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Chapter 9 - Love Or Business Obligations

Harris found himself pacing back and forth in his penthouse. His mind drifted to Mallory, her gentle smile, and how she held herself with quiet strength.

"Ugh, Mallory, you're all I see even when I sleep at night," he muttered, gripping his hair in frustration.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to find Nicole standing outside, a forced smile on her lips.

"Good evening, honey," she said sweetly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "I thought we could have a little chat."

"Nicole, what are you doing here?" he asked, trying to hide his irritation.

"I've heard something interesting today," she began, her voice dripping with venom as she closed the door behind her. "Mallory is back in town. Isn't that just... delightful?"

Harris's heart raced, but he tried to maintain a neutral expression. "That's news to me."

"Really?" Nicole countered, raising an eyebrow. "Because I thought maybe you had already reached out to her, considering your fondness for her after all these years."

"Look, Nicole, whatever I feel for Mallory is none of your business. Our engagement is between us, not anyone else."

"Isn't it, though?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing. "You're so infatuated with her that you can't even see how it's affecting us. But don't worry Harris, I'm not going to sit around waiting for you to get over this little obsession of yours."

"Obsession?" Harris scoffed, feeling his anger rising. "You're making it sound like I'm stalking her or something. I haven't even seen her since she's been back." He lied slightly. He had seen Mallory but had yet to talk to her in person.

"Maybe not yet," Nicole replied, her voice cold. "But it's only a matter of time, isn't it? You need to make a choice, Harris. It's either her or me."

"Nicole, I..."

"Save your excuses," she interrupted, her voice icy. "I've heard enough of them over the years. Just remember what you stand to lose if you choose her."

With that, Nicole turned on her heel and stormed out of the penthouse, leaving Harris alone once more.

Harris's mornings began early, with a brisk run through the city streets before dawn broke, followed by a quick shower, strong coffee, and a careful review of the financial reports and market updates.

As the CEO of Grand Vista Hotel, he oversaw every aspect of the company, from acquisitions and mergers to human resources and public relations. His days were filled with meetings, conference calls, and strategic planning sessions, leaving him little time for personal reflection, which lately is all about Mallory and Harriet.

"Mr. Thompson," his assistant, Ruby, greeted him warmly as she handed him a folder filled with the day's agenda. "You have a meeting with the board at 10, lunch with the marketing team at noon, and a dinner reservation with Ms. Hudson this evening."

"Thank you, Ruby," he replied, his voice betraying the weariness that had settled in his bones.

Harris found it increasingly difficult to balance his obligations to his family and his arranged engagement to Nicole with the yearning in his heart for Mallory, who had captured his soul with her kindness and sincerity. Whenever he closed his eyes, her image haunted him – her radiant smile, dark chestnut curls that framed her face like a halo, and those deep brown eyes that seemed to see right through him.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Thompson?" Ruby asked concern etched on her face.

"Of course," he replied, forcing a smile. "Just a lot on my plate, that's all."

"Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can do to help," she offered, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

"Thank you, Ruby. I appreciate that."

His engagement to Nicole was a constant source of tension in his life. While they had been engaged for years, the thought of marrying her felt like a noose tightening around his neck, suffocating him. Their relationship was more about power and obligation than love, and it showed in every carefully orchestrated moment they spent together.

During board meetings, Harris found himself doodling Mallory's name in the margins of his notepad, his mind wandering to the moments they had shared before she left him. He longed to see her again, to hold her close and feel the warmth of her embrace. But he knew that pursuing her would mean forsaking everything he had been raised to believe in – duty, loyalty, and family above all else.

"Mr. Thompson?" Ruby's voice cut through his reverie. "You have a call on line one. It's Ms. Hudson."

"Thank you, Ruby," he said, deep breathing to steady himself before picking up the receiver. "Nicole, how are you?"

"Honey," Nicole purred, her voice saccharine sweet. "I'm just calling to remind you about our dinner tonight. 8 PM sharp at Le Petit Bistro. I forgot to remind you yesterday since I was in haste. Don't be late."

"Of course, Nicole. I wouldn't dream of it," he replied, his tone devoid of emotion.

"Until tonight, my love," she cooed before hanging up. She was extra sweet, unlike when he left Harris's penthouse.

Harris replaced the receiver and stared out the window at the city skyline. His heart ached for the freedom to follow his own path, but the chains of obligation held him firmly in place. The question remained: how long could he continue to live this double life, torn between the woman he was expected to marry and the one who had stolen his heart?

Harris stepped out of his Bugatti in front of Le Petit Bistro. He straightened his navy blue suit jacket, took a deep breath, and braced himself for the evening ahead.

"Good evening, Mr. Thompson," the maitre d' greeted him with a smile, leading him through the dimly lit restaurant to where Nicole sat, impeccably dressed and radiating confidence. As they approached, she stood up and accepted his perfunctory kiss on the cheek, her eyes scanning him with an almost predatory intensity.

"Honey, you're three minutes late," she chided softly, her voice laced with disapproval.

"Apologies Nicole," he replied, sitting across from her. "This day has been nothing short of a whirlwind."

"Your work is always your top priority, isn't it?" Nicole asked, raising an eyebrow. "Five years engaged and still no wedding date in sight. How much longer will you keep me waiting, Harris?"

"Nicole, we've discussed this before," he sighed, rubbing his temples. "There's just been so much going on lately..."

"Like Mallory Phillips?" she interjected, her tone icy.

Harris's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Mallory's name. "What do you know about her?" he asked cautiously, trying to gauge Nicole's reaction.

"Enough," she spat, gripping her champagne flute. "I know she's why you won't commit to our future together."

"Nicole, please," he implored, his face flush with embarrassment. "Mallory has nothing to do with us."

"Tell me, Harris," she hissed, leaning in closer. "Is she the one you truly want? Are you willing to throw away everything we've built together for some fleeting fantasy?"

"Enough, Nicole!" Harris snapped, slamming his fist onto the table. "Our engagement has been dragging on because I'm not sure it's what I want anymore. My life has become a series of obligations and expectations, and I need time to figure out who I am and where I'm meant to be."

"Is that so?" she asked coldly, her eyes narrowing. "You've had five years to figure that out, Harris. Don't you dare use Mallory as an excuse for your lack of commitment?"

"Maybe she's not just an excuse," Harris admitted, his voice barely audible. "Maybe she represents something I've been missing for a long time."

"Fine," Nicole said, her voice trembling with rage. "But don't expect me to wait around while you chase after your little pipe dream. You either commit to our future together or lose me forever."

With that, she downed the contents of her champagne flute, rose from her seat, and stormed out of the restaurant, leaving Harris alone with his thoughts.

As he stared into the flickering candlelight, Harris couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision. Would he ever find true happiness with Nicole, or was Mallory the key to unlocking the life he'd always dreamed of?

Harris knew Nicole was so brave to threaten him, knowing the future of Thompson Group of Companies relies on her family's hands. If only he could make TGC stand independently, he wouldn't have a problem pursuing Mallory. That's the goal he is working on day and night.

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