Daddy's Princess

Mallory woke up at 5 in the morning and felt the need to use the bathroom. She slowly peeled off the blanket to avoid waking up Harris. She succeeded in getting out of bed, but she elbowed Harris's wallet on the side table and fell on the floor, revealing the cards on it. She thanked God it didn't create too much noise.

Mallory's eyes widened in confusion, and she picked up one of the cards to check if she was right. She was holding a black card only offered to ultra-wealthy people. The card seemed legit as she rechecked it repeatedly, and Harris Thompson was on it.

"It's impossible," she whispered. "If this is fake. Why would Harris carry a fake black card?"

How would a man working as a hotel room attendant hold a black card? There are only two possibilities she could think of. First, Harris has a sugar daddy issuing him a black card, and second, Harris is rich. But the latter doesn't make sense, as Harris works with her at the same hotel.

And before she could think further. She closed her eyes and poked herself at the realization that Harris had the same last name as the hotel owner. The first time she met Harris, she didn't think about his last name that much as he was just an ordinary guy who could chat and blend in with the rest of the hotel employees.

"No. I don't think this is possible," she muttered. Yet she took her phone for her peace of mind and searched Harris Thompson on every social media she could find. Mallory is not into using social media, even if she has an account. She thinks it's a waste of time. Instead, she would focus on her job and find a new part-time job to achieve her savings goal.

Mallory was shocked that Harris Thompson had no single result on any social media she was in. She tried on a search engine. Her hands were shaking in anticipation as the results were loading. Her jaw dropped to see different women with Harris. She bet they were models and not just models but famous supermodels, and she could recognize some of them.

Mallory is not into fashion, celebrity, or even in the business world. She rarely knew famous and wealthy people, and it was the reason she didn't recognize Harris came from an ultra-wealthy family.

As she looked further, a specific photo caught her attention, leading to an article. "Harris Thompson engaged to Nicole Hudson, an heir to Hudson Group of Companies."

Mallory felt her heart stop as she read the headline. Before she could even process what it meant, her strength seemed to desert her, and all she could do was cover her mouth with her hands in horror. Her legs took her to the bathroom before she even knew what she was doing, but when she got there, instead of feeling relief at being able to pee, sorrow and pain seemed to gush out of her like a river. She wanted to scream for help, but no sound came out.

"Harris is engaged," she said, her voice shaking. "He took advantage of my innocence. I wonder if some of my co-workers knew about Harris' background. I bet they make me a laughing stock." Mallory was raging in anger.

As she exited the bathroom, she found Harris still peacefully sleeping. Despite her anger, she couldn't help but stare at Harris's handsome face like she hadn't seen him before. Mesmerized by the perfect shape of his nose, long and thick eyelashes, same as his dark eyebrows complimenting his face with a defined jawline.

Mallory thought she was God's favorite for giving Harris to her. A perfect example of a gentleman, caring and loving person, and having the masculine body and the most handsome face in the city is a bonus.

She immediately thought of Harris being the groom waiting at the altar while she was marching, wearing a wedding gown made by her favorite fashion designer Elie Saab. Just the thought of it sent butterflies to her stomach. She's a daydreamer. And she thinks Harris is the one for her. She wants to spend the rest of her life with the man sleeping soundly beside her. But after finding Harris's identity, it looks like they are meant for just a one-night stand.

Mallory refused to be Harris' victim and steeled herself against her embarrassment. "Stupid Mallory," she muttered under her breath as she shook her head.

Despite how much she had wanted Harris to be the one, the situation showed that he was far from it. Tears stung her eyes. She looked at the models on her phone and to Harris back and forth. She pities herself. She doesn't belong in Harris's world. It stings Mallory's heart, realizing she and Harris have no future. The dream wedding she pictured of herself and Harris was shattered into pieces.

"Harris, why did you do this to me? Why me?" She muttered in her broken voice. Mallory's heart aches, thinking she trusts and gives everything to Harris, only to be fooled by him.

It's barely two months since Harris started working in the Royal Vista Hotel. They worked together, and it took almost a month before they got closer, but she could still remember how her heart stopped the first she saw him. It was like she was hit by lightning at that moment. She knew they had an instant connection but was shy to get close to Harris.

In an employee's event, they had too much to drink. Harris took advantage of the opportunity to confess to Mallory, and Mallory didn't hesitate to reciprocate Harris's feelings.

A tide of emotion washed over Mallory, and she closed her eyes and let it crash inside her. Her mind wandered back to what happened last night.

"Mally, have I told you that I fell in love with you the first time I laid my eyes on you?"

