Chapter 1: Become Darby
Chapter Text
Once again, Harvey had woken up with a hangover — a typical Tuesday for him, actually.
Barely up, the young lawyer left his bedroom and started running on the treadmill in his private gym, which he had set up in his place, one of the many luxuries he had learned to appreciate over the years. Over the years, thanks to his job, he had made enough money to leave the enormous house where his mother and stepfather lived, and move into this spacious place on the Upper East Side.
As he kept running, sweat dripping from his body, the sound of his footsteps beating on the carpet, he was interrupted by someone frantically knocking on the door for a few seconds. Right after pressing the stop button on the machine, he quickly grabbed his towel to wipe his face, sighing deeply, before heading toward the entrance hall. No sooner had he opened the door than he found himself face-to-face with his best friend, who was out of breath and looked like he had run across all of New York.
« Wow, are you okay, bro? »
« You alone? »
« At my own place? Hell yeah. Why? »
« I absolutely need to talk to you, let me in »
As Mike squeezed between his best friend and the doorframe, Harvey chuckled as he watched him unable to help but snort when seeing the blonde looking so comfortable in his place.
He and Mike had met when they were eleven, right after the young boy had moved in with his grandmother following the death of his parents, making him the new kid at middle school. Even though they were opposites, the two boys had immediately hit it off as soon as they sat behind each other in class.
When Mike felt lonely and sad without his parents, those few hours when they would play at Harvey's house, whether it was baseball in his garden or video games in his living room, it made him feel like he was finally having fun and escaping his worries.
As for Harvey, even though he was heavily surrounded — being the most popular kid in school, with a lot of friends and young girls looking at him like he was perfect — he felt like Mike was his only real friend. Meanwhile, Mike was already in the kitchen as Harvey closed the door behind him, following him into the living room, where he watched his friend pour himself a glass of water before he started talking.
« Did you hear the big news? »
« What big news? »
« You're kidding me? »
« Well, tell me instead of looking at me like an idiot »
« Edward Darby »
« What about him? »
« He’s looking for his second »
« What do you mean? »
« Soon, he’ll be retiring, and he’s looking for his successor among the firms he’s merged with »
« You’re fucking kidding me? »
« Nope »
« You mean right now? »
« Yeah »
« Holy shit »
« Exactly. Harv, this is your chance »
« I can’t believe it »
To be honest, Harvey loved to party, have fun, joke around, flirt, drink, and smoke, but what he loved the most was power, control, popularity, and admiration. He was young — thirty years old, in still young for where he was in his career — but he'd quickly climbed the ranks to get where he was.
First junior associate, then associate, and now partner — everything was more than great, but he had to admit it, leading the major international law firm was his ultimate goal in life. He never imagined the opportunity would come so quickly, and as he was lost in his thoughts, Mike found himself in front of him, staring at him with wide eyes as he whispered.
« We need to talk to Jessica »
« You think? »
« Harvey, we’re not going to make it on our own »
« We? »
« You didn’t think I was going to let you conquer the world alone, did you? We may not be married, but it's till death do us part, right? »
In a second, he smiled at him, as Harvey nodded while Mike was about to give Harvey a hug but stopped short when he saw his muscular, sweat-drenched chest. After giving him a quick bump check, he urged Harvey to go get dressed while he waited for him to finish his shower.
Half an hour later, Harvey emerged dressed in a dark navy Tom Ford suit, a white shirt with his initials on the cuff, his hair perfectly styled to the side, and the scent of Chanel perfume filling the room as he grabbed his keys and turned to look at his best friend with a smirk.
« Let’s go? »
After leaving his condo, the two best friends headed down to the parking garage where Harvey’s several cars were parked, with Harvey pointing his keys at his Aston Martin, making Mike smile. As soon as they were inside, Harvey revved the engine before speeding out of the garage, driving at full speed toward Pearson Hardman. Barely having arrived, he could feel all the eyes on him, a few girls he must have spent the night with blushing as he winked at them, trying to remember their faces. For a few more minutes, they walked through the hallways until they arrived in front of Jessica's office, knocking a few times on the door before hearing the brunette's voice echo.
« Yes? »
« Jessica »
« Harvey, Mike, take a seat. I assume you're here about Edward Darby? »
« You're aware? »
« Yes. And I’m surprised you know, too. How, by the way? »
As Harvey looked at Mike, the blonde slouched further into his seat, adamantly refusing to reveal his source, and seeing that it was futile, Jessica sighed before observing them.
Looking at her young protégé, she couldn't help but remember her first meeting with him with a smile. She had spotted Harvey when he was still working in the mailroom at Gordon Schmidt Van Dyke, and immediately, she knew he would go far. And years later, when he refused to come without his best friend in tow, Mike, she understood.
Sure, the young blonde had a photographic memory and was incredibly talented, there was no point in lying, but Mike had messed up in college and had been expelled. So, Harvey and Jessica had made arrangements for him to get his degree at Syracuse University College of Law, a mid-tier law school, which allowed him to be hired at the same firm as his best friend, even though he wasn’t from Harvard and clearly did not have the same position as him.
As Jessica could see in her protégé’s eyes that he was determined, she couldn’t help but sigh, knowing that she would quickly burst his bubble. However, if she was about to shatter his hopes, the moment she opened her mouth to speak, she was quickly interrupted by someone knocking at her door.
« Come in »
« Jessica? »
« Rachel »
« Am I interrupting? »
« No, come in »
Immediately, Mike turned around quickly to look at the brunette with affection, his eyes sparkling and his mouth slightly open, murmuring in a dazed tone.
« Hey, Rachel… »
« Mike… Harvey »
« Hey »
As Harvey smiled warmly at the brunette, he quickly slapped his best friend's shoulder with force, clearly mocking him as he saw him so smitten with the young woman. After Rachel handed over the documents and exchanged a few words with Jessica, she left the office, while Harvey looked at Mike, laughing.
« When are you going to ask her out? »
« You see she’s not interested, right? And besides, we were talking about you. So, what’s the plan, Jessica? »
« There is no plan »
« What do you mean? » asked Harvey, a bit surprised.
« You don’t have a chance »
« Jessica, you know very well I can do it. I’ve got the skills, I’m a good lawyer, dedicated to my work, and you know I could make it »
« Of course, that’s not why I’m saying it »
« So what is it, then? »
« Have you seen who Edward Darby is? »
« Yeah. So what? »
« You’re not what he’s looking for »
« I’m not sure I understand. I am the best right now. He won't find anyone better, and he knows it »
« Harvey, you’re an excellent lawyer, and I’m sure you’d lead Darby International with an iron fist, but you’re missing a lot. Edward would want someone like him, someone serious, with their head on straight, someone who values family, and has a bit of empathy. He would never want a lawyer who wins his cases through arrogance, who spends his nights with different girls, who drinks, smokes, and spends his nights partying and burning his money on alcohol and sports cars. This empire is his baby, and you're not what he's looking for to take over, I’m sorry »
At Jessica's words, Harvey swallowed hard.
Deep down, he knew she was right, both about why he’d never make it as Darby's successor and about who he really was. Sometimes Harvey wished he could live differently — something simpler, less intense, being happy and sober for once. But for now, being high, drunk, and hooking up with a sexy girl gave him a semblance of happiness, at least for a moment.
As the room fell into silence, Harvey sighed before murmuring.
« That's the position I’ve always wanted, Jessica »
« I don’t know what to tell you »
« Tell me what I need to do, then »
« Why bother? I know it’s not going to happen, Harvey »
« Why not? Tell me, I’m ready to do whatever it takes »
« Become Darby »
« What does that mean? »
« Stop the nonsense and grow up »
« What? »
« Find yourself a woman, a good one, stop living a life of debauchery, and show that you’re a serious man who can commit long-term. Show that you can manage his business the same way you manage your household »
« A woman, what the — »
« You know who’s already being mentioned as the one he’ll choose? Anthony Harrison. Do you know who this guy is? »
« An average lawyer. Boring as fuck per se »
« Yes, but not just that. This guy has been married for ten years to the same woman, has two perfect young kids, and a life without a single reproach. You should see how Edward talks about him. He sees him as the perfect second. And you? He sees you as the lawyer who makes the tabloids and stumbles out of nightclubs drunk with a half-naked girl on your arm »
Once again, the room fell into silence, Jessica sighing as she saw the realization hit Harvey’s face, as if he had just understood that his life goal had slipped right through his fingers because of him. As Mike was even embarrassed to be there, in the blink of an eye, Harvey took a deep breath before murmuring.
« Alright »
« What do you mean, alright? » whispered Mike.
« I’m going to become Darby »
« Harvey… »
« I’m going to settle down, act like the perfect second until he hands me the company, and then we’ll see. Worst case, I’ll get a divorce, or God knows what, once it’s done »
« And how do you plan on finding your wife? » snorted Jessica.
« I’m loaded, Jessica. I don’t know a woman who’d refuse to marry me for a bundle of cash and a life of luxury »
« Harvey, it’s not just about marriage. You’ll have to attend galas with your partner, introduce her to investors, she’ll be your image. What? You think you'll be the image of the perfect, trouble-free couple with one of those girls you meet at the bars? Do you think those are the respectable women who’ll impress Edward? You’re kidding yourself »
« I’ll find someone, alright? »
« Harvey… » sighed Jessica.
« Tell me the truth. You think if I settle down, I’ve got a shot? »
« I’m sure of it »
« Alright. I really want this job, that's all I want. So, it’s going to work, right? »
As he looked at Mike, searching for approval in his best friend's eyes, the blonde swallowed hard before nodding slowly. Harvey was like a brother to him, they would do anything for each other, even find a woman to pay to marry the lawyer. So as the two young men saw that Jessica didn’t believe it for a second, they looked each other one more time before they stood up to leave the office.
The first few minutes passed in silence, but barely inside Harvey’s office, they both started talking, Mike staring at Harvey with wide eyes as he muttered.
« What the hell? »
« I want that position, Mike »
« To the point of getting married? This is crazy. We’re talking about you — Harvey Specter »
« Look, I know it’s insane, but I trust Jessica’s judgment. Plus, I’ve met the man a few times, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s looking for the perfect husband, father, man or whatever shit, to take over his firm. So I’m ready to do anything »
« Even give up your extravagant life? »
« I’m ready to do anything »
« Alright... Now, we just need to find you a wife »
« Yeah... A wife »
For a few seconds, they both stayed silent as they thought about how to go about it.
They couldn’t post a public ad, publicly admit to looking for a woman, that would be humiliating and ruin the whole plan, but on the other hand, they couldn’t think of anyone around them to ask. All the girls Harvey dated — if we could say that — were far from being the perfect wives, and Mike... Well, he didn’t really have any female friends either, spending his days either drooling over Rachel or playing video games with Harvey. As they looked at each other, unsure, they jumped when they heard the door open, revealing a surprised Rachel who muttered.
« Is everything okay? »
« What? »
« You guys have strange looks on your faces »
« No » whispered Mike quickly.
« All good » added Harvey.
« Why do I feel like you’re lying? »
« We’re not lying »
« No, really not »
« Really? »
« Yeah » whispered Harvey.
« Mike? »
« Don’t do that, Rachel »
As she approached him with a small, flirtatious smile, Mike swallowed hard as he tried to step back, but unfortunately, he was quickly stopped by the edge of Harvey’s desk, which collided with the back of his thighs.
« Please, tell me, Mike »
As she adjusted the collar of his suit jacket and his tie, Mike’s gaze alternated between Harvey’s wide eyes, silently warning him not to say anything, and Rachel’s, which were looking at him with some sort of desire. As he fought with all his strength to resist, the moment Rachel’s body brushed against his, he murmured softly.
« Harvey’s looking for a wife »
« Mike » sighed the lawyer, glancing at his best friend.
« Sorry »
« A wife? » asked the brunette.
For a few seconds, the two friends exchanged glances before Harvey motioned for him to speak, as he had already gone too far in what he had said to Rachel. So in a second, Mike hurriedly closed the door before starting to talk.
« Darby is looking for his second, the one who will take his place when he retires. Harvey wants the position, but… »
« You're not the ideal candidate »
As Rachel had hit the nail on the head, Harvey sat down on the couch in his office, sighing and placing his face in his hands, understanding the complexity of the task ahead. Seeing how the two guys were completely lost, Rachel continued to talk.
« Why a wife? »
« Because we’re talking about Darby. The guy’s a family man, and he’s looking for someone like him to take over. He’s never going to consider me to be at the head of his company »
« Unless you show him you're settled and reliable. Hence the wife »
« Exactly »
« So? What’s your plan? »
Seeing the two best friends looking at each other somewhat perplexed, Rachel was torn between amusement at seeing them lost like two kids and being confused by the situation herself. Noticing their lack of response, Rachel murmured once again, but this time, with a tone that conveyed the obviousness of the situation.
« You don’t have a plan »
« No, we don’t » sighed Mike.
« Not a single one » replied Harvey with his eyes wide open.
« And do you have any ideas in mind? »
« I don’t know anyone around me, and neither does Mike, so it’s going to be a stranger »
« And how do you plan on attracting a stranger? A dating app? »
« Money »
« What? »
« I’m going to pay a woman to marry me »
For a few seconds, Rachel said nothing, her eyes wide as a hundred thoughts rushed through her mind while the two men looked at the brunette, slightly perplexed, I'm kind of waiting for a reaction from her. But then the silence became almost awkward, Harvey quickly started rambling to try and justify this completely crazy idea.
« I know it’s insane, but have you seen the girls I see? They’re far from being perfect wives, and unfortunately, the notion of money is probably only going to attract gold-diggers, and it’s not that I… »
« I have someone »
Once again, the room fell into an awkward silence before Harvey murmured.
« What? »
« I have someone in mind, but I need to talk to her first »
« Rachel, she has to be — »
« Perfect. I know. And I promise you she is, but can you give me a few minutes? »
« What? Um, sure. Of course »
Without another word, Rachel rushed out of the room, isolating herself in the archives room to quickly search for her best friend’s name in her contacts. She placed the phone to her ear, waiting impatiently for her to pick up as after a few seconds, she heard her voice over the background noise of the café where she worked.
« Rachel? I’m in the middle of my shift, is everything okay? »
« I’ve found a way to pay off your father’s debts, Donna »
Chapter 2: A marriage?
Chapter Text
Hearing Rachel's words, Donna felt her breath catch, stunned by what she had just said, her heart racing.
The redhead was now twenty-eight years old, and despite having earned her bachelor’s in Arts from Yale, a master’s in Comparative Literature, and being a doctoral candidate, she was now working at Starbucks. Donna was talented — very talented — and it didn’t take long for her to be hired by The New York Times as a journalist in the arts and entertainment section.
However, what she had imagined wasn't really what happened. Jim Paulsen was what you would call an investor, and while the first years had been prosperous for the family, allowing them to live the good life, during Donna’s teenage years, her father lost everything, forcing them to drastically change their way of life. It took time to recover, but they had managed to find some comfort again, minimalistic though it was, until a few months ago, when Jim had invested in a property and lost everything because of a fraudulent partner.
Not wanting to let him and her mother bear the burden alone, Donna decided to help them by taking on a few shifts at a café not far from her place in addition to her job at The New York Times to bring in some money. But a five hundred thousand dollars was a huge sum, and her new lifestyle was starting to wear her down. So, when her best friend had said that, she thought she must be hallucinating.
« What are you talking about, Rachel? »
« I’ve found a way for you to pay off his debts quickly and stop killing yourself in that café »
« Rach, I don’t want to get involved in weird stuff »
« It’s not weird — well, yeah, it is — but not that kind of weird »
« What is it? »
« A marriage »
« What? No way »
« Look, I know it sounds completely crazy, but it’s a win-win for both of you »
« A marriage? »
« Yeah. You’ll get paid, of course, and with that, you can pay off your dad’s debts »
« What the hell, Rach? Who’s going to pay me that kind of money for a marriage... Is he old? »
« Thirty »
« Ugly as fuck, then? »
« He’s actually pretty hot »
« What’s the catch? »
« It’s Harvey »
« Harvey? »
« You remember? He’s Mike’s best friend »
« The manwhore? »
« Yeah, him »
« What the fuck? » whispered Donna.
« Alright, listen to me. Harvey is after a pretty high-ranking position, but unfortunately, with his reputation, he’s never going to get it »
« So he’s looking for a way to redeem himself? »
« Exactly »
« But from what you’ve told me about him, he seems to be well surrounded, so why does he need to pay to find a woman? »
« Well, let’s just say the women he dates aren’t… model wives. They’re not Yale-educated doctoral students, if you know what I mean »
« I see. But what’s the deal, Rach? He’s apparently hot, young, loaded, seems like the perfect guy — why can’t he find someone? »
« Look, I know Harvey a little bit. He seems like a good guy when he’s with Mike, but he’s the typical rich kid who sleeps with any girls he sees and isn’t the type to swear fidelity or commit long-term. He’s… arrogant, confident, full of himself, provocative and… »
« You sure know how to sell the guy » sighed the redhead.
« Donna. You marry him, you get the five hundred thousand dollars in your account the very next day. After that, you do whatever you want, it’s just the time it takes for him to get the position. As for the arrangements, you’ll sort that out with him »
At the silence of the redhead, Rachel sighed before continuing to talk with a soft voice.
« Hey, look, I’m just offering, alright? It’s just that they mentioned he was looking for the perfect woman who could be the ideal wife, and I don’t know, I immediately thought of you. I know you’re starting to get tired with all the shifts at the café, and I thought this might interest you »
« What’s his name again? »
« Harvey. Harvey Specter »
« Wait »
As she was isolated in the back storage room surrounded by stock, Donna put the call on speakerphone and quickly tapped on her screen to find the lawyer’s name. As she clicked on his profile from the firm Rachel worked at, Donna’s heart began to race. Dirty blonde hair, deep chocolate eyes, chiseled jawline, arrogant look on his face — he was handsome… very handsome — and before Rachel could say anything, the redhead quickly responded.
« I’ll do it »
« What? »
« It’s okay. I’ll do it »
« Oh — oh, alright… Hum, I’ll tell him you’re interested, and I’ll keep you updated? »
« Yeah »
« Okay… Hum… Bye? »
« Bye, Rach »
As soon as the call ended, both friends struggled to believe what they had just agreed to. It wasn’t at all how Donna had imagined her marriage, but she had never imagined doing coffee shifts to pay off her father’s debts either — life sure had its surprises. But as she stared at the lawyer’s photo, her heart racing, she was quickly brought back to reality when she heard her manager call her name.
« Donna! »
« Coming! »
Meanwhile, Rachel stared at the wall in front of her for a few seconds, wondering if this was a good idea.
She loved Donna, she had met her best friend when they shared a dorm at Yale, and since then, they were inseparable. But as perfect as Harvey seemed on the outside, she had also heard the rumors about him, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to expose the redhead to that — though she knew Donna well enough to know she wouldn’t let herself be taken advantage of.
On the other hand, she knew how much it mattered to her best friend to help her father, but juggling the early shifts at the café, going to the office, and then working late as a barista wasn’t a life. So now, their fates were in the brunette's hands, and realizing how big a responsibility she had, Rachel quickly snapped back to reality, exiting the archives and returning to the office, where Mike and Harvey hadn’t really changed positions since she left. As soon as the door opened, both men looked at her, giving the brunette no choice but to start speaking.
« She’s in »
« Alright… »
Harvey didn’t really look convinced, a bit surprised at how easy it had been, and a little freaked out by the mysterious woman. Seeing Rachel look as lost as he was, it was Mike who started speaking.
« What’s she like? I mean, she’s... good? »
« She’s perfect. So her name is Donna, she’s 28, 5'9”, and she's been my best friend since we shared a room in college. She got a bachelor’s in Arts from Yale, then did a master’s in Comparative Literature — where she graduated with summa cum laude every time — then she completed a doctorate in theatrical literature, also finishing with honors. What else... Yeah. Former classical ballerina, plays the piano, speaks fluent English and French, and works for The New York Times as a journalist for the Arts and Culture section »
After Rachel blurted out all of this at lightning speed, the two men looked at each other, impressed, before Mike whispered with wide eyes.
« She’s perfect »
« She is, yeah » smiled Rachel.
« So, what’s the catch then? She’s ugly? »
« Harvey… » sighed Mike.
« What? If I’m going to marry her, I’m not… »
As Rachel took the time to pull up the photos album with Donna’s face being recognized by Apple while the two men bickered, she interrupted Harvey by handing him her phone as he swallowed hard at the photo she showed him. Long red hair, big round brown-green eyes, a delicate straight nose, perfect lips, and discreet freckles all over her face — she was gorgeous. As he was lost in the photo, admiring the woman who could have been a model and not a journalist, he heard Rachel murmur.
« You can scroll. It's just pictures of her anyway »
As he complied in silence, he felt his heart race with every new photo, his collar tightening as he landed on a video of the mysterious redhead on a paradisiacal beach.
Her long hair waving, probably from the water, a beautiful smile as she appeared to be talking to the camera before she stepped back as Harvey could feel himself tightening in his pants. As she walked away, he could see her long pale legs for miles, her bouncy ass covered by a simple pair of olive green bikini bottoms, her spine hollowing out her back, before she turned around and the lawyer felt the heat wash over him. A flat but slightly muscular stomach, long delicate thin arms and perfect breasts squeezing into her bikini top would fit perfectly in his hands, making Harvey just want to slide his tongue into them.
If they had met in a bar, he could say with certainty that he wouldn't have even been able to wait to be at her or his place to jump on her. He would probably have already had sex with her in the taxi, maybe in the restroom of the bar or even on the counter itself. She was so irresistible, but on the other hand, there was something different about her, soothing, calm, that was scaring the young lawyer even before I had seen her. As he stared at the screen — now the video on paused — he murmured softly.
« What's the catch? »
« There’s no catch, Harvey »
« Rachel, come on, you saw her? You just hand me an absolutely divine model on a silver platter like that, in thirty seconds… I mean, she’s so perfect that she looks almost fake — and you’re going to tell me she’s not already taken? She must be crazy, then »
« She’s not crazy. Look, Donna’s perfect, alright, but she’s not the type to need a man to get by, that’s actually why her exes dumped her — because she put work and herself before them. She can be devoted and so sweet, but she won't revolve her entire world around a guy, especially when she knows it's not worth it, but that’s not why she agreed on doing this »
« So why? Is she desperate? About to die? »
« She needs money »
« Rachel, I need a clean partner, not someone with well-hidden secrets »
« She's clean, she’s doing it for her dad. He’s an investor and recently lost a lot of money. Donna is trying to pay off his debt, but her salary at The New York Times isn’t enough, so she picked up shifts as a barista to help pay it off. She’s exhausted from it all, and she needs this money, so it’s a win-win »
« And she’s okay with this? »
« Sure »
« That’s... surprising »
« Plus, she’s an actress at heart — theatre — so if you’re looking for the perfect wife in public, it’s her or no one. She’s going to act perfectly, trust me »
For a few seconds, the room remained silent as the three of them pondered Rachel’s proposal. Deep down, the problem wasn’t Donna. In fact, the three of them quickly realized she was exactly the woman Harvey needed, as though this role was tailor-made for her — but that was the issue— it felt too easy.
Sure, physically, Harvey couldn’t ask for better; she was stunning, incredibly sexy without being vulgar like most of the women who crossed his path. As for her resume, she was the perfect woman — smart, ambitious, talented — not like the silly girls he met in bars who had nothing to talk about. From the way she carried herself in photos to the warmth in her smile, Harvey could tell she seems deeply kind and well-educated. So why did it seem like there was something wrong with her?
Maybe it was because she was too perfect. No one would believe a guy like him could be in a relationship with a woman like that. That this kind of perfection, however beautiful and intelligent she might be, deserved better than a slightly borderline lawyer who didn't take anything seriously and didn't care about anything. Anyway, as Rachel watched him with hesitation, Harvey finally murmured.
« Tell me everything you can about her »
For the next few minutes, Rachel rattled off an eclectic list of details about the redhead while Harvey came to two realizations. First, she was more than perfect — everything about her was meticulously crafted to make her the ideal wife, the kind of woman who could win Darby’s heart at first sight. And second, there was a world that separated them.
