Fighting For Harriet’s Full Custody

Nicole scoffed seeing Mallory in the living room. 'There you are." 'I'm sorry Madam Mallory, I couldn't stop her," said one of the helpers. 'Madam Mallory, so you're the madam now?" Nicole laughed sarcastically. 'It's okay, Betty. You can leave us alone," Mallory nodded calmly. Nicole and Mallory locked eyes, and the room suddenly grew still. The air was charged with tension as they seemed to weigh one another up like foes in a duel – both measuring their words carefully. 'Did you come here to drag me and my daughter out of this house?" Mallory asked calmly. 'I wish I could do that now, but I know Harris would get mad," Nicole sat on one of the single sofas near her. 'I'm here to remind you that we will soon file for Harriet's full custody. So you better make the most of your time with your daughter because I'll make sure we win," she said with an evil smirk on her lips. Mallory gritted her teeth, looking down at Nicole she imagined kicking her face until she became unconscious. But it's not the right way of dealing with things. She knew Harris would stand with her and Harriet. He promised them he would, so she doesn't have to exert too much effort. 'Is that all you have to say?" Nicole chuckled seeing how confident Mallory was. She knew it was all because of Harris but she was determined to break her spirit. 'Do you think Harris could save you, that's why you're confident you'll keep your daughter? You are highly mistaken." Mallory swallowed a lump in her throat in anticipation of what Nicole was about to say. She prayed in silence that Harris would keep his word. 'Did Harris tell you about our plan of filing for full custody? His mom and I have shared our plans with him." At this moment, all of Mallory's trust in Harris left her body. She thought they could start trusting each other again, but then here comes another lie. Harris keeps her blindsided. Mallory went silent as she felt betrayed. 'What, are you out of confidence now?" Nicole scoffed. Mallory had to make the right decision for Harriet and herself as Nicole and Marian were determined to take her daughter away. She braced herself for whatever comes next now that Harris has lied to her. They could be planning to take Harriet all along. 'People like you love to play games and use your influence. However I have so much advantage in this case, I gave birth to my child, and Harris did nothing for the first 4 years of my daughter's existence. Now that people have brought this on social media I will let them know the truth." Mallory knew that getting the public's sympathy would weigh in on how Nicole and Marian would approach the case as they are in business. People could stop patronizing their products if they are found lying. She could think of ways to prove she's telling the truth even not in court. Nicole held firm despite this, unwilling to back down from her position. 'We'll see about that. How would people believe a CEO's another woman? That's how they see you right now. You are laughable." 'Is that how far you would go just to get Harris's attention? Harris doesn't love you, does he?" Nicole's jaw tightens. 'How dare you say that?" Mallory celebrated in her thoughts. At least she gets on Nicole's nerves. She was so pissed off from the moment she saw her and now she got what she was looking for. 'I am Harris's fiance, and you are just another woman. You're a whore. A dirty woman who is desperate for Thompson's money." 'And do you think I'd be affected by that? That's not how Harris sees me. Nicole, you can't change the fact that the man you love doesn't love you back. 5 years of engagement and still Harris is so madly in love with me." She intended to hurt Nicole to retaliate for the pain she caused by wanting her daughter's full custody. Nicole's jaw tightened even more. 'You bitch," she stood up and went close to Mallory as she lifted a hand. Suddenly, Harris appeared out of nowhere with anger in his voice. 'Nicole, leave at once!" He held Nicole's arms to stop her from attacking Mallory. Mallory was relieved to see Harris putting her first. 'Harris?" Nicole was shocked to see Harris. 'What are you doing here?" 'Need I remind you that this is my house, Nicole?" Harris said, unwrapping his hand on Nicole's wrist. 'What are you doing here?" 'Do you really need to ask me that? I am your fiance, I have the right to be in this place, don't it?" Nicole asked hesitantly. Mallory watched them with amusement. 'You're not allowed here, Nicole. And being my fiance doesn't give you any rights to my properties. We're not married," Harris deadpanned. Mallory has to stop herself from laughing. She knew she was winning. 'That's what you get for coming here unannounced," she whispered. 'Well, this is still Marian's property, Thompson's property, and as her close friend, I am welcome here." 'Nicole, this mansion is in my name, and my mother has no right to direct people to come and visit this place without my permission. Besides, don't try to dismiss the real topic. Why are you here? Do you think I'm blind? You were about to hurt Mallory." 'Harris no," Nicole denied. 'Yes, I was emotional, but I was just confronting her about certain things. But Harris aren't you supposed to be on my side? I am your fiance," Nicole implored. 'Nicole, I want to know the truth," Harris asked impatiently. "Don't bring up our engagement here. What happened between you and Mallory?" Nicole was red as she can be because of humiliation. 'I told her we are about to file for Harriet's full custody," she dropped the bomb in front of Harris. Harris was taken aback, he looked at Mallory who was fuming in anger as she was reminded of their intentions. 'Mally, it's not what you think it is. Listen," Harris begged. He moved close to Mallory while Nicole turned to leave. 'Looks like you have more to discuss. I have to go." With that, Nicole walked out of the door with a smirk on her lips as she briefly looked at Mallory to tease her. She had the last laugh for the day and she got what she wanted. To ruin Harris and Mallory's relationship. "Mally, are you hurt?" Harris gently asked. Mallory shook her head. Despite defending her, still, she was mad at Harris for keeping her blindsided. 'Harris, I'm not ready to talk right now. I'll have to take a shower." She left Harris rubbing his nape out of the disappointment of himself. Harris decided to take things from where it started. He drove to his mom's mansion where he finds Nicole in a conversation with Marian as expected. The two planned on their next move but stopped as soon as they saw Harris. 'What are you doing here Harris?" Nicole questioned him. Harris didn't answer, but he directly went to his mom and said, 'Mom, you and Nicole, need to stop whatever you're planning against Mallory and our daughter. Isn't it enough that you went to Mallory's house without her permission?" 'Harris, it is rightful that we have Harriet's full custody. She is a Thompson, and Harriet should bear that name with her. Besides, we are more of a good influence for your daughter growing up." Harris was startled. He shook his head in disbelief. 'Mom, are you hearing yourself? After what you and Nicole have done, do you consider yourselves a good influence? What good manners is my daughter gonna learn from the two of you? You two are such a disappointment." 'Harris, we are doing what is best for Harriet," Nicole chimed in. 'She has to grow up with her father's surname and a complete family with a good reputation. It would be hard for her to grow up with a life full of controversy. Soon enough, Harriet will realize what is going on with people around her, especially you and Mallory." 'Let us take care of that as her parents. Nicole, what you did earlier was such a disappointment," Harris said sternly. 'Harris, I told you, I am willing to be Harriet's mom. Please think this through." 'Harris, carefully consider Nicole's offer," Marian seconded. 'This is for Harriet's welfare. You never want to lose the chance of giving her the best future she can ever have." 'Harriet is not going anywhere far from Mallory. She is Harriet's mother and the only one who should take care of her. I don't want to have this conversation again." Harris stood up and buttoned his suit, looking down at Marian and Nicole with anger. Who were both still seated, watching him silently. "I must be going," he said softly. His eyes lingered on their faces for an instant longer before turning away to leave them alone.