"Harris, is there anything more I need to know? Tell me," Mallory urged.
"I've had my trusted private detective investigate Dominic, and she found out that Dominic was still married when he tried to pursue you in St. David. He just got divorced recently with weekly visiting rights to his children."
Mallory was in shock. "Dominic, is this true?"
Dominic was hesitant at first but eventually admitted. "Yes, Mallory, but please let me explain. It's not what you think it is. My wife then and I were not living together, and we are just co-parenting."
"That doesn't change anything, Dominic. You are still a married man, and you tried to pursue me. You didn't open up about yourself back then. I didn't even know what your job was and where you came from originally. It made all sense now."
"Mallory, I never had the strength to tell you because I was afraid you'd distance yourself from me. At that time, my relationship with my wife was chaotic, and I needed someone who could listen to me, and you were there."
"Listen? You didn't even mention a single thing about your wife, your children, and your family. Dominic, it wasn't fair. You know almost everything about my life, but you didn't care to share about who you really are. How am I supposed to believe you now?"
Dominic was out of words to say but begged in silence, hoping Mallory would show him mercy. Harris, on the other hand, Harris was silently celebrating that Mallory is seeing the real Dominic.
"Mally, I understand that you are hurt, but I need to tell you everything I know," Harris interjected.
"Mallory, don't believe everything he would say," Dominic chimed in. "Harris, stop," he thundered. "Isn't it enough that you ruined our friendship?"
"You did it yourself, Dominic; don't put it on me," Harris retorted. "I am here to protect Mallory and our daughter, Harriet. Don't dream of getting close to them ever again," he said sternly.
Harris shifted to Mallory. "Mally, I've learned that my mom and Nicole were conniving with Dominic. It was them who urged Dominic to attend Harriet's birthday in return for the favors Dominic did to them."
"What favors?" Mallory asked, eager to know what more Dominic was capable of doing behind her back.
Dominic looked at Mallory, his face begging for mercy. Mallory remained resolute.
"Dominic told Mom and Nicole about Harriet. It wasn't me who told Mom and Nicole about our daughter. I would never betray you."
"Dominic, is this true?"
"Mallory, don't believe everything Harris told you. This is his way of saving himself. When he gains Harriet's full custody, he will leave you like other girls before. Harris is known for being a playboy."
"That is between me and Harris. Dominic, you don't have to meddle in our problems."
Harris celebrated in silence, hearing Mallory sort of defending him. "Clearly, you made a mistake in trusting this man, Mally," he said. "But you still have the chance to change that."
"Shut up!" Dominic thundered as he moved close to Harris. "May I remind you again Harris, it was you who abandoned Mallory and your daughter."
"Watch your mouth," Harris said as he threw a punch, hitting Dominic's jaw. Dominic didn't see it coming, so he was hurt badly.
"How dare you say I abandon them. You don't know..." A hard punch from Dominic hit Harris's right jaw before finishing his sentence. Dominic was able to recover quickly and throw a punch. Both men are rubbing their jaws to ease the pain from the hard punch.
Mallory was fast enough to stand in between two men before the scene escalated even more. "Enough!" she shouted. "Harris, stay away from Dominic."
"Dominic, this isn't about Harris. It was my choice not to tell him about our child."
"Mallory, can't you see; he is manipulating you."
Mallory's heart ached with the weight of the revelation. The trust she had placed in Dominic had been shattered, and she couldn't comprehend why he had chosen this path. As the truth of Dominic's hidden identity settled in, she made the hard choice.
"I'm sorry Dominic, you need to stop coming here, and please stop sending me flowers and gifts to Harriet."
"Mallory," Dominic begged. "Mallory, I won't give up on us. Remember what I did for you in St. David."
"Dominic, stop using all the good things you did to me like you are blackmailing me."
"Mallory, I didn't mean it that way. I see now that I was wrong, and my actions have only caused more harm. I'll do whatever you want, just don't do this," Dominic pleaded.
"Dominic, for old time's sake. Please respect my decision."