Harvey wasn’t born rich, but he’d quickly become that way. His mother, an artist and painter, had fallen for a talented saxophonist, and things had escalated quickly — marriage, Harvey, then Marcus, and eventually, the divorce and as Gordon was always on the road, never home, Lily found comfort in Bobby's arms, a wealthy banker she ran off with at the first chance. So, Harvey ended up living with his mother and her new husband in a massive mansion, using the man’s wealth to mask the fact that he hated him, his mother, his father, himself, and probably the entire world. He grew up rich, and after law school at Harvard, he quickly began stacking more money, never once wavering from his high-flying lifestyle.
Donna, on the other hand, seemed like the complete opposite. She had her feet firmly planted on the ground. She grew up in struggle and poverty after her father lost everything, living off sacrifices and concessions, fighting for every inch of progress until she had finally carved out her own way, and still today, it seemed like she was the one carrying her family on her shoulders.
From what Rachel had said, their lives couldn’t have been more different. If Harvey spent his weekends drinking in nightclubs, waking up with a hangover and an unfamiliar face next to him, Donna, on the other hand, seemed to wander through fields, disconnected from the world, reading Shakespeare — a fact that would certainly complicate their relationship. He knew that this fake marriage would be nothing more than for appearances, that they didn't necessarily have to love each other or even get along, as long as they made it seem like true love, but a part of Harvey felt a bit panicked at the thought that it might not work, and even a little sad, though he couldn't quite explain why.
As he sat there, lost in thought, Rachel continued to describe just how perfect her best friend was, before Harvey muttered.
« Alright »
« Oh — alright? »
« She seems perfect. What do you think, Mike? »
« She looks good, for sure »
« It's settled then? »
« If you're good with it, I’ll tell her »
« I’m good with it »
Harvey swallowed hard as he spoke those words. It felt almost surreal, but Rachel nodded, tapping away on her phone before leaving the room. As soon as the two best friends were alone, Harvey let out a sigh he hadn’t realized he was holding in. Mike, ever the laid-back one, murmured.
« Well, that was easy »
« Yeah »
« Dude… she's perfect »
« Too perfect »
« Maybe, but let me tell you… That girl? She's gonna be the perfect wife."
« She is, yeah »
« I guess congratulations are in order. You're about to be a settled man. Good job »
Harvey gulped, the full weight of the situation hitting him as Mike gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder, but the future groom couldn't help but feel the tight knot in his stomach. He had just agreed to pay a stranger to become his wife — all for the sake of landing his dream job. He had wanted this position for so long, but now that it was within reach, the cost felt… too high. But the dream job, the power, the control – that’s what he always dreamed of, so what’s a wedding against that?
However, if he should have panicked at the idea of putting a ring on a woman's finger — whether a stranger or not — oddly enough, he was quite calm and waited to see what would happen next. That night, after a long day at work, not in the mood to go out, he went home, took off his Tom Ford three-piece suit, and jumped into a quick shower before collapsing onto his bed in just his boxers. Only, the moment he closed his eyes, it was her he saw — her long red hair, those doe-like eyes, her lips, her delicate nose — as if the few photos he’d seen of her had been burned into his mind, branded there like a mark he couldn’t erase.
Without even realizing it, he reached for his phone, searched for Rachel’s name among Mike’s friends on Instagram, then found Donna’s. His eyes stopped on one of her recent photos — her in a bikini, standing on a white sandy beach with crystal-clear water behind her, a coconut in hand, the straw between her lips — and Harvey’s mind began to wander in a fraction of a second.
Faced with her breasts that would fit perfectly in his hands, her flat stomach where his tongue suddenly longed to glide, and her hips that begged to be grasped, Harvey took a deep breath. Suddenly, he got dressed in a rush, determined to find a stranger in some bar who could, for one night, make him forget his impulses — because the realization had just hit him. There, on that screen, with that perfect face and a body that could bring him to his knees, was the woman who would one day become his wife.
He couldn’t believe it.
He was going to get married.
Chapter 3: Call her
Chapter Text
Since they knew what awaited them, Donna and Harvey had trouble coming to terms with the idea, and while waiting to officially meet, both of them were stalking each other's social media.
For Harvey, it was fairly easy — just search his name online and she would find a series of articles about his, though they didn’t always sing his praises. Sometimes, Donna would read about his courtroom victories, a few videos of him online after a hearing, or interviews he'd given to magazines. But most of what she found was about him as a person: nightclubs, champagne, sports cars, sexy girls on his arm — nothing that didn’t make it clear who her future husband really was: a manwhore.
Meanwhile, in his enormous Upper East Side condo, Harvey was sitting on the couch in his boxers, scrolling through his phone without a care in the world. As the sound of the shower turned off, he continued to swipe through her feed, observing one photo after another, not paying any attention to the blonde approaching him.
« What are you doing? » she asked.
« Hmm? »
He didn’t even bother to look up at her as she walked closer, her voice now laced with disbelief.
« Who is this? »
« Huh? »
« You've gotta be kidding me. You just slept with me, and you're already looking at other girls on Instagram? What’s wrong with you? »
« What? »
For the first time, he actually looked at her, registering her frustration as she laughed nervously and then muttered.
« What’s my name? »
A long silence followed. He had no idea. He barely remembered anything about last night because he had drunk so much, even though she must have told him her name at least thirty times. But as she stared at him, clearly waiting for an answer, he played a guessing game.
« Ellie? No, Elina? Something like that? »
« Cynthia. My name is Cynthia »
Without another word, she stormed out of the apartment, leaving Harvey sitting there, a little bewildered. He tried to retrace the night in his head, but all he could focus on was the image of the redhead — the one he couldn’t shake even after sleeping with someone else in the hope of forgetting her. After the woman left, Harvey returned to Donna's Instagram profile, still feeling conflicted.
There was a strange pull between what he was used to — his carefree lifestyle and endless nights with women like Cynthia — and something about Donna, something that was different, but he couldn’t quite figure it out yet. As stunning and incredibly perfect she looked in the photo — her long, shimmering red hair making Harvey almost want to grab it while she was busy between his legs — it was the image of her in a bohemian dress, holding a goat against her during a girls’ trip to a farm, that threw him off. A goat, what the hell? Never in his life had he met a girl who went on farm trips with her friends and he was pretty sure most of the women he’d spent the night with couldn’t tell the difference between a goat and a sheep.
There was something about the simplicity of it that made him feel... uncomfortable.
He was used to high-end clubs, champagne, and sports cars, not farm visits and cuddling with farm animals. It felt like a world apart from his own, and yet, somehow, he couldn’t tear his eyes away. In the next photo, she looked like she was camping in a minivan with friends, and Harvey found himself asking a thousand questions. He was going to marry this girl, and while he had probably imagined a wedding in the Hamptons or at the Plaza in New York, right now, all he could picture was himself in rubber boots, standing in the middle of a meadow in Hudson Valley.
At that moment, Harvey wasn't sure if this was a good idea as he hesitated for a few seconds before calling Mike, his best friend picking up immediately.
« Hey, how’s it going? »
« I think this is a terrible idea »
« What? »
« I’m looking at her Instagram, and Mike, she’s some kind of eco-conscious hippie who loves farm life and fresh air — she’s the complete opposite of me »
« Well, opposites attract, right? »
« Mike, seriously. I need the perfect wife, someone classy with style and she looks like that too, but I’m scared she’ll be too... farmer-ish »
« Call Rachel »
« What? No, you're crazy »
« Hey, look, I can’t tell you what to do because I don’t know this girl, but Rachel does. So, call her and ask her all the questions you want »
« I’m not doing that »
« Too bad, I guess I’ll have to do it for you »
« What? No, Mike. Look, I’m not — »
« Bye, brother »
Without another word, Mike hung up, and Harvey immediately regretted calling his best friend. As he decided to hit the gym to clear his head and maintain his ideal physique, he was interrupted by his phone buzzing. Seeing an unfamiliar number on the screen, he swallowed hard as the message appeared.
She can be both.
Above it, a series of photos of the redhead flashed on the screen, much classier photos that she hadn't posted on her Instagram account.
In the first photo, Donna was clearly celebrating her twenty-eighth birthday, a flute of champagne in hand, with two balloons marking her age behind her. But while the context was obvious, what stood out even more was just how stunning she looked. A golden silk dress hugged her body perfectly all the way down, with a straight neckline squeezing her breast and thin straps. Her wavy hair cascaded effortlessly to the side, and sparkling jewelry adorned her fingers and wrists as she winked at the camera. Gosh, right then, Harvey could easily picture himself with the redhead on his arm, walking through galas with pride, introducing her to all the big shots of the evening.
As he kept on, the next photo was a selfie of her in a car, taken slightly from below. She wore a loose white shirt, her hair pulled back in a half-up style, large hoop earrings adorning her ears. She gazed at the camera with a flirtatious look, a subtle smile playing at the corner of her lips. The picture was so natural, and the fact that she wore almost no makeup highlighted her freckles and her stunning hazel-green eyes, making the lawyer melt despite himself. Harvey stared at the message for a moment, his heart racing as he processed the simple but loaded sentence.
Call her. She loves italian
The idea of calling her, the woman he was about to marry, someone he barely knew beyond the surface of her Instagram and the few facts Rachel had told him, made him hesitate. But something about the message stirred a feeling in him that he couldn't ignore. Faced with the message, he stood up, phone in hand, and began pacing back and forth in his condo. His fingers ran through his hair as he sighed, his mind racing with what he should do next. But as he stared at the photo of Donna in the gold dress, something clicked.
He took a deep breath – he was Harvey Goddamn Specter, after all. As Harvey held the phone to his ear, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. The rings echoed in his head until he finally heard her voice, and it was everything he hadn’t expected — deep, smooth, and undeniably sexy.
« Hello? »
« Donna? Donna Paulsen? »
« The one and only »
His heart skipped a beat. The way she said it, with that calm confidence, made him feel like he was talking to someone who was far from the woman he had built up in his mind.
« Hey, um, it’s Harvey »
« Harvey? »
Hearing his name on her lips sent a thrill through him that he couldn’t quite explain. In a fraction of a second, he imagined that sweet voice whispering his name in his ear when she would beg him, moaning it during sex, shouting it when they argued, or even letting it slip out through giggles when he made her laugh. He quickly wanted to slap himself — how could he lose his head so completely after a single word was spoken?
Anyway, in the Soho neighborhood a few blocks away, as she was lying in her bath, the sound of his voice made her sit up, instinctively curling on herself, almost as if he could see her right there, vulnerable and naked. Donna knew who he was. Of course, she did but she couldn’t help but be surprised as he muttered.
« Yeah, um, Harvey — Harvey Specter. I’m not disturbing you, am I? »
« No, no, of course not »
« I can always call back… »
« It's fine, I promise »
There was a brief, awkward silence, both of them unsure of where to take the conversation next. But Donna’s chuckle broke the tension, and Harvey couldn’t help but find himself smiling as she talked.
« You wanted to talk about something? »
« Oh yeah, sorry. It's just that things are a little... weird »
« Oh no, don’t worry. I mean, you are just paying me to marry you, so I kind of feel like I'm Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman »
While Donna’s voice was soft and almost teasing, it caught him off guard as Harvey froze for a split second, processing the remark as his heart rate picked up for a moment.
« It was a joke… Sorry... forget I just said that. Anyway, what’s up? »
« I called to see if you wanted to grab a bite sometime? »
« Sure, yeah »
« Tomorrow night? » asked Harvey, almost too quickly.
As he didn’t want to wait — needed to get the ball rolling if this was really going to work, Donna sounded surprised but amused at the suddenness.
« Already? »
« Yeah. Do you think it’s too soon? It’s just that, well, if we want this marriage to seem real, I figured we shouldn’t waste too much time »
« No, you’re right. Tomorrow works perfectly. Do you have a place in mind? »
« Yeah, I’ll send you the address »
Donna hesitated for a brief moment, and then the playful tone returned.
« Alright... and don’t worry, I’ll reluctantly trade my rubber boots for a pair of stilettos »
Earring her, Harvey chuckled, realizing she was teasing him now as he felt a warmth spread through him, and for the first time, the idea of this whole charade didn’t feel quite as bad as it had before.
« Sorry about that » he said, already regretting the comment.
« Hey, it’s alright. I’m just messing with you, don’t worry »
Hearing Donna chuckling, Harvey could help but smile, this time more sincerely. Maybe things weren’t going to be as bad as he thought. Or maybe... they were going to be even more complicated.
After quickly ending the call, both Donna and Harvey were left feeling a bit lost.
Donna, still in her now-cold bath, and Harvey, in nothing but his boxers, staring out at the New York City skyline from his living room. The two future spouses could feel their hearts racing after that brief conversation, both of them uncertain about what to expect the next day. That night, neither of them managed to get much sleep, a mix of excitement and apprehension overwhelming them as they thought about the dinner ahead.
After just a few hours of restless sleep, they both carried on with their respective routines, distracted by the looming evening. By nightfall, Harvey stood in front of his closet, dressed only in his boxers, facing a row of suits. He was trying to decide what to wear, but his mind was somewhere else. Meanwhile, Mike lounged on a solitary couch in the corner of the room, chuckling quietly to himself as he snacked on pretzels.
« What? »
« You’re going on a date with your wife » snorted Mike.
« Not yet »
« But soon — and is it me or you’re stressed? »
« I’m not stressed, it’s just… it’s a date. I’ve never been on date before »
« Big first, then. Do you need condoms? »
As Mike continued laughing at his own joke, Harvey turned to shoot him a death glare, which only made the blonde guy laugh harder, munching on pretzels as he went.
« Alright, alright, I'm kidding. It's just... you're all cute, stressing over a suit. I mean, you wear them every day. What's the big deal? »
« I don't know, man. I feel like tonight’s a big deal. It’s the night that’s gonna change everything — what do you think about Tom Ford? »
« You're asking me? Please. How many times have you made fun of me for not knowing how to dress? »
« Yeah, that’s true. Tom Ford, then »
As Harvey started getting dressed, Donna was in her bathroom, while Rachel sat on the edge of the bathtub, watching her closely.
« Not too stressed, are you? »
« I don’t know, everything feels so unreal »
« I get that »
« It’s nothing like I imagined my wedding would be, but... well, here we are »
« I know »
« Hey, it’s fine. All my relationships have been a disaster so far, so I’ve kind of forgotten the whole dream of the white dress »
« You know, Harvey's arrogant, thinks he's better than everyone, and is full of himself... but I think deep down, he's a good guy. I mean, I don’t know him that well, but I’ve gotten to know Mike and Jessica over time, and if they like him, he can’t be all that bad. So yeah, this is a marriage of convenience, but I’m sure he’ll do everything you ask »
« We shall see — so, what do you think? »
« Girl, he’s gonna fall hard for you » teased Rachel, nudging her playfully.
« Oh, stop that. I’m just here to make this look real, not to turn into some lovey-dovey thing »
« Not lovey-dovey, but Donna, the guy has a crazy life and a lot of money. I mean, it's a fact. He's going to give you the high life, you'll travel, wear luxury clothes... and I’ve heard he’s a god in bed »
« That’s not why I accepted »
« I know, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, right? »
« Alright, I should go » chuckled Donna.
« Of course, so we're not going to talk about the ultra-sexy underwear you're currently wearing — anyway, what time’s your dinner? »
« Seven o’clock »
« You know where? »
« Del Posto »
« Are you kidding me? » moaned Rachel.
« What? You’ve been there? Is it good? »
« I wish. To get a reservation there, sometimes you have to wait months — ugh, I’m so jealous »
« You should've proposed to him yourself — oh, wait, you can’t, you’re in love with Mike »
« Alright, fine, I’m the one who should be going »
As Harvey sprayed himself with cologne, Mike couldn't help but tease him, asking if his plan was to suffocate her before even marrying her. Rolling his eyes, Harvey finally kicked the blond out, heading down to the garage. He stood there for a few moments, admiring his choices, before settling on the Ford Mustang. He got in, started the engine, and headed toward Del Posto. He could've offered to pick her up, but a first date in a car was never the best move. Besides, he figured he'd meet her there, and if the evening went well, maybe he'd offer her a ride home.
When he arrived, he parked and walked into the restaurant, the buzz of the evening surrounding him, and after checking in with the hostess, he was led to a table and sat in, trying to ignore the knot forming in his stomach. He didn’t know what he was expecting but now, all he could do was wait, tapping his fingers on the table impatiently as he stared at the door, waiting for her to walk in.
As Donna stepped out of the Uber and walked towards the entrance, she couldn't shake the feeling of nervous anticipation coursing through her veins. After standing frozen for a few seconds in front of the main entrance., she took a deep breath as she approached the hostess stand, doing her best to keep her composure.
« Good evening, do you have a reservation? »
« Yes, under Specter. I believe he’s already here »
« Indeed, he’s waiting for you right over there »
As she spotted him from a distance, his knee bouncing rapidly, tapping a steady rhythm against the floor while one of his hand was moving relentlessly across the table. The other one was glued to his phone, scrolling, swiping — lost in whatever he was reading. Donna’s heart raced, her steps uncertain as she approached him, her legs feeling like jelly beneath her.
He didn’t seem to notice her at first, so she stood there for a second, taking in the sight of him — his sharp suit, his poised posture, and yet, the subtle signs of tension that made her realize he was just as nervous as she was. Finally, she took a deep breath and stepped closer, placing herself in front of him as she whispered.
« Hey »
Chapter 4: You’re gorgeous
Chapter Text
As he was busy reading a client's email, the sexy voice from the phone — soft but teasing — made him look up suddenly, almost getting dizzy, noticing the presence of the redhead.
She was magnificent.
There in front of him, she was wearing a black bodycon dress, tied around her delicate neck, highlighting her slim waist and her back, both muscular and slender.
As he gazed at her expanse of skin, dreaming of pressing his lips to it, leaving the imprint of his teeth, he couldn't help but let his eyes linger on the constellation of freckles that crisscrossed her skin. The dress was simple yet classy, but it was the shiny stiletto heels and the way her red hair contrasted that completed the outfit with a touch of glamour. As he stood there, staring at her like an idiot with his mouth slightly open, he quickly stood up, flashing her his typical smirk — the Harvey Specter flirt was back.
« Hey — Donna, nice to meet you »
« Nice to meet you too »
« Here »
Quickly, he moved to pull out Donna’s chair, helping her settle in before taking his place across from her and smiling, momentarily forgetting that he couldn’t mess this up with her — after all, they were about to be united by the bonds of marriage. As he looked at her with desire, clearly flirting, Donna did everything she could to avoid blushing. The redhead was used to being flirted with. Clearly, she was attractive, had presence, and enjoyed being admired, which gave her a certain satisfaction when people looked at her the way Harvey was looking at her now.
But with him, things were different, and she couldn’t help but feel her heart race — maybe the stress of meeting the man she was about to marry, or maybe just because he was so handsome and charming — she wasn’t really sure. Barely had the fake couple settled in when the waiter arrived with a big smile.
« Hello, may I take your drink orders? »
« Sure, what would you like to drink, Donna? »
Ugh, the way he whispered her name with his deep, slightly husky voice, made Donna want to skip straight to dessert.
« Red wine. Brunello di Montalcino »
« Of course »
After smiling at the waiter, Harvey looked at Donna with surprise, a small smile at the corner of his lips, while she chuckled.
« What? »
« Well, I didn’t think I was dealing with a wine expert »
« Well, usually I’m more into organic apple and cranberry juice that we make on my farm, but… »
As she clearly teased him, Harvey couldn’t help but snort, clearly already very comfortable with her, murmuring softly.
« I didn’t say you lived on a farm »
« No, but you did say I’m an eco-conscious hippie who loves farm life and fresh air »
« Alright, I might have said that, and I’ll also tell you now that you can’t trust Mike. That guy is a real tattletale »
« Good to know »
« What about you tell me the real you? »
Harvey couldn’t really tell if his sudden interest in the redhead was because part of him was forcing himself to get to know her, since soon she would be Mrs. Specter, or because he genuinely wanted to discover who she really was. While his heart leaned toward the second option, he kept debating whether he truly wanted to know more, realizing that it had never really interested him before. Proof of that — he didn't even know the names of the girls who shared his bed, but he knew that Donna appreciated Italian wine and watched rom-coms from the nineties.
As she smiled softly, she looked at him with flirtatious eyes before speaking in a soft but sexy voice.
« Well, you’re not entirely wrong about me. I can sometimes be a hippie, and I do like fresh air, but that’s just because I enjoy simple things. I guess Rachel told you why I needed the money — it's not the first time I’ve lost everything around me and had to rebuild from scratch. So, over time — and with experience — I’ve learned to find satisfaction in a simple life, like a trip to the farm with friends or just reading a book in the middle of nature, in peace and quiet »
« Yeah » sighed Harvey.
« You don’t seem convinced » giggled Donna.
« It’s not that I’m not convinced, it’s just that I’ve always lived the high life, having fun spending a lot of money. It’s been a long time since I’ve had fun without the booze flowing, the nightclubs, the sports cars, and all that. So, a simple life doesn’t really appeal to me »
« Well, you’ll probably never have to live a simple life, so there’s no point in you getting interested. I mean, by the time our marriage happens, I’ll be the perfect wife you want me to be — in public, and only in public — I’ll do whatever you want. I’m at your complete disposal »
That kind of phrase excited him instantly, especially coming from her, imagining him as the dominant male he liked to be and her completely at his disposal —damn, dinner had just begun, he needed to calm down. But if he could detect a hint of desperation — probably linked to the fact that she was an independent woman who didn’t need a man to command her—her tone of voice also gave a hint of... flirtation? He couldn’t say for sure, but what she had just said pleased him.
Harvey was the very stereotype of a man. He needed to dominate, to be admired, to be the stronger sex in the relationship to feel in control. And even though when he was with Donna, he felt for the first time that he was facing someone who could dominate him — much like with Jessica in the work context, and only work — those words gave him the feeling that he could dominate her, mold her into the perfect wife, make her fully his, causing his boxer shorts to tighten as he watched her half-smile. As it clearly made them both laugh, Harvey cleared his throat to speak in a soft voice, barely recognizing himself.
« Hey, um... I know the situation isn't optimal and far from pleasant, but I’m not a monster, and I definitely don’t want you to feel forced into anything »
« I know, it's just pretend »
« Exactly. And if it's still okay with you, we could once discuss a game plan — or whatever you want to call it — what we’re going to do, the limits, what we want to demonstrate, all that »
« Sounds good » smiled the redhead.
« Plus, Rachel told me you're an actress »
« Yeah »
« Like, Hollywood girl? I've tried a few actresses, but it wasn't great »
« Well, good for you. I'm a theater actress —Shakespeare and all that — and it’s perfect because you’re not going to try anything with me »
For a few seconds, he looked at her with a small smirk as he watched her chuckle softly, forcing the lawyer to murmur with a giggle.
« Alright »
« What does that mean? »
« Let's fucking do it »
« You seem determined, I see »
« Yeah »
« So what exactly is the reason you need to find yourself a wife? I mean, Rachel told me you're aiming for a position, but your reputation doesn't allow it »
« Yeah. The managing partner of Darby International — one of the largest legal firms on this planet — is about to retire and is currently looking for a second-in-command to train before he finally steps down and hands over the reins. The thing is, this guy is married, two kids, a dog — the whole steady life thing — and I know he's looking for someone like him »
« So not you »
« Exactly. But that position is what I'm aiming for. I can't die before being at the head of one of the biggest international firms, and given my lifestyle, I’m gonna die young. But Jessica — my boss — taught me that rumors are already circulating that the guy being considered for the second-in-command position is Anthony Harrison, a mediocre British lawyer who looks like him. So her idea was for me to become like him, to show him that I can also be a serious guy, capable of long-term commitment »
« I see, yeah. And how long do we have to stay married? »
« I don’t want to jump ahead too fast, but apparently, he’d be handing over the reins in about a year, a year and a half — max two years. But during that time, we can continue living our separate lives, it's just for appearances »
« Alright, that works for me »
« Yeah? Alright, good. I have to admit, I’m happy. When Rachel described you, I was sure something was off — that you were ugly or missing teeth or something, I don’t know »
« Well, it’s nice to know you think I’m beautiful »
« You’re gorgeous »
As Harvey said this with a teasing and flirtatious air, deep down, he genuinely meant it, realizing, still with difficulty, that this beauty was going to become his wife — no matter the meaning they gave to this union. As he looked at Donna with desire, she chuckled, gazing at him with the same intensity and Harvey quickly understood he had probably found an equal match. As he got lost in her eyes, she murmured.
