Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
Leia glanced at Xavier’s reply, trying to suppress her smile. “You texted her back, not me. If your first love gets mad, don’t blame me. You know that I’ve always been generous-I won’t stop you from chatting or meeting others!
“Yeah, you’re the most generous person. You’re prone to jealousy, but you’re very generous too,” Xavier rubbed Leia’s hair and said dotingly. They had been fighting for so long, and this was considered a temporary ceasefire. They didn’t think about the future, and just enjoyed the moment while they could.
“But Halston didn’t text you back? Did he forget about Flossie? Doesn’t he care if someone snatches her away?’ Leia found it a pity. Both Halston and Flossie loved each other so much, so why had things ended up like this?
“Don’t worry. He can’t forget about Flossie.” A sigh escaped Xavier. ‘Let’s not meddle in others’ business. We just need to take care of ourselves.”
When Flossie went back at tha party, she drank wine and chatted with the others. She looked happy, as if she was no longer traumatized by her failed marriage. At night, the guests eventually left, and Margaret helped put the children to sleep. Flossie exhaled deeply, exhausted.
‘Do you want to get a drink? Just the two of us?” Justin held up a bottle of wine and grinned. “I stole this plum wine from my house’s old wine cellar. It’s my grandpa’s favorite, and this is the last bottle. I didn’t want to drink it during the party just now.”
Flossie was sitting on the stairs in front of the living room, looking up at the starry sky. When she heard Justin, she just said calmly, “Sure, I didn’t have much to drink earlier.” Flossie had to pretend to be happy and cheerful in front of everyone during the party, but now that everyone had left, she could go back to being depressed.
“Come on then! Let’s go to the back garden.” Justin’s eyes gleamed with delight, and he excitedly invited her to the back garden which was quieter.
“Okay!” Flossie nodded and said, “Help pull me up.”
Immediately, Justin walked over and held Flossie’s hand to help her stand. They walked side by side to the back garden, looking like an old married couple.
“They’re a perfect match,” Margaret smiled and said to Quinton, who was also watching them thoughtfully. “Yeah, I’ve always thought that Justin is the perfect match for my sister. They have the same temperament, hobbies, and family background. If my sister had dated him from the start, she wouldn’t have faced so many challenges, Quinton remarked with a melancholic sigh. He had heard that the Baldwin family loved Flossie very much, and Austin had even given her a mercenary legion. The mercenary legions of the Baldwin family were famous all over the world, with each member at the level of a professional assassin.
It was evident that the Baldwin family approved of Flossie, which was why they were willing to give her their most precious things. However, instead of using that legion for violence, she dismissed it and made the members work at Azure Group. The tough men who used to work with guns and weapons started working in offices, laboratories, and factories. Flossie had declared that fighting and killing were boring, and that one could only live well by being down-to-earth. This incident had enraged Austin, who had wanted to scold Flossie, but Justin had managed to calm him down by promising him that he would bring Flossie home as his wife before going to Beach City.
Justin immediately met Quinton to make that happen, and the two soon became close friends. Eventually, Quinton hoped to see Justin become his brother-in-law.
“I don’t think so!” Margaret frowned solemnly. “Yes, Mr. Baldwin is a good guy, but his family isn’t, especially Old Master Baldwin. He’s very autocratic and eccentric. If Ms. Flossie gets with Mr. Baldiwn, she’ll have to live with Old Master Baldwin, which is very dangerous. Ms. Flossie wouldn’t know when he’ll lose his temper.”
“You’re overthinking.” Quinton admired Austin, and protested, “Old Master Baldwin was a soldier who killed many enemies. He’s a righteous and brave man. Why would he mess with his daughter-in-law? If my sister marries Justin, I’m sure Old Master Baldwin will dote on her. He’ll cherish her and adore her.”
“If you think that, you don’t know their generation well!” After all, Margaret was older, and she knew the grudges and history of the three families well. “When it comes to that, it’s Old Mr. Guajardo who is the nicest to Ms. Flossie. The Baldwins and the Guajardos were inferior to the Ellsworth family back then, and they fell out with each other because of different perceptions. The Baldwin family no longer contacted the Ellsworths and the Guajardos, and it went on for a few decades. Both families are no longer on the same path, and there’s no friendship between them, but your father and Old Mr. Guajardo got along. Plus, your father left Ms. Flossie in Old Mr. Guajardo’s care before passing away: I’m sure he made that choice because he trusted the Guajardo family.” Margaret had hated the Guajardo family, but she sincerely felt that they were more reliable out of respect for Theodore. Hence, it was destined for Flossie to marry Halston. There was nothing to feel regret about.