Mallory felt her cheeks flush so hot she thought they might catch fire. "Yes, you said earlier," she replied, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Guess what? I instantly felt a connection the first time I saw you too."

"Thanks for being honest. It only took some drinks to confess to each other's feelings. Funny, isn't it?" Harris asked as he reached out and clasped Mallory's hand in his.

Mallory chuckled as she nodded in agreement, entranced by the warmth of his skin against hers.

Harris slowly traced a finger down her cheek, and Mallory closed her eyes with a sigh, savoring the sensation and feeling every spark of electricity that shot through her body.

"Mallory, I love you so much. I've been dreaming about this night since the day I first saw you." He whispered tenderly in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Mallory nodded wordlessly, unable to find meaningful words to express how deeply she reciprocated his feelings. "I love you too, Harris," She finally managed to choke out.

An evil smirk crept out on Harris's lips as his blue eyes darkened with desire. "How about you showing me that tonight? Will you?"

Mallory licked her lower lips as she looked at Harris seductively, which Harris took as a signal to kiss his girlfriend. They were both passionate, and the night was filled with moans and whispers of love.

But now, as Mallory looked at Harris's sleeping form, she couldn't help but feel used and betrayed. She felt like a toy that Harris used and then threw away.

Mallory gathered her things and walked out of the hotel room without waking Harris up. She didn't want to see him or talk to him ever again. As she left the hotel, she saw the sign that said "Royal Vista Hotel" and realized that Harris was not just an ordinary hotel employee but the heir to the hotel empire. The realization made her feel sick to her stomach.

Harris woke up without Mallory by his side. "Mally?" he called out her name. "Baby, are you in the bathroom? How about you join me in bed? I don't wanna get up yet," he said, expecting an answer from Mallory.

Still waiting for an answer from Mallory later on. "Baby, come here," he said, sitting on the bed and leaning on the headboard after waiting for Mallory's answer.

Harris squeezed his eyes shut, allowing the image of Mallory Phillips to fill his thoughts. He pictured her soft, light brown hair curling around her face, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled when she smiled. He longed for a world where he could be with her without judgment from his family.

His daydream was cut but still no Mallory by his side. Harris peeled off the blanket showing his fully naked body. He needed clarification as to why there was no answer from Mallory. "Baby?" He went to the bathroom but found no trace of Mallory.

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Took his phone and immediately dialed Mallory's number, but the call was transferred to a voicemail. "Baby, where are you? Please call me as soon as you get this. I'm worried."

Harris sat on the couch and tried to calm himself. Probably Mallory has to run some errands or some emergency, that's why she couldn't answer her phone right now. Mallory is different from the woman who often does a one-night stand. That's what he told himself to help him relax and not worry too much about Mallory.

"There is no way she will run away from me," he muttered. "We both had a great night, and she confessed that she loved me too."

Harris confessed his feelings to a girl for the first time after a very long time. The last time he remembered confessing his love was in high school. He caught himself grinning like a fool with Mallory in his thoughts. That's what love does to a man.

As Harris sat on the couch, his mind drifted back to the night before. They had spent hours exploring each other's bodies, their passion igniting a flame that engulfed them. The memory of her soft skin and how her body responded to his touch made his heart race.

Harris was cut off from his daydream when his phone rang. He took it from the table but was disappointed to see her mom calling instead of Mallory.

"What is it, Mom? It's too early."

"It's past 9 o'clock in the morning, Harris; it's not early. For a businessman like you, this isn't new. You know that. You should be awake at 5 in the morning."

"Mom, I know. But today is my day off from my hotel job as a room attendant. I deserve to rest and pamper myself."

"This isn't about your hotel job. This is about your fiance, Nicole. She wants you to come to an opera concert tonight."

"Mom, stop all this nonsense. I am not engaged, and I don't have a fiance."

"Harris, we've talked about this. Nicole doesn't have company for the concert...."

"Then go with her," he said, cutting her mom to what she had to say. He ended the call angrily.

He ran his fingers on his hair, thinking about his engagement with Nicole. It was his mom and Nicole's parents who arranged it, which was agreed by Nicole. He doesn't even understand why a woman like Nicole, who has a successful career in business, would marry him. It disgusts him to see women who would do anything just to sleep with him, let alone marry him.

Mallory was the opposite of all the women he had. She sees Harris as he is. Not as a billionaire heir who would eventually run his family's group of companies. His life is almost controlled by two strings. At the end of the strings were his mom and his dad, directing every course of his life.

Another call came, and this time it was from his dad. "Dad, are you gonna scold me like what mom did?"

"NO. I need you here in my office right now. We need to talk about some serious stuff."

"What kind of serious stuff are you talking about, Dad? I'm done with all the tasks you asked of me. I've cleaned the toilet, washed dishes, and been a hotel room attendant."

