Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
“Umm…” The receptionist looked at the attractive men in shock, then smiled hesitantly. “Gentlemen, what good taste you have! Many male couples picked this theme too.”
“Excuse me?” Halston frowned and looked at Justin incredulously. Justin stood there with his mouth agape like a goldfish, gaze moving from Halston to the receptionist. Everyone was stunned into silence.
*Pfft! Haha!” Leia burst out laughing, bending over and holding her stomach. “Good call-I think they’re a perfect match given their similarities and history.”
“Leia!” Halston hissed threateningly, shooting Leia a vicious glare. If looks could kill, Leia would be dead by now.
“Oh, how scary. I think he’s scarier than those characters earlier. He’s looking at me like he wants to kill me,” Leia hurriedly hid behind Xavier and said dramatically. “Xavier, the day has finally come to choose between your buddy and me-who will you side with if he wants to kill me?”
Flossie walked to Leia and hugged her, then patted her head dotingly. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone harm you. If anything happens to you, I’ll avenge you, okay?”
‘I knew you always treat me well! These useless men are just temporary, only my baby and I will be together forever!”
The worker gaped, then swallowed and said, “Well, our wedding shoot is not only popular with male couples, it’s also popular with female couples!”
“What are we waiting for then? It’s free, and I want to take beautiful wedding photos with my baby!” Leia hugged Flossie and refused to let go.
Hence, they all took wedding photos together. When Halston and Justin took a photo together, they had their backs to each other and a cold expression on their faces.
Halston snorted and said, “It’s impossible between you and her. Taking these photos is just a reminder of something that will never happen. Is it really worth it?”
Justin faked a smile and said coolly, “Well, it was once possible between you two. Why did you join this photoshoot anyway? Don’t tell me you two didn’t take proper wedding photos when you were married.”
Halston’s expression turned icy because Justin was right. He hadn’t wanted to marry Flossie back then, so he didn’t want to spend time with her outside of the wedding ceremony. Naturally, they didn’t take any photos together, not even a group photo. After that, many things happened between them, and they never thought of having a wedding photoshoot. They had parted ways soon after, and the idea of taking wedding photos seemed like an impossible dream. He was not the kind of person who liked taking photos, but this was a golden opportunity for him. He could finally take wedding photos with Flossie, so he didn’t care if there were other people in the photos.
Justin shared the same thoughts as Halston. Justin could tell from that day’s incidents that it would be very difficult for Flossie and him to move forward in their relationship. This might be his only chance to take wedding photos with Flossie. Although it was not proper wedding photos, it was still something he could cherish. It was a crazy idea, but he would take what he could get.
“You’re not a good match for her,” Halston said to Justin coldly as he changed his posture at the photographer’s request.
‘Thank you for the advice but…” Similarly, Justin changed his posture, staring into Halston’s eyes intently. “Save it for yourself. You’re worse.”
“Have you ever considered not disturbing her and letting her find someone who can truly make her happy?” Halston asked sharply. Truthfully, Halston was only saying such things because they were well-suited for each other, and it filled him with envy. He knew Flossie well-she wouldn’t get into a relationship easily, but once she did, she would throw herself into it. Then, it would be hard to change her mind. Besides, he secretly hoped that Flossie would still cherish him even if she found someone new, and see him as her most important person.
“What’s your definition of happiness? Justin asked uncertainly, now wondering if he could truly make Flossie happy. He felt like he saw her sincere happiness when she was with Halston, not him.
“There are many hidden dangers in your family. Your grandfather is like a ticking time bomb, so you’d either have to leave your family or not marry her to avoid her coming in contact with your family. A free-spirited person like her can’t live in an autocratic family like yours!” Halston rarely spoke so much, but when it came to Flossie, he felt he needed to.
“You’re being prejudiced!” Justin sneered. “I’ve brought Phoenix to my house a few times. My family likes her very much, especially my grandpa. He started to dote on her after knowing her background. He even gave her a mercenary group, which is how he shows love. Even I didn’t get that!”