‘People can make wrong decisions sometimes. Maybe the Guajardo family was quite pretentious!” Quinton always thought badly of the Guajardo family. “If the Guajardo family is so good, why is Halston the way he is? He put Flossie through so much. I felt it was better for them to reconcile with each other for the kids’ sake, but… he didn’t even consider the kids. He hooked up with another woman and abandoned his family. They should break up with each other. After all, Flossie is still young, and she has so many men pursuing her. She can take her time and pick a man who won’t hurt her. Isn’t it better than trying to save a ruined romance?” He felt that it was better to start over than try to fix something that was already broken. ‘Didn’t you say Justin and Flossie made a perfect match? hope they can give it a try!” Quinton sounded eager.
“Yeah, they are, but the Baldwin family…” Margaret shook her head. “I’m still worried. I hope that they just fall in love but not get married.” The Baldwin family was more complicated than the Guajardo family. Margaret didn’t want Flossie to step into another dangerous abyss after just getting out of one.
‘It’s still too early to talk about them getting married!” Quinton chuckled helplessly. “I’ll be happy if she can just date a guy and fall in love!”
Meanwhile, Flossie and Justin had reached the back garden.
“I like your house’s back garden. It’s spacious, bright, and quiet. I can lay on the flowerbed and look at the stars. It’s wonderful!” Justin held the wine bottle and got into the flowerbed, sitting on the ground cross-legged.
“The garden at your house isn’t small either. I remember I nearly got lost there once.” Flossie sat beside Justin, feeling surprisingly relaxed as she enjoyed the night breeze.
“The garden at my house is too orderly. It’s boring; I hate going there.” Justin shifted awkwardly, scanning his surroundings. He was surprised at the blue forget-me-nots all over the ground. “This place used to be full of sunflowers. Why did you start planting these small flowers instead?” He picked one and sniffed it, then shook his head. “Sunflowers look better. They’re golden and large, and look enthusiastic and generous. This small flower does look elegant, but it doesn’t match your style!”
Flossie caressed the forget-me-nots that swayed in the breeze, then said cryptically, “There’s no point in being enthusiastic-it’ll just end up in hurt. Flowers like these are better. They bloom and wither quietly, and it’s easy to grow them. If you pick a bouquet and keep it at home, it can last for up to six months. It’s cost-effective!’
“Cost-effective… Justin looked at the blue flower in his hand, and said with a cheeky smile, “Well, it suits me well. I’m cost-effective.
“Get over yourself!” Flossie rolled her eyes and chuckled. “The rarest thing in this world is cost-effectiveness. I used to love chasing after perfection, but now I think that good and cheap things suit me more.” Perfection wasn’t an easy thing to find, and in the end, one often found that their idea of perfection wasn’t that perfect at all, and they would end up disappointed. It was better to stop being stubborn and pick something flawed, which could be more suitable.
“Phoenix, are you…” Justin looked at Flossie with wide eyes. “Are you confessing your feelings for me?”
Flossie was stunned.
“I’m the good and cheap thing!” Although Justin was shy, he was eager to sell himself. “Look at me I’m charming, fit, and my family background is good too. Plus, I’m well-versed in programming and playing games. If we get together, we’ll take over the world of hacking and esports, and they’ll know how powerful our country is. Plus, I’m good at cooking, and can easily make you laugh. I’m an absolute must-have for home and travel!”
‘Pfft!” Flossie burst out laughing at Justin’s passionate speech. “Justin, I thought you were being deep, but you’re selling yourself like you’re a product on clearance.
“Yeah, I’m promoting myself!” Justin tried to look more serious. “Well, I’m a highly cost-effective product, so why don’t you buy it and give it a try? If you don’t like it, you can return it. I promise there won’t be a fine for the breach of contract!”
“Well… I must admit that you’re an excellent promoter. Your functions are comprehensive, and you’re even offering me a full refund. It’s very convincing!” Flossie turned to Justin and said jokingly.
“Don’t hesitate-just go for it. Hurry up and buy me. The sale is only for today-you might lose this chance if you’re not fast enough!” Justin urged eagerly.