« You’re not bad yourself »
« Not bad? Well, maybe I am — »
Just as he was about to say something way too bold for a first date, he suddenly stopped as he saw a man enter the restaurant — his rival. Spotting him from a distance, he flashed him an arrogant smile before losing sight of him, now accompanied.
« Shit »
« What’s going on? »
« Travis Tanner. I run into this guy all the time at court, and his main goal is to piss me off. I’m sure he’ll waste no time telling everyone he saw me here »
« That’s a good thing »
« Hmm? »
As he refocused on the redhead in front of him, he was surprised to see her reach for his hand resting on the table, delicately intertwining their fingers before bringing it to her lips as she kissed his wrist gently, winking at him. Immediately, Harvey was overcome by a wave of warmth — both suffocating and comforting — along with a series of sensations he had never experienced before and couldn’t quite describe.
It wasn't the first time women had put their mouths on his body — quite the opposite — but the way Donna had done it with such gentleness and delicacy had transported him. As she let her lips linger on his skin for a fraction of a second, she could feel his pulse quicken beneath, realizing she was having an effect on him, which didn’t displease the redhead in the slightest. As she glanced toward Travis Tanner, noticing he was settling in while looking at the fake couple with a hint of surprise, she sat back normally, their fingers still intertwined, chuckling.
« Is everything okay? »
« Yeah, sorry, it’s just I didn’t expect that »
« Well, news alert, couples do this kind of affectionate stuff »
« I bet »
« What do you mean, I bet? »
« I’ve never been in a relationship, I mean, a serious relationship »
« Seriously? »
« Yeah »
« We’re going to have a lot to talk about then »
« I think so too »
As they both continued to laugh, they carried on their conversation, talking about everything and nothing, one hand holding a fork, the other still in the hand of their new fake partner, until they finished. Seconds later, Harvey paid the bill before they both stood up, and the lawyer murmured.
« Are you driving? »
« No. Uber »
« Well, I’ll be your Uber driver tonight, come on »
« Oh, you don’t have to… »
« What kind of ungrateful husband would I be if I let my wife go home alone? »
As both of their hearts raced at Harvey’s words, Donna simply smiled before nodding in approval. As they were about to leave and pass by Travis Tanner, Donna walked just behind Harvey, using their position to slide her arm around his abdomen — feeling his abs contract under her fingers — to press herself closer and place a soft kiss on his clothed shoulder just as they passed the other lawyer. In a second, Travis choked on his glass of wine and clearly satisfied with the reaction she had caused, they both left the restaurant before Harvey spoke with the valet, then looked at Donna with a smile before chuckling.
« Have you seen his face? Damn, you’re good »
« Told you. I’m an actress »
Before Harvey had a chance to respond, his car arrived in front, and Donna felt her heart race as she saw him open the passenger door.
« My lady »
« Thank you »
Once comfortably seated in the Aston Martin’s all-leather interior, Harvey got in, and they drove toward the indicated address, the engine roaring through the streets of New York. During the twenty-minute ride, they continued their conversation, realizing how smooth and enjoyable it was and as they approached the building where Donna lived, the redhead murmured.
« When do you want to meet to discuss the practical details? »
« Tomorrow? »
« Already? »
« Well, we shouldn’t wait too long if we want to announce our engagement »
« True — I just have a meeting at noon for work »
« Let’s say nine o’clock at my place, does that work for you? »
« Of course »
« Alright, my address is… »
As she noted down Harvey’s condo address, they chatted for a few more minutes before he stopped in front of Donna’s building and looked at her with a big smile. Neither of them said anything for a few seconds, and Donna grabbed her handbag from the floor before softly murmuring.
« Thanks for tonight, it was surprisingly pleasant »
« What? You didn’t believe that? »
« Truthfully? No, I thought you’d just talk about yourself and be unpleasant »
« I’m glad you enjoyed it, then »
« Yeah – anyway, see you tomorrow »
As she was about to get out of the car, Harvey placed his hand on her wrist to stop her, and she turned to look at him, intrigued. Without a word, he brought his face closer to hers, half-opening his mouth while closing his eyes. Just as he was about to finally taste the lips that had been tempting him for the entire evening now, he was surprised to feel a hand gently rest on his chest, pushing him back softly, while he heard Donna's soft voice, bringing him back to reality.
« Harvey, don't do that »
« Why not? We’re gonna get married »
« I know, but still. What we have between us is a deal. We get married, I pay off my father's debt, you get the job of your dreams, and then our paths will part. It’s just a job, and I don’t get involved with men I work with »
« Donna… »
« Sorry, Harvey »
Without another word, she simply smiled at him before exiting the vehicle, leaving the lawyer alone and perplexed.
After staying still for a few seconds, he slammed on the gas, driving at full speed through the streets of Manhattan back to his place. While he had really enjoyed the evening, he was left unsatisfied by Donna’s words, causing a mix of emotions — mostly negative — to stir inside him. Harvey hated being denied anything, not because he was some spoiled, rich, bratty kid, but because it made him feel like he didn’t have control over the situation, and that? He hated it. He knew it was all connected, that he was trapped in a vicious cycle, but he couldn’t help it.
The last time he’d lost control, his parents had divorced, he saw his father only a few times a year, and he’d started living with his mother and her new husband. So when he’d become a lawyer, making a lot of money and gaining fame, when people admired him and he got what he wanted, he realized that it was him who controlled everything now, and that he’d never have to suffer like he did with his parents. So when he couldn’t get what he wanted, it pissed him off and made him panic, and even though he liked that unapologetic, dominant side of Donna, the fact that she’d rejected him frustrated him.
So, barely arriving home, he poured himself a glass of whiskey, then a second, and as the wine mixed with the strong alcohol, the sting of being rejected intensified, along with the effects of the liquor. Without thinking twice, he shot off a few texts, and twenty minutes later, he heard a knock on the door as standing behind it was a brunette, flashing a coy smile.
« Harvey »
« Nadia, please, come on in »
That night, he took control in bed, giving pleasure to this woman without himself feeling anything, as his mind wasn’t where it was supposed to be. So he closed his eyes, trying to escape, to flee from the reality of the situation. In another world, in another moment, he projected himself into a different universe — a universe of pale skin dotted with freckles, long red hair shimmering in the soft light, a beautiful body and a charming face, trying to remember how good she smelled when he approached her.
Once she came, he pulled out in a second without coming as Harvey locked himself in the bathroom while the woman fell asleep in his bed. He then moved toward the water, the heat soothing his tense muscles as the images of the redhead flashed through his mind. Her smile, the way she looked at him with that mixture of challenge and warmth, her tempting lips, the soft sound of her voice... everything about her was beautiful and exciting. So without thinking, he placed one hand on the shower wall, the other grasping his already hard length as he began to thrust in and out.
He knew it wasn’t right, that he shouldn’t be doing this while thinking about her, but he couldn’t help it. It was as if she had somehow enchanted him with her presence, her charisma, her every word she said that day. In a split second, he came hard and fast, her name on his lips, white contrasting with the black tiles of the shower as he felt relieved and dirty at the same time.
What the hell was wrong with him?
Chapter 5: Cartier or Tiffany’s?
Chapter Text
As planned the night before, Donna made her way to Harvey's building first things in the morning, gasping as she gazed up at the entrance hall of a luxury building.
Once inside, she hurried to the reception because, apart from the street name and the neighborhood, she had no idea where he lived. When she reached the desk, she smiled before murmuring softly to the man standing at the reception.
« Hi. I need to see Harvey Specter. I'm Donna Paulsen, I should be on the list. Can you tell me his apartment number? »
Facing her request, the receptionist seemed slightly taken aback, stumbling over his words as he tried to justify something he was clearly hiding.
« Oh, Miss Paulsen, hum, sure, yeah, he told me… And Mr. Specter? I think he's busy at the moment »
« We have an appointment at nine »
« Yeah, but I think he's already with someone... but — never mind, you can go ahead. 43rd floor, apartment B »
As Donna followed the man's gaze, she saw him glance at a brunette stepping off the elevator, dressed in an absurdly short lycra dress — probably the one from the night before — busy reapplying bright pink lipstick. As if on cue, the moment the woman appeared, the receptionist changed his tune about Harvey's availability.
Donna wasn't stupid, she made the connection and realized that the lawyer was probably occupied with that vulgar woman — not that she was surprised. Feeling a little foolish, she gave a tight-lipped smile, thanked the man, and made her way to the elevator. Once inside, the redhead couldn't help but reflect. Harvey was… Harvey. Deep down, she knew he wasn't going to give up his life of indulgence after a single date with her, even though, for a moment, she had believed otherwise, given how things had gone so perfectly.
Almost there, she shook off the thoughts with a swift gesture, pulling her coat tighter around her as she had to stay focused — no distractions, it was just a job after all. When the elevator reached the 43rd floor, she took a deep breath and stepped out. The hallway was silent and pristine, as if the perfection of the building was an extension of the man himself, and after a few moments, she knocked once, then twice. Waiting in front of that white door, her heart pounding for a reason she didn't yet know, the sound of a door unlocking echoed, and the familiar silhouette of Harvey appeared in the doorway.
« Hey »
« Hey »
For a brief moment, she saw him look her up and down, biting his lip, sending a rush of warmth through Donna despite her earlier frustration regarding the situation and the departure of the other woman. If he was ready to flirt with her like the day before, her very being driving the lawyer crazy the second his eyes fell upon her, seeing Donna so tense, Harvey murmured.
« Please, come in »
As he moved to the side to let her pass, the moment she stepped by him, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as her intoxicating scent flooded his nostrils, electrifying his entire body, his blood rushing south in a second. Barely with his eyes open, watching her walk into the living room, her ass perfectly molded into her jeans making Harvey want to sink his teeth into it, he took a deep breath, tapping his forehead gently against the door a few times as if to clear his head until he finally followed her.
As soon as they were in the living room, Harvey watched her silently, observing how she seemed to command the space with natural ease. Usually, such behavior would have unsettled him, even irritated him. He would have wanted to set boundaries, create some distance, but this time, it was different. Instead of making him feel uncomfortable or panicked, the boldness, the confidence she exuded brought him a sense of calm, almost reassuring. Quickly, she sat down on the couch and Harvey did the same, but as he was about to speak, he was quickly interrupted by the redhead, who challenged him with a look while speaking in a voice that was both tense and provocative.
« Do you ever think? »
« Excuse me? »
« The girl who left your place this morning. Do you really think everyone’s going to believe you're deeply in love with your future wife while you're sleeping with others at the same time? »
« What are you talking about? »
« I saw her leave, Harvey. Don’t take me for a fool, alright? »
Seeing Donna’s determined expression, Harvey swallowed hard, especially as she stood up and leaned over him, her hands planted on either side of his shoulders on the back of the couch, locking eyes with him in a dark, intense gaze.
« Donna… »
« You want this position, right? »
« Yeah »
« Then from now on, I decide. Got it? »
« Got it »
Watching him nod, slightly surprised, she straightened up and stepped away from him while Harvey exhaled a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding, his eyes still on her as she moved across the room. While she headed for the kitchen, opening the fridge in search of something, Harvey took a moment to study her.
Light blue jeans, simple camel-colored ankle boots, and a tight white t-shirt — so effortlessly casual, yet so perfectly her. At that moment, he let his head fall back on the sofa with a sigh, realizing — man oh man, he had never been more attracted to anyone. Normally, the women he spent time with wore cheap, short, vulgar outfits or low-cut tops, but this... god, she was so perfect. It was insane.
As Harvey was lost in his thoughts, he heard Donna speak, her voice calm but authoritative, as if she knew exactly what she was talking about.
« You’ll find a solution for your… impulses. Either you find someone you trust and sleep with just her, so it doesn’t get out, or you’ll do it in another state. Because if I’m willing to help you with everything, I’m not willing to become the cheated-on wife. It’s humiliating »
« I’m sorry, Donna. You’re right »
Harvey never apologized, nor did he usually listen to what anyone else had to say. But with her... it was like his brain just shut down. Maybe it was because she drove him completely crazy, or maybe it was the certainty in her voice and the impression she gave that she knew exactly what she was doing that convinced him. So he nodded, and as she returned to the living room to sit back down across from him, she sighed.
« How do you want to get married? »
« I have no idea. It needs to be quick, but without being too suspicious »
« Three months, then »
« Three months? »
Never in a million years he was imagining he’d be married in three months, but apparently, that was enough time for Donna. Lost in thought, he was quickly pulled out of his reverie when he heard Donna answer a question he hadn’t even asked.
« Yes, three months. But we need to get engaged quickly »
« How fast? »
« Like today fast »
« What? » shouted Harvey.
« Yeah » said Donna coolly.
He definitely hadn’t expected that kind of rush, but surprisingly, if he thought he’d be scared, he found himself... oddly calm — and even excited maybe? Seeing Donna glance at him with a smirk, he nodded again, his mind racing as she continued to talk with a soft voice.
« As soon as it’s done, we’ll go to a popular spot in New York, somewhere we can get photographed, talking to some people who can’t shut up, and let the rumors spread »
« The gala »
« What? »
« The gala » said Harvey with confidence.
« What about it? »
« In a month, there’s a gala hosted by my firm — it's a huge event with everyone invited, tons of photographers, all that stuff. It’s the perfect opportunity, don’t you think? »
« Perfect, yeah »
« That way, they’ll photograph us, start the rumors when they see the ring, and two months later, we get married — bam »
« That’s a good idea, yeah »
« Yeah. Just one thing left… »
« What? »
« Cartier or Tiffany’s? »
As he flashed her that signature charming smile, Donna could feel her heart start to race. She was a simple girl, and a ring from an independent designer in Soho would have been more than enough. But the idea of wearing a luxury ring… it sent a rush of excitement through her — she was a woman after all. As he continued to look at her tenderly, Donna chuckled before murmuring.
« Seriously? »
« Dead serious »
« Harvey, this is too much. I don’t need something that expensive »
« Oh please, only the best for my wife. So? Cartier or Tiffany’s? »
« Tiffany’s, then. I’m a fan of Audrey Hepburn »
« Good to know — alright, I’ll be back »
She watched him get up, a mix of surprise and amusement crossing her face. He was always so damn confident, so certain that he could get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. But somehow, with her... he was playing a different game, and the thought of him actually going to buy her that ring made her stomach flip in an entirely unexpected way. Harvey was a real idiot, that much was certain, but damn, he was irresistible as Donna still had a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that she was actually going to marry him.
As he moved away toward what was probably his bedroom, leaving her time to observe him, she couldn’t help but watch. He was clearly focused on getting dressed when she knocked on his door, and as he stood there in his dark blue suit pants, dark socks, and a simple white tank top, Donna took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. His casual, yet effortlessly attractive appearance was almost too much for her to handle. She could see the defined lines of his body beneath the simple fabric of his clothes, the way his muscles moved as he walked, and it sent a wave of heat rushing through her. She quickly realized how much she hated how easy it was for him to make her feel this way — distracted, vulnerable, and wanting more.
A few minutes later, Harvey returned to the living room, phone in hand, and the two of them found themselves sitting on the couch, talking about anything and everything, clearly enjoying each other’s company without actually admitting it. As time passed, Donna was startled to hear a knock on the door, and even more surprised to see a bald man in a suit, carrying a large briefcase, greet her with a brief nod before speaking.
« Good morning, Miss »
« Hello… » muttered the redhead.
« I’m Andrew Davies »
« Nice to meet you? »
Donna was confused, not quite understanding what was happening, but seeing her look of confusion, Harvey smiled as he sat beside her, leaning in with his signature charming grin, whispering with his deep voice.
« He works for Tiffany’s »
« What? »
« You chose Tiffany’s, huh? »
Before she could respond, the man opened his briefcase, revealing a collection of dazzling diamond rings, Donna’s eyes widening at the sight, her breath catching as she took in the beauty of each one. Harvey, on the other hand, chuckled with a hint of arrogance as he whispered.
« Come on, choose whichever one you want »
« You’re such a romantic » said Donna, rolling her eyes but secretly charmed by his confidence.
« What?" Am I supposed to pick your ring? » snorted Harvey, a little smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
« Of course you are, it’s your only job »
Facing his smile, Donna couldn’t help but laugh as he sat back down on the edge of the sofa, leaning over the rings.
« Alright... Well, what about… this one? »
Harvey, always a man of taste, pointed at some ring — an oval halo engagement ring with a diamond platinum band as it sparkled brilliantly, catching the light in a way that made it impossible to look away. Seeing his smile, Donna immediately picked it up and held it in the light, admiring its craftsmanship as she lawyer whispered with expectations.
« So? »
« Love it »
« Really? »
« Alright, try it on »
Donna’s heart skipped a beat as she carefully slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The weight of it on her finger, the glint of the diamond in the light — it was surreal — she was going to marry the man sitting next to her; she was going to become a wife. In the meantime, Harvey watched her, his gaze softening just slightly as he observed how the ring seemed to complete her in a way he hadn’t expected.
« Looks good on you »
As his voice was lower than usual, it was a simple compliment, but somehow it felt more significant than anything else they’d said that day. For a moment, Donna’s fingers traced the ring’s edge, still in awe of it as she whispered, almost to herself.
« It’s perfect »
For a brief moment, she forgot about the plan, about everything that had led them here. All she could focus on was the reality of it — this, whatever it was between them, felt more real than anything else. For a few seconds, the condo was plunged into silence before Harvey murmured, looking at the redhead.
« Is this the one you want? »
« Yeah »
« Alright. Andrew, this is the one, then »
« Perfect. Plus, it’s already Miss’ size. I’ll wrap it up for you, and it’s yours »
« Thank you »
Quickly, the man took care of everything, while Donna and Harvey waited for him to leave. Once they were alone, the lawyer, with his Tiffany's box in hand, noticed the redhead blushing slightly as she snorted and shook her head.
« What? » chuckled Harvey.
« Nothing. It’s just that if you’d told me I’d pick my own engagement ring and slip it on myself without anyone even asking, I wouldn’t have believed it »
« What? You’re the type for big declarations, rose petals, flash mobs, or something? »
« Why not? I mean, not the flash mobs, for sure, but the rest? Why not... I’d have imagined a romantic dinner in an old secluded house, home cooking, candles, soft lighting, a glass of wine, and classic music in the background. I’d be busy in the kitchen, and then when I turned around, my boyfriend would be on one knee, giving me a great declaration of love, telling me how much he loves me and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with me — and finally asking me the question »
« Alright, you’re definitely a big romantic »
« Shut up » giggled Donna.
« Okay. Let's do that — wait »
Without further delay, he left Donna standing in the middle of the living room while he grabbed a remote to lower the semi-opaque blinds, plunging the condo into soft darkness. He then headed over to the record player in the corner, put some of his father’s jazz, turned on the flat screen mounted on the wall, and set a fake crackling fireplace in the background over the saxophone notes. Quickly, he grabbed a bottle of Macallan, poured two glasses, handed one to her before picking up the small blue box from the table, smiling at Donna, dropping to one knee, and clearing his throat.
« I’m more into luxury New York condos, I don’t cook, I hate classical music, I prefer whiskey to wine, and I’m terrible at declarations of love, but for you, to thank you for getting involved in this crazy adventure, I’ll make an effort. So, even though we don’t even know each other and all of this is fake, you can still say you got a somewhat romantic marriage proposal from your fake-boyfriend, on one knee. So, Donna... will you do me the honor of becoming my wife for an unknown period? »
Facing the lawyer’s arrogant smile and words, Donna couldn’t help but giggle before nodding and responding with a laugh.
« Yes, Harvey. I accept »
« Thank God, I was afraid you’d say no »
Quickly, he stood up and moved closer to her, their bodies almost brushing as he gently took Donna's hand to slide the ring onto her finger. Even though it was fake, they couldn’t help but feel their hearts race as they tried to calm down. But with the soft music, the almost romantic atmosphere, and their warm breaths against each other, it only took a glance up for their lips to be just a few inches apart. But as the young man would have gladly pressed his lips to Donna’s, dying to taste them, he was quickly interrupted by the redhead murmuring.
« Harvey? »
« Yeah? »
« An engagement ring goes on the ring finger, this is my index finger »
« Oh shit, sorry » snorted Harvey.
Even though they both laughed at the lawyer’s mistake, seeing the redhead with a huge diamond on her finger, there, as if it had always belonged to her, Harvey swallowed hard. Perhaps it was his alpha male side, the fact that he liked to possess, to show what belonged to him to the world, and that the absolutely perfect redhead in front of him was going to be his in the most complete way possible, even if only for a moment. Maybe it was the novelty, the excitement of the unknown, or some kind of nonsense, but the idea that she was actually his made the lawyer want to really commit to her, as bizarre as it was. But as the thought scared him, he quickly shook his head before murmuring.
« Thai for lunch? »
« Thai is good »
That day, before they both had to head to work, they sat down at the table with the Thai food they had ordered, chatting about everything and nothing as they realized that these two minimum years wouldn’t be so terrible after all. But as he watched her laugh at a joke he had just made, seeing her glance at her ring and biting her lower lip, Harvey felt something he had never felt before.
And God, he was scared.
Chapter 6: I’m Harvey, her fiancé
Notes:
Since it’s the weekend (and I have a little project for December coming up that I need to finish this fic before), this weekend will be a double update. I hope you’re going to like it ⭐
Chapter Text
As planned, since their fake engagement, Harvey and Donna continued to pretend to be together.
The gala was set for exactly three weeks and two days away, and they were really trying to be seen together. Harvey was well-known, known to a point that Donna hadn’t fully grasped yet — I mean, they’d even offered him a spot as the next bachelor. So, the first time they went out as fiancés, eating a bagel at a café on Soho, Donna immediately noticed a guy pointing his phone at them to take a photo. Without thinking, she placed her hand on her fiancé’s jaw, the diamond on her finger sparkling against his skin as she gently slid her thumb over his cheekbone, murmuring discreetly.
« A guy’s taking a picture of us »
As the warmth of Donna’s palm sent a shiver through the lawyer, he wasn’t used to this kind of affectionate gesture, unlike Donna, who seemed comfortable with it. Seeing her look at him with her beautiful, green-brown eyes filled with tenderness, unconsciously, he turned his head to press his lips to her palm, making her smile even more. He had never done that before — he was more the type to fuck and leave — but with her, he couldn’t explain why, but he felt so at ease. Donna then smiled at him, running her fingers through his hair before speaking softly, just for the two of them.
« You’re that famous? »
« What? You’ve never heard of me before? »
« No »
« Ouch »
« Hey, don’t take it like that, it’s just that I’m a journalist in the arts and entertainment field. I spend my time either working, or relaxing in my bath with a glass of wine and a book. Otherwise, I go out with friends to the theater or concerts — I’m not into celebrity stuff, and definitely not into law »
« Well, you’re going to marry a lawyer, you’ll have to care a little »
« And you’re going to marry a theater girl — does that mean I’ll have to see you at the next performance of The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare next month in a small local theater? »
« Nevermind, then »
As they both laughed at Harvey’s scandalized expression, they continued eating and chatting about everything and nothing until it was time to go. Once they were done, Harvey walked Donna back to her work, and as they were about to part with a simple nod and smile, the lawyer changed his plans, faced with what was about to happen. Downstairs, as they were talking about when they’d see each other again, they were interrupted by a male voice from behind them.
« Donna? »
Quickly, they both turned to find a graying man approaching them, casting mixed glances at Harvey as he got closer. Harvey wasn’t stupid — he had noticed how Donna had tensed beside him, and how the man looked at him with a mix of hatred and jealousy — clearly, they had a past.
« Mark, hey »
« Hey, it’s been a while since we last saw each other »
« Yeah… »
« Aren’t you going to introduce us? »
« Um, Harv, this is Mark, an old friend »
« Her ex »
The man corrected Donna in a seconde, acting like he was challenging the lawyer. So without waiting, Harvey quickly responded with confidence and a touch of arrogance.
« Nice to meet you, dude. I’m Harvey, her fiancé »
Immediately, as he was just behind her, Harvey slid his hand around her, his palm flat on her stomach before gently pulling her against him, her back colliding with his muscular chest. Between the warmth of Harvey’s body and his breath on her neck, Donna could feel her legs turn to jelly as her ex watched her with wide eyes, murmuring in a trembling voice.
