Mallory was exhausted after a day of work as a receptionist and got a call from Harris. And to make it worse, Harris already knows Harriet is their daughter. She didn't say a word and just hung up the phone. Her knees were weak when she sat on the sofa, feeling defeated.
She can talk about the matter with no other person, only Heidi. As soon as Heidi took her call, Mallory sobbed. "What should I do, Heidi?"
"Mally, what's wrong?" Heidi said in shock. "Can you calm down and tell me what's going on?"
"He knows Heidi, Harris knows Harriet is our daughter. Heidi, I can't bear losing my child. What should I do?"
"Oh, God, Mally! I have seen this coming, but we will find ways to deal with this," Heidi said assuringly.
Heidi was supposed to tell about the good news that just happened, but she couldn't since her best friend was getting emotional about the possibility of losing Harriet. She decided to visit Mallory to comfort her and find a solution to the problem.
"Alright, let's come up with a plan," Heidi said, determination in her voice as she leaned forward in her seat, her eyes alight with intensity.
Mallory glanced around the cozy coffee shop they had chosen for their impromptu strategy session. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, creating a comforting ambiance that helped to anchor her amidst the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing.
"First things first," Heidi continued, returning Mallory's attention. "How do you want to approach Harris? Face-to-face, over the phone?"
Mallory considered this for a moment before deciding. "I think it has to be face-to-face. I need to see his expression, gauge his sincerity. But before that, I want to talk to him on the phone and ask when he'll be available to meet," she began. "I realized I couldn't keep running and hiding with Harriet for the rest of our life. Might as well face it as soon as possible."
"Good choice," Heidi agreed, nodding her approval. "And where should this meeting take place?"
"Maybe at the same cafe we first met after 5 years," Mallory replied hesitantly. "Somewhere public, but not too crowded. I don't want any eavesdroppers." She couldn't help but smile wryly at the thought – if anyone had told her a year ago that she'd be plotting a secret rendezvous with a billionaire's son, she would have laughed in their face.
"Perfect," Heidi said, giving her a conspiratorial grin. "Now, what do you hope to achieve from this conversation?"
Mallory took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts as the gravity of the situation sank in. "I want the truth, Heidi," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the quiet hum of the coffee shop. "If there's any chance of us moving forward, I need to know that he'll be honest and transparent with me from now on, especially for Harriet. If he wants to be a father to Harriet, he should agree to my conditions."
"Those are all very reasonable expectations," Heidi reassured her, reaching across the table to give her hand a comforting squeeze. "But remember, you're not just doing this for yourself. You're doing it for Harriet, too. She deserves to know her father, and if Harris is willing to step up and be the man you both need him to be, then it's worth giving him a chance."
Mallory nodded, her resolve strengthened by her best friend's unwavering support. "You're right. I won't let my fears and insecurities stand in the way of what's best for our daughter."
"Good," Heidi said, her eyes shining with pride. "Now, let's figure out the details. We'll need a time, a place, and a plan for how you'll approach him."
As they dove into the logistics of their upcoming confrontation, Mallory couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and courage coursing through her veins. It wouldn't be easy, but with Heidi by her side and the memory of Harris's tender embrace still lingering in her heart, she knew she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
With a deep breath, Mallory looked out the window at the sun setting over the city, casting an orange glow on the buildings. She felt the warmth of the light on her face, and for a moment, she allowed herself to be swept up in the beauty of it all.
"Alright," she said, turning back to Heidi with determination. "Let's do this."
Heidi leaned forward, enthusiasm radiating from her. "So, you'll talk to Harris. I'll watch Harriet so you don't have to worry about her."
"Thank you," Mallory whispered, touched by her friend's unwavering support.
"Of course," Heidi smiled warmly. "Just remember, Mally, no matter what happens, I'm here for you."
As they sat there, planning their approach, Mallory became aware of the steady rhythm of her own heartbeat. It was as if her body reminded her that life would continue regardless of the outcome. She took solace in that.
"Okay, so when you meet him, just be honest about how you feel," Heidi advised, her voice soft but firm. "Make sure he understands what you need from him moving forward."
"Right," Mallory agreed, nodding. "Honesty, transparency, and a real commitment to being a father to Harriet."
"Exactly." Heidi reached across the table, giving Mallory's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You got this."
Mallory exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of her decision settle upon her shoulders. She hoped Harris would rise and prove himself worthy of their trust.
Afterwards, Mallory noticed the diamond ring Heidi was wearing as they were having their coffee. "Heidi?" She got her best friend's attention as she was looking at her pink diamond ring.
"Yes?" Heidi asked, sipping her cappuccino.
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
Immediately Heidi got what Mallory meant, seeing her best friend looking at her engagement ring. "I was supposed to tell you on the phone, but hearing you were emotional earlier, I had to postpone it. And yes, I'm engaged," Heidi proudly flexed her ring.
"Congratulations, Heidi," Mallory stood up to hug her best friend. "I'm sorry you had to postpone announcing this good news. I swear to you, I am the happiest for you."
"Mally, it's not a problem. Let's celebrate this happy event," Heidi said, assuring her it wasn't a big deal.
"Thanks. Let's take a closer look at that ring he gave you," Mallory gently suggested, taking Heidi's hand and examining the engagement ring, still crowning her finger.
The ring was stunning, its design both simple and intricate. The diamond sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the window, casting a tiny prism of colors onto the wall. It was set in a platinum band encrusted with smaller diamonds on either side, giving the whole piece an air of timeless elegance.
"Wow." Mallory whistled softly as she admired the ring. "This is quite the rock, Heidi. Scott must have put a lot of thought into this."
Mallory stared at the ring, her breath hitching as memories of happier times with Harris threatened to overwhelm her. She blinked hard, fighting back tears as she tried to reconcile the man she had fallen in love with and the man who had kept such a monumental secret from her.
"You deserve all the happiness in the world, Heidi," she hugged her best friend again before returning to her seat.
Mallory took a deep breath, determined to face the uncertainty ahead. Yet, a part of her couldn't help but wonder if she and Harris would ever be the same, just like Heidi and Scott.