Flossie thought for a while, then looked up at the stars. “Look at the stars-each one is beautiful and unique.”
Disappointed, Justin pouted and complained, “Why are you talking about the stars now? You can refuse me, you know.” He knew Flossie-although she was talking about cost-effectiveness, she still wanted perfection. Justin might not even have the option to be her Plan B. He knew his position well, so he always stayed with her as a best friend who shared her interests. He rarely tried to win her favor and pursue her romantically, because he knew he would fail.
“No, I’m not trying to change the subject.” Flossie glared at him. “Didn’t I just say that each star is unique? I don’t have to keep looking at just one.”
“What do you mean?” Justin’s breath caught, and he didn’t dare move. He was afraid that even the slightest noise would ruin the atmosphere. This was the first time that Flossie was willing to lean in his direction. Even though it was a bit vague, it was enough to boost his confidence.
‘I mean…” After a pause, Flossie pointed at the bottle of plum wine beside him. “Are we drinking this wine or not? If not, I’m going back to sleep.
“Yes, we’re drinking it!” When Justin opened the bottle of wine, he could smell its unique fragrance. He fished out the glasses that he had prepared and poured a glass for each of them. He handed a glass to Flossie and smiled. “I hope I can always be the one who drinks wine and enjoys the night breeze with you under the moonlight.”
Flossie swirled the wine glass thoughtfully, then clinked her glass with Justin’s. “Let’s not say anything else, and just enjoy the wine.” She knew what Justin meant, but she couldn’t promise him anything right now. She had no idea what the future held, and whether things would get better, but she knew she couldn’t stay where she was. Everyone else had been moving forward except her, and it was meaningless.
“I want to have a new life!” Flossie declared, then gulped down her wine.
For the next few days, Flossie tried dating Justin. They kept things casual, but both of them intended to develop their relationship as lovers.
Flossie received a text from Justin the moment she woke up: [How would you like to enjoy yourself today?] She rubbed her eyes, a sense of warmth and peace blooming in her heart. After a brief thought, she texted him back. [ We’ve watched movies and operas, and even tried a candlelight dinner… but they all seem kind of boring!]
[What do you mean?] Justin read Flossie’s reply, feeling alarmed. [Are you trying to ask for a refund before the probation is over?]
[Haha! No, I just think we should try something special today.]
[Like what?]
[Like an… escape room?]
[Sounds interesting. Let’s go!] Excited, Justin immediately changed into casual clothes and styled his hair with gel. He looked like a handsome college student. [Wait for me. I’ll pick you up.]
[Okay!] After texting him, Flossie went to wash up and get ready.
*Flossie, let’s go shopping later!” Leia said with a yawn as she walked into Flossie’s room from a guest room. She was free since it was the weekend, so she wanted to spend some time with her bestie.
“I’m afraid I can’t today.” Flossie wiped her face in front of a mirror and pinched Leia’s chin dotingly. “I’m going on a date. I’ll spend time with you tomorrow, okay?”
“You’re going on a date again?” Leia’s eyes lit up, and she asked Flossie eagerly, “Are you madly in love with Justin now? You two go on dates quite often!” She had been staying at Ellsworth Manor lately, and Flossie went out with Justin every one or two days. It was normal for lovey-dovey couples, unlike her and Xavier. It would be hard for them to meet even once a week.
Flossie smiled. “I don’t know about that, but I’m trying.”
“You’re trying?” Leia frowned, looking puzzled. “If you both are truly in love, you don’t have to try… Are you forcing yourself?” She recalled the time when she started dating Xavier. They clung to each other all the time, and the time they spent together was never enough.
‘It isn’t that easy for two people to fall in love with each other. It takes time to get to know someone, and maybe some wonderful chemical reaction will help that along,” Flossie said serenely.
“You’re right, but… isn’t love at first sight? If you’re not attracted to a person, you’ll just spend a long time getting used to them. It isn’t love…” Leia sighed deeply. “Flossie, you’re compromising. You’re just trying to make do with it.”
“No, I’m not.” Flossie looked at her reflection in the mirror and said, “People like the excitement of love at first sight, and think true love has to be intense and forever.”
“I used to think the same way. I wanted a pure and passionate love… but my thoughts have changed now. I think the most important thing in love isn’t the so-called sparks or the butterflies in our stomach but…”