« Fiancé? »
« Yeah »
« Oh… alright »
Immediately, Harvey placed a kiss on the redhead’s jaw, and between the intimate gesture and the hateful look from the man, the lawyer was reveling in it. He didn’t know what was happening to him — maybe it was the soft skin of Donna under his lips, her hair brushing against the side of his face, her intoxicating scent, or the way her stomach had tightened when his hand passed — but Harvey felt like he was losing his mind. He would never admit it to Donna, because all of this was just pretend, but even though he had only known her for a week, he was already dreading their divorce in two years.
It was strange — Harvey wasn’t like this, he usually didn’t care, but he had gotten attached to her. Maybe it was because he was going to be bound to her with the strongest contract there is — marriage — but he was gradually realizing just how much he was changing. He loved women, he didn’t hide it, but with Donna, it was turning into obsession. Normally, he would move from one woman to the next, not really concerned about what became of them. Sometimes, he would cross paths with them months or years later, with their new partners — when he remembered them — without it bothering him. But with the redhead, things were different.
Every time a man looked at her, he was overwhelmed by a strange feeling — probably jealousy — while he felt ready to pounce on any guy who dared, marking his territory. He also knew that he loved sex, having already fulfilled sex life, and Donna was hot, hotter than anyone he ever seen before, but when he came to her, there was more than wanting to explore her body, he wanted more. The tension between the two men was palpable as Donna cleared her throat before turning to Harvey, their lips just inches apart as she whispered.
« You’re going to be late »
« Yeah, so are you — see you tonight, baby »
« See you »
As she tried to calm the warmth rushing through her from the way he had whispered baby in that deep, husky voice, she wasn’t close to being done with the effect he was having on her. Before she could react, she felt Harvey’s hand grabbing her jaw softly, gently turning her face toward him. As he was still standing behind her, lightly squeezing her cheeks, he planted yet another kiss near her lips, between her cheek and nose. Before she could process it, he removed his hand from her face, then the other one from her stomach as he stepped away, leaving her body shivering from the loss of physical contact.
Seconds later, once alone with Mark, her ex watched her with confusion before murmuring.
« Fiancé? »
« What? »
« We've been apart for a few months, we said we were on a break, and in the meantime, you’re planning to get married with someone else? »
« Mark, it was never a break. It was over, and you know it »
« It was never over for me »
« Well, get used to it, because I’m getting married, so forget about me »
« You’ve known this guy for two minutes, and you’re marrying him? And what about this rich asshole, since when is that your type? »
« Don’t talk about my fiancé like that »
« I can't believe this. What’s gotten into you? You barely know him »
« When he's the one, he's the one. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do »
Without another word and a bit irritated, she walked into the building and headed up to the thirty-second floor to her office and as she barely had time to sit down, she saw her colleague rushing in, taking a seat across from her with a mischievous grin.
« Who was that hottie? »
« Hi Asma, how are you? »
« Don’t change the subject. So? »
Without responding, Donna raised her hand, revealing the enormous diamond on her ring finger as the brunette gasped, grabbing her hand and bringing it closer while Donna snorted, her heart racing as she whispered.
« My fiancé »
« Wait, pause. Since when are you engaged? »
« Four days now »
« And since when do you know your fiancé? You never talk to me about it »
« A few weeks, but it was love at first sight, and I don’t know… we just knew we were made for each other so we decided to get engaged quickly »
« Alright, I need a moment… Donna? »
« Yeah? »
« What the fuck? »
« I know, right? » giggled the redhead, feeling like a teenage girl.
For a few more minutes, she continued chatting with her colleague about her mysterious fiancé before finally getting to work. Although she was extremely interested in analyzing the play she had seen a few days ago, her thoughts kept drifting back to Harvey — the sensation of his large hand on her stomach, his warm breath against her neck, his lips on her skin, the way he marked his territory and held her tightly against him. It was hard for her to focus, her mind replaying the moments, the feeling of him so close, and the way he made her feel unlike anyone else — she couldn’t shake the thoughts of him, no matter how hard she tried to concentrate.
Harvey was good-looking and sexy, sure, and if it weren't for the marriage contract hanging over their heads, she might have been tempted by a night with him but she couldn’t afford to mess everything up over a fling. It was complicated enough as it was, and she wasn’t about to let her feelings — or desires — ruin the whole thing. Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, she had to remind herself that this was all temporary. She couldn’t let herself forget the lines they had drawn, even if her heart — and her body — was telling her otherwise.
That day, when Asma couldn’t hold her tongue, the entire office found out that the redhead was about to marry a loaded and incredibly sexy lawyer, making her heart flutter every time she talked about him. But as everyone kept asking to see pictures of her man, Donna realized they needed to strengthen their backstory if they wanted their story to seem believable. So, on the next few dates they had, they made sure to dig deeper into each other’s lives, building a more detailed narrative.
They exchanged stories, worked out their shared history, and took plenty of photos — all to make it seem real. It was all an act, but the more they played their parts, the harder it became to separate what was real from what wasn’t. Harvey found himself slipping into the role, even if he was just pretending, and Donna couldn’t help but feel a little something every time he looked at her like she was the only one in the room. They were both just pretending, but sometimes it felt a little too real, just like right now. As he sat at his desk, staring at the photo of Donna he had set as his wallpaper, he heard a masculine voice behind him.
« Is that your girlfriend? »
« Fiancée »
« She's a goddess »
« Jealous, Louis? »
Harvey had to admit it — Donna was stunning.
He had taken the photo during one of their dinners, sitting at an outdoor table of a French bistro in Manhattan. The redhead was sitting across from him, wearing a cozy navy blue sweater to shield herself from the cool evening air as she held a glass of wine in one hand, the engagement ring sparkling against the dark liquid, while her other hand was crossed on the table. She was lightly made up, her hair tucked behind her ears, cascading down her back and shoulders as her head was slightly tilted toward the glass, a wide smile on her lips, and her sparkling eyes melting Harvey’s heart.
It was an ordinary moment, a shared dinner, but in that picture, she looked like something out of a dream as he found himself staring at the photo a little too often these days.
« Since when do you have a fiancé? »
« Since I asked her to marry me »
« You’re gonna get married… »
« I do. What about you? Where is your wife? »
Harvey wasn’t usually one to hold back, especially when it came to his relationship with Louis, but this time, he kept quiet. Maybe it was respect for Donna, or maybe it was because he didn’t feel like teasing Louis about his wife being in Harvey’s bed. Whatever it was, he let it go. Seeing Louis struggle to find words, he chuckled softly before standing up to leave. Just before heading out, he casually tossed over his shoulder.
« Anyway, speaking of my girl, I gotta go pick her up. See you soon? »
He didn’t even wait for a reply before exiting the room. Harvey knew Louis was a chatterbox, and by the time he got back to the office the next day, everyone would know he was getting married — which suited him just fine. He checked the time — Donna would be finishing soon — and swung by a florist to grab a bouquet, then, he positioned himself outside her office building, waiting for her. Minutes later, when Donna stepped out, her eyes immediately landed on him, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as his heart gave a little jump as their gazes locked.
« Harv, what are you doing here? »
« What? You're not happy to see me? »
« I didn’t expect it, that’s all »
« Come on, let’s go for a walk »
She reached out for the bouquet with a teasing smile, and they began strolling down the street together. A few hours later, they found themselves sitting in a pizzeria, chatting about everything and nothing, slowly realizing how hard it was to be apart. As they sat there, Donna took out her phone and let out a deep sigh, which immediately caught Harvey's attention.
« Everything okay? »
« Yeah, yeah » she said, but her voice didn’t sound convincing.
« Hey, we don’t know each other that well yet, but I can tell you’re lying »
« Maybe, but it’s nothing. Forget it »
« Tell me »
« Why do you care? »
Immediately, Harvey’s frustration began to rise as the jealousy, the sense of inferiority, all of it mixing together, kind of pissed him off as he responded in a firm tone.
« Because you're gonna be my wife. I have to know »
Donna paused for a moment, her expression softening before she gave a small sigh.
« Let me stop you right there. I'm going to be your wife, not your property. Just because you're my husband doesn’t mean I owe you everything. You want to know or you have to know? Because that’s not the same. We're equals, Harvey. No one is above the other. So trust me when I say I’m fine »
« Sorry » he said quickly, realizing his mistake.
« Hmm… »
« Hey, I’m serious, alright? I’m sorry. It’s just... you looked frustrated, and I was trying to figure out what was going on. I didn’t mean that »
« It’s nothing. It’s just... Mark »
« The asshole from this morning? Your ex? »
« Yeah »
« What does he want? »
« I think for him, our story wasn’t really over, so he’s been bombarding me with messages since this morning. But I’ll block him, it’s fine… I just hope he’ll stop calling at work too »
Harvey frowned, his protective instincts kicking in as he talked quietly, his hand instinctively moving toward hers on the table.
« If he ever bothers you again... you let me know »
« Harv » chuckled la rouquine.
« No one gets to come near my wife »
After one last sidelong glance, the couple continued their meal until Harvey drove Donna home. But as they stopped outside her building and Donna’s phone was connected to his car, his blood ran cold when he saw a message from an unknown number saying it was Mark on the car’s screen. Pretending he hadn't seen anything, Harvey turned to Donna with a smile, speaking in a smooth, yet sexy voice.
« Hey, the gala's in a week, how about a little shopping together? »
« What? You need to see what your woman’s going to wear? » smirked the redhead .
« Of course »
« Trust me, I’ve got great taste. Let’s say it’ll be a surprise »
« I have no doubt. Here »
« Your credit card? »
« Yep, I made one for you. There’s no limit. Go wild, future Mrs. Specter »
« Count on me »
As she grabbed his credit card with a big smile — a little embarrassed though — she gave him one last wink before stepping out of the car, their hearts racing in unison at the little show they just put. After making sure she was safely inside her building, Harvey dialed his best friend’s number and waited for him to pick up a few seconds later.
« Hey, brother. How's it going? »
« I’m great »
« Just finish your date with your little wifey? »
« Yep. I’m calling you about her, by the way »
« Tell me »
« I need some info. Can you and your amazing memory help me with a little research? »
« Of course. What do you need? »
« I need you to find out where her ex lives. I only know his name is Mark »
« Harv… »
« Please. Ask your hacker friend or someone like that to get me his address. I need to talk to him »
« Why? »
« He’s been harassing Donna, sending her messages all day and calling at work too. I need to handle this because it’s pissing me off »
« Bro, this is a terrible idea »
« Just do what I’m asking, please »
Sensing that Harvey wasn’t going to let this go and would find a way to track the guy down one way or another, Mike sighed before murmuring.
« Alright, I’ll see what I can do, but please, don’t do anything stupid »
« Thanks, Mike »
Barely hanging up, Harvey got back on the road to his place, taking off his suit jacket and pouring himself a glass of whiskey. He set his phone on the coffee table in the living room, staring at it impatiently, waiting for any news. As his thoughts drifted back to the redhead who had been spinning him around, he grabbed the device as soon as he saw the screen light up.
Mark Meadow – 340 E 72nd street, Lenox Hill
It seemed like his night was far from over.
Chapter 7: That’s the one
Chapter Text
As soon as he had the address of where the guy lived, the young lawyer had an idea of how his evening would end.
Harvey grabbed his car keys and phone before rushing out of his condo and getting into the car, speeding down the road. About twenty minutes later, once at the building’s entrance, he walked up to the concierge with confidence.
« Good evening, I have an appointment with a client, but my phone died. Could you tell me his apartment number? Mr. Meadow »
Harvey carried himself with presence, his charming smile and three-piece suit making sure no suspicions were raised. The man, clearly unaware, kindly gave him the floor and apartment number, and Harvey slipped him a small tip as a thank you. Once in the elevator, he took a deep breath, watching the floors pass as he anxiously anticipated reaching the right door.
He knew he was going to do something stupid — after all, he was impulsive and didn't think things through much — but now he wasn't alone anymore, there was also Donna to consider. However, while Harvey hated being bothered — and given that these past few weeks in the redhead's presence had made him realize that he and Donna were the same thing — he felt this visceral need to defend the one who was going to become his wife. When he finally arrived, he knocked firmly, waiting for the door to open and as soon as the man opened, he wasted no time pushing the door open, advancing toward Mark, and shoving him inside.
« Do you remember me? »
« What the fuck, dude? »
« You're starting to piss me off, Meadow. But I'll tell you one thing: you approach Donna again, and you're going to regret the day you were born »
« What are you talking about? »
« You know very well what I'm talking about. I know that you harass Donna despite her not answering you, and yet you continue. Even changing your phone number you fucking psycho. So I'm going to explain to you one last time, calmly... You stay away from her, understand? »
« You think you're scaring me? »
« You should »
« Please, have you seen Donna? A guy like you, it's never going to work between you two, you're just a brainless asshole loaded with money who — »
Not even giving him time to continue his sentence, he drove his fist into his face, making Mark fall to the ground while the gray-haired man groaned at the impact. Quickly, he grabbed her collar to bring him closer to him, looking at him with a threatening air while whispering in a deep voice.
« I’m not here to talk to you about my relationship, with Donna, I'm just telling you that if I see you approaching her, talking to her or even sending her a damn message, I'll destroy you. You never bother my wife ever again, got it? »
Harvey didn’t wait for a response. He turned on his heel and left the apartment, his footsteps echoing in the silence as Mark remained on the floor, still recovering from the blow, his hand clutching his bruised face. Harvey didn’t care — all that mattered was Donna, and making sure she was safe from men like him.
As he stepped into the elevator, a sense of satisfaction washed over him, but it was tinged with something else — a deeper, gnawing feeling that he couldn’t quite shake. It was more than just protecting her, it was something about her, about how she made him feel — like she was something he couldn’t bear to lose.
Once on the sidewalk, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart that was racing while he moved his hand, still a little numb from the punch he'd thrown at Mark. That night, he decided to go home, take stock of everything that was happening, and reflect on his connection with Donna, while feeling like he was losing his mind — anyway, one thing at a time. First, he had dealt with Mark, and now, he needed to focus on the gala and make an impression, though he doubted it would take much effort with the redhead.
The days passed, and while Harvey was busy with his workout, he was interrupted by someone knocking at the door. Curious, he stopped his treadmill and quickly short hair before approaching the door and opening it, noticing how Donna's eyes discreetly lingered on his abs.
« Hey »
« Hey — sorry, I might be interrupting »
« No, no, don't worry, I was just finishing. Come in »
Once the door was completely open, Donna stepped inside, her gaze quickly scanning the room. Harvey stepped aside to let her in, a subtle smile on his lips, though he had noticed how her eyes had lingered on his torso a few seconds too long. He raised an eyebrow, amused, but didn't say anything until he asked, his tone teasing.
« So, what brings you here? »
« Well, I brought three dresses, you can choose »
« Really? »
The idea of choosing what Donna would wear made Harvey's heart race as he settled comfortably on the couch, still in shorts and his damp chest exposed, while the redhead stood in front of him with a few dress covers on her arm.
« Yeah — where can I change? »
« Here » smirked Harvey.
« No way » snorted Donna.
« Too bad — my bedroom's over there »
After a final laugh from the redhead, she isolated herself in the next room while he let his head fall back, thinking about everything except his future wife half-naked in his bedroom.
A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a velvet wine-red dress, perfectly molding her body down to mid-thigh with a slit that revealed her long, slender leg with every step. The top gave the impression of a corset with a straight neckline supported by two delicate straps, squeezing her breasts slightly as he just wanted to devour her neckline and neck. As Harvey was lost in thought, Donna smiled slightly, as if she was waiting for his reaction with some anticipation, spinning around and adjusting the dress to allow him to see it from every angle as she whispered.
« So, what do you really think? »
She guessed she looked irresistible, and she enjoyed playing with that dynamic a little too much seeing his gaze tracing every detail of the dress. But as she felt the warmth rising within her at the thought of Harvey giving his opinion about her, forgetting for a moment her feminist side, she realized she needed to hear how beautiful Harvey found her.
« It’s... really stunning, but you’ve got me curious with those other dresses. Show me the others too, I want to see if you can still surprise me »
Seeing him biting his lip with hunger in his eyes, she raised an eyebrow, a bit playful, before turning on her heels to fetch the other options, leaving Harvey alone for a moment with his thoughts as he knew he was caught in this game, but at the same time, he had no desire to escape it.
A few minutes later, she returned to the living room, and once again, Harvey swallowed hard. This time, she was wearing a brown dress with one strap, the other slipping under her arm, revealing her bare shoulder and arm, while the dress hugged every curve of her body, stopping mid-calf. As she spun around, Harvey’s gaze followed her ass, noticing the way the fabric stretched across her form as he just wanted to put his hands all over her — that body driving him crazy.
« What about this one? »
« Stunning again — try the next one »
He needed to take a breath to calm the agitation in his boxers, but Donna's presence in the room made things harder — just like his bulge right now. So after a final smile, she left the living room again, and he stared at his boxer, praying it would deflate quickly, knowing that covering it with a cushion would only make the inevitable unavoidable. While he focused on controlling his breath, Donna entered with the third and final dress, making Harvey feel like he was losing his mind.
This time, she was wearing sublime black dress that hugged her curves to her ankles, slit up the side to mid-thigh, with thin straps to support the garment on her shoulders. While the form-fitting cut gave her a sexy look, it was when she turned around, revealing her pale back sprinkled with freckles, that Harvey's breath took his breath away. Had he listened to his most lustful thoughts, he would have moved his hands up to grasp her hips, brushed his nose against the nape of her neck before pressing his lips to her back, devouring her skin and letting his tongue explore the constellation of her freckles.
« So? »
In a split second, he had to weigh the pros and cons of all three dresses, choosing whether to present his fiancée as the most beautiful woman in the room and control his boner the entire evening. So, he responded — perhaps a bit too quickly.
« That’s the one »
« Really? »
« Yeah – it’s… perfect »
« That was… fast? »
« Well, I’m a man of many talents… you’ll see »
While Harvey's insinuation could mean many things, both of them could feel the heat rising in the room. Between Harvey in his boxers on the couch, his sweat now dried on his skin, Donna in an incredible dress that hugged her body perfectly and the many flat surfaces allowing them to have sex, the redhead took a deep breath before talking.
« So this one? »
« Yeah »
« Alright, I'll take the others back to the store after the gala then »
« Don't. They're beautiful too, they can be used for other events »
« Are you sure? »
« Yeah, don’t worry »
After one last smile, she went back to the bedroom while Harvey sighed — alright, the gala was going to be really complicated. The idea of walking around all evening with Donna on his arm, introducing her to everyone, running his fingers over her pale skin, feeling her intoxicating scent envelop him, and seeing her so perfect, he had the feeling that he'd need to find a way to distract himself as soon as he would be home. Once Donna got dressed, she left the apartment, giving Harvey time to shower, get dressed in turn, and go about his business, eagerly awaiting the gala the next day.
As their day passed and their night was short for reasons they didn’t quite understand — more or less — Harvey checked himself in the mirror for the fifteenth time, making sure his Tom Ford suit was perfect before taking a deep breath and calling Donna, who quickly answered.
« Hello? »
« Hey, are you ready? »
« Yep »
« I’ll pick you up in twenty minutes »
« I can take the subway, you know »
For a few seconds, the call was silent until Harvey murmured.
« Donna, I don’t think you understood — you’re about to become Mrs. Specter, no more public transport for you »
« Harv, it was a joke — you better be there »
Between the nickname and her laugh, Harvey felt his heart race as he snorted.
« Alright, I’ll be there then »
« And I’ll be waiting »
Barely hanging up, he grabbed his car keys, then got into one of his sports car and sped towards the redhead's place. As he scrolled through his phone, he nearly choked on his own saliva when he saw her arrive. If the fittings had already made him feel a certain way, now, seeing her long red hair cascading down her back, her makeup a little more pronounced while she looked so sexy yet natural, he just wanted to skip the gala and spend the night with her in the back seat of his car. But after taking a deep breath, he got out of the car to offer her the door like a true gentleman, watching her sit down while whispering.
« You look so beautiful »
Normally, Harvey wasn’t like this at all. Sure, he would have said it in the hopes that the girl would feel flattered and end up in his bed, but he had never spoken those words because he actually felt the need to verbalize them. But as she looked at him with her charming gaze, he felt the collar of his shirt tighten while she whispered in return.
« You’re not bad yourself — shall we go? »
« Yup »
Barely seated behind the wheel, they both started talking until they reached the venue, and as soon as they got out of the car, Harvey — used to this — could hear some paparazzi calling his name and asking about the mysterious redhead accompanying him. Clearly, even though she had always dreamed of being a star, at that moment, she felt like an eight-year-old girl parading in front of her stuffed animals, imagining it was real. She could hardly believe it, all those people shouting his name, the camera flashes, the evening gowns, the valets — she felt like she was hallucinating.
Obviously, Harvey was in his element, flashing his charming smile at everyone, posing for a few seconds with Donna, while the photographers and some paparazzi asked a thousand and one questions, especially when they noticed the huge diamond on the redhead’s finger, but he didn’t answer, simply intertwining their fingers to pull her inside. Now alone in the entrance hall, he slid his hand to the small of her back — sending a shiver through Donna — before leaning in to whisper in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her neck.
« Are you ready? »
« I am, but are you? » repeated Donna.
As their eyes met, a mix of challenge and desire swirling between them, the redhead felt Harvey’s hand squeeze her hip, as if to ground himself, before he flashed her a mischievous smile and they both entered the grand reception hall — it was time to shine.
Immediately, they intertwined their fingers again, Harvey starting to chat with everyone, introducing Donna as his fiancée while, in the meantime, he had slipped his arm around her back to pull her closer to him. The redhead mirrored him, placing her other hand on his clothed chest, her ring sparkling against the black suit jacket of the lawyer. For nearly an hour, they conversed with everyone, Donna charming the guests one by one, just as she had charmed Harvey the moment his eyes landed on her, before she felt him tense beside her.
« You're alright? »
« He’s here »
« Who? »
« Edward Darby »
« The guy you want to take his place? The one you’re doing all this for? »
« Yeah »
« Let’s go, then »
« What? » murmured Harvey.
« Come on, time to act — remember? »
« Yeah, you're right, let’s go »
For a few seconds, he walked in his direction, seeing the man notice them, looking at Donna somewhat surprised, as if Darby had trouble believing that Harvey was accompanied by a woman as classy and natural as Donna. So, immediately, the man abandoned his conversation with some random guy to murmur.
« Harvey Specter »
« Mister Darby, how are you? »
« I’m fine — are you with company? »
« Yes — this is my fiancée, Donna, and baby, this is my boss, Edward Darby »
« Good evening, Mister Darby, it’s an honor to meet you. Harvey has often spoken of you and mentioned your admirable and brilliant career. Really inspiring »
« That’s very kind of you, Miss. But please, call me Edward »
« Edward, alright » smiled Donna.
« I must say, fiancée... I didn’t expect that at all » murmured the man, staring at the redhead’s hand.
« Well, I didn’t expect it at all either, but when she’s the one, she’s the one. Like you, I was also surprised to fall in love, and yet, here we are, almost married » smiled Harvey.
« Do you have a date yet? »
« In just under three months »
« That’s quick »
« Not quick enough for us » smiled Donna.
As she slid her hand to the back of Harvey’s hair, her nails gently scratching his scalp, the look she gave him made the lawyer swallow hard. He felt like she was looking at him with... love? Anyway, he knew she was an actress, she was probably trained for that, but still, it felt strange. But just as he could have spent the rest of the evening — even his life — being looked at like that, they were interrupted once again by Darby.
« What do you do for a living, Donna? »
« I’m a cultural journalist for the New York Times. I mostly write reviews and in-depth articles about dance, music, visual arts, film, and of course, theater »
« Interesting. I’m a big fan of Shakespeare, a true literary genius whose influence on literature and theater is unmatched »
« Exactly. His works demonstrate a profound understanding of the human condition, emotions, and conflicts that span the centuries. His ability to play with words, forge metaphors, and manipulate the English language is a marvel that continues to fascinate readers and playwrights » smiled the journalist.
For another ten minutes, Donna and Darby discussed everything and nothing while Harvey was fascinated by the redhead’s ease, her way of speaking and impressing her boss, who seemed to hang on every word. At the same time, Donna’s hand never left the back of Harvey’s head, as she unconsciously slid her fingers through his hair, making the lawyer want to cuddle up against her.