"I get it. You're done with all those tiny tasks. It's time you work in the office."

"Good. Finally, some good news in the morning. So, what are we gonna talk about today?"

"Well, this is about you preparing to take over one of our companies and eventually be able to manage as the chairman of our group of companies. Harris, I'm not getting any younger."

"Alright, Dad, I'll be there."

As his dad hung up, Harris called Alfred, one of the co-workers at the hotel and one of those guys who knew him as the son of the owner of the company he worked with.

"Alfred, I need a favor."

"Sure, Harris. What is it?" Alfred asked.

"Can you check if Mallory was already in the lobby for work? It's just important that I know she's already working."

"No problem. I'll check it out for you in a minute if that's okay with you, Harris. I'm on the 15th floor now for work.'

"Of course. Thank you for this favor, Alfred. Please call or text me whenever you can after checking Mallory."

A few minutes later, Harris got a text from Alfred saying Mallory didn't report to work. Something didn't feel right, and he knew he had to find Mallory, so he quickly got dressed and left the hotel room. He ran down the hallway towards the elevator, pressing the button repeatedly.

As the elevator doors opened, Harris stepped inside and pressed the button for the lobby. The elevator ride seemed to take forever, and Harris couldn't help but worry about Mallory. He felt something wasn't right.

He immediately went to the receptionist, which was supposed to be Mallory's work, but she didn't report for duty. The receptionist was new as he hadn't seen the woman before during his work in their hotel.

"Excuse me," Harris said to the receptionist, "I'm looking for information about a staff member, Mallory Phillips. Could you help me?"

"Sure," the employee replied, eyeing Harris cautiously. "What would you like to know?"

Harris hesitated, his heart racing as he considered his words. "Did she report for duty this morning?"

The employee thought for a moment, frowning slightly. "Mallory... no, she's not working today."

"Did she say anything about why she can't make it today?" Harris asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Sorry, I don't know," the employee shrugged, uncomfortable with Harris's probing questions. "I am new here, today is my first day, and I am not allowed to give employees information."

"Thank you," Harris said, trying to hide his disappointment. Mallory had vanished without a trace, leaving him with unanswered questions and an overwhelming desire to find her.

As he walked away from the hotel lobby, Harris replayed their last conversation. Had she known about his engagement? Was that the reason she left so suddenly? Anxiety gnawed at him, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

He knew he couldn't continue meeting his dad, consumed by doubt and regret about what happened to Mallory. He needed answers, and he needed them now. But how could he find Mallory when she had seemingly vanished?

"Maybe I should've paid more attention," Harris muttered under his breath, his thoughts drifting to their time together. They had shared something special, a connection he couldn't deny even briefly. And now, it felt like a part of him was missing.

He clenched his fists, determination sparking within him. He would find Mallory, no matter what it took. And when he did, he would make things right between them. He will tell Mallory about his true identity. For in his heart, Harris knew he couldn't indeed be happy without her. Mallory is different.

Harris should have noticed how time flew in searching for Mallory. An hour had passed. He got another call from his dad. "Dad, sorry I couldn't come today."

"Harris, where are you? You have to come here now. Whatever you're into right now. Leave it," Harrison commanded.

"Dad, I can't." He cut the call before his dad could talk again.

After a long period of detachment, he found himself deeply in love again and was determined to never let it go. He would do whatever it took for Mallory; she was worth fighting for.

Mallory hurried to her apartment, and because of the noise she made, her best friend Heidi woke up.

"I'm sorry I woke you up," she started removing her shoes and tossing her blazer to her bed.

"What time is it? You weren't home last night. What happened?" Heidi asked, yawning as she leaned over the armrest to look at Mallory better.

"Can I talk to you?"

"Mally, we're talking," Heidi paused when she saw something strange about Mallory. She hurried to Mallory's side to comfort her.

"What was wrong?" Heidi asked, caressing Mallory's back. She knew something was off when Mallory showed up early in the morning. She could tell Mallory had been crying by the look of her swollen eyes.

"It's Harris," Mallory said.

"Who's Harris? Is that your boyfriend? I don't even know that you're dating someone."

"Not a boyfriend," Mallory said hesitantly, "but I hoped it would lead to a serious relationship. Maybe I was just too naive."

"Oh, Mallory, I bet you were serious about... I mean, he made you cry." It's been a long time since Mallory had a serious relationship, so it was surprising for Heidi to see her best friend cry.

"Yeah, and I hate myself to admit it. Why would I expect something so big when we are both from different worlds. I feel so stupid today. It sucks."

