Mallory nods, admitting she is still in love with Harris. "I even hate myself for it. After 5 years, I am the same fool, madly in love with the man who lied to me."
"Don't you think that Harris could be telling you the truth? I mean, think about it. Why would someone like him waste his time pleading to give him a second chance?"
"Heidi, how can I trust him after what he did to me? And besides, I can only think about Harriet's welfare now, not my selfish whims," Mallory said sternly. "But there's one thing I haven't shared with you, Heidi," she said hesitantly.
"What is it? Is this about Harris?"
"No, not him. This is about Harriet. She has recently been vocal about having a father figure and having a complete family. And it breaks my heart, Heidi," Mallory's voice faded.
"Oh, Mally, our baby girl has grown up way too fast. I understand your concern about protecting her from Harris's mother, but we cannot ignore Harriet's need for a father."
"Yes. I just don't know what to do anymore," Mallory said desperately.
"Mally, come here," Heidi pulled Mallory closer to hug her. "You need some time to figure this out, Mally. Your judgment might be clouded by stress; you need to rest. Later on, you must decide whether to let Harris be with Harriet. Whatever you choose, I am with you."
"Thank you, Heidi," Mallory whispered, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"Hey, stop," Heidi replied, reassuringly squeezing her before pulling away. "Things will get better soon. I'm a call away whenever you need me."
Seeing Harriet peacefully sleeping, Mallory felt the need to protect her, especially since she would attend school in the city soon. Will children bully Harriet for not having a father? She couldn't afford to see Harriet cry. The thought of Harriet hurting and crying made Mallory consider introducing Harris to Harriet's life. But the looming threat of Marian Thompson getting her daughter away bombarded her.
Maybe she can tame Harris not to take her daughter, but Marian is a different story. Mallory carefully researched Harris's mother and learned that Marian is ruthless. She was known for being a socialite of a billionaire husband, Harrison Thompson. After the passing of her husband, she had Harris under her control to maintain their prominent status.
Mallory pities Harris for having a mother like Marian. Harris wasn't lying when he said the engagement with Nicole was choking him. They may have all the luxuries in life, but the consequences are far more significant. It looks good outside but rotten inside. Her heart twitches in pain, thinking of Harris's face in the cafe. He was hurting, pleading, and begging for a second chance.
He must think I was heartless. "I'm sorry, Harris," she muttered. "I had to protect Harriet, our daughter."
Days after his emotionally charged conversation with Mallory at the cafe, Harris couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that Harriet could be his daughter. When he mentioned Harriet to Mallory, she panicked, intensifying his curiosity. He cannot let the thing go and must know the truth before dropping the case.
His heart raced as he dialed the number of a renowned private investigator. He needed to know the truth.
"Mr. Thompson, I have the information you were looking for," Jane said. Harris gripped the edge of his desk, bracing himself for what was to come. "Harriet Phillips, born four years ago. She's your daughter, sir," she said without hesitation.
"I have learned that Mallory had never had a relationship with another man after he left 5 years ago. Many men were interested in her; some she dated, but none was a serious relationship."
Hearing it from Jane, Harris celebrated in his thoughts. Since Mallory didn't have a boyfriend after she left, he could make Mallory fall in love with him again. With Mallory in his mind, he grinned like a fool.
"This is a piece of great news, Jane. Nice work. You don't know how much this information means to me."
"I am happy to help, Mr. Thompson."
Harris's chest tightened, and a warm, overwhelming joy surged. It was true. He had a daughter. The pieces of his life suddenly fell into place, giving him a newfound purpose. But he also knew that this revelation came with a responsibility: winning back not only Mallory's heart but also his daughter's.
And there's one thing that raised his concern. He couldn't let men pester Mallory. "Jane, you said Mallory had men interested in her. Are these men still bothering her?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson, but I didn't gather much information about the men Mallory dated since that wasn't your primary concern when you talked to me. But she got a bouquet of flowers a few weeks after transferring back here to the city, so some of them might still be pursuing Mallory."
"Is that so?" Harris said, raising an eyebrow. "Jane, please give me the list of the men Mallory dated."
"I will, Mr. Thompson."
"Thank you," Harris managed to choke out before hanging up the phone. As he leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, he made a promise to himself. He would do everything he could to win their hearts, no matter the cost. And, of course, get rid of all those men pestering Mallory.
His mind raced with plans and strategies, each more daring than the last. He imagined showing up at Mallory's doorstep with flowers and heartfelt apologies, taking her and Harriet on dream vacations, and building unforgettable memories together. But he also knew that grand gestures wouldn't be enough.
"Actions speak louder than words," Harris muttered, remembering the pain in Mallory's eyes as she left the cafe. He needed to prove to her that he would put them first, even if it meant standing up to his family. "I'll make it up for you, Mallory, and our daughter, Harriet," he vowed.
For the first time in years, Harris felt truly alive. The prospect of a future with Mallory and Harriet ignited a fire within him that he thought had been extinguished long ago. And his determination to win their love grew more assertive with every passing moment.
"Harriet, Mallory," he whispered, as if saying their names out loud would solidify his intentions. "I won't let you down."
Harris knew that the road ahead would be challenging. Winning back Mallory's trust and building a relationship with Harriet would take time, patience, and unwavering dedication. But the thought of having them by his side, sharing in life's joys and challenges, was worth any sacrifice.
Harris clenched his fists with resolve as he paced back and forth in his vast office. And with renewed purpose etched upon his face, he set out to change his life – and theirs – forever. "I can't wait to talk to Mallory and Harriet, my daughter, and start a new life with them."
Before continuing to sign the rest of the documents on his table, Harris took his phone again to call Mallory. Tension intensifies as he waits for Mallory to take the call.
"Harris, I told you not to communicate with me again," Mallory thundered.
"Mallory, wait. I know the truth."
"What truth?" Mallory asked, annoyed. Her heart pounded in her chest to what might Harris was referring to as the truth, and the following words she heard crashed her heart.
"Harriet is my daughter," Harris said, firm and gentle. There was no answer on the other line. And the next thing he heard was a busy tone. Mallory hung up on him.