Chapter5: Starting Over Again

5 years later

Mallory's phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, the cheerful ringtone contradicting the storm clouds that gathered outside the window. She glanced at the screen and felt her heart clench at seeing Heidi's name.

"Hey, Heidi," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady. Harriet was in the next room, playing happily with her dolls, and Mallory didn't want her daughter to pick up on any distress.

"Mally, I don't know how to say this..." Heidi hesitated, her voice thick with emotion. "Your mom...she passed away last night."

Mallory's grip tightened on the phone, and she sank into a chair, her legs suddenly weak. "Oh, no," she whispered, her chest tightening. Her mother had been ill for some time, but the news still came as a shock.

"I'm so sorry, Mally," Heidi murmured, her empathy shining through the line. "The funeral is in three days, back in the city."

"Thank you for letting me know." Mallory swallowed hard, blinking back tears. This wasn't just about mourning her mother; returning to the city meant risking everything she'd built for herself and Harriet. But she couldn't ignore her duty to her family.

"Of course." Heidi paused, concern lacing her words. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Harriet and I will figure it out," Mallory replied, determination settling in her chest. "We'll move into my mom's house for now."

"Okay, good. And remember, I'm always here if you need anything." Heidi signed off, leaving Mallory to face the daunting task ahead.

As she packed their belongings, Mallory tried to focus on fond memories of her mother rather than the anxiety that threatened to consume her. The tiny house was filled with echoes of laughter and the smell of her mom's famous chocolate chip cookies, and she couldn't bear to let it go.

"Mommy?" Harriet appeared in the doorway, her big blue eyes curious. "Why are we packing?"

"Sweetheart, we're going to the city briefly." Mallory chose her words carefully, not wanting to frighten her daughter. "We need to say goodbye to Grandma."

"Okay," Harriet nodded solemnly. "Are we staying at Grandma's house?"

"Yes, baby girl." Mallory managed a smile, ruffling Harriet's curls. "It'll be an adventure, right?"

"Adventure!" Harriet repeated with enthusiasm, bolstering Mallory's resolve.

The funeral was a somber affair, but Mallory held her head high beside her mother's casket, Harriet clutching her hand tightly. She forced herself to focus on the love surrounding them rather than the uneasy feeling of returning to the city where Harris might find them and learn about Harriet. She vowed to do everything she could to keep Harriet from any of Thompson's sight.

As they settled into their new life, Mallory resolved to find work quickly, unwilling to let fear control her actions any longer. She would protect Harriet at all costs, which meant facing challenges with courage and determination.

"Hey, Mally," Heidi called one evening as Mallory prepared dinner. "I saw a job posting for a receptionist at a luxury hotel nearby. I thought you might be interested."

"Thanks, Heidi," Mallory replied, her pulse quickening at the prospect of a new beginning. "I'll check it out. Thanks for all your help."

"Don't mention it. How are you holding up? How's my Goddaughter?""

"Well, I don't have any other choice but to be strong, especially for my daughter Harriet. She's fine, playing in her room. You know I can get through all of these, but there is one thing I am scared of."

"Is it Harris?" Heidi asked hesitantly.

"Yes. Now that I am back with Harriet, I wanna make sure not to bump into Harris again."

"But Mallory, he has the right to know. Have you thought Harriet would have a better life if Harris could provide for her as..."

"No,' Mallory cut her best friend from what she had to say. "I appreciate your help, Heidi. Send my regards to your boyfriend. Have a good night."

"I will. Good luck finding a new job. You deserve the best," Heidi encouraged before hanging up.

Mallory stared at the phone, her thoughts a whirlwind of hope and apprehension. But one thing was sure: she wouldn't let anything stand in her way, not even the specter of her past lurking in the shadows. She owed it to her mother and Harriet to build the best life possible.

The following day Mallory Phillips stared down at her well-worn shoes as she took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead. Her fingers clutched her purse straps, feeling the soft leather that was now frayed from years of use. She needed this job at the luxury hotel more than anything. Five years of hiding from Harris had taken its toll, but now, there was no going back.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Harriet's small voice broke through her thoughts.

Mallory looked down at her daughter and offered a brave smile. "Yes, sweetie. I'm just a little nervous about today."

"Is it because of the big hotel?" Harriet asked, her blue eyes wide with curiosity.

"Something like that," Mallory responded, ruffling her daughter's hair affectionately. "Let's get you to Mrs. Johnson's house before I go to my interview, alright?"

"Okay, Mommy!" Harriet beamed up at her, and Mallory felt a surge of determination. She would do whatever it took to provide for her child.

Mallory couldn't help but think back to her past life as they walked. She had been working as a receptionist in small hotels in the quaint town of St. David, tucked away from city life, hoping to avoid ever being found by Harris. After a month of vacation in St. David, she found out she was pregnant and decided to stay and look for a job while saving for her baby's needs. Mallory was thankful she had small savings and was helpful when she had to stop after having Harriet.

But now, with the mounting living expenses in the city, Mallory knew she needed a higher-paying job. And despite the risks, she wants to apply to work at one of the city's newest luxury hotels.

"Good luck today, Mallory," Mrs. Johnson said as she waved goodbye from her doorstep. Mallory smiled gratefully, watching as Harriet disappeared into the safe embrace of her neighbor's home.

"Thank you," she murmured before continuing on her way.

The hotel loomed large before Mallory, an imposing structure of glass and steel that seemed to pierce the sky. With each step, she felt her heart race faster from excitement and fear. As she pushed open the hotel's heavy doors, she saw herself on the gleaming surface, noting how out of place she looked in her simple attire.

"Can I help you?" A crisp voice asked, pulling her attention away from her reflection.

"Um, yes," Mallory stammered, straightening her posture. "I'm here for an interview. My name is Mallory Phillips."

"Of course, Ms. Phillips," the impeccably dressed receptionist replied as she consulted her schedule. "You're right on time. Please have a seat, and someone will be with you shortly."

As she sat down on the plush velvet chair, Mallory couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water. The luxurious surroundings were a far cry from the small-town hotels she was used to, but she reminded herself that she was a dedicated and hardworking employee – qualities that would serve her well no matter where she worked. She once worked with a big luxury hotel 5 years ago and hoped to do it again.

"Ms. Phillips," a professional-looking woman called out, extending her hand. "I'm Samantha, the hiring manager. Please come with me."

"Nice to meet you," Mallory said, shaking Samantha's hand firmly before following her into a spacious office.

"Have a seat, please." Samantha gestured toward a chair across from her desk, and Mallory complied.

The interview went surprisingly well, with Mallory impressing Samantha with her extensive experience and skills. But even as she walked out of the hotel, her past clouded her thoughts.

"Mommy!" Harriet's joyful shout broke through Mallory's musings. She looked up to see her daughter running towards her, arms outstretched.

"Hey, sweetie," she said as she scooped her into a hug, the lingering fear was momentarily forgotten. "Guess what? I think the interview went really well."

"Yay!" Harriet cheered, clapping her hands. "I knew you could do it!"

"Thank you, baby girl." Mallory smiled, her determination renewed. She's trying to leave her past behind and embrace the future – for herself and her daughter.

Yet, some threats still live in her thoughts. Was it possible Harris had already found her? Would she ever truly escape his shadow?