"Mally, stop. It's just a man. He obviously doesn't deserve you if he made you cry after your night with him. This beautiful face and soul deserve someone better," Heidi squeezed her best friend's cheeks to console her.

"It's not that simple, Heidi," she pouts. "Harris and I had different connections, we both felt that way, and I hoped he was the one. The first time I met him, I felt we had chemistry, and I was so happy that he made the move last night."

"What move?"

"He confessed that he loved me, and I said I felt the same way too. Heidi, we both had a great night."

"Oh, Mallory, you should have played a little hard to get. Have you not learned your lesson yet?" Heidi was disappointed by her best friend's behavior.

Heidi had known Mallory since freshman year of college, and she was always the naive girl she knew. They have been best friends for so many years and stick together through thick and thin. And she thinks Mallory doesn't deserve to be treated badly as she is a pure sweetheart.

Mallory sighed, looking down at her hands. "I can't believe I fell for him," she murmured.

Heidi put a hand on Mallory's shoulder. "It's okay to feel embarrassed and angry. He didn't deserve you, okay?" Heidi repeated.

"I know," Mallory replied, "but it still hurts. I thought he was different. You know we felt the same connection the first time we saw each other. I felt the chemistry, and he told me it was love at first sight."

Heidi nodded in understanding. "Does it matter now? Tell me what happened, and why did you come home this early, crying? Did he hurt you?" Heidi checked if there were bruises on her best friend's body.

"He didn't hurt me physically. He wasn't even awake when I left him in our hotel room."

"Then why the hell did you leave him? I'm not getting any of this, Mally. You must explain everything that happened after you both had a great night."

It took a while before Mallory spoke again. "Harris had been hiding his true identity from me and other employees. I found out this morning when I woke up to pee, his wallet fell on the floor showing a black card."

"Black card?" Heidi's eyes widened. "What does it mean?"

"At first, I was confused. Why would a man working as a room attendant have a black card on his name?"

"Oh, so he works as a room attendant at the same hotel you work?"

"Yes," Mallory nodded. "While staring at the black card, the realization hit me. He has the same last name as the hotel owner."

"What? You mean Thompson?"

"Yes. So, I had to search for Harris Thompson on every social media I was on, but I got no results. Only when I look at him on the popular search engine did his photos with other women pop up."

"Let me check," Heidi got her phone and searched for Harris Thompson; the results popped up like Mallory told her. "He looks hot, though."

"Heidi..." Mallory rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, Mally. He was working at their hotel as part of his training. Rich people do this to some of their spoiled kids. I even heard some made their kids mop the floor like a janitor. So, now I'm convinced that's what he does in their hotel."

"I thought so. And it was easy for Harris to take advantage of me. He knew he could get away from everything."

Heidi could understand Mallory's feelings of embarrassment and anger. She knew that Mallory was still processing everything and wanted to provide her with the support she needed. She took a moment to think before she spoke. She knew that Mallory was vulnerable and that it was necessary to choose her words carefully.

"But I still think he deserved a chance to explain himself," Heidi argued.

"Heidi, I don't want to be embarrassed and lose my dignity. As soon as I saw his pictures with those supermodels, I knew he would dump me by morning - it was only a matter of time." Mally said with disdain.

"How do you know he would do that? You said there was a connection between you from the first meeting!"

"Yes. Before I knew Harris was Marian and Harrison Thompson's heir. Things changed after that...And besides, he is the kind of man who usually doesn't have trouble finding women to be with. He obviously doesn't need to try very hard," Mally replied bitterly.

"Yes, that's true... Look at him; he looks amazing! Just imagining what it must have been like to experience his soft lips pressing against yours or his strong arms around your body makes me almost drool!" Heidi exclaimed dreamily.

Mally frowned upon her friend's words and sighed heavily. "Heidi, please... Stop talking about him now. Do you know how I pity myself compared to those beautiful and sexy supermodels he was in the photos?"

Heidi gently caressed Mally's back to comfort her and said softly, "Okay, okay...No more crying for this hottie. Let it go now. And stop comparing yourself to those women. Mally, you are beautiful with no comparison. Remember that."

Mallory sniffled, wiping away a tear. "Thank you so much for being here for me, Heidi."

"Of course," Heidi said with a smile, "that's what friends are for, Mally."

Mallory managed a small smile in return. "Do you really think I can move on from this?"

Heidi took Mallory's hand in hers. "Absolutely. It may not feel like it right now because, you know, look at this hottie," Heidi looking at Harris's image on the phone. "But I'm sure you'll come out stronger on the other side."

"Thank you," Mallory whispered, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. "I want to move away from all of this now, Heidi.

Heidi pulled a little distance from Mallory, looking at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"