Typical Complete Family
After cutting ties with the Hudson Group and ending his engagement with Nicole, Harris knew that making a public announcement about it was a necessary step to clear the path for his future with Mallory and Harriet. He wanted to do it through a carefully crafted social media post, avoiding the intrusive questions of a live interview that could stir up unnecessary drama.
As the day of the announcement neared, Harris and his social media team worked diligently to prepare the statement. The post was a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for the time he had spent with Nicole and acknowledging the support of the Hudson family. He emphasized that their paths had diverged over time and that they had both grown in different directions. The message conveyed respect and maturity, which he hoped would minimize any negative fallout.
He let his secretary talk to Nicole about the plan and she agreed without hesitation. Nicole was obviously trying to compensate for the mistake he made to Harris years ago.
The day finally arrived when Harris was ready to make the announcement. He had decided on a peaceful Sunday morning to ensure maximum reach and minimal media attention.
"Harris, are you sure about this?" Mallory asked, preparing for their time together with Harriet. They see to it that they spend time together for Harriet to see that she has a Mom and Dad just like a typical complete family. As Harris has a hectic schedule, they can do it once a month.
After the official statement of ending his engagement with Nicole, Harris wants to make a public post about them spending time together like a typical family.
"I've never been so sure in my life," Harris held Mallory's hand. "You and Harriet are the most important persons in my life. I want to make a stand today that both of you are my priority. Even if you are not fully committed to me yet, it doesn't matter," he said sincerely.
"Alright, let's do this."
With Mallory and Harriet by his side, they took a family photo, a symbol of their unity, resilience, and love. Harriet held her new puppy, a gift from Harris to solidify their bond as a family. The post was carefully worded and accompanied by the family photo, and it went live on Harris and Mallory's social media profiles.
Almost instantly, the responses started pouring in. Friends and well-wishers left supportive comments, praising the family's strength and resilience. Some media outlets picked up the story, but the absence of sensationalism in the announcement made it less of a headline-grabber than it could have been.
Nicole, on the other hand, posted a brief statement of her own, expressing her understanding and acceptance of the situation. She wished Harris, Mallory, and Harriet well in their future endeavors. It was a graceful response that diffused potential tensions.
However, the press went into a frenzy, reacting vehemently to the joint statement made by Harris and Nicole formally ending their engagement. Speculations and theories began to swirl, suggesting that Harris might not have been faithful during their engagement.
The press was able to corner Nicole during one of their company events. Nicole, always composed, responded swiftly to the rumors. "Harris and I have ended our relationship on amicable terms," she asserted. "We remain good friends even after the breakup, and there is no animosity between us."
Despite Nicole's statement, the issue keeps circulating on news and social media portals. As the news broke of Hudson Group officially terminating the merger with Thompson Group, the rumors intensified. The implication was clear—perhaps the engagement hadn't ended as smoothly as Nicole claimed.
Harris seethed with anger as he watched the media circus unfold. These relentless issues not only tarnished his reputation but also had a direct impact on Mallory and, more importantly, their daughter, Harriet. It was a mess that Harris couldn't allow to continue.
Amidst the chaos, Harris began to connect the dots. He hired his trusted private detective, Jane, to investigate the matter. While Jane was working, another team showed the result of their investigation about Dominic.
To his surprise, Harris discovered that Dominic was the CEO of News Hubb Plus, a media company known for publishing sensationalized rumors and gossip. His heart sank as he realized that one of the websites under this media umbrella had been releasing rumors about him and Mallory, further fueling the ongoing drama since the photo in the park leaked.
After further investigations, they found that the photo leaked came from their company. Harris suspected that Dominic had him and Mallory spied even from the very start.
But there was more to uncover. Harris's investigative team unearthed another startling fact about Dominic. He had recently gone through a divorce and was now living alone in his house, with only weekly visitation rights to see his children. The revelation struck a chord with Harris. This means while in St. David, he was still a married man yet he tried to pursue Mallory. What a despicable man.
As the days passed, Harris's unease about Dominic's involvement in Mallory's life continued to grow. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this man than met the eye. So, he did what any protective man would do.
Unable to contain his frustration and the need to confront this situation head-on, Harris decided to meet Dominic privately. He reached out, requesting a meeting at a nearby café, hoping that a face-to-face conversation would shed some light on the situation.
When the day of their meeting arrived, Harris couldn't help but feel a storm of emotions churning within him. He was determined to protect Mallory from any potential harm, no matter where it came from. As he sat across from Dominic in the dimly lit café, the tension in the air was palpable.
"Harris," Dominic began cautiously, "What can I do for you?"
Harris wasted no time in getting to the point. "Let's cut to the chase, Dominic. I know about your divorce and your current living situation. I also know about your involvement with News Hubb Plus."
Dominic's face tightened, and he took a sip of his coffee, avoiding Harris's gaze. "I see you've been doing some digging. What's your point?"
Harris leaned in, his voice low but filled with conviction. "My point is this: I won't stand idly by while you send flowers to Mallory and insert yourself into her life. I won't let you hurt her, intentionally or unintentionally. If you truly care about her, you'll stay away."
Dominic's eyes finally met Harris's, and there was a moment of silence before he responded. "Harris, you don't understand. My intentions toward Mallory are genuine. I never meant to cause any harm or distress."
Harris's jaw tightened as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "Actions speak louder than words, Dominic. If you care about her, you'll respect our relationship and stop sending flowers. I won't hesitate to tell Mallory everything I've found out about you if you don't."