As Harvey could see his boss giving him small smiles and impressed looks, he tightened his grip on Donna while he hesitated to marry her right there, as he felt ready to do anything for her at that moment, seeing her so perfect and bringing him closer to his ultimate goal. But as they were interrupted by a businessman, Darby quickly smiled at Donna, saying he looked forward to crossing paths with her again before talking a little longer, then, he looked at Harvey with respect and a big smile, the first time in years.
For a few more hours, they chatted with everyone — planting the idea of their soon-to-be marriage in their minds — before finding themselves on the dance floor, Donna’s arms around his neck, Harvey’s arms around her waist, both of them waltzing to the music.
« Hey »
« Hmm? »
« Thanks for tonight — you were perfect »
« I think Darby liked me » snorted Donna.
« More than liked — you were the kind of woman he’d leave his wife for »
« Oh, please »
« What? It’s true » chuckled Harvey.
« So what? Aren’t you jealous? I mean... he probably has more money than you. I could let myself be tempted »
While clearly teasing him with a mischievous smile on her lips, Harvey tightened his hold on her, their bodies clashing together with the movement as he looked at her with a mix of desire and mischief, softly whispering, his breath caressing her face.
« Maybe... but he’s not as sexy as me, huh? »
At Harvey’s declaration, the redhead laughed, trying not to blush, knowing he was right, while the lawyer couldn’t help but mirror her smile, amused by their conversation.
That night, as they continued to dance slowly, as if they were the only two people in the world, they almost forgot about the eyes of the people around them and the hushed whispers. As the evening drew to a close, the ballroom gradually emptied, but Donna and Harvey remained there, on the dance floor, savoring that suspended moment, alone amidst the crowd. Their connection was undeniable, and no one could ignore the palpable attraction between them — not even them — as their embrace grew more intimate now that the music had softened.
It was as if the world around them no longer existed — their lives, their ambitions, their dreams — all seemed to melt into that perfect moment. After dancing for a moment, almost an hour later, they finally moved away from the center of the dance floor, but the certainty of a new chapter in their lives seemed to hang in the air. No matter what the future held, tonight, they knew they had crossed a new threshold that would change their lives forever.
And they couldn't help but look forward to what lay ahead.
Chapter 8: Chill and casual?
Chapter Text
After the gala, the announcement of their marriage quickly spread and became the favorite topic of conversation among all the employees at the firm.
Everyone knew how Harvey was, and the fact that he had gone from a guy who hopped from one bed to another to a man about to get married sparked some reactions. While many had a hard time believing it at first, the rumour about his future wife quickly changed everyone’s mind as she was depicted as the embodiment of perfection — which she was. So, when people crossed paths with him to congratulate him, Harvey felt joy swell inside him every time they spoke about his future wife, something the lawyer was finding easier and easier to accept. While he had once been scared at the thought of marriage, now, he even... looked forward to it? As scary as that sounded. He knew he was idealizing the idea of his marriage, that things wouldn’t actually be as perfect as he imagined, because for now, apart from eating together and chatting with Donna, nothing else had happened.
Since the gala, a few weeks had passed, and while the fiancés had seen each other several times — missing each other greatly when they didn’t have the chance to meet, even though they would never admit it — he crossed paths with a friend who would change everything.
« Harvey »
« Ted, hey — what are you doing here, buddy? »
« I had a meeting with a client here in New York, but who cares? Congratulations, man, I heard you’re getting married? »
« I do, yeah »
« And who’s the unlucky girl? »
« Oh, come on, don't say that. I'm not that... awful »
« Yeah, true. When you're not being an arrogant asshole, you're actually not bad — anyway, when will I have the honor of meeting Mrs. Specter? At the Tanner party? »
« Forget about it, I hate the guy »
« Yeah, but have you seen his house? Forget about the guy, come on, it’s gonna be fun, plus, it’s a chance to see… »
« Donna »
« Donna, right. So, you're coming? »
« I’ll check with her »
« Alright — see you there, then »
With a handshake, the two men parted ways before Harvey got back to work. Taking advantage of a break between clients, he quickly called Donna, his heart racing when he heard her soft voice.
« Hey, you »
« Hey, am I bothering you? »
« No, don't worry. How are you? How’s work going? »
No one ever called him to ask how he was doing, showing a genuine interest in the person he was, not just the lawyer and his work. So, hearing her take time out of her day for him warmed his heart as he replied with a soft voice.
« I’m fine, my client pissed me off, but I’m used to it »
« Want to talk about it? »
« It’s fine, don’t worry — I actually called you for something else »
« Tell me »
« One of my... colleagues, let's say — Tanner, I don’t know if you remember that guy — anyway, the man is throwing a party at his place, so I wanted to know if you’d like to come with me. It’s a way for you to meet my friends, a lot of them will be there »
« Of course, when is it? »
« Saturday night »
« Alright, I'll be there »
« Great — what about tonight? Shitty Thai at my place? »
« I need to go see some show for work, but you can come with me if you want »
« What kind of show? »
« Who cares, it’s me you’re interested in, right? » giggled Donna.
« Alright, you got me on this one. Text me all the information »
« See you, Harv »
« See you »
As soon as they hung up, both returned to their work, eagerly awaiting the evening when they would see each other again. After wrapping up an article about a jazz concert she had seen last week, and Harvey finishing his argument in court, they both headed to the meeting spot, with Donna snorting as soon as she saw him approaching her.
« What? » smiled Harvey.
« Tuxedo and tie? Really? »
« What? You told me it was a show, and, I don’t know, I thought we were talking about a theater play or something, so I figured a suit was required »
As he looked at Donna, wearing wide navy blue and white checkered pants with a top and some sort of clogs, he quickly realized by the small cabaret behind her that this wasn’t the kind of show he had imagined — not at all. Seeing his lost expression, Donna slid an arm under his, wrapping it around his back, their chests almost touching as she chuckled near him.
« Come on, let's get inside »
As he looked around at the flashy décor, the strobe lights, the crystal chandeliers, and the disco balls, Harvey gradually realized they were far from the Shakespeare plays Donna usually attended. As the room filled up and Donna handed him a beer, he gasped when he saw the first performer on stage. A drag queen show — Donna had brought him to a drag queen show. While Harvey was open-minded and far from bothered by this kind of thing, unlike some old-fashioned asshole, it was still the first time he found himself doing something like this on a night out. Normally, he went to chic bars, galas, parties at friends' houses full of rich people, champagne, and appetizers, but little by little, the lawyer was realizing that marrying an artist meant spending his evenings in a completely different way.
Once the show was over, they both walked through the streets of New York, chatting about everything and nothing until Harvey dropped the redhead off at her place before heading back to his own. Days passed, and as the Saturday in question arrived, Harvey entered Donna's apartment for the first time while the redhead changed in the room next door. Her place was clearly... different. Plants, Broadway posters, antique furniture, lots of color — it was a stark contrast to the sober, classic, and dark décor of the lawyer’s apartment. Minutes later, as she came out of her bedroom, wearing a stunning dress she had already bought the other day, her hair in a low bun, Harvey had a hard time swallowing before pretending everything was fine.
« Are you ready? »
« Yup. Let's go »
As they left the apartment and got into Harvey's sports car, they began discussing everything and anything, but mostly the evening ahead.
« Where’s this party? »
« Tarrytown »
« Tarrytown? I’ve never been there — what’s so special about it? »
« Manors, big villas, rich people — you know, that sort of thing »
« Great »
For nearly half an hour, they continued talking until they arrived in front of the biggest house Donna had ever seen. A massive white Greystone that was so big she couldn’t see the end of it, and Donna gasped as she saw the twenty or so luxury and sports cars parked in front, clearly not used to this kind of thing. Immediately, Harvey walked around the car, opened the door for Donna, and they both headed toward the entrance. As soon as they stepped inside, the couple heard the background music and noticed the fifty or so people dressed in evening gowns, holding champagne glasses. While Donna was usually at ease with herself and with others, this time she hadn’t expected to feel so uncomfortable around all these people — especially when she saw all the women eyeing Harvey with desire and lust. Feeling jealousy surge within her, she tried to mask her emotions, but Harvey was starting to understand her, and immediately, he isolated them before leaning in toward her.
« Hey, is everything okay? »
« How many of them have you slept with? »
« What? »
« Please, Harvey, I'm a woman too, I can see the way they look at you »
« It was before this, alright? »
« God, I feel so stupid »
As she rolled her eyes, Harvey quickly took her jaw gently in his fingers, forcing her to look at him before he whispered softly.
« I was an asshole before, alright? But right now, I’m with you, you wear my engagement ring around your finger and you’re the only one I’m spending my evening with. I don’t care about all those women, just you »
For a moment, they forgot that all of this was fake, that they were going to divorce soon after their wedding and return to their separate lives afterward, but at that moment, they just felt like a couple in the midst of a jealousy crisis. Once reassured, they returned to the party, moving from couple to couple, chatting with everyone, champagne in hand, Harvey and Donna never letting each other go, always physically close, while the lawyer noticed Tanner in the distance, watching his fiancée. Though he decided not to pay attention, about half an hour later, he isolated himself to take a phone call, leaving Donna alone, who didn’t waste any time in meeting the host.
« Donna, right? »
« That’s me, yeah. You are? »
« Travis Tanner. I think we crossed paths once when you were on a date with Harvey a few weeks ago »
« It’s possible, yeah — is this your house? »
« Yeah, my family’s house. I live in the Upper East Side though — what about you? »
« Soho »
« Oh, you don’t live with Harvey? I heard the two of you are getting married, right? »
« Oh yeah, but we alternate between our two places, at least until the wedding, but after that, we’ll see »
« Alright — how’s it going? »
« With Harvey? »
« Yeah. He’s not easy, right? »
« I don’t know what you’re talking about »
« Oh, please. I've known Harvey for a few years now, and behind his child model airs we all know that he's not very... healthy — you're going to be his wife, you should know that, huh? I mean, this guy is fucked up in the head and you're about to sign up for a toxic relationship. Besides, let's not lie to each other, he's not that handsome, a little weak, angry and like I said, fucked up in his head. But listen, if ever one day you get tired of him, I'm here, okay? I'm good-looking, rich and less complicated than him »
Upon hearing Travis's words and seeing his arrogant smile, Donna thought she was hallucinating, so without even thinking, she blurted out the only things that were running through her mind, ready to do anything to defend the honor of her future husband.
« It's probably because you're an arrogant asshole that we have a hard time putting up with that he acts like that, because when it comes to me, he's anything but what you describe to me. He's handsome and sexy — something that you're not — not weak but stronger than you given the number of times he crushed you in court, not angry but very jealous and maybe when he sees you so close to me, I'll have the opportunity to see how fucked up in his head he is »
At that very moment, as if Harvey had heard her, the lawyer appeared, pressing himself against the redhead, his chest against her back, his hand now sliding over her stomach as he glared at Travis with hatred.
« Is everything alright? »
« Yeah, yeah, we were just talking — how about we go home? » smiled Donna.
« Seriously? » Harvey murmured.
« You don't mind? »
« No, no, of course — not at all. Come on »
Without even exchanging pleasantries with Tanner, the two of them quickly left the huge house together, their fingers intertwined unconsciously, heading to the car where they both settled in to drive back to Manhattan. As they were talking about everything and nothing, when they passed by Park Hill, Donna looked at Harvey with a small smile.
« Can I ask you something? »
« Sure »
« Is this what your parties with friends are like? »
« What? Yeah, why? »
« It's... boring »
As she laughed, Harvey couldn’t do anything but laugh along with her, realizing she must’ve been bored, and that her bachelor's degree in arts had probably been of no use to her that evening, given that his friends knew more about luxury cars and villas on paradise islands than about theatre and everyday life. Anyway, once they stopped laughing, Harvey felt compelled to explain himself.
« Alright, this evening was pretty calm, but usually, we have a little more fun »
« Well, I'm curious to see that » snorted Donna.
« About that? Do you remember Cynthia and her husband Christian? »
« The ones who look like siblings? The blond ones? »
« Yeah » chuckled Harvey.
« What about them? »
« They invited us next weekend to their place in the Hamptons »
« What? Harv, no » moaned the redhead.
« Hey, this time will be better, I swear »
« Alright »
« Come on, what about a real drink at my place to end the evening on a high note? »
« Let's do it »
Barely in Manhattan, Harvey parked at the bottom of his building as the two of them shared one last beer in his living room, while Harvey hesitated for a long time to suggest to Donna that she take his bed to avoid going home alone. But when she had already ordered an Uber, he quickly reconsidered, wishing her goodnight before watching her leave. After that evening, they saw each other a few more times before the big departure for the Hamptons, where Harvey had asked her to bring a swimsuit. Curious, she joined him at his place, and the two of them set off, Donna eagerly questioning her future husband about the plans for the day.
« So? What are the plans? »
« You'll see what people like me do for fun »
« What does that even mean? » snorted Donna.
« We’ll probably spend the day sunbathing on a yacht, and then tonight, nightclub and unlimited champagne »
« Wow »
« Yeah » Harvey chuckled.
If Donna didn’t seem too excited, she would soon realize that the way Harvey’s wealthy and influential friends had fun was far from her own style. Upon arrival, everyone greeted each other, margaritas already in hand despite it being only 10 a.m., wearing sunglasses, straw hats, bikinis, and kimonos as Donna felt like she was watching a bad reality show. While everyone fawned over her and her diamond ring, she cast desperate glances at Harvey, who couldn’t help but laugh seeing her so helpless. Conversations revolved around travel, shopping sessions, and VIP parties, until the host suggested they enjoy the yacht. The three couples quickly made their way to the luxury vehicle, all settling aboard the boat with glasses of champagne in hand while Donna was bored out of her mind. But as the two girls moved toward the front of the boat, inviting Donna to follow, she had no choice but to go along, imitating them by removing her clothes to reveal her bikini, with the July sun caressing her skin.
« So, how are things with Harvey? »
« Pretty good » smiled Donna.
« We've never seen him so happy and carefree » said Cynthia.
« He even called you the one — how cute is that? » added Alison.
« Yeah, we are very happy »
As the two women resumed their conversation, talking about their luxurious lives and perfect marriages, Donna quickly sent a message to Harvey, who was still inside, talking with the other two men. While the lawyer listened to his colleague he had met at Harvard years ago, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and smiled when he saw that Donna had written to him.
Come save me. Please
He quickly excused himself from his two friends before heading up to the deck, stopping in his tracks when he saw Donna standing there, wearing nothing but her bikini, her body immediately driving him crazy. He knew he'd see her in a swimsuit today, it was planned, and even though he'd already seen her like that in the video Rachel had shown him weeks ago, seeing so much of her pale skin dotted with freckles made him swallow hard. While he could have stood there for hours admiring her, he was quickly spotted by Alison, who called out to him.
« Donna, looks like your man is here! »
Not at all bothered by being undressed in front of him, Donna approached him, intertwining her fingers with his and murmuring softly.
« Please. If I hear them talk about their vacation in Saint Barth’s one more time, I think I might die »
« Alright, thank god I’m here then »
Quickly, he was approaching where the girls had settled, hurriedly removing his t-shirt and leaving himself in swimming shorts before sitting down next to the redhead, their bare skin brushing with every movement as the other two men joined them. Quickly, all six of them were talking, and while the other two lawyers discussed one of their cases, Donna moved a little closer to Harvey, who was lying on his back, his hands behind his head. As she rested her head on his bulging bicep, their faces now just a few inches apart, Harvey tried to think of anything but Donna's body pressed against his to avoid the awkward moment in his shorts, hearing her murmur.
« Hey »
« Hmm? »
« I’m bored — can we go swimming? »
« We don’t do that kind of thing, Donna »
« What? Why not? »
« I think it has something to do with their hair and the water. Absorbing moisture and becoming frizzy »
« Are you kidding? » asked Donna, a bit scandalized.
« Nope »
« Oh my god, Harvey. Tell me we’re almost done… »
« Well, they rented the boat for six hours »
« Alright, I’m definitely jumping overboard to swim to the shore »
As they both laughed, Harvey realized just how natural everything felt with his future wife. They had only known each other for two months, yet he had never felt so at ease — the proof was that they were half-naked, almost curled up against each other, talking about everything and nothing in whispers as if they were the only two people in the world. Not once did Harvey think of anything other than enjoying the moment and getting to know her a little more, something he never would have imagined before, being more interested in bodies than in minds.
After what felt like endless hours, they finally made it back to shore, and if she thought she was finally going to have a good time, finding herself in the VIP section of a nightclub with a bottle of champagne already half-drunk, she was mistaken. They couldn’t even hear themselves talk because of the loud music, and the mix of perfume, sweat, and stuffiness made the redhead nauseous. She was bored, listening to the men talk about investments, stocks, and law, while the other two women served as mere decorations. In the end, she just waited, waited to get back to the city, eventually falling asleep on the couch next to Harvey, relieved to go home the next morning. As Harvey was driving, he kept looking at Donna with a cute smile.
« What? » snorted the redhead.
« Was it that bad? »
« Are you really having fun that way? »
« It was great, no? » chuckled Harvey.
« Alright, tonight is with my friends »
« Seriously? »
« Yeah »
« Well, if that’s what you want… »
« And please, no suits, no polo, no chino, just.. chill and casual. Alright? »
« Chill and casual? »
« Chill and casual, yeah »
After dropping her off at her place, Harvey made his way home, spending almost an hour staring at his wardrobe in search of a chill, casual outfit. Glancing at the time and realizing he still had some time, he took a quick nap to make up for the few hours of sleep he had gotten the night before, sitting up on the couch with Donna against him — best night of his life — before getting to work on some files. But when it was already five o'clock and he hadn’t heard from Donna, he hurriedly sent her a message.
Where should we meet?
A few seconds later, he got a reply.
At my place. Come whenever you want.
Alright, Donna clearly had her own idea of what a fun night with friends looked like. He knew where she lived, a small one-bedroom apartment in the Soho district, far too small to invite friends over for a party, but apparently not too small for the redhead. While he was bored at home — well, actually, more like looking forward to seeing her again, though he wouldn’t admit that — he decided to go meet her, noticing how she bit her lip when she saw him as she opened the door.
« Is this chill and casual enough? » smirked Harvey.
« It’s perfect » smiled Donna.
Harvey had opted for a simple, slightly oversized white t-shirt and loose jeans, something he hadn’t worn in years — not since he started working — but apparently, it charmed Donna, who was gazing at him with stars in her eyes. Indeed, this look made him look younger, less serious, less strict, more carefree, and even though Donna loved suits and ties, she had to admit, this was how she preferred him.
Unsurprisingly, he was the first to arrive, and as he helped her get everything ready, the redhead introduced him to each new guest — former Yale classmates, colleagues, a Pilates friend — and soon, a dozen people had filled the apartment, including Rachel, as everyone was seated on the couches and chairs, chatting about everything and nothing. Harvey had to admit, this was the first time he had found himself at one of these friends’ gatherings and it wasn’t unpleasant, especially when he was spending the evening with Donna against him. Indeed, due to the lack of space, the redhead had returned from the kitchen, handed Harvey a new beer, and then sat down casually on his lap, sliding an arm around his neck. He knew Donna was quite tactile and relaxed — unlike him, who, aside from sex, didn’t enjoy physical contact much — but as she sat on him, sharing his beer and unconsciously slipping her fingers at the back of his neck while laughing with one of her friends, he had never felt so at ease.
As they all played the game of anecdotes, one of the friends was telling the story of the time he woke up naked on a beach, which made Donna burst into laughter, causing her to fall onto him, her hand never leaving his hair while he took a few seconds to think. As the laughter from the group settled, Harvey looked at Donna, her hand still resting gently in his hair, and something shifted inside him. For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel the need to overthink, to control every moment. He just felt... comfortable.
The chaos of the gala, the awkwardness of the parties, and even the tension of their fake engagement seemed distant now. Donna had a way of making him forget all the things he used to fear, and in that moment, he realized that maybe marriage wasn’t something he needed to avoid after all. Maybe, just maybe, he was ready to take the plunge – not because it was expected, but because he wanted to. As the night wore on, with friends and laughter filling the room, Harvey realized that the life he had carefully built for himself was being replaced by something he never saw coming: love.
And as Donna smiled at him, he couldn't help but feel that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
Chapter 9: My dad hates lawyers
Chapter Text
Since their outings with friends, Harvey and Donna felt like they had taken a new step in their plan.
It was no longer just the two of them, Mike and Rachel, but now the rumor that they were going to get married had spread throughout their circle. So, while everyone now knew that the couple was about to say I do for life and seemed very much in love, they didn’t have much time left before the ceremony. Reluctantly, they decided to do what made them the most anxious: meet their parents. Playing the loving couple in front of friends and colleagues wasn’t that big of a deal, because even though nothing had happened between them — not even a kiss — it was still fun to pretend and invent a life together, but now, they were talking about meeting their parents, and that was much more serious. While they were both in Harvey’s apartment, Donna sitting on the couch, scrolling on her phone as she waited for him, she saw him dressed in a suit and tie, which made her laugh.
« What? » chuckled the lawyer.
« You’re really going to go dressed like that? »
« What? What’s the problem? »
« Well, we’re going to have lunch at my parents' house on a Saturday afternoon, we’re not going to a multi-million-dollar client meeting »
« Seriously? »
« At least take off the tie and the jacket, please »
« Like this? »
As he complied, Donna watched as he now stood with his dark gray suit pants and white shirt, which perfectly molded to his muscles, realizing that pretending with Harvey was going to be anything but uncomfortable. As he quickly walked through the living room, slightly stressed — even though Donna wouldn’t say anything — she decided to speed things up, knowing they had at least two hours of driving to Hartford.
« Are you ready? »
« Yep, just let me grab my keys »
« God, my dad is going to hate you » snorted Donna.
« Why do you say that? » chuckled Harvey.
« Aston Martin, Tom Ford suits, Macallan 18 — do I need to go on? »
« What? Is that bad? »
« Well, their daughter spends her life reading Shakespeare in her room, interested in art and the simple things, while their future son-in-law plays with luxury cars and throws his money out the window on poker, alcohol, and weed. Let’s just say it’s not exactly what they’re used to seeing »
« Yeah, but you like me like this, huh? All rich, wild, and excessive? » smirked Harvey.
« I love it » giggled Donna.
« Well, they’ll love it too, I’ll be the perfect son-in-law »
« I can’t wait to see that, then – ready? »
« The real question is… are you? »
As he grumbled those last two words, she swallowed hard before intertwining her fingers with his outstretched hand, following him through the apartment to his car in the garage, her heart racing as the engine roared to life. For nearly two hours on the road, they talked about everything and nothing, Donna briefing Harvey on everything he needed to know about her parents while the lawyer listened attentively to everything she had to say, absorbing every piece of information like he would for a client, knowing that this time, the stakes would be higher than any trial. After almost an hour and a half of driving, thanks to Harvey’s more than excessive speed on the highway, they found themselves in front of the door to the simple little house in Connecticut, while Donna knocked softly, murmuring.
« Are you ready? »
« Yeah... I think so »
« One last little thing » grimaced Donna.
« What? »
« My dad hates lawyers »
Before Harvey could react, his eyes widening, the door opened, revealing an older redhead who looked at the couple with a big smile.
« Sweetie, hey! »
« Hey, Mom »
« And you must be Harvey, nice to meet you »
« Likewise, Ma'am »
« Please, call me Laurel »
« Laurel, sure »
« Come on in, both of you. Jim was on the phone but he should be done by now »
As the couple followed Laurel, Harvey felt increasingly tense, not exactly understanding why. Usually so confident and unafraid, he gradually realized he was about to meet his future in-laws, the parents of the woman he was about to falsely marry, but also the person to whom he would wipe out the debts without the man ever knowing. So even though Jim was shorter than him and his round little glasses gave him a friendly look, Harvey was less cocky as he extended his hand to him.
« Mr. Paulsen »
« Harvey Specter, huh? »
« Exactly — um, this is for you »
« Whiskey? »
« Macallan 18, yeah, my favorite. Hope you’ll like it as much as I do »
As he handed the bottle to Jim, the older man made a small approving noise before placing the gift worth several hundred dollars next to the bar, amidst a collection of cheap liquors as Harvey grimaced discreetly before glancing at Donna, who was suppressing a smile. A few seconds later, as everything was set up in the living room, Donna sitting next to Harvey, snuggled against him while the lawyer had an arm around her shoulders, Laurel came in with four wine glasses and a good bottle. While Harvey was relieved to see some alcohol to calm his nerves, he gasped upon hearing his soon-to-be father-in-law speak.
