The sun had begun its descent, casting a warm golden hue over the playground. Harriet got what she wished for the following week. They are supposed to meet every two weeks, but with Harriet's request, they make it every week, whenever Harris can. They arrange a playdate with Harriet's new friends from the park they recently visited.
Harris Thompson sat on a bench, his suit jacket folded neatly beside him, sleeves rolled up as he watched Harriet, his daughter, play amongst the other children. He was captivated by the sight of her laughter and the way her curled hair bounced with every step she took. His eyes showed a pure joy that Mallory Phillips, Harriet's mother, had not seen in years.
Harris then came to play with Harriet when her friends rested. "Higher, Daddy, higher!" Harriet squealed from the swings, her tiny hands gripping the chains tightly.
"Alright, sweetheart, hold on tight," Harris said, gently pushing her higher with each swing.
Mallory leaned against a nearby tree, her heart swelling at the tender interaction between her daughter and the man she loved so deeply. She couldn't deny the happiness it brought her to see them like this, but there was also an underlying fear—a secret that could ruin everything.
They are careful not to take Harriet to places where people might be familiar to Harris as the CEO of Grand Vista Hotel. People are nosy sometimes, which could cause them in trouble.
As Harriet continued to laugh and play, Mallory's gaze wandered around the park. That was when she saw them: several photographers, their cameras aimed directly at Harris and Harriet. Panic rose within her as she realized the implications of this exposure. She had always been careful to keep her relationship with Harris and the truth about Harriet's paternity a secret, but now it seemed their carefully crafted facade was crumbling before her eyes.
"Har—Harris," Mallory stammered, tugging at his arm to get his attention. "Look."
Harris followed her gaze and noticed the photographers. His face darkened, and the playful demeanor he had just moments ago vanished, replaced by a steely determination. "Stay here with Harriet," he instructed, his voice low and steady.
"Wait, what if they find out?" Mallory whispered, her voice laced with concern. "What if they discover that you're her father?"
Harris glanced at Harriet, who was now happily playing with her friends, oblivious to the potential storm brewing around them. He looked back at Mallory, his eyes reflecting the same fear that she felt. "We'll figure it out, Mallory. I won't let anything happen to you or her."
Mallory watched as Harris strode toward the photographers, his jaw set and his eyes unwavering. She knew he would do whatever it took to protect their secret, but she couldn't help but worry about the consequences of their actions. Her heart ached with the knowledge that the man she once loved could be Harriet's savior and her downfall.
As she stood there, her arms wrapped around herself to quell her anxiety, Mallory couldn't help but wonder: was this the price they had to pay for their effort of making Harriet happy? And if so, how much more were they willing to sacrifice to keep their weekly bonding for Harriet's sake?
Mallory's hands tightened around Harriet's tiny fingers, her heart pounding as she watched Harris stride confidently toward the group of photographers. Her gaze flicked nervously between him and their daughter, her thoughts racing with a thousand unspoken fears.
"Mommy, why is Daddy talking to those people?" Harriet asked, tugging at Mallory's hand.
"Um, he's just asking them to be more careful," Mallory replied, trying to sound reassuring despite the knot in her stomach. She crouched down to Harriet's level, her eyes brimming with concern. "Sweetie, you know that people scare me sometimes, especially the bad ones."
Mallory couldn't tell Harriet that she has another grandmother, she might be excited to meet her and play with her. The only grandmother she has to know is her mom who just passed away.
"Uh-huh," Harriet nodded solemnly, her big blue eyes wide with understanding.
"Mommy's worried that those people might try to take you away from us." Mallory's voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear. "But don't worry, okay? Daddy's going to make sure that doesn't happen."
"Promise, Mommy?" Harriet's lower lip quivered, her small frame shaking in Mallory's arms.
"Promise," Mallory whispered, hugging her and kissing her forehead.
Meanwhile, Harris had reached the photographers, his tall figure towering over them as he approached with purpose. "I'm going to need you to delete those photos," he said firmly, his eyes locked onto theirs.
"Who do you think you are?" one of the photographers sneered, trying to stand his ground. "You can't tell us what to do."
"This may change your mind." Harris pulled out his wallet and fished out a wad of cash, holding it up for them to see. "There's enough here to make it worth your while."
The photographers hesitated, exchanging furtive glances. Finally, one of them spoke up, his voice wavering. "Are you… Are you trying to bribe us?"
"Consider it an investment in your discretion," Harris replied coolly, his stare never leaving theirs.
"Alright, fine," another photographer grumbled, snatching the money from Harris's hand. "We'll delete the photos."
"Good choice," Harris said, watching them intently as they deleted the images from their cameras. Convinced they had followed through, he turned and walked back to Mallory and Harriet, his shoulders relaxing with every step.
"Did you ensure those people won't bother us again, Daddy?" Harriet asked as soon as he reached them, her eyes filled with hope.
"Yes, sweetheart," Harris replied, kissing her hair affectionately. "They won't be a problem anymore."
Mallory couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt in her chest as they exchanged relieved smiles. She knew what they did was necessary to protect Harriet, but she also understood that it came with risks. Every day, they walked a delicate tightrope between love and fear, and she could only pray that they would find a way to keep their balance.
Harris sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can't let my mother take Harriet from you, Mally. I won't stand for it." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing.
Mallory couldn't help but admire how he interacted with her; his tenderness was so genuine it made her ache. Despite that there is a place of doubt in her heart.
"Harriet, sweetheart, why don't you play on the swings for a while?" Mallory suggested, her eyes never leaving Harris. Harriet nodded, her curls bouncing as she ran towards the enticing sway of the swings. Once she was at a safe distance, Mallory turned to Harris, her eyes searching for answers. "Why did you do that? What if someone finds out?"
Mallory felt her heart clench, bracing herself for whatever revelation he had. She wanted desperately to trust him, but the shadows of their shared past loomed large between them. "What is it?" she asked, barely able to keep her voice steady.
Mallory's breath hitched, disbelief flooding her senses. She knew, deep down, that she had always suspected as much. But hearing the words out loud, seeing the truth etched on Harris's face, overwhelmed her with a tidal wave of emotions. Her mind raced, replaying every moment they had shared, every glance, every touch, all now tinted with the knowledge of their connection to Harriet.
"Does she know?" Mallory asked, her voice barely audible as she fought to process the revelation.
"No," Harris lied, his eyes filled with pain. "We both agreed it would be best for her if she didn't know."
Mallory stared at him, her heart torn between relief and anguish. She knew what they were doing was necessary to protect their daughter, but the weight of the secret threatened to suffocate her. As she watched Harriet, blissfully unaware, soaring through the air on the swing, she couldn't help but wonder if they were making the right decision. But one look at Harris, his eyes shining with love and determination, reassured her that they were in this together. For now, that would have to be enough.
Mallory's heart hammered in her chest as Harriet ran towards Harris, her curls bouncing with each step. The sun cast a warm glow on the playground, dappling the grass and leaves with flecks of radiant gold. It was an idyllic scene that belied the storm of emotions within her.
Mallory clenched her fists, watching the exchange with love, fear, and uncertainty. She knew that denying Harriet a father figure would only hurt her more, but the truth had the power to shatter their fragile peace. Harris's eyes were gentle yet resolute, and she could see his fierce determination to protect their family.