George Hudson, the influential and powerful figurehead of the Hudson empire, sat in his opulent office, his normally composed demeanor fraying at the edges. The news of Nicole's unexpected statement during her press interview had reached him, and he was seething with anger. The press, his allies, and even his rivals were watching, and he couldn't help but feel that the Hudson family's reputation was hanging in the balance.
In another part of the city, Nicole had finally mustered the courage to break her silence and speak out about the rumors surrounding her engagement with Harris. Nicole's voice was firm and determined as she addressed the press, making it clear that she was not going to let the accusations and assumptions about Harris's character go unchallenged.
After watching the entire statement, George couldn't wait to talk to Nicole and vent his anger to her. He couldn't bear the consequences of their strained reputation.
"Unbelievable, Nicole!" George gritted his teeth. "You know this goes against everything we had planned. I brought you up to understand the importance of appearances, of family reputation. And now, you've thrown it all away."
"Dad, I can't just sit by and let them tarnish Harris's reputation. He's a good man, and I made mistakes. It's time I own up to them," Nicole said, meeting her father's anger with steely resolve.
"You don't understand, Nicole," George said, exasperated. "We had everything under control. We were the ones shaping the narrative, but now you've given them ammunition to destroy us. It was better that you were the victim than the villain in people's eyes."
"I won't be a pawn in your games, Dad. I need to set the record straight," Nicole retorted. She talked back to his father with unwavering determination. Nicole wasn't used to arguing with her Dad, but she had enough.
Their conversation was a clash of generations and values. George Hudson had always been the master of orchestrating situations to his benefit. The preservation of the family name was paramount, and he believed that control was key.
Nicole, on the other hand, was done with living under the shadow of orchestrated lies. She had reached a point in her life where she wanted authenticity, even if it meant jeopardizing her family's impeccable image.
Nicole turned to leave in her room, leaving her Dad in the library with her mom sitting on the couch. 
Anna Hudson, the usually reserved but strong-willed matriarch of the Hudson family, had been following the developments closely, including Nicole's unexpected press statement. She believed it was high time for Nicole to assert her independence and authenticity.
"George, I have to say, Nicole's right in this matter," Anna said with calm determination. "She's an adult now, and she deserves to have a voice in her own life. We can't keep commanding her to act as we want."
"Anna, you don't understand. This is about the family's reputation, our legacy! I won't let Nicole jeopardize everything we've built," George said, fuming in anger, his voice rising.
"I do understand, George, but times have changed. We have to adapt. Nicole has her own path to carve, and we should let her," Anna said firmly.
George's face contorted with anger and frustration. His towering ego and the principles he had adhered to throughout his life were now in direct conflict with the changing dynamics of the world and the growing determination of his daughter.
"Anna, I won't obey this," George said in a restrained voice. "I built this empire, and I will protect it. I know what's best for this family."
Anna recognized the unyielding determination in her husband's eyes. George was not a man who easily changed his mind, especially when it came to family matters and their reputation.
"George, I don't expect you to agree immediately, but we need to consider this," Anna said softly. "Times have changed, and we can't hold onto old traditions and expectations." She had to protect their only daughter, Nicole. Anna felt a pang of guilt for not protecting her daughter from her husband's tyranny.
Their conversation hung heavy in the air, the unsolved tension simmering beneath the surface. George might not have openly admitted it, but he knew that the world around them was shifting, and they couldn't control everything as they had in the past. The path Nicole had chosen was a rebellion against the stringent rules of the Hudson dynasty, and the consequences, though uncertain, were already set in motion.
In the coming days, they knew their relationship would be tested like never before. The world watched as their family stood at a crossroads, where secrets and deceptions clashed with truth and authenticity.
Meanwhile, Mallory, exhausted but elated by the success of her business launch, found a quiet moment to sit down with Harris, her eyes reflecting curiosity and concern.
With a gentle smile, Mallory spoke to Harris. "Harris, I couldn't help but think about what Nicole said in her press interview. She mentioned that she made an unforgivable mistake toward you. Can you tell me what she meant?"
Harris hesitated briefly. He had kept this part of his past hidden from Mallory, believing that it was irrelevant to their relationship. However, the honesty in her eyes made him reconsider.
Harris took a deep breath. "Mallory, I didn't want to burden you with this. But, three years ago, when Nicole and I were still together, she did something that hurt me deeply. And I think it was unforgivable."
Mallory listened attentively, her hand reaching out to gently touch his, offering support and understanding. "You don't have to share if you're not comfortable, Harris," she said softly.
"No, Mallory, you deserve to know. Nicole followed Mom's instructions in drugging me so that she could bear a child and would eventually set the date of our wedding. They believed that it would force me to marry Nicole immediately. I always believed in protecting our privacy and keeping our relationship away from the spotlight. After all, I never wanted to be engaged with her."
Harris narrated everything his former nanny told him and all the evidence has shown. It was quite hard for him since he wanted to get rid of all the memories from the photos and videos he had seen.
Mallory's brows furrowed in concern, her expression sympathetic. "Oh baby, I can't imagine how challenging that must have been for you. You've been through so much, Harris," she said compassionately.
"Yes, it was tough, but it's all in the past now. What matters is us and our future together," Harris said with a reassuring smile.
"Now, do you believe me that I never really loved Nicole? It was you all along. You came at the right time but destiny took you away from me. I wondered how our life would be if you didn't leave and we had our baby together. You wouldn't meet Dominic who would only break your trust."
"That's a long story, Harris. Like what you've said, what matters is we are together now and we are stronger for our relationship and for Harriet." 
Mallory leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss on Harris's lips, her touch warm and filled with understanding. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Harris," she whispered. "We'll get through everything together."
Harris's heart swelled with gratitude for the woman in front of him, the understanding and support she provided assuring him that he had made the right choice in sharing this part of his past. Together, they had weathered storms and emerged stronger, bound by a love that could withstand any obstacle.
The thing that has been bugging Harris as soon as he heard Nicole's confession was George Hudson's action. Harris knew that the powerful and influential man wouldn't let their reputation ruin. Nicole's infertility issue would be devastating to George Hudson, and what's more, his daughter admitted to an unforgivable mistake, making her the bad person in the story.
"Baby, I'd like to talk to Nicole about this. Would that be okay with you?"
Mallory blushed thinking that Harris cared so much about her feelings that he asked permission from her. "You don't have to ask permission from me, Harris."
Harris traced a finger on Mallory's cheek. "But I want to. I don't want to see someone jealous for no reason," he teased. 
Mallory rolled her eyes. "Who's jealous? Dream on!" She said and then turned to leave.
Harris thought Mallory was cute when she blushed. He knew Mallory would be quite jealous if he talked to Nicole randomly.