« No, Laurel, no alcohol for Harvey, he has to drive back to New York after » said Jim.
« Jim, don’t be such a buzzkill, it’s just one drink » chuckled the older redhead.
« It would be a shame to ruin such a nice car. Especially with my daughter inside, right Harvey? »
As Donna was about to defend her man’s honor, Harvey quickly squeezed the redhead’s shoulder discreetly, signaling that he had the situation under control. He cleared his throat before speaking, deciding to go along with his future father-in-law to avoid any tension.
« Jim’s right, water would be a better choice »
Everyone understood that Harvey had done this to avoid conflict, and seeing Jim visibly pleased with his role as the alpha male of the house, Laurel switched the subject as the couple were cuddling together on the couch, Jim on his one-seat sofa across from them, and Laurel sitting next to him on the other single seat sofa, each with their wine glasses — and water for the lawyer. Quickly, Donna took advantage of her mother’s distraction to subtly bring her wine glass to Harvey’s lips as he silently thanked the heavens that she was as intelligent as she was beautiful. As he discreetly took a sip, Donna then brought the glass to her own lips, positioning it where Harvey’s had been just seconds before, giving the two young adults the sensation of sharing a sort of kiss. Anyway, as the conversation continued, Donna kept hydrating her fiancé whenever her father’s attention was turned, the lovebirds barely moving to avoid drawing attention, the wine glass never leaving Donna’s hand, while Harvey leaned discreetly to drink, like two teenagers secretly drinking alcohol behind their parents’ backs.
Soon, dinner was ready, and everyone sat down at the table, the real conversation finally beginning with Jim diving straight into the heart of the matter.
« Isn’t it a bit soon to get married? »
« Dad… Come on, we’ve already talked about this » sighed Donna.
« I know, but try to understand. A few months ago, you were still with Mark, he was the perfect son-in-law with whom you had beautiful plans, and now, today, you’re introducing an unknown man, someone you’re about to marry even though you barely know him »
« So what? »
« So what? It’s completely reckless, Donna » said Jim.
« The truth is, I’m an adult, I’m in love with Harvey, and I’m doing what I want with my life, dad »
As the room fell into silence, Harvey’s heart was racing as he replayed Donna’s words in his head — I’m in love with Harvey. He knew it was all just pretend, that everything was fake, that she was a good actress, but still, he could feel the butterflies in his stomach go wild hearing her declaration, frightening him with what he was really feeling. The tension in the room was palpable, so Laurel cleared her throat, discussing Donna’s latest article as the journalist steered the conversation again, with the two men silent. Harvey could feel his fiancée’s hand squeezing his thigh, silently showing her support. Once the meal was over, Donna accompanied her mother to the kitchen to get the cake. She motioned for Harvey to follow her so he wouldn’t be left alone with her father, but seeing him nod, she understood he was going to have a chat with Jim. The redhead hoped he wouldn’t be too excessive. Once alone, the lawyer stood up and walked to the bar, pouring two glasses of whiskey from the bottle he had brought before clearing his throat and murmuring.
« Can we talk, Jim? »
« So you can try to dissuade me from what I think of you? I know who you are, Harvey. I know men like you, and I can tell you my daughter deserves better than you »
« You think I don’t know that? You know, Jim, when I first heard about Donna, I thought it was fake. The way they described her, it felt like they were just listing the ideal woman, like it wasn’t real or something was hidden. I’m ashamed to say it, but I thought she might be ugly. But honestly, I’d never seen anyone else more beautiful than her. The second I laid eyes on her, it was like I could never see anyone more beautiful again. So when we went on our first date, I was convinced they’d sold me on her perfection, and that in reality, she wouldn’t be as perfect. I mean, it was impossible. But then we spent the evening together, and she was even better than what I’d been told — she’s perfect »
In what he had just said, Harvey hadn’t lied, even though he had left out the agreement and the fake marriage. Every word that came out of his mouth was true. Donna was perfect, and if he weren’t so messed up in the head, he would do everything to spend the rest of his life with her, but he couldn’t do that to her. So even though he hoped this declaration would change Jim’s view of him, seeing his expression, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
« Try to put yourself in my shoes for a second, Harvey. She’s my daughter, my little princess, and all I want is for her to be happy »
« I can make her happy, Jim. I will make her happy »
« But for how long? »
« What? » whispered the young man.
« Harvey, when Donna told me she was seeing you and that you planned to get married, I did some research on you, and what I found online didn’t exactly make me feel better. You’re not a serious man. You love to provoke and throw your money around on stupid things. My daughter doesn’t need that. On the contrary, she needs a man who can provide, who’s serious and will give her the life she deserves — and for a long time. I’m not saying you don’t love Donna. I can see the way you look at her. You love her, I can see that. But I don’t think you’re good enough for my daughter »
For a moment, Harvey remained silent, realizing that it was the first time someone had verbalized what he felt for the redhead. Usually, it was a joke between him and Donna, or even with Mike. Sometimes the couple would hint at being in love to make their entourage believe it, but this was the first time someone else had said it based on their observations. What Jim had said was painful, and a lot of it was true, but Harvey didn’t want to let it get to him, so he murmured.
« I heard what you said, and I agree with you. I wasn’t serious, I love to provoke, and it's true that I waste my money on foolish things, but that was before Donna. It's true that I can be an idiot sometimes — often, even — but for her, I want to be serious. And if I could, all my money would go to her, just to see her smile. I want to live up to Donna, and I know she deserves better than me, so much better, but I promise you I’ll make her life a fairy tale because she brings me so much that I want to give it back to her »
For a few seconds, the exchange remained silent until Jim nodded, raising his whiskey glass in Harvey’s direction, signaling that he had heard him and was considering his explanation. Harvey felt a weight lift off his shoulders. At that moment, Donna returned, and as he saw her nervously twisting her fingers, Harvey quickly winked at her to reassure her, earning a beautiful smile from her. The rest of the afternoon, the couple continued to chat, the atmosphere much more relaxed as they both said their goodbyes to the redhead’s parents and got into the sports car to finally head back to New York. As soon as they settled in, Harvey collapsed into his seat, closing his eyes before sighing, making Donna chuckle as she murmured.
« Are you okay? »
« It depends. How did you find me? »
« Perfect »
« Good, then »
As he relaxed after the day’s pressure, Donna unconsciously caressed Harvey’s jaw with the back of her fingers, making the lawyer shiver from the innocent gesture, while her soft voice filled the car.
« I’m sorry about my dad »
« It’s fine — wait until you met my family tomorrow »
Since the wedding date was approaching, they decided to kill two birds with one stone and meet both families the same weekend so they could finally start preparing for the wedding. But while the dinner at the Paulsens' hadn’t been amazing, Harvey knew that what was coming next would be worse — Lily and Bobby. Even though Harvey avoided them like the plague, he knew that with the wedding approaching, he was obligated to invite his mother and stepfather. So after a long conversation with Donna, they decided that, just like with her parents, they would spend an afternoon with his before heading back to New York for work. As Donna waited for Harvey to arrive at her place, she gasped when he showed up in baggy jeans and a loose white t-shirt.
« Seriously? »
« What? » snorted Harvey.
« You dressed like a prime minister to meet my parents, and now you're dressed like we're going out for drinks with my friends » chuckled Donna.
« Well, Bobby can't stand it when I'm not like him, and since I like pissing off my stepfather and showing him that I'm in no way his heir, I decided on this outfit — you liked it? »
« I do, very much, but what about me? » smiled the redhead.
« You're gorgeous »
« Harv, seriously »
« Well, if it were up to me, I'd tell you to wear the most vulgar and provocative dress you can find, just to shock my mom and stepdad »
« I’m not gonna do that »
« Stay dress like that, you’re gorgeous »
As Harvey entered, giving Donna a soft kiss on the cheek as he passed by, the redhead closed the door behind her while he collapsed onto the couch, scrolling through his phone while he chatted with her. As she slipped on her camel-colored mules, Harvey discreetly watched her, a small smile on his lips as he realized how perfect she was. Despite the fact that the lawyer had warned her that his mother and stepfather lived in a mansion and reeked of money, Donna had stayed true to herself. Instead of dressing like Queen Elizabeth — something Lily probably expected from her daughter-in-law — she kept her natural style as she was wearing simple, dark blue wide-leg jeans and a loose shirt tucked into her pants, gently highlighting her waist, while her outfit echoed her bohemian side, yet was still incredibly classy.
As she grabbed her bag, keys, and phone, she motioned for him to follow, and Harvey immediately stood up to head toward the door with her, hearing her snort.
« You look like a country bumpkin next to me »
« My job is done, then » chuckled Harvey.
Quickly, the two of them settled into the lawyer’s sports car before driving to Wellesley, where the Sullivan mansion was located — Bobby’s last name and Lily’s new last name since her second marriage. After nearly three hours of driving, Harvey parked in front of the massive mansion, with Donna leaning forward to get a better view through the windshield, murmuring softly.
« Holy shit »
« Told you.. They’re rich as fuck »
« I’m wearing jeans, Harv »
« So am I »
« Yeah, but you’re doing it to piss them off »
« So what? Who cares, it’s not like we need their approval or anything. We’re still getting married — come on, let’s go »
Without another word, he got out of the car, interlaced his fingers with Donna’s, and led her to the door to ring the bell. As the door opened, the redhead observed how the lawyer greeted the man kindly, making it clear to the young woman that the man couldn’t be Bobby, given the affectionate gesture. As the visible butler guided the couple through the house, Donna looked around, feeling a strange sense of being in Downton Abbey with all the old paintings on the walls, vases, silverware, and sculptures. Once in the living room, Donna saw a woman wearing a simple little dress with gray hair and blue eyes, while a grayish man in a suit was standing next to her.
« Mom, Bobby »
« Harvey »
« Hey, how are you doing? » smiled the woman.
After a quick hug between mother and son, with no response to Bobby, Harvey grabbed Donna’s arm to bring her closer to the two older people in the room, introducing the redhead to his mother and stepfather.
« Well, everyone, this is Donna — baby, my mom and Bobby »
« Nice to meet you »
As Donna quickly shook hands with her future in-laws, the butler invited everyone to move into the second living room and while Bobby and Lily walked ahead, the redhead quickly turned to Harvey, giving him a funny look, whispering through her teeth.
« He’s wearing a three-piece suit on a Sunday at home? What is wrong with this guy? »
Immediately, Harvey laughed, wrapping his arm around Donna’s neck, his chest pressing against her back before he placed a kiss on her head and whispered against her hair.
« Fuck, you're amazing »
Happy to have found a fiancée who was not only understanding and fun but who also clearly found Bobby as ridiculous as he did, Harvey couldn’t help but pull her close, both touched by how comfortable she was with him and the situation but also grateful that she was willing to do whatever it took to side with him. Barely seated at the table, Donna and Harvey watched as the dishes passed by, each time small servings of gourmet food made with vegetables and seeds, barely filling them up, while the conversation remained light and superficial. At that moment, Harvey was proud of Donna, proud that she could hold deep and interesting conversations about art and politics to pass the time while the lawyer eagerly awaited leaving the mansion. As soon as the meal was over, Harvey stood up, looked at Donna, and whispered.
« Shall we go? »
« You're leaving already? » Bobby asked.
« Yeah, we’ve got a three-hour drive »
« Of course… »
« What does that mean? » growled Harvey.
« It means we see you once in a blue moon, and when you’re here, you rush off like a thug »
« A thug? Great. I’ve heard disrespectful, immature, egocentric, killjoy, and good-for-nothing before — but thug is a first. It’s great, if only it bothered me... too bad it doesn’t »
« Harvey, please, don’t talk to Bobby like that »
« Oh yeah, sorry, mom, we don’t talk badly about Bobby — as usual — but he can talk to me like crap, and that’s not a problem »
Seeing the tension in Harvey’s jaw, Donna understood that it was time to leave. In a split second, she slipped her hand onto his back, squeezing his hip to show him she was there, before walking over to Bobby and Lily, shaking their hands and murmuring.
« It was a pleasure to meet you — we’ll see you at the wedding »
After a nod, she grabbed Harvey’s hand, and together they bid farewell to the butler before getting into the car, driving toward New York in a heavy silence. As they had been sitting for a little over an hour, Donna smiled as she saw the sign on the highway indicating Hartford was about ten miles away. After suppressing a smirk, she turned her head and slid her fingers to the back of Harvey's neck, whispering softly.
« Hey »
« Hmm? »
« Want to go say hi to my dad? »
In a split second, they both burst out laughing at the absurdity of the situation, recalling the disaster from the day before, while for the first time since fighting with Bobby, Harvey was smiling, and it was thanks to her. As he finally calmed down after a few seconds, he turned to her with a big smile and whispered.
« Nah, it's fine, I don't think I'll set foot in Hartford for a long time »
« Actually, you will — take the next exit, we're going to McDonald's, I'm starving »
« What the fuck was that meal? » snorted Harvey.
Again, they both laughed as Harvey followed the instructions, taking the next exit to head to the nearest drive-thru as they ordered some food and placed everything on the hood of the car, enjoying a cheeseburger for Harvey and some vegan nuggets for Donna. If Harvey never thought he'd be eating fast food in the middle of nowhere in Connecticut on his sports car’s hood, he never imagined he'd feel this comfortable. As Donna dipped a french fry into the creamy ranch sauce and unconsciously brought it to Harvey's mouth before finishing the rest, the lawyer whispered, breaking the comfortable silence.
« Hey? »
« Mmh? »
« As weird as it sounds, I'm happy to marry you »
« I’m fun, huh? » giggled Donna.
« Yeah, really. I mean, you're the only one who made meeting Bobby such a pleasant day »
« I’m glad — and I have to say, I get why you don't like Bobby, that guy's a real asshole »
Once again, they both laughed together while continuing to eat, chatting about everything and nothing. It had only been two months since they met, yet it felt like time had stood still. Although their marriage was a facade, they already felt like they were the center of each other's lives. Every moment together deepened the realization: they couldn’t imagine their lives without each other. The excitement of becoming husband and wife fueled them, but the thought of it all coming to an end someday terrified them.
For now, they cherished each moment, knowing that, even though their story began with a contract, what they felt for each other had grown into something far beyond what they had ever expected.
Chapter 10: Show me your dress
Chapter Text
Since their little trip to Connecticut and Massachusetts, Harvey and Donna were back in New York with a very clear idea in mind: organizing their wedding.
Although neither of them showed it, they were both incredibly excited about planning this event that was about to be unforgettable. The redhead had dreamed of her wedding since she was a teenager, and even though she clearly hadn’t expected to do it with a stranger for money, she had to admit that marrying a rich man who wouldn't refuse her anything was quite convenient, especially when Harvey had told her that the sky was the limit with his credit card.
As for Harvey, the man who had always seen marriage as the worst idea of the century, he had to admit that finding himself playing the role of the lovesick man with Donna in front of the wedding planner made him feel all sorts of things. He never would have thought he’d be excited about picking out napkin colors. However, even though they were both excited, they quickly came back down to earth when they realized they only had one month to organize everything, and a wedding, well... it was more than just saying I do in front of the hotel, especially when it's one of the most anticipated ceremonies in Manhattan this year.
They wouldn’t forget the look on the wedding planner's face when they told her they were getting married in exactly thirty days, and especially when Harvey told her he would give in to all his future wife’s whims, no matter what it cost him, realizing that his clients would be anything but easy. The date was set, the budget was unlimited, the witnesses chosen, and while three reception halls had been requested, it was now the wedding planner's turn to negotiate to secure: Gotham Hall, Cipriani Wall Street, or The Plaza Hotel. But while they had only stated their requirements up until now, there was one thing they had to handle themselves: the guest list.
« How many? »
As Donna sat curled up on Harvey's couch, notebook in hand, nibbling on her multicolored pen and slightly lost in her thoughts, she heard Harvey sigh and murmur.
« I don't know, I stopped counting after 185 »
« What? » Donna gasped.
« What what? »
« Harv, I have about fifty guests, and you're telling me there are going to be over two hundred people at our wedding? »
« Well, I told you, I'm famous » smirked the lawyer.
« We said it would be intimate » snorted the redhead.
« Well, it is intimate »
« How is more than two hundred guests intimate? »
« You want more? »
As she chuckled, Harvey couldn't help but laugh at her adorable expression, thinking how much he couldn't wait to call her officially his wife and walk around with her on his arm. As she signaled him to give her the notebook, the future husband complied, moving closer in the process, almost snuggling against her as she went over the guest list, the redhead laughing when she saw number three.
« No way »
« What? » chuckled Harvey.
« Mark Meadows? You're going to invite my ex to our wedding? »
« I almost made him number one, but I didn't want it to be too much »
« Take him off the list »
« Nope. I'm even going to ask for him to be at our table, right next to your dad — at least maybe he’ll have a good time even though his daughter just married a rich asshole »
« Oh, come on »
While they were both laughing at Harvey’s attitude, they continued to discuss the guest list for nearly an hour, with Donna widening her eyes as she saw everyone the lawyer had invited — from childhood friends to journalists, as well as colleagues, with invitations to be sent across several continents.Once the list was finalized, the redhead quickly sent everything to the wedding planner before they moved on to the next steps.
In the meantime, after confirming the venue and date, the serious planning began. And while they juggled between invitations, the caterer, the photographer, the videographer, and all the other professionals, there was one thing they were both eagerly anticipating: their outfits. While Harvey couldn’t help but bring her breakfast that morning — struggling to go a day without seeing her anymore — he questioned his future wife to satisfy his curiosity, scrolling through his phone at the same time.
« What kind are you going to get? »
« What do you mean? »
« Well, here they talk about mermaid, ball-gown, fit and flare, or... mini? I’d kill to see your legs during our wedding » smirked the lawyer.
« I can’t believe you just said that — and that you can give me some examples of wedding dress styles just like that — anyway, I don’t know yet, and I’m not telling you. You’ll find out on the big day »
« Not even a hint? »
« No »
« Urgh »
« Come on, enough about me. Have you decided? »
« I don’t know » whispered the lawyer.
« Harv… » sighed Donna.
« If I ask my dad to come try on my suit with me and he doesn’t show up, it’s going to break my heart »
« But you’ll regret it if you don’t ask him »
Early in their relationship, Harvey had explained everything to Donna: his relationship with his mother, with Bobby, but most of all the bond he shared with his father. After his parents’ divorce, Harvey had gone to live with his mother, while his father quickly hit the road, almost forgetting about his sons. Over time, they would see each other from time to time, with Gordon remaining Harvey’s role model.
But even though the invitations had been sent over a week ago and he still hadn’t received any response from his father, the lawyer had accepted that — once again — his father wouldn’t be there, probably busy on tour — once again. But seeing how much it broke her future husband’s heart, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Moving then straddling Harvey, she grabbed his phone that was lying on the armrest before hearing him whisper.
« What are you doing? »
« What’s your code? »
« Donna… » sighed the young man.
« Harv. Come on »
« 1234 »
« Alright, should’ve known » snorted the redhead.
As she tapped on the phone’s screen for a few seconds, Harvey remained focused on everything but the fact that Donna was now straddling him, and even though he was sure she had no ulterior motive, having her breasts right in front of his eyes was not making the task easy. As she put the phone to her ear, Harvey watched her, controlling his hands from sliding over her thighs while Donna spoke in a soft voice.
« Hello, no, this isn’t Harvey. I’m Donna, his fiancée... Yeah, exactly... No, of course, I understand... Well, it’s an honor too... Of course... About that, he’s picking up his wedding suit today with Mike, and I know he didn’t want to bother you because of your tour, but you’re apparently playing in Trenton tonight, right? Harvey told me about it... Really? That’s great... Of course, he’ll text you the address... Well, I’m looking forward to meeting you too... You too... Goodbye »
Barely hanging up, Harvey waited impatiently before Donna looked at him with a small smile, whispering softly.
« He’s waiting for you to send the address and the exact time for the fitting »
« You’re perfect »
« I know — anyway, Rachel’s waiting for me »
Without even giving him a chance to react, she placed a quick kiss on his cheek, as if to say goodbye, left his lap, then quickly grabbed her bag and phone, shouting before slamming the door behind her.
« See you »
Now alone in the apartment, the feeling of Donna’s lips on his cheek still burning him, he began to smile stupidly, realizing that she was absolutely perfect for him, especially considering how things had started off poorly. He used to like superficial, cold girls who played hard to get, only to quickly realize that what he prefered girls like Donna — simple, grounded, warm, and welcoming — who had no problem showing her feelings and expressing affection, whether for a stranger, a friend, or her future husband. She seemed to be afraid of nothing, while he, behind his mask of a confident man, was terrified of everything, except when he was with her.
Since he wasn’t meeting Mike for another two hours, he decided to stay a little longer at Donna’s, turning on the TV and smiling when he saw it was on the cultural channel, airing a documentary about a museum in Singapore. Harvey could have gone home, worked on some files, or done some exercise, but settled in her Soho flat, surrounded by literary works, plants, and photos of the redhead throughout her life, he genuinely felt at home, cocooned in such a comfortable and soothing environment that he preferred to stay there. Meanwhile, Donna was meeting Rachel, the two of them entering the store where she had made an appointment a few days earlier — well... where Harvey had made the appointment for her.
As soon as they reached the door, she was greeted with a glass of champagne, and more than five people immediately began attending to her, making the redhead blush, clearly not used to all the attention.
« Hello, Miss Paulsen, welcome to Kleinfeld Bridal — please, come in »
« Thank you »
As everyone busied themselves around her, taking her measurements while asking very precise questions, the woman smiled at her before explaining.
« Typically, appointments last between an hour and an hour and a half, but your future husband made sure that today is dedicated entirely to you, so take your time »
Donna loved that Harvey was so thoughtful like that, because even if it was all a bit of a pretense, the lawyer always made sure everything went exactly how she wanted. Maybe it was his way of thanking her for somewhat sacrificing herself for this marriage? Or maybe it was because he genuinely cared about her? Anyway, not wanting to overthink it, she followed the woman through the aisles, her eyes sparkling and her heart racing. After several choices, she entered the fitting room and came out to show Rachel, feeling like a princess every time she opened the curtain, while the dresses came and went one after another. By the time she reached the seventh dress, her phone rang, and she chuckled when she saw Harvey’s name, making her pick up in a second.
« Hey, are you already bored without me? »
« Terribly. Come on, put on Facetime, show me your dress »
« Harv, I told you no »
« Oh, come on »
« No — Anyway, when do you leave? »
« Mike’s waiting for me at the store in twenty minutes »
« That’s good »
« Do you want to go to dinner tonight? »
« I have to work on an article, Harv »
« Pizza delivered? I also have things to do »
« That works for me »
« Alright, see you Donna »
« Bye, Harvey »
As soon as she hung up, Donna stepped out, and Rachel gasped when she saw her.
« This is the one »
« Really? »
« Yeah — it's perfect »
For a few seconds, Donna admired herself in the mirror and started to smile widely. It was true, she looked perfect, and even though it had to fit her well given the number of photographers that would be around her, there was only one thing that bothered her: would Harvey like it? It was silly in itself — who cared what Harvey thought, after all, this was all fake — but deep down, she couldn’t help wanting to please him and she knew exactly why, even if she was never gonna tell me. But as the two women were alone, Donna discreetly whispered to her best friend.
« It’s still $14,000 »
« So what? He’s rich »
« I know, but $14,000 — that’s... a lot »
« Did you know your future husband makes nearly $2 million a year? And that’s without the bonuses and profit shares, which could potentially increase that amount »
At Rachel’s revelation, Donna’s eyes widened, realizing that from the beginning, she knew her fiancé had money but not to this extent. They’d never really discussed it openly, she didn’t really care, but as she looked at herself one last time in the mirror, she smiled before chuckling, casting a glance at Rachel.
« I mean, what’s $14,000 out of 2 million? »
« You got it, girl » snorted the brunette.
As the two women laughed, on the other side of Manhattan, Harvey entered his suit guy’s shop — the one who had been making his custom suits since he started working for Jessica. And while he usually came for work, this time he was there for a wedding suit — which was insane. As soon as he stepped inside, Rene from Denault & Bray greeted his favorite client with a big smile, murmuring excitedly.
