Harris asked his best friend David Steele to have a drink. He wanted to reconnect with his best friend since they hadn't talked about what was going on with their lives for quite some time. He got them both a VIP room where they won't be disturbed as their bartender served their drinks.
They were not there to get drunk, dance, and party with sexy and beautiful girls they got to take home whenever they wanted. Harris made it clear he wanted to talk to David without disturbance while having a drink.
"Thank you for joining me tonight, David," Harris said, tapping her best friend's shoulder. "I miss hanging out with you."
"I miss hanging out with you too. I think you were busier than me. You look like you lack sleep." David first noticed it when he spotted Harris at the club.
"You were not wrong. I had too much on my plate, not just business and engagement with Nicole but also my family."
"You mean your mom? Is she bugging you again to set a date for your wedding with Nicole? That's not surprising at all. Since you had that engagement, she's been bugging you to set the right date," David shrugged his shoulder like it was not a big deal.
"No. It's a lot more complicated than that," Harris began. "But I want you to keep this thing between us," he pleads earnestly.
"Oh, why do you sound so serious right now? What is this all about?" David said, sipping on his martini.
"First, I want to apologize for the last time I went to your office and was rude. It wasn't supposed to happen; I was carried away by my emotion about seeing Mallory again." He sipped his jack on the rocks, hoping it would help ease the stress he's been dealing with for days.
"Oh, forget about it. I didn't take it personally. How was Mallory, by the way? Have you talked to her?"
"I did," he nodded. "And I'm gonna tell you what it is. David, I have a daughter with Mallory. I'm a father now, David," Harris rejoiced as he said.
David almost chokes on his drink, hearing Harris's confession. "Harris, are you trippin' on me?" He froze for a second. "Buddy, that's not a good joke."
"I'm not joking, David, and I want you to keep this thing between us, okay?" Harris said firmly.
"Oh, God, you're not joking. Harris, how come? When Mallory left 5 years ago, she was pregnant?"
"Exactly," Harris confirmed.
"Harris, forgive me, but why do you trust that woman so much? The child could be from another man," David said gently. Avoiding another conflict with his best friend. He doesn't want to be misinterpreted again, just like the incident in his office.
"I trust her, David. I still love Mallory after all these years. Besides, I have an investigator checking everything I need to know about what happened after Mallory left 5 years ago."
"That's good to know. But I'm still in shock. Harris, having a child is such a big responsibility. Are you sure you're adding another responsibility other than what you already have? Look at you," he pointed at Harris. David emphasized how Harris looked physically. "Harris, you badly need more sleep." He genuinely cares about his best friend's welfare.
"David, you won't understand until you become a father yourself. The first time I saw Harriet's photo, I felt the connection instantly. I knew she was my daughter."
"Harriet. Is that your daughter's name?"
"Yes," Harris confirmed proudly.
"Does Mallory name your daughter after you? Harris and Harriet is quite a rhyme."
Harris chuckled. "Now that you mention that, I will ask Mallory if she names Harriet after me."
"You should. So, how was the visiting rights agreement? Are you giving Harriet your last name?"
Harris scratched his nape, easing his tension. "Actually, that's the problem I want to discuss," he gulped on his drink. "The first time we met, Mallory denied that Harriet was my daughter. And after confirming with my investigator that Harriet is my daughter, I called Mallory, but she hung up on me when I told her I already knew the truth."
"So, she doesn't want you in her daughter's life. Why?"
"That's exactly what I want to know. Though I already have a hint since I was adamant about us getting back together, she always rejects me because of what I did 5 years ago."
"Oh, I see. You hid your identity back then, so I couldn't blame Mallory for not trusting you. And maybe, she is scared that you'll get her child. That's probably why she hung up on you, Harris," David said when the realization hit him.
"That could be David, but I still have to be sure. I don't know how to reach out to her and talk without her getting pissed at me. I don't want Mallory to be mad and curse at me. David, I still love and care so much about Mallory."
"I see that," David nodded, seeing how desperate his best friend was in his current state. "Harris, are you sure about this? What if your mom and Nicole learned about your daughter with Mallory? How would you deal with it?"
"I'd rather not think about it now and just deal with Mallory and get our daughter's heart. That's all that matters to me now, David."
"I understand, Harris, but I have to remind you. Sooner or later, you'll have to face the consequences of all your actions, which would be significant." David was compassionate toward his best friend, knowing they both had the same fate in getting married. They don't have much choice and control over who they marry as their parents want to maintain prominent status beginning with their great-grandparents.
"I know, David. I know," Harris said almost in a whisper.
"This is why I don't settle for women and enjoy myself while I can."
David has been a known playboy ever since they were in high school. He changed girlfriends like he changed clothes. Enjoying his freedom while he can. One day when he will be forced to marry a rich woman he doesn't like, at least he enjoyed his single days.
Harris used to have that image, too, until Mallory came and changed how he treats women. That's what Mallory taught him after he was treated like a normal human being. He craved that feeling of being an ordinary guy who could be like everyone else, with no responsibility, just a boyfriend to the most beautiful woman he had known.
"You can't blame me for wanting to be with Mallory, especially since we have a daughter now. You know what I've been through, David."
"Yes. That feeling that someone treated you like an ordinary guy, not someone they can possess and have like property. She treats you like a man, loves you for who you are, cares, and adores you."
"It's been a while, isn't it?" Harris asked David, referring to his ex-girlfriend, whom he treated right. The one he genuinely loved, but he had to leave her for his family and their business.
"Yes." David gulped his drink before turning to Harris. "Buddy, have you considered letting Mallory and Harriet live peacefully without you? Wouldn't it be better?"
"David, your situation differs from mine," Harris said firmly. "Mallory and Harriet, they are worth fighting for."
"I get that. But you have to consider when your mom finds out about Harriet, she will have you get her full custody, leaving Mallory in despair. Is that what you want?"
Harris froze, realizing David had a point. What David said would be precisely how he pictured her mom would react if she learned about Harriet. And he didn't think much about it since he was busy getting Mallory and Harriet's hearts.
Their night ended, both drunk but sane enough to be able to drive. Harris was still reeling from what David had told him in the club. Is he doing the right thing for Mallory and Harriet? Is he selfish for wanting to get them both despite the threat they might face in the future? Will he be able to protect Mallory and Harriet? These questions disrupt the goals he already has for his own family. Which one is best for Mallory and Harriet? Letting them go or chasing after them and fighting for them to be a complete family.
As he got to his penthouse, Harris was startled to see Mallory's name sparks on his phone screen. "Mallory? You called," he answered immediately. Happiness was evident in his voice.
"Harris, listen, if you have time tomorrow. Let's talk."
"Sure. I'll make time for you. Tell me the place, and I'll be there." All his doubts and fears subside after hearing Mallory's voice. He would fight for Mallory and for their daughter, Harriet.