carved black

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

Oh, its no

They strolled and talked.

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

Shawn got her drift.

beaded on his brow. Hed

halted and confessed quietly, Melissa,

and shes happy. Yvonne and my

stayed silent, taking

she didnt utter a word but

by the doorway.

at Marcus, and then at Shawn. You

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

Melissa flashed a smile.

her depart, and then waved at Yvonne on

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

put, neither responding nor

kept his gaze fixed on

left. In the car, he wiped his face, delivering a self-inflicted slap. You let your daughter Live under someone elses

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

resist a few parting words. With

taking care of folks. Look how

a deeper meaning

in the dark,

settled into the car, Rena scolded Waylen

Marcus to look after Julies kin. Remember