« Harvey Specter, always an honor to have you »
« Good evening, Rene »
« So, you’re getting married? »
« I see the news travels fast » smirked the lawyer.
« Well, future Mrs. Specter is in all the tabloids »
Hearing the term used, Harvey gently bit his lip.
He knew exactly what was coming — well, at least he thought he did, since it was a first for him — but he considered the redhead as more than just a fling, a friend, or even a crush. He didn’t know why, but right now, he was torn between the desire to be with her all the time, dedicating himself completely to seeing her smile, and the panic that, when it was all over, she would leave and break his heart.
So even though this duality sometimes kept him awake at night, he preferred to push that moment as far away as possible, wanting to enjoy his marriage with Donna for as long as he could, even if it was still as platonic as it was for the moment. Harvey realized that, even though nothing physical was happening, they had developed an intense emotional chemistry that gave him more than all the relationships and connections he had ever had in his life.
Lost in his thoughts, Mike quickly brought him back to reality by pushing him forward, forcing the lawyer to move toward the suit guy with a big smile.
« Alright, Rene, your turn »
Quickly, the man got to work, taking Harvey's measurements and discussing what he wanted before settling on a simple black suit with a white shirt. The lawyer was still hesitating between a tie or a bow tie. While the man was busy with the pants, the door opened, and Harvey smiled as he saw his father enter the store. Immediately, the man approached, and father and son hugged, the first time in months.
« Hey, son »
« Dad, I'm glad you came »
« Well, you can thank your future wife for calling me »
« Yeah » chuckled Harvey.
« So... about this suit? »
For a few more minutes, the suit guy worked on the pants before helping Harvey put on a shirt and jacket. The young man felt chills run down his spine as he looked at himself in the mirror. Harvey was used to suits, but this was different — he wasn’t going to work, he was going to marry Donna.
« So? What do you think? »
« If you weren’t marrying Donna, I’d be on one knee right now » snorted Mike .
« You look great, son — I’m really happy for you... and I can’t wait to meet your wife too »
« Oh, you’ll love her, Gordo » smiled Harvey’s best friend.
As the two men chatted, Harvey was once again lost in his thoughts, realizing that with this marriage, Donna was going to become his wife, but also Gordon’s daughter-in-law, Marcus’ sister-in-law, his emergency contact and that kind of shit. They would share bank accounts, file their taxes together — for as long as their marriage lasted — and Harvey found himself excited and thrilled by these trivialities. Once again, he was pulled out of his daydreams by the suit guy, who softly murmured.
« Tie or bow tie? »
« I have a feeling she’ll be more into the bow tie » smiled Harvey.
« Let’s go for the bow tie, then »
After settling on a simple black bow tie, the four men discussed a few final adjustments before leaving the store, with Mike leaving father and son alone for the rest of the day. As they stopped at a bar for a whiskey, it was time for the two men to talk a bit about this fast but devoted relationship, starting with Gordon, who questioned his eldest son.
« So… you want to tell me about your future wife? I was surprised, I mean, don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t really know this was part of your plans »
« Well, it was love at first sight, and we didn’t want to wait »
« And now, the truth? »
« What? » whispered Harvey.
« Come on, son, I think I know you well enough, don’t I? I know very well that my relationship with your mother messed you up to the point where you rejected any serious romantic relationship for fear of going through the same thing. And then, I hear you with Mike making allusions to this mysterious woman, and as soon as you spoke about her, it was like it was the most normal thing in the world. I know you, you would never have let yourself fall in love at the first sight — so? What’s the truth? »
For a few seconds, Harvey thought about it and as he hesitated to tell his father the truth, he knew the old man wouldn’t judge him and would understand the situation. So, after taking a deep breath, he began explaining with doubt and emotion.
« Well, Darby is busy looking within his employees for his successor — that’s my dream job — but knowing the guy, he was never going to choose me because I’m not… serious enough. So Jessica thought that to have a chance, I needed to become like Darby. That meant a settled man, with a family, someone with core values and qualities required for the job. So, what’s the better way to show I’ve changed? »
« Getting married… »
« Exactly »
« And how did you find yourself a wife? »
« I’m paying her »
« Harvey… »
« It’s not what you think. Look, it’s… a mutual deal? »
« What does that mean? »
« Well, Donna’s dad made a bad business deal and is now in debt, so to help him financially, she was working overtime at her job and taking barista shifts, but it became too much. So, when we talked to Rachel — you know, the paralegal Mike is crazy about? — well, when we mentioned it, she directly talked about her best friend: Donna »
« And let me guess, she’s perfect? »
« God, you have no idea »
For a few seconds, the conversation between father and son went silent before Gordon took a sip of whiskey and then murmured with a sigh.
« It was a terrible idea, Harvey »
« Dad, it’s just a few months, at worst two years »
« I’m not talking about that »
« What are you talking about then? » whispered Harvey.
« Look me in the eyes and tell me you’re not in love with this girl »
Seeing his son swallow hard and keep his gaze fixed on the table, Gordon understood he had hit the mark and even though he knew Harvey didn’t want to have this conversation, he needed to be sure that he was aware of his actions. As he prepared to push him further, he heard his son murmur.
« I don’t know, dad »
« You don’t know what? »
« I don’t know if I’m in love with her or not. I mean, with her, everything is simple and fun. I love spending time with her — she makes me laugh, she’s sweet, encouraging, and really pushes me to always be the best version of myself while staying true to who I am and supporting me. On top of that, she’s understanding, sweet, and honest with me… it just feels good to have someone who cares about me the way she does. I’ve never been in love before, so I don’t know if this is love for her — it’s definitely affection — but I don’t know, I mean... she’s different »
« Well, if she’s the one, you’ll know — but in the meantime, I can’t wait to meet the woman who charmed my son »
After Gordon’s words, Harvey was lost in his thoughts while the man looked at his son with a small smile. Deep down, he was happy to see him so in love with a girl for the first time, but also intrigued to meet this mysterious future wife. The saxophonist knew he hadn’t been very present in his son’s life, seeing him only occasionally when he wasn’t on tour, and never for very long. But he knew that if his son was struggling to commit today, it was mainly because of his past with Lily.
For a long time, he regretted it and had often tried to talk to him to make him understand that one couple isn’t like another — that just because it didn’t work out between him and his mother, it wouldn’t necessarily be the same for him — but clearly, Harvey didn’t want to hear it. Now, things were different, and apparently, this Donna had changed everything — he really needed to thank her for that.
As they both returned to their normal conversation, mainly about the saxophonist's tour, Harvey was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He quickly answered.
« Hello? »
« Hey, are we still good for pizza tonight at my place? »
« Of course, I just need to swing by my place to grab my laptop, but I’ll be over right after »
« Good »
« Want me to pick up the pizzas on the way? »
« Doesn’t bother you? »
« No, no, don’t worry — same as usual? Without forgetting the yellow tomatoes, obviously »
« God, you're perfect » chuckled Donna.
« I know — alright, see you » snorted the lawyer.
« See you, Harv »
As soon as he hung up, Gordon chuckled, noticing his son was a bit embarrassed to have been observed in such an intimate and vulnerable moment as the older man finished his drink and murmured.
« Alright, I’ll let you go join your sweetheart »
« We’ll see each other at the wedding anyway, right? »
« Of course. Count on me, son. I’ll be there »
After one last hug, father and son parted ways, with Gordon heading back to Trenton, while the young lawyer took a taxi to his place. He grabbed a few files and his laptop before taking another taxi to her place. On the way, he stopped by the pizzeria to pick up the order he had requested, and then finally headed to the redhead’s apartment.
An hour later, they found themselves sitting on the bed, their clothed feet brushing against each other, their shoulders touching, sharing their pizza, each working on their respective task, but side by side. For a moment, Harvey couldn’t help but reflect on the conversation with his father, the weight of his words still lingering in his mind as Donna, on the other hand, kept thinking about the wedding dress, wondering if Harvey would like it or not.
Both of them knew deep down that the arrangement they had wouldn’t last forever, but they also realized that the original deal they had made was going to be far harder to uphold than they had ever imagined.
There was definitely more than affection between them and they both knew it.
Chapter 11: It was perfect
Chapter Text
As the entire wedding had been planned and the deadline approached, both of them were equally excited and stressed about the ceremony.
In the end, even though it had been challenging and the wedding planner had never been so stressed in her life, she had managed to create the dream wedding requested by her clients — well, the wishes of the redhead and the demands of the groom-to-be. A wedding at the Plaza, catering by a French chef, over two hundred and fifty guests, a stunning Elie Saab dress, and a Tom Ford suit — it seemed like the princess wedding Donna had always dreamed of was finally about to happen. When they thought about it, it was pretty crazy — Harvey had never considered a serious relationship, let alone marriage, but even though he knew it was all fake, he couldn’t stop pacing in one of the hotel rooms at the Plaza, thinking about everything that was happening.
« Everything okay, dude? »
« Yeah, yeah »
« It doesn't look like it. You seem pretty damn uncomfortable » snorted Mike.
« Can you shut up, please? »
« What's the deal? Is marrying Donna stressing you out like this? You do realize it's fake, right? I mean, you're not going to be tied to her forever. You’ll get to live your life and maybe even see... Cynthia? Cinzia? I can't remember, you know, the one I heard talking in the background when I called you the other night… when you were in that bar in Newark »
« Alright, stop! I'm not stressed about Donna, alright? It’s just that Darby will be there, and tonight’s going to determine my entire career. Everything needs to be perfect »
Harvey was lying.
In reality, he’d never lied so hard, and even though he knew he shouldn’t, even though it was Mike, his best friend and that he could tell him everything, he wasn’t ready to put into words what he felt for Donna and all the contradictions he was feeling about the relationship. Thankfully for him, Mike was gullible enough not to notice the lie or the dilemma Harvey was facing, giving the groom-to-be just a little more time to keep fooling himself.
Upstairs, while the makeup artist worked on Donna's face, the redhead found herself lost in thought. She had always dreamed of getting married, it was a childhood dream actually, but even though over the years she had come to terms with the fact that it might not be for her given her past failed relationships, she never would have imagined she’d end up here — getting married for money. Donna was a feminist and a woman of principle, so the idea of marrying a stranger for a financial exchange tugged at her heart, as if she were nothing more than an object. But at the moment, it was the only solution — she had to help her father.
At first, when Rachel had talked about Harvey, Donna had been more than desperate. Sure, he looked like a hot model, but his behavior left a lot to be desired — at least, that's what she thought. Over time, though, she had gotten to know him better. Being good at reading people and understanding them, Donna quickly realized that the lawyer was simply a young man lacking love, someone who needed reassurance. Eventually, it didn’t take long for her to change her mind about him and start feeling more than just affection or friendship. But still... she had to come to terms with the fact that, as close as they were, this wasn’t going to last. He wasn’t made for marriage and lifelong fidelity, she had realized that when she understood that he sometimes spent a night with strangers, forgetting about her. So, even though it hurt a little, it was her idea, and Harvey was still a man with needs.
Clearly lost in her thoughts, Rachel squeezed Donna's arm softly and whispered.
« You’re stunning »
« Thank you »
« Are you okay? Not too stressed? »
« Well, there’s the press at my wedding, and I’ll be all over the tabloids by tomorrow, so I don’t really know » chuckled Donna.
« God, that’s insane » snorted Rachel.
« Nothing like the wedding Mark would have wanted, huh? »
« Oh my God — do you think he’ll show up? »
« I don’t think so, even though Harvey insisted on sending him an invite »
« He’s unbelievable »
« He wanted to put the guy on our table, I mean… » giggled the redhead.
As the makeup artist interrupted them to announce that she was done, the two young women took advantage of the moment, with the artist gone and Donna’s mother still not having arrived, to have a quick chat together.
« So? How are you feeling? »
« You already asked » chuckled Donna.
« You know what I’m talking about »
« Harv? »
« Yeah »
« What about him? »
« Come on, don’t play innocent with me. I know you dreamed of a beautiful princess wedding, and in the end, you're marrying a guy you've known for three months, all to pay off your father's debts — it's far from what you hoped for »
« It's true, but I don't know... Harvey did everything to give me the wedding of my dreams, and more. He spent ridiculous amounts just to satisfy my every whim. So, yes, I didn't expect to marry a stranger just for financial reasons, but it's Harvey... I mean, even though he has his flaws, he's adorable with me, funny, we have fun, and we're really comfortable with each other — I could have done worse, huh? »
« Much worse, for sure »
« Yeah » smiled Donna.
« And after? »
« What after, Rachel? As soon as he doesn't need me anymore, we'll divorce, I'll get on with my life, he'll get on with his, and that's it »
« That's it? I thought... you know »
« You thought what? »
« That there was more than just a deal between you two now »
For a few seconds, the room was silent as Donna stared at the huge diamond on her finger, realizing that what she had been trying to suppress for the past few weeks was becoming harder and harder to ignore. She knew she had to talk about it, and unfortunately, she couldn’t confide in her mother or even Harvey. So, even though she didn’t want to put words to what was happening right now, she whispered softly.
« Harvey is a dream, and maybe in another life, he and I would have been good together, but unfortunately, I can't expect anything more than this inevitable divorce with him »
« Why not? »
« Because no matter what he's feeling right now with me, it's not what he's looking for... at least not long term. He doesn’t know how to love, and even though he tries, I’m starting to really understand him now. He’s going to destroy himself trying for me, and... I don’t want him to break my heart »
Before Rachel could respond, the door opened and Donna’s mother entered the room, gasping in awe at her daughter in a white dress, thrilled to see her about to marry the lawyer. For nearly another hour, the three women talked while Harvey finished the final adjustments to his suit. As the time for the ceremony drew near, both adults felt a mix of panic and excitement overwhelm them. As night fell, guests trickled into the Plaza Hotel, greeted by butlers who handed them welcome cocktails in the grand, flower-decorated lobby with sparkling chandeliers, while a piano played in the background. The atmosphere was relaxed with a hint of excitement.
A few minutes later, everyone was ushered into the Grand Ballroom, where they took their seats in elegant rows, half-circle around the altar as the room filled up in mere moments. As everyone settled, Harvey entered the room, greeting a few people along the way before making his way to the altar. He shared a quick hug with Mike before shifting on his feet, waiting for Donna to appear. He shouldn’t be stressing, it was all fake, but he couldn’t help it. He felt a mixture of apprehension, excitement, fear, but most of all, anticipation.
As his patience began to wane, the door opened, and Harvey heard the guests stir, forcing him to look up. The second his eyes landed on her, Harvey felt his throat tighten and his mouth go dry. God, she was stunning and as she slowly approached him, Harvey had a hard time believing she was even real. At that moment, he was sure he was in love — or was it just the moment making him feel this way? He had no idea. But right then, his eyes fixed on her, heart racing in his chest, he saw Donna flash him a beautiful smile, and all he wanted to do was drop to his knees and beg her to take him forever.
As Wagner's music ended, and after a final hug with her father, she walked over to Harvey, taking the hand he offered her before murmuring softly.
« Hey »
« Hey »
« Not too disappointed by my dress? »
« It’s insane… You are insane » smirked Harvey, biting his lip.
« I’m glad »
As they now stood facing each other, they both turned when the officiant spoke loudly so that the many guests could hear.
« Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, welcome to this exceptional celebration. We are gathered here today to celebrate love, union, and commitment between Harvey and Donna. It is an honor for me to be the officiant of this wedding and to share this memorable moment with you all... Marriage is a time for joy, but also for reflection. It symbolizes the union of two individuals who choose to support each other, to love each other, and to grow old together. Today, Harvey and Donna not only promise each other a life filled with happy moments but also fidelity, patience, and support during the more difficult times, just like during the good times. It is an adventure for two, a promise to always be there for each other »
As the officiant recited these cliché words, they both exchanged a glance, a mixture of feelings still buried deep inside them as the man continued speaking.
« We will now move on to one of the most important moments of this ceremony, where Harvey and Donna will exchange their vows »
The vows had been quite complicated to write for both of them, as they couldn’t say that they were the love of each other’s life, that they knew they were made for each other, or that it would be forever. So, they had invented and lied, just like this marriage. As Harvey felt a bit embarrassed to make his vows in front of everyone, after a wink from Donna, he cleared his throat before beginning his little speech, a cute smile on his face as he started to slide the ring around her finger.
« Donna, I never imagined falling in love… It’s something I never even planned for, yet it hit me like an undeniable truth. Sometimes, I struggle to realize how lucky I am to have found a woman as amazing as you. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if I deserve someone as perfect as you. But what I do know is that you are the one who makes me laugh even when everything seems dark, the one who is always there for me, sincere and full of support. You are thoughtful, and most of all, you make my life so much less boring — well, all of this to say that I’m so happy to embark on this crazy experience called marriage with you, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to be by my side. Thank you for being so perfect »
Once the vows were over, Donna’s eyes sparkled, her heart beating faster as she kept looking at her hand. She knew that this moment was as unique for him as it was for her. Even though their words were far from the traditional perfection of a wedding, and maybe a little biased, they were sincere, and that was all that mattered. Harvey, a man who had always pushed away emotions, who never believed in happily ever afters, had just offered her his most honest vows, no matter what would happen in a few months. Now that he was done, she felt warmth filling her heart, a light smile on her lips, before speaking in return, a little nervous but deeply moved, starting to slide his wedding band on his fourth finger.
« I remember the first day I met you, and if I’m honest, the idea I had of you back then was nothing like the person I see today. Behind that arrogance and bluntness, there was a man I didn’t see coming: funny, devoted, deeply sincere, and whole. And over time, you showed me that under that tough exterior was a huge heart, capable of love and care. Today, when I’m with you, I feel like I’m living in a waking dream. You have this incredible ability to turn every moment we spend together into a cherished memory, to make every day a little more magical. I could have never dreamed of having a man like you by my side. Today, in front of all those who love us, I want to thank you for every moment spent with me, for your tenderness, your care, and your unconditional love. You are the one I’ve always waited for, without even knowing it, and I am so grateful to be able to spend my life with you. I can't wait, actually »
As Donna's words hung in the air, Harvey swallowed hard, struggling to hold back a tear. He was deeply moved by everything she had just said, and he could see the sincerity in her eyes — at least, part of it. If they could have prolonged that moment forever, they surely would have, but they were quickly interrupted by the officiant, who resumed his role.
« You have both committed, here and now, to share your lives together, to support and love each other through the trials and the joyful moments. In this solemn moment, surrounded by your loved ones, you have expressed your promises and dreams for one another. By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride »
The two adults had never kissed each other, as strange as that might sound, but while they had kissed a whole series of people throughout their life, they had never been as nervous as they were for this one.
As the officiant announced the moment, they both moved closer to each other, and as Donna slid her arms around his neck, Harvey placed his hands on her hips, pulling her even closer to him. The moment their lips touched, it felt like an explosion deep inside them, as everything around them seemed to fade away as the newlywed couple forgot where they were, far too focused on their kiss.
Harvey was devouring Donna's mouth, completely addicted to the taste of her as she could feel him sighing contentedly against her face. The lawyer had set a slow but languid pace, their lips sliding delicately against each other, capturing and tugging on them every now and then until Mike cleared his throat to pull them apart, the moment having become far too long. Reluctantly, they pulled away from each other, briefly avoiding eye contact, both knowing things had escalated quickly. But as much as they might have wanted to stay in that moment, the most important part of the wedding was about to begin — the after-party.
« Are you ready? »
« I think I need a drink — a lot of drinks » murmured Harvey.
Quickly, they left the altar hand in hand, everyone congratulating them as they made their way to the back room to sign the marriage certificate, their hearts racing. Once legally married, they joined the guests in the main hall, where everyone settled at the tables to enjoy a delicious five-course French meal prepared by a renowned chef, all while chatting with their loved ones.
After nearly two hours, it was time for the traditional cake cutting, with Harvey eagerly eating Donna's fingers as she offered him her slice, making her laugh, just before the announcement of their first dance as a married couple. Donna and Harvey took center stage in the grand room illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Both were excellent dancers, and although they had no doubts about their ability to manage a simple slow dance, they had practiced at Harvey's place, dancing to one of Gordon's jazz tracks, their hearts beating wildly. As all eyes were on them and the music drowned out their voices, Harvey leaned in to whisper in Donna's ear.
« Are you happy with the wedding? Was it what you wanted? »
« It was more than perfect — thank you for everything »
« I should be thanking you, for everything you do for me »
As the alcohol began to take effect and the atmosphere didn’t help either, the two leaned in, kissing again and again until the song ended and everyone joined them on the dance floor. Eventually, they spent the rest of the evening dancing, drinking, and engaging in a few conversations, while keeping enough sobriety to avoid saying anything foolish, all the while keeping their main goal in mind — impressing Darby, who was now sitting with his wife at a few tables away.
As the hours passed and the dance floor began to empty, they thanked their guests, deciding it was time for them to leave. They made their way to the luxury suite they had rented — the same one for both of them, wanting to avoid suspicion. As soon as they entered the room, Donna quickly started removing her jewelry and heels, while Harvey swallowed hard at the sight of her effortlessly taking off her garter under her wedding dress, throwing them a bit further. As she wasn’t looking at him, she chuckled when she remember some secret exchange during the night.
« What did Mike give you earlier? » she asked casually.
« Weed »
« Great — I hope Darby didn’t see that » snorted the redhead.
« He didn't, don’t worry »
« Good — anyway, I need some air, it's hot in here »
Without another word, Donna, still in her wedding dress, opened the large balcony windows to step outside, while Harvey, still sitting on the bed, decided to follow her — he too wanted some fresh air to calm the thousand thoughts racing through his mind.
While Donna was on the terrace, leaning against the railing and looking at the horizon, Harvey slowly approached to lean against the window frame, lighting the joint that Mike had given him before taking the first hit, letting the smoke fill his mouth, his throat, then his lungs. For a few seconds, he took the time to observe his now-wife silently from behind, her long red hair cascading down her back as her white dress hugged her body perfectly, her bouncy ass driving him crazy. While the only sounds were those of the street and the bustling New York noise, Harvey took a second hit as he slowly started to feel the first effects take hold, the pressure from the ceremony finally easing and his body relaxing, his gaze still fixed on Donna. But as the smell of the weed began to fill the terrace, the redhead glanced over her shoulder before reaching her arm back, Harvey immediately understanding, handing her the joint which she quickly brought to her lips.
For a few seconds, he watched how hypnotic she looked doing such a simple thing as taking a hit from his joint and without even thinking, he moved closer to her, placing his hands on either side of her on the railing, trapping her body between his. Without even turning around, she offered the joint to Harvey over her shoulder as the lawyer grabbed it between his lips to take a hit, exhaling the smoke a few seconds later against Donna's cheek as she took her turn. As the lower part of Harvey’s face brushed against the redhead's shoulder, he paused for a few seconds, thinking without being sure, as he then pressed his lips to her bare skin. Noticing no reaction from her, the joint still between her fingers, he placed his lips a little higher and when he looked up to see if she would react this time, he saw her softly biting her lip, and that was all he needed to continue. Little by little, his lips continued his expedition, traveling to the back of her ear, gently digging his teeth into her skin, the redhead holding back a moan as he felt like losing his mind. Maybe it was the euphoria of the wedding, or simply because he knew that Donna was not like the others, but at that moment, he was ready to do anything for her.
As his hands tightened their grip on the railing, he brought his body closer to Donna’s, the redhead now trapped, her back against his chest as she could feel his bulge pressing against her ass. They were both playing a dangerous game, and even though the kisses exchanged during the wedding had sparked the fire, what they were about to do in that moment could explode their contract if they gave in to the temptation of more. As she took another drag, Harvey's hands moved from the railing to rest on her hips, caressing the silk of her wedding dress as he continued to place open-mouthed kisses on her neck.
Feeling tingling in his fingers, he gripped the fabric, lifting it up a little at a time, goosebumps on her bare legs as the cool air touched her until her thong appeared and Harvey pushed his swollen crotch against her ass harder. Feeling like he was going to explode, he still held the dress with one hand while he grabbed Donna's jaw forcefully with the other, kissing her dirtily as she moaned into his mouth. But while she was still with her back to him, kissing him as best she could while trying to keep up with the rhythm set by Harvey's tongue, the moment she felt him pull down his fly against her ass, she pushed him away.
« Harvey, don’t »
If he immediately stopped what he was doing with his pants, he would continue his kisses on her neck, murmuring against her skin with a plaintive moan.