“Even if he likes and accepts her, it doesn’t mean that the conflicts are resolved.” Halston rolled his eyes and added, “You know very well that I’m talking about your family’s preferences. Your family wouldn’t want a casual woman like Flossie as your wife.”
“Casual?” Justin looked at Halston scornfully. “Is that how you see Flossie? Is that why you’d rather give up the kids to divorce her?”
“That’s none of your business. Halston ignored Justin’s question and said threateningly, “You just need to know one thing-if you or your family do anything to her, I’ll make you all pay.” Then, he walked out of the photoshoot and said to the others, “I need to leave.”
Dumbfounded, Xavier grabbed Halston’s arm. “If you leave like this, what about Flossie? Do you want to leave her with Justin?”
‘That’s her choice. I can’t do anything about it,” Halston said expressionlessly as he walked past Flossie to leave.
Flabbergasted, Xavier complained, “What the hell? You shouldn’t have come then. Did you just come here to get attention?” He couldn’t understand Halston’s actions. If Halston was unconcerned, he wouldn’t have come to play this childish game with them. It was obvious he couldn’t tolerate seeing Flossie and Justin deepen their relationship, but at a critical time like this, he was running away. If Halston hadn’t been his friend for many years, Xavier would have called him a scumbag.
Leia said sarcastically, “Don’t you like him the most? Go with him then. After all, birds of a feather flock together.” “What did I do?” Feeling embarrassed, Xavier mumbled, “We’re different-don’t put us in the same boat!”
“So, you admit that Halston is a jerk. Are you going to defend him again?” Leia asked smugly. Finally, Xavier had admitted defeat. As the winner, Leia wouldn’t let him off the hook easily.
“I don’t know. Stop asking me,’ Xavier sounded annoyed. He was frustrated at Halston and himself. Why did he have an unreliable friend like Halston who constantly embarrassed him in front of Leia?
“What do you mean? So, you’re saying that you and Halston are both right?’ Leia refused to let him go. She wanted him to admit that he at least disapproved of Halston. If Xavier confirmed that Halston was wrong and took her side, she didn’t have to worry about him becoming a disloyal and heartless man like Halston.
“That’s not my call to make-it’s Flossie’s. Why are you asking me?” Xavier avoided the question, growing impatient.
Flossie tried to mediate the situation, sighing helplessly. “Stop fighting! It doesn’t matter what kind of a person he is. Don’t ruin your relationship by arguing over him, it’s not worth it.”
Justin adjusted his tie as he walked over to them, saying sarcastically, “Yeah, he left just like that, but you guys are still arguing about him. Are you both crazy?”
Xavier glared at Justin and demanded, “How can you say that? You were so close to Halston just now, whispering to each other. What did you guys talk about? Don’t tell me that your final goal is actually to win Halston over.” Xavier hadn’t expected to see Halston and Justin take a photo together, and he was jealous that his buddy had been snatched away.
“You’re crazy!” Leia’s eyes widened as she sized Xavier up. “Do you have… feelings for Halston? Don’t tell me you’re
“What about me?” Xavier looked at the others in confusion.
“You know what I mean.” Leia took a step back, shaking her head as if she had just realized something. “I knew it! Why else would you always defend Halston? It has to be because you have feelings for him. As expected, people in love are blind. It must have been hard for you to keep it a secret for so many years.”
Xavier still looked puzzled.
Flossie laughed and chimed in, “Okay, stop teasing him. He’s had so many scandals that I’m sure he’s straight!” “So, you thought I was…” Xavier spluttered indignantly. He was angry at Flossie too for pointing out his scandals. You should know better than anyone that I’m straight!” Xavier looked at Leia expectantly.
Leia shrugged, angering him further. “Who knows? Some men are bisexual, and some hide their preferences. Just admit it-the person you love most is Halston!”
“No, that’s not it” Furious, Xavier stomped his foot. Since he couldn’t argue with Leia, he started attacking Justin instead. “You’re the one who isn’t straight. Have you been in love with Halston for a while? You whispered to him for so long when you both were taking photos, and that kind of intimacy proves that you’re not new to this. It doesn’t seem like you were acting either.
