A Bad Influence

Mallory couldn't help but notice the house helpers engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes darting in her direction as if trying to conceal their words. The atmosphere grew tense as she passed by, and the only audible sound was the familiar voice emanating from the large smart TV in the living room. On the screen, a man's hand gently rested on a woman's waist, their affectionate gazes locked onto each other. Microphones were aimed at them, and the press bombarded them with questions. "So, when would be the big day? Have you had a date set?" A reporter inquired, curiosity evident in their voice. "We will let you know when we already have it. Thank you so much for your time. Have a great day!" Harris replied with a polite smile, leading Nicole away from the inquisitive reporters. But the press wasn't done. A persistent reporter interjected, "Hey, wait! Can we have a kiss? For the people doubting about your relationship. Show them how strong your relationship is after 5 years of being engaged." The other reporters joined in, urging them on, their voices united in a chorus of curiosity. Harris kissed Nicole on her lips, quick yet gentle. Mallory watched the television screen, her heart sinking with each passing moment. She couldn't hold the sight of Harris kissing Nicole. The reporter's question about the wedding date had struck her like a dagger to the chest. She had hoped, against all odds, that there might still be a chance for her and Harris to have a future together as a complete family with their daughter, Harriet. Harris's response, polite as it was, left Mallory devastated. The anticipation she had held onto, the dreams she had allowed herself to entertain, all seemed to shatter in an instant. She had imagined their little family, with Harriet at the center, sharing laughter and love, but now it felt like a distant fantasy. Tears welled up in Mallory's eyes as she turned away from the TV, unable to bear the sight of the man she loved moving further away from her grasp. She couldn't help but wonder if Harris truly intended to marry Nicole or if there was still a glimmer of hope for their love to rekindle. The uncertainty weighed heavily on her heart, and she couldn't shake the feeling that their story was far from over. As Harris went home early that afternoon, the fallout from the staged interview began to have a real impact on him. Mallory was distant and didn't even greet him when he got home. Harris found Mallory in the living room alone, reading a book. "Mallory," Harris began, his voice soft and cautious, "I couldn't help but notice that you've been distant since I got home." Mallory avoided his gaze, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the book. "I saw it, Harris. The interview with you and Nicole." Harris sighed, running a hand through his hair. He hadn't expected Mallory to watch the interview, considering her disinterest in television. "I didn't think you'd see it." Mallory finally looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions—hurt, disappointment, and anger. "Why, Harris? Why did you do it?" Harris shifted closer to her, wanting to bridge the emotional gap between them. "I did it to protect you and Harriet, Mallory. I thought that if people saw that I'm still 'engaged' to Nicole, they would stop pestering you." Mallory's voice trembled as she spoke, her vulnerability showing through. "But, Harris, it felt like you were confirming that we're just... an affair, a secret." Harris reached out to gently cup Mallory's cheek, his thumb wiping away a stray tear. "Mallory, I promise you, that was not my intention. I never wanted to hurt you." Mallory leaned into his touch, her eyes closing momentarily. "It just... it felt like you were choosing her over us," she admitted. Harris's heart ached at the thought of Mallory doubting his commitment to their family. "Mallory, I choose you and Harriet every single day. Nicole means nothing to me. That interview was a facade, just a show for the public. I asked Nicole to do the interview so the press would stop releasing more issues." Mallory looked up at him, her eyes searching for sincerity. "Harris, I can handle the rumors, but I can't handle feeling like a secret." Harris nodded solemnly, his grip on her cheek firm but gentle. "I promise, Mallory. I'll never put you through something like that again. You and Harriet are my priority, and I want the world to know that. But this is not the right time." Tears welled up in Mallory's eyes. Harris closed the distance between their lips but Mallory avoided it. "I love you, Mallory. Always." "Harris, as you've said, this is not the right time," Mallory said, wiping her tears. While they were in the living room discussing, Harriet came home from school. Mallory noticed Harriet looked downcast, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a sense of sadness. "Harriet, sweetheart, what's bothering you?" Mallory asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. Harriet sighed, her eyes welling up with tears. "Mommy, my friends at school, their parents won't let them come over and play with me." Mallory's heart ached as she exchanged a worried glance with Harris. She had anticipated that their situation might affect Harriet. The atmosphere in the room had grown heavy after Harriet's revelation about her friends at school. Harris couldn't ignore the tension any longer. Harris spoke softly, his voice filled with concern. "Why, sweetheart? What did they say?" Harriet hesitated, struggling to put her feelings into words. "They said that Mommy is not a good influence," she said, facing her mom. "They said you're… you're Daddy's other woman." Mallory's eyes welled up with tears, and she pulled Harriet into a comforting hug. "Oh, Harriet, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. It's not fair to you. How could they say such a thing to a 4-year-old girl?" Mallory said, fuming in anger. Harris's expression grew stern, his protective instincts kicking in. "Harriet, we'll talk to your school and your friend's parents. We'll make them understand the truth. Your mommy is not anyone's 'other woman.' She's the love of my life." Harriet looked up at her father, her eyes searching for reassurance. "Daddy, do you love Mommy more than anyone else?" Harris smiled warmly, cupping Harriet's cheek with his hand. "Yes, Harriet. Your mommy is the most important person in my life. I love her more than words can express." Mallory couldn't help but tear up at his words, feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude. She knew that their journey had been filled with challenges, but moments like these made it all worthwhile. Harriet hugged both of her parents tightly, her heart filled with a sense of security. "I love you both so much. And I don't care what anyone else says." Mallory and Harris exchanged a glance filled with determination. There might be misunderstandings and mishaps in their relationship but when it comes to Harriet, they can set it all aside for Harriet's sake. Harris won't let it pass without confronting the parents and investigating if his daughter is safe in her current school. To be able to enroll Harriet in a new school he needed to pay the management. He wouldn't let all the money he spent on them go to waste.