Dominic had no choice but to leave the mansion with a heavy heart. Harris had a smirk on his face, seeing Dominic leaving his mansion.
Harris and Mallory felt a burden lifted off their shoulders. Little did they know that their journey, now propelled by hope and dreams, would soon be marked by trials of heart and soul, testing the strength of their commitment to each other and the family they cherished above all else.
"Are you okay?" Mallory asked, checking Harris's jaw. There was a red spot right where Dominic's fist landed. "Let me get the first aid kit."
"No, you don't have to. It doesn't hurt that much," Harris pulled Mallory closed and hugged her tightly. He lovingly sniffed her hair. "Oh, you smell so good."
"What are you doing?" Mallory asked, but there was no hint of objection in her body. She leaned her head on Harris's muscular chest, feeling the strength it gave to her. At the moment, she felt secure and needed. "Oh, I miss you so much." But she didn't voice it out.
"I miss you, baby, so much," Harris said, like he could read Mallory's mind. 
Mallory blushed; she unwrapped Harris's arms around her. She was speechless but did understand what Harris meant. She had an internal debate of whether confessing how she felt or not.
But before she could decide, Harris spoke. "Thanks for defending me to Dominic earlier. I'm glad that you've seen his true identity. I was worried about you and for our daughter, having him close to us."
"You don't have to thank me. I said what I think is right. It was hard for me after believing Dominic was a true friend for such a long time. For now, we have to move on from this chapter and focus on Harriet."
"Of course," Harris agreed.
Mallory nodded. "By the way, Heidi and Scott are inviting us for their baby shower," Mallroy said, trying to divert the topic to a lighter side.
Harris couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. It had been a while since they'd had a chance to relax and attend a party together, especially with their close friends.
"That sounds wonderful," Harris replied with a warm smile. "It'll be great to catch up with David and Amanda, and with Scott and Heidi. And it's a perfect opportunity for Harriet to spend time with other kids as well."
Mallory nodded in agreement. "Yes, exactly. Plus, Heidi and Scott are like family to us, and we wouldn't want to miss celebrating this special moment in her life."
"And it'll be a nice break from all the recent stress," Mallory added, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I've been so focused on my social media venture and Harriet's activities that I almost forgot what it's like to just relax and have fun."
Harris couldn't agree more. "You've been doing an amazing job with your social media presence, Mally. I'm proud of you for pursuing your dreams. You're right, it's important to find that balance, too."
Mallory smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Harris. Your support means the world to me. And I promise, we'll have a fantastic time at the baby shower."
Harris leaned in and gave her a soft, lingering kiss. "I have no doubt about that," he murmured against her lips.
Mallory didn't expect such action from Harris, but still she wasn't mad.
Their moment was interrupted by the sound of their daughter's laughter echoing from the living room. Harriet had returned from playing in the yard.
"Daddy, let's play," Harriet shouted as she came close to Harris and hugged his legs.
"Of course, we will. I miss my sweet girl," Harris said, taking Harriet into his arms. 
"I miss you too, Daddy," she giggled. Harriet kissed her mom before she and her dad went to her playroom.
Mallory was the happiest seeing Harris and their daughter so sweet and close to each other. It was like a dream come true. In moments like this, there is nothing she could ask for.
The next day, Harris arrived at his office with very high morale, which was the effect of spending sweet time with Mallory. But his enthusiasm didn't last long with the news from his secretary, Ruby.
"Mr. Thompson, there are two board members from the Thompson Group waiting in the conference room. They want to discuss your position as chairman," she informed him.
The day had barely begun, and already Harris was faced with a fresh wave of challenges. Harris's jaw clenched in frustration. He had known that his recent troubles with Marian, and Dominic, and the impending drama surrounding his relationship with Mallory would have repercussions. Still, he hadn't expected a direct challenge to his leadership.
"Thank you, Ruby," he said, his voice tight with irritation. "I'll handle it."
As Harris made his way to the conference room, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. It was clear that someone within the Thompson Group was trying to capitalize on his personal struggles and use them against him.