“We talked about something only we could understand, Justin said evasively.
‘See! I knew there was something off with him!” Xavier blurted out, turning to Flossie. “Flossie, you should stop seeing him. Maybe he wants to get close to Halston through you. Things will get messy if this continues.”
“I’m okay with it.” Flossie shrugged casually. “I’ll give them my blessings if they become a couple.”
Justin immediately explained himself, not wanting Flossie to misunderstand him, “There’s nobody else we’d talk about except you.” After a pause, he laughed disdainfully. “He said some harsh words and claimed that he would protect you forever. What a scumbag! He doesn’t want you to forget him even though he left. How ridiculous!”
Flossie was pretty tired after the escape room. She didn’t want to talk about romance-all she wanted to do was rest.
When she reached Ellsworth Manor, she ran into Quinton. It was midnight, but he was not sleeping. He sat alone in the pavilion in the garden, looking up at the moon. Flossie could tell he was feeling lonely. She didn’t want to disturb him, but before she could leave, he turned and saw her.
“Flossie!” Quinton’s face lit up in delight. “I heard you went on a date with Justin again today. Did you have fun?”
“It wasn’t bad.” Flossie walked to Quinton and sat down gently beside him. “What did you do today? Did you go out for some fun?”
“I’m old, so there’s nothing fun out there for me. I just stayed home. It’s pretty relaxing, Quinton said casually, but he sounded tired.
“Quinton, you’re wrong…” Flossie smiled and continued, “You said you’re old, but you’re just a few minutes older than me. Don’t tell me I’m old too.”
“You’re different from me.” Quinton looked at Flossie lovingly. “You’re the treasure of our family, and you’ll always be young and cute. I hope you can live like a child, and just be happy.” He had soldiered through many hardships, so he felt older than his actual age. Flossie was so different-she was pure, kind, energetic, and passionate. He always wanted to protect her.
“I know you’re good to me, but… I hope you can be happy too.” A sigh escaped Flossie, and she looked at Quinton sympathetically. “If we weren’t targeted, you wouldn’t have been kidnapped, and we could have grown up together. You wouldn’t have had to face those misfortunes, and you’d be a rich heir like Halston and Xavier. You would have lived a good life, away from all those nasty people… That person should have kidnapped me instead!” She sobbed as if she was guilty of snatching away his perfect life.
‘Silly woman, what kind of logic is that? Don’t blame yourself!” Quinton rubbed her hair and said tenderly, “I told you not to blame yourself. I just want you to know that you’re my treasure, and I want to protect you. I’ll be happy if you are. If you’re sad, I’ll be sad too.”
“That’s what I want to say to you too.” Flossie’s eyes were watery as she looked at Quinton. “You want to protect me, but I want to do the same for you too. My life is getting better, but yours isn’t. If you want to reassure me, open up your heart and seriously look for a wife. This moon will look better if someone is enjoying it with you.”
Flossie didn’t want to pressure Quinton to get married, but she could tell that he was lonely. He needed someone who could understand him and stay with him. The longer he stayed like this, the more he would regret it. The first half of his life had been torturous, and Flossie didn’t want to see him spend the rest of his life alone.
“It’s nice to have a companion, but the problem is…” Quinton shook his head helplessly. “I’m mentally ill and flawed, so I’d better not burden others. It’s fine if I enjoy the moonlight alone. I don’t think it’s sad.” He had gotten used to being lonely, and had anticipated spending his life alone.
“How could you say that about yourself?” Flossie frowned. “I think everyone is mentally sick one way or another, and sickness can be cured. You were living a gloomy life in the past, but you’ve left that behind now. Once you face the sunlight, you’ll naturally become brighter. You’re not mentally ill or flawed!” Flossie hated Quinton’s pessimism. His life was still long. Since Flossie could give up that torturous romance and try to pursue a new one, she believed that Quinton could do it too. After a brief pause, she confessed, “Actually, I met someone a few days ago. I think she’s special to you.”