Harris nodded. "Yes. My mom and Dominic are behind this. They believe it will weaken the Hudson family's resolve and perhaps force Nicole to reconsider her decisions."
Mallory's heart ached for Nicole, knowing how painful such revelations could be, especially for a woman like her. "That's terrible, Harris. Nicole doesn't deserve this."
Harris took Mallory's hand, his grip gentle yet firm. "I know, and it's tearing her apart. But you must not worry too much about it. George Hudson, her father, won't let this slide. He'll act swiftly to protect his daughter and the family's reputation. That's one of the things I love about you. Despite what Nicole did to you, you still have a soft spot in your heart for her."
Mallory gently pulled her hand and crossed her arms. "As a woman, I feel her pain. There's nothing wrong with being a sympathetic person."
"Definitely! You are a good person, Mally." Harris traced a finger on Mallory's face, making her blush even more. The cold wind of suck did nothing to help her warm cheeks.
Harris loved how he was able to affect Mallory in a certain way. He knew Mallory still loved him and he would never stop pursuing her.
Mallory cleared her throat which snapped Harris out of his reveries. "You seem to know a lot about what's going on, Harris."
He offered her a small smile. "I've spent years navigating the intricacies of my family's dynamics, especially my mother's schemes. I learned to anticipate her moves. She's a narcissist, Mally. Only thinks about herself."
Mallory nodded, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "Well, we'll face whatever comes our way together, Harris. In case Dominic gets back to me after cutting our friendship, I am ready. I wouldn't back down, especially for Harriet."
"Me either, Mally." Harris was filled with gratitude for the woman by his side. He couldn't help but feel a surge of love for Mallory, who had stood with him through thick and thin. "Thank you, Mally. Knowing you're here with me makes everything more bearable."
"Mommy, Daddy," Harriet called out. It took Mallory and Harris out of their reverie. "I'm done playing. Can we come inside and eat? I'm hungry," she said, pouting her lips.
"Oh, sweetie, come on, Daddy will take you inside," Harris knelt down to get Harriet out of the swimming pool.
Inside the mansion, the warm, inviting aroma of dinner preparations filled the air. Mallory, wrapped in a cozy kitchen apron, was busy at the stove, tending to a bubbling pot of spaghetti sauce. Harriet sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and chattering animatedly about her day.
"Mommy, I had so much fun in the pool today!" Harriet exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. She'd already changed into dry clothes and her hair was wrapped in a towel turban.
Mallory couldn't help but smile at her daughter's enthusiasm. "I'm glad you had a great time, sweetheart. Now, let's get you something to eat. You must be starving."
Just then, Harris walked into the kitchen, looking fresh and relaxed after changing into casual attire. He leaned against the kitchen counter, a fond and contented expression on his face as he watched Mallory and Harriet interact.
Harriet hopped off her chair and ran over to Harris, her tiny arms reaching up. "Daddy, will you help me set the table?"
Harris scooped her up effortlessly, chuckling. "Of course, Harriet. You know I'm the best table-setter in town."
Harriet giggled, her laughter ringing through the room, and Harris carried her over to the dining table. As they worked together to set the table, Mallory couldn't help but feel a deep sense of warmth and gratitude. This was the kind of family life she had always dreamed of for Harriet.
Although they have house helpers to do the tasks, Mallory asked Harris to let Harriet experience doing things on her own for her to become independent. They have agreed to it and sometimes, they do kitchen chores together. Mallory wasn't wrong, since then, the kitchen chores are one of their family bonding.
Dinner was a joyful affair, with plates of steaming spaghetti and laughter filling the dining room. Harriet entertained them with stories from her swimming class, and both Mallory and Harris listened with engaged attention, their gazes often meeting in silent understanding and shared love for their daughter.
After dinner, they gathered in the cozy living room, and Harriet settled down with a book. Mallory and Harris shared a comfortable silence, the kind that came from being together for so long. It was a moment of peace, a pause in the rush of life, and they cherished it.
As the evening wore on, Harriet's eyelids grew heavy, and she eventually drifted off to sleep on the couch, her book still in her tiny hands. Harris gently scooped her up and carried her to her room, tucking her in with a goodnight kiss.
Harris headed to his office after tucking Harriet to bed to continue working on the business merger with Steele Enterprises while Mallory was in the living room, finalizing the Scented candle names for her online business. After finishing her tasks she thought of bringing Harris a cup of coffee but she hesitated.
Two hours had passed when Mallory finally gave in. The massive wooden doors to Harris's library creaked softly as Mallory pushed them open. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of antique lamps casting a warm ambiance over the countless rows of books that lined the shelves from floor to ceiling. It was a sanctuary of knowledge, a place where Harris found solace and inspiration.
Harris was hunched over his mahogany desk, surrounded by stacks of documents and a laptop that emitted a soft, bluish glow. His fingers danced across the keyboard, navigating through spreadsheets and reports with precision.
Mallory approached him with a quiet grace, her footsteps barely making a sound on the plush carpet that adorned the floor. She watched him for a moment, marveling at the dedication etched into his features. Harris was a man of unwavering determination, and it was one of the many things she admired about him.
She cleared her throat softly, and Harris glanced up, a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes before it softened into a warm smile as he saw Mallory standing there, holding a steaming cup of coffee.
"Hey," Mallory greeted him softly. "I thought you might need a little pick-me-up."
Harris's smile widened as he reached out to accept the cup. "You're a lifesaver, Mally."
She took a seat in one of the plush leather armchairs opposite his desk, her gaze never leaving him as he took a sip of the coffee. The rich aroma filled the room, adding a comforting layer to the already cozy atmosphere.
Harris finally took a sip of the coffee, his expression softening as he met Mallory's gaze. "Thank you for this," he said, indicating the coffee cup. "This means so much to me. So good, just what I needed."
Mallory nodded, her eyes filled with warmth and admiration. "You don't have to thank me, Harris. You're working hard, I'd like to help even in a little way. I don't want to live here rent-free."
"You don't have to, if this is about giving back everything I spent for you and Harriet in this house," Harris said, a little disappointed. He was expecting it was out of love and care for him.
"I want to do it too, for you," Mallory stammered, a soft smile on her face.
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, it was as if the library held its breath, encapsulating the unspoken emotions that passed between them. They sat there together for a while, not needing words to express the feeling of contentment that enveloped them.
Harris walked fast and stood up close to Mallory, taking a moment to appreciate the woman before him. "I couldn't have asked for a better partner in this journey, Mally. I love you."
Mallory's heart skipped a beat, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. "I love you too, Harris. And I believe in you, in us."
"Say that again," Harris urged. He bent down, his face closed to Mallory.
Mallory hesitated but eventually gave in. "I said, I love you," she said, finally.
Harris cupped Mallory's face, not needing any permission. Their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss, a silent affirmation of their love and unity. It was a kiss filled with tenderness, a promise that no matter how busy life became, they would always find solace in each other's arms.
As they pulled away, Harris caressed Mallory's cheek with his thumb, his eyes locked onto hers. "You're my rock, Mally," he whispered. "I couldn't do any of this without you."
Mallory smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "And you're my inspiration, Harris. I believe in you, and I'll always be here to support you."
Harris owned her lips again. Mallory's actions were becoming increasingly passionate, her lips searching for an entrance to his mouth. The same feeling she felt whenever they kissed. A fire had been lit within her, making her feel bold and unafraid. She wanted nothing more than to lose herself in the moment and drown out any other thought.