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

Melissa could only roll her eyes

arrived early in the morning, loaded with

expecting mothers

pointing out her tiny buttons. Hey, Grandpa, isnt Minnie just adorable? Waylen scooped up Minnie, agreeing, Oh yeah, shes

took

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

Matthews off to kindergarten soon. 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.

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

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

hesitated for a moment, but then broke into a gentle

must

Melissa grinned back.

grinned genuinely, a cute canine tooth peeked

remind me so much of Edwins wife, Laura. Marcus and Edwin

continued, adding, Edwin and Marcus

Youll probably see more of Laura in

just like you. Youll get

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

Just then, Shawn arrived.

filled with goodies from his hometown, some freshly dug from the

eyes widened. Hed never seen such a high-society lady from Duefron before. But he

from my mom that Melissas expecting again, so I brought her some stuff. Good for expecting

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

Shawn was practically family, Rena gave him

were all family here. Its no trouble at

with two kids by

drifted to Roger. When Roger phoned, he spilled everything Marcus

Waylen felt torn.

Marcus could pull off such

bring the past up again. So, Waylen politely started

bit, Waylen headed to

here? Didnt I say rest up and chat with Mom? Its rare

Waylen loomed behind Marcus.

hip, he pulled out

even recognize your own dads footsteps? Your wife got the same

the stoves

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

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

you have to respect that. You can throw cash to hush Shawn, but

just brought Shawns family issues to light early.

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

She figured I did right

to

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.

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 he wont leave willingly, hes got

Waylen was floored.

turned around slowly, a smile

know

Did

didnt deny

didnt press further. He quietly smoked, gave Marcus a pat on the shoulder, and said, Son, youve

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

I getit, Dad.

that, Marcus watched as Waylen

spun around, placing the mushrooms on a plate. It looked

she was carrying was going

arrived to visit her daughter Yvonne. Seeing Waylen and Rena there, she felt a bit awkward, thinking it might not be appropriate to dine together

wrong with

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

want to embarrass

look stunning in that dress

lips

turned to Rena, and jokingly said, Youngsters these days are

only Matthew piped up. Grandpas scared of

Matthew might bring up embarrassing topics again, Melissa swiftly

Waylen and Rena had a

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

wasnt ready to forgive him yet,

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

checking on his daughter, not wanting to take any cues from

through the intricately carved black gate, he came across

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

Oh, its

They strolled and talked.

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

Shawn got her drift.

his brow. Hed been feeling uneasy

he halted and confessed quietly, Melissa, its

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

taking it all

she didnt utter a word but walked alongside Shawn back to the

by the

then at Shawn. You

by Janet. If I slip up

Melissa flashed a smile.

watched her depart, and then waved at Yvonne

Dads off to work.

neither responding nor ignoring

his gaze fixed on

your daughter Live under someone elses roof. Even if Melissa and Marcus are decent people, they arent Yvonnes real folks. Youre a real

Marcus escorted Melissa inside.

With an arm around Melissa, Marcus murmured, Mom, Dad, dont worry.

good at taking care of

a deeper

in the dark,

car, Rena scolded Waylen for his

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