« Why not? »
« Because we can’t »
« We're married now »
« And what difference would that make? I won't be the one you fuck whenever the mood strikes »
« You know damn well that won't be the case »
With that, Donna turned away, the newlyweds now facing each other, their faces a few inches from each other, as the redhead sighed, murmuring softly while staring into his eyes, a mix of sadness and pain in hers.
« I know you've never stopped sleeping with other women since we met and I don't blame you, I'm even the one who suggested this arrangement. So the day you give up on all those girls, I might agree to have sex with you, but for now, it's a no. You pay me to be your wife, sure, but I won't let you fuck me for money, I’m not some meaningless girl you met in a bar »
Faced with Donna's revelations, Harvey was somewhat torn.
He remembered the conversation they had the first time she showed up at his place, how he had spent the night with a stranger because Donna had turned down his advances, but when she had asked him to be more careful, he could have stopped everything and waited for her — but it was too complicated. Every time he saw her so perfect, talking to another man, mentioning their divorce, or any situation that made him angry and possessive, he would leave Manhattan, find an innocent woman in a bar who didn’t know who he was, and rent a hotel room for the night, ending up, as always, with a girl who would run away when she realized he had moaned the redhead's name as he came.
At that moment, he didn't know what bothered him more — the fact that he had accepted this stupid deal to see other girls, or that Donna knew. But as she looked at him with her beautiful doe eyes, as the new weight of the wedding ring on his finger was starting to make itself felt, and as the weed had slightly relaxed his mind, he moved his face closer to hers, french-kissing her with passion before whispered against her lips, his eyes closed.
« I never want to hear you say that again. You’re not meaningless, you’re my everything now »
Chapter 12: What about now?
Chapter Text
In the end, after sharing the joint all the way through, with Harvey not attempting anything with Donna anymore, they both fell asleep.
The mix of weed, alcohol, and the adrenaline crash plunged them into a deep sleep, both in their underwear in the same bed, with nothing else happening — not that either of them had the courage for anything anyway. A few hours later, it was Donna who woke up first, gently extricating herself from Harvey, who was slumped over he to use the bathroom and taking a good shower before him. And as they both found themselves in the room hours later, Donna whispered.
« What about now? »
« Honeymoon? »
« You want to go on a honeymoon? » chuckled Donna.
« Well, we just got married, right? And don't you want to have some fun? We’ll go for a week, just you and me, to have a blast like never before » smirked Harvey.
« That sounds tempting, yeah »
« Come on, where do you want to go? »
« What? Just like this? Now? »
« Yeah » snorted the lawyer.
« Harv, I need to check with work if I can take time off »
« Oh please, it’s just a week, they can survive without you, right? »
« Maybe, yeah… »
« Let’s do it »
Quickly, they both settled on the bed, almost cuddling against each other, their hearts racing because of the situation and the fact that they hadn’t really talked about what happened the night before, while Harvey grabbed his phone and started his search.
« Do you have any idea where? »
« I hadn’t really thought about it — what about you? »
« Monaco » smiled Harvey.
« Monaco? »
« Yeah. The Monte Carlo Casino, ultra-luxurious hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, renting a supercar and taking a tour around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, VIP parties, private yachts, and an amazing view of the Mediterranean — sounds good, huh? »
« Casino? Grand Prix circuit? VIP parties — is that what a honeymoon is for you? »
« What? Do you have a better idea? »
« New Zealand » smiled Donna.
« New Zealand? What the hell are you going to do in New Zealand? »
« Are you kidding? What about the mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast plains, and a welcoming culture? We could go horseback riding, do a road trip in a van, stargaze at Lake Tekapo, stay in a lodge in the middle of nature, and swim in natural hot springs — now that’s a real honeymoon »
« You’re joking, right? »
« What? » giggled Donna.
« You think I’m going to go horseback riding on my honeymoon? »
« We could also feed goats on a farm — you’ll see, it’s adorable »
For a few seconds, they both sighed, realizing that once again, their different backgrounds led them to have completely opposite ideas of what they wanted for their honeymoon.
Immediately, Donna couldn’t imagine spending a week celebrating her marriage in casinos, yachts, or luxury hotels, throwing his money out the window while following her husband through one extravagant situation after another. On the other hand, Harvey felt panic rise inside him at the thought of celebrating his new status as a married man with his feet in goat shit in the middle of a remote mountain miles away.
As they remained in silence, Harvey turned to Donna and looked at her with a puppy-dog gaze before murmuring desperately.
« Please, Donna... Not the goats »
Even though she didn’t want to give in, seeing him so lost and terrified, she couldn’t help but burst out laughing, snuggling a little closer to him before whispering softly.
« Alright, we’ll forget about the goats, but please... not Monaco »
« Let’s find something we both like, then »
« Perfect »
For almost an hour, they kept scrolling through Harvey’s phone, discussing various vacation options before agreeing on a destination that could mix everything they were looking for. A Ferrari tour in Maranello, five-star hotels in Capri, a boat getaway around Positano, but also walks through picturesque villages, discovering local markets, and romantic dinners at a vineyard in Marisa Cuomo — the Amalfi Coast was the perfect mix between their two personalities.
So, after agreeing, Donna was about to make a call to her work to get approval from her boss, while Harvey reflected on the situation. As he lay there, relaxed in a bed in one of the most luxurious hotels in New York, with Donna just a few steps away, pacing around while talking on the phone, he stared at his wedding ring, questioning what he truly felt. The man who had once thought he’d never be ready for marriage was slowly realizing that he had adjusted to it quickly, and he liked the fact that he was now tied to someone for life, as if he were no longer alone.
And on top of that, his wife was... a lot.
In addition to being absolutely mesmerizing, stunning, and perfect, she had this purity of soul and kindness that made him just want to fall to his knees and give in to all her whims, even if it meant feeding goats. As he watched Donna hold her phone in one hand, slipping the other into her back pocket, the huge diamond glinting on her jeans covering her bouncy ass, he felt his heart race, allowing himself to drift a little deeper into his thoughts until she snapped him out of it.
« All good »
« Really? »
« Yeah, he told me whenever I wanted, as long as it wasn’t too long, and I gave him at least twenty-four hours' notice so he could make arrangements »
« Well, call him back »
« Why? »
« We’re leaving tomorrow »
« Harvey… »
« Come on »
Seeing him pouting to make her give in — Donna had to admit, it made her cave instantly — as she chuckled before murmuring softly while rolling her eyes.
« You're unbelievable »
« I know — come on, call him back »
« Let’s find the flight tickets first, please »
Immediately, while Harvey was still lying on the bed, he motioned for Donna to come closer and after she settled beside him, the couple sharing the same pillow, they began looking at flights and deciding on the days they could go to Italy. After agreeing on the date, the twenty-eighth — exactly three days away — Donna made her call before sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at Harvey with a small smile, whispering softly.
« Harv? »
« Hmm? »
« Promise me you won’t go overboard for this honeymoon? »
« And you, promise me you’ll let me spoil you? »
Donna didn’t know what he felt for her, but at that moment, she could have sworn he was in love with her. Only, immediately, she hurried to change her thoughts, knowing that thinking Harvey could be in love with her was completely unrealistic and would break her heart too much. So, knowing it was pointless to argue with him, as he was going to give her the honeymoon of her dreams anyway, she simply smiled before getting up and smiling.
« Should we go? »
« Yup, let’s go »
After grabbing all their things, they left the hotel and got into Harvey’s car, the new husband opening the door for Donna like a princess, while the two of them drove to the redhead's place. After helping her carry her things upstairs, the lawyer went back to his own place, and at that moment, they both realized just how much they missed each other.
Anyway, for nearly three days, they met to plan their honeymoon, with Donna calling the trip a vacation for both of them to avoid any confusion or insinuation, while they felt a mix of excitement at the idea of spending more than a week just the two of them, and stress about going on vacation together and what might happen. After all, they barely knew each other, and on top of that, they weren’t exactly clear about their feelings, knowing that all of this would come to an end in a few months, but also because they couldn’t deny there was more than just friendship between them.
So, even though it was bothering them, they decided to push all those questions aside to simply enjoy the moment — after all, this was probably going to be the only time they’d ever go on a honeymoon. So, when they were both ready, Harvey's chauffeur stopped in front of Donna's house before chuckling when he saw her on the sidewalk — luggage at her feet, a straw hat, sunglasses, a light beige linen dress with a large Louis Vuitton tote bag on her shoulder, scrolling through her phone.
« Ciao bellissima »
Upon hearing the words come out of Harvey’s mouth, an awful Italian accent accompanying the compliment, she couldn’t help but chuckle as she approached.
« Hey »
« That means hello beautiful »
« I know. I mean, I’m fluent in French, but I know what ciao bellissima means in Italian »
« You’ve never spoken to me in French » smirked Harvey.
« Pourquoi faire? Tu ne comprendrais quand même pas un mot de ce que je raconte »
Hardly had the words left her lips when Donna saw Harvey's eyes widen, and his mouth stayed slightly open, clearly impressed by hearing her speak a foreign language so easily. Seeing the stars in his eyes as he looked at her with admiration, she felt herself blush before murmuring with a small smile — unable to keep it to herself.
« Arrête de me regarder comme ça, je risquerais de ne jamais vouloir te laisser partir »
« What? » muttered Harvey.
« I asked you when you were going to help me put my bags in the trunk? » lied Donna.
« Oh, sure, yeah, right — sorry »
Quickly, he moved toward her, grabbing her two bags from either side before leaning in, placing a tender quick kiss on her cheek, and murmuring against her skin.
« Hey »
Without giving him time to respond, their hearts racing at this innocent but adorable gesture, Harvey put everything in the trunk before getting in the back with Donna as the vehicle was driving toward JFK, where their honeymoon — vacation, let's say — would truly begin. After thanking Ray, the two of them headed toward the airport. Harvey, like a gentleman and devoted husband, carried all their bags as they made their way to the international flights, the lawyer turning to Donna with a big smile.
« Will this be your longest flight? »
« Yeah. I mean, apart from my six months in France when I was twenty-three, I’ve never flown for this long — what about you? »
« I’ve flown several times to Hong Kong, London, Sydney, and places like that, but I only stayed a few days and always for work »
« Is this the first time you’re going on vacation? » smiled Donna.
« You could say that »
« Harv… »
« Hum? »
« Am I your first? »
As she looked at him with a small smirk and a mischievous look, Harvey burst out laughing at her insinuation while quickly slipping his free arm around her neck, placing a kiss on her forehead as if to thank her for making him laugh. Soon, the two of them arrived at the baggage check-in counter, where a woman greeted them with a big smile, took their documents and bags, handled everything, and then replied.
« And here you go, two Delta One tickets to Naples Capodichino »
« Thank you so much »
Barely having the tickets in hand, the couple walked away, heading toward the VIP lounge to wait for their boarding time and a few hours later, as they sat on fully reclining bed-seats with personalized service, priority boarding, gourmet meals, and access to exclusive lounges, Donna turned to Harvey with a small smile.
« You know, an economy seat would have been fine for me »
« No way, my wife doesn’t travel in economy. Mrs Specter deserves only first-class »
Though he said this in an exaggerated tone to joke, she could feel a hint of emotion in his words, something she understood as her heart skipped a beat at this new term of endearment. For nearly nine hours, the couple chatted, being pampered by the flight attendants since apparently, in addition to being in first class, the lawyer had made sure everyone knew they were newlyweds, until, nine hours later, they landed in Italy.
Barely off the plane, they could feel the heat on the tarmac and the warm welcome from the Italians, making the redhead daydream as she realized more and more that she was about to spend over ten days with a rich and sexy man who made her head spin, all under the Italian sun, with probably an Aperol Spritz in hand soon. Once they picked up their luggage, the two of them exited the airport, and as a chauffeur waited for them holding a sign — the name Specter written in large letters — she felt Harvey’s hand tighten around hers when the other man looked at Donna with a charming smile, the lawyer clearly jealous.
Barely in the car, they drove toward Positano before stopping in front of a magnificent red building in the style of the Bay of Naples. Donna's eyes widened when she saw the hotel, which was not at all the one originally booked, a sign that Harvey had chosen another one — much more luxurious, of course — to give her a luxurious stay.
« Harv »
« What? »
« If you're already doing things behind my back after only four days of being married, I already dread what's to come »
« You like it? »
« Yeah »
« That's the most important thing — let's go »
Barely inside, Donna's eyes sparkled, clearly not used to this kind of establishment, as a bellboy took care of their luggage while Harvey pulled her toward the reception, where a small mustached man smiled at them.
« You must be Mr. and Mrs. Specter. Welcome and congratulations on your wedding »
« Thank you so much »
« Here are the keys to your suite. I invite you to explore it and feel free to reach out to us if you have any desires »
« Thank you very much »
As they followed the man through the hallways, Donna felt like she was dreaming, while Harvey felt his heart race, knowing that he was the source of her amazement, that for the first time, he could make someone happy. Upon discovering the typically Mediterranean-style suite, consisting of a bedroom, living room, and a bathroom with a large bay window overlooking the sea, the redhead gushed.
« Harv, it’s... magnificent »
« Wait until you see the rest »
After intertwining their fingers, he pulled her toward the terrace, where the redhead gasped upon seeing the corner balcony with sea views — an idyllic setting that made Donna lose her head, and she could have given him anything at that moment, even given him an heir if it pleased him. Once the quick tour was over, they both took a shower in turn to freshen up after nearly nine hours of flying, before changing and heading out to explore the center of Positano like any average couple, hand in hand, big smiles on their faces.
Harvey wasn't really into tourism — he'd never really done it, in fact — but at that moment with Donna, he had to admit, he’d never felt so relaxed. Once the walk was over and still a bit exhausted from the jet lag, they returned to the hotel. While Donna was already in her satin pajamas and Harvey in boxers — seeing each other half-naked was clearly no longer an issue for them — the redhead was surprised to see Harvey walking around the suite.
« What are you doing? »
« Looking for where to sleep »
« What? »
« Yeah — I mean, we're married, but I understand if you're not comfortable with the idea that… »
« We already slept together at our wedding, why would it be a problem? »
« Donna, we were drunk and completely high from the joint. The situation was different, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to… »
« I didn’t feel obligated at all, come on, we can share a bed. I don’t care — I did summer theater camps, I even shared my bunk with strangers » giggled Donna.
« Summer theater camps? You have to tell me about that » chuckled Harvey.
As he joined Donna in bed, she began to explain little anecdotes while Harvey lay on his stomach, listening intently because he was eager to learn everything he could about her until they drifted off to sleep a few hours later, gradually moving closer to each other in the night. The next morning, barely awake, the two of them enjoyed their breakfast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples before getting ready and venturing once again through the alleys of Positano, discovering small artisan shops, art galleries, and local markets, always hand in hand, until they stopped for lunch at a local restaurant by the sea, enjoying fresh seafood as the main course, continuing their endless conversation.
As the redhead let herself be carried away by the day, she was quickly interrupted by Harvey, who was smiling at her.
« We need to stop by the hotel »
« Why? »
« You need to put on your swimsuit »
« My swimsuit? »
« Yep »
« What have you planned? »
« You’ll see »
Without further information, Donna followed Harvey, changing into a bikini under her long sage green light dress while Harvey led her to the water’s edge. The redhead gasped as she saw the small yacht docked, waiting for them. While Harvey spoke for a few seconds with the man, Donna was surprised to see the man hand him the keys, and Harvey gestured for her to follow.
« He’s not coming with us? »
« Why? »
« Well, who’s going to navigate? »
« Me » smiled Harvey.
« You? » gasped Donna.
« Yeah. I’m your navigator, baby »
At the little nickname, she shivered despite the warm southern Italian temperatures, knowing that even though he said it jokingly, a part of him might really mean it, and the idea that he might call her baby excited Donna — just like Harvey, who dreamed of hearing her whisper it in his ear.
« Harv... Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not a navigator »
« I learned to navigate when I was twelve, when Bobby tried to buy me. Since then, I’ve taken yachts out in the Hamptons — come on »
With little choice, she got on with him, suddenly turned on as she watched him handle the controls so well, as the boat left the shore, moving away from the small town to take them into the crystal-clear waters. For nearly forty minutes, Donna enjoyed the sun, sitting on the terrace in front of the yacht while Harvey navigated until they were isolated, cutting the engine to let the boat float before joining his now-wife.
« Did you get tired of navigating? »
« I thought I’d still enjoy the ride with you, huh? »
« You did good »
« You know, you can stay in your bikini, we’re far from land — or even be naked if you want »
« No way » snorted Donna.
As Harvey took off his t-shirt, revealing his well-defined abs, they settled next to her. Given the situation, Donna followed his lead, finding herself in her bikini, both of them lying next to each other, enjoying the sun while talking about everything and nothing. But as long minutes passed, Harvey began to think.
He was on his honeymoon with Donna, a woman he liked more than he was willing to admit, she was beautiful, sexy and absolutely perfect, and while they were set to live this story for a while, he wasn’t sure he wanted it to remain so platonic. So after a few seconds of reflection, he mustered up his courage, turning from lying on his back to lying on his side, slightly leaning over Donna before observing the freckles on her skin and murmuring.
« Hey »
« Hmm? »
« Do you mind if I kiss you? »
Faced with Harvey's question, Donna quickly propped herself up on her elbows to look at him, swallowing hard, feeling her heart race and the butterflies in her stomach going crazy.
« What? »
But just as she thought he was about to make a declaration, tell her that she was more than a friend, that he had fallen in love with her, or that he thought this marriage was meant to last, she quickly fell back when he spoke. For Harvey, seeing Donna’s shocked expression, Harvey panicked and did what he did best — bluff.
« No, not like that. I didn’t mean we should kiss like a couple in love. I just thought, you know, we’re going to stay married for a while, and it would be a shame not to... have a little fun, right? Besides, our kisses are good, huh? You remember at the wedding? Hot »
Not in love, that would be a shame, have fun — as he continued with the sentence, it felt like he was twisting the knife in her heart. At the same time, she wasn’t surprised, but still... it hurts. She had wanted more with Harvey, but as she thought about his words, she started to reflect — Harvey was attractive to her, and she was indeed going to spend time with him, so why hold back? Seeing Donna lost in her thoughts, ready to give in, he pressed his lips to her bare shoulder before looking up to observe her reaction.
As she lowered her gaze to meet Harvey's, realizing she wasn’t opposed, he moved a little closer, bringing his face toward hers to press his lips to her jaw. Seeing that she didn’t react, he finally placed them on her lips, sighing in contentment. For nearly an hour, they chatted while making out on the yacht's terrace, their hands gently brushing each other's skin without ever going further, until they both shivered as the sun set, forcing them to return to land.
After an evening eating pizza near the hotel, the couple returned to the hotel, sharing a goodnight kiss without any comments about how strange but also natural it was before falling asleep in each other's arms.
The next day, they took the ferry to Capri, visited the Grotta Azzurra, strolled around the legendary island, and dined at a romantic restaurant before returning to their luxury hotel. Even though walking hand in hand and kissing made their hearts race, both of them focused on the idea that, for Harvey, the redhead deserved better than him and he was afraid she would break his heart, while for Donna, she suspected that she was just one among many, the only difference being that she had a ring on her finger in exchange for money. So, they both let themselves go, deciding to enjoy each other before divorcing, pretending to be a couple even if they pretended not to feel anything.
« What do you want to do today? » asked Harvey.
« I have something planned »
« Really? »
« Yeah »
« What? »
« You’ll see » smiled Donna.
« Oh come on »
Since the beginning of the trip, Harvey had been doing everything to please her, and Donna decided to return the favor. She rented a small convertible to drive to Vallelunga, about three hours away. But as soon as the young lawyer saw the name of the building, he forgot the road, looking at Donna with bright eyes.
« Are you serious? »
« Yeah — You and a race car, as fast as you want on a race track »
« You're perfect »
As he kissed her quickly in joy, they entered the center, and while Donna had cracked open her savings to give him an incredible experience, Harvey was grateful for her gesture, knowing that she didn’t have the same budget as him. After many explanations from a pilot, Harvey put on his racing suit, the man handing him his helmet as he looked like an excited little boy. When they told him he would be able to get in the Formula 1 car, he turned to Donna to kiss her once more, while the redhead started to regret her decision.
« Hey, Harv »
« Hmm? »
« Don’t kill yourself in the car, I’m too young to be a widow »
« Plus, it’s a shame, we haven’t signed the inheritance papers yet »
« Harv, I’m serious » sighed Donna with a small smile.
« I’ll be careful, I promise »
« Good — have fun »
« Yeah »
Quickly, he put on his mask, climbed into the car, and started with a roar, the engine’s sound filling the air as Donna felt her legs tremble.
For nearly an hour, Harvey drove at full speed until he finished, took off his helmet, his hair sticking in all directions due to sweat, and approached Donna to kiss her. He spoke quickly and excitedly about what he had felt — he had never felt so alive. That evening, they returned to Positano for a candlelit dinner, the couple playing with each other’s fingers while talking softly. For the rest of the stay, the couple filled their days to the brim — hiking the Sentiero degli Dei, visiting Ravello, relaxing on Maiori beach, enjoying a romantic dinner at the Marisa Cuomo vineyard, and even taking an Italian cooking class in Amalfi. In the evenings, they would return to the hotel, talking for hours before falling asleep in each other’s arms until the next day.
As Thursday marked the last day of their honeymoon, they spent it strolling hand in hand through the village, eating pizza, and savoring their last night together. Enjoying the large spa bathtub in the bathroom with a big bay window overlooking the sea, lit by the city lights, they found themselves face to face in swimsuits, holding a huge glass of Aperol Spritz nearly overflowing, as they relaxed in the calm. Then, Harvey spoke.
« Thank you »
« Why? »
« If you had told me about a honeymoon four months ago, I never would’ve thought I’d have so much fun, but you really made this week in Italy a dream vacation, so thank you so much »
« No worries — and thank you, too. I know we’re very different, but you’ve done everything to make me happy, even if it wasn’t war you appreciate the most. It’s adorable... You’re adorable »
« Alright, don’t tell anyone I’m adorable » snorted Harvey.
As night fell over Positano, the couple sat in quiet contentment, lost in the moment. The outside world felt distant, and in that peaceful silence, they understood each other perfectly. The next morning, as the sun rose over the Bay of Naples, they woke up, still close but with a new sense of ease while their time together had allowed them to see each other differently, without pressure. As Donna glanced at the sea one last time, she realized that this honeymoon, once just a contract, had become something more.
A memory they'd both carry with them, no matter what came next.
Chapter 13: What’s mine is yours
Chapter Text
Since their return from Italy, the couple had resumed their lives more or less normally.
Both had returned to work, continuing to live their lives separately while seeing each other regularly, but missing each other more than they would ever admit. If they were already close in the past, the only difference this time was that they wore matching wedding bands, talked about their husband and wife with people around, and the gestures of affection had become more frequent. If they thought everything was settled, that they just had to wait for Darby to step aside and then divorce, the two adults had underestimated the amount of administrative paperwork they still had to deal with now that they were married.
As her husband had a meeting with the lawyer's accountant later in the afternoon, Donna was catching up on the work she had fallen behind on since her return almost five days ago, even if, deep down, she was eager to leave and see Harvey. As she checked the time on her phone for the fifteenth time at that hour, she couldn’t help but smile at her wallpaper. The photo was one she had taken during their honeymoon when she surprised her husband by taking him to a racetrack — Harvey in a racing suit, his hair wildly tousled with sweat, a big smile on his face, radiating joy and happiness while looking like a big kid. God, he was so beautiful and cute, she could marry him again and again without getting tired of it. But as she got lost in her thoughts, one of her colleagues entered the room, a mischievous smile on her lips as she muttered.
« Well, well, well... isn't it Madame Specter? »
« Asma, how can I help you? » chuckled Harvey.
« Girl, you just got back from a week of honeymoon and you're asking me how I can help? Spill the tea, Red »
« We went to the Amalfi Coast, it was idyllic. We did some boating, swam, lounged all day, drank way too many Aperol Spritz, and, I don’t know, we were just happy. The perfect honeymoon i would say »
« I bet — urgh, you're making me dream »
« Yeah, it was really a blessing »
« Show me some pictures »
Reluctantly, she showed her some pictures, slowly realizing that the lie was starting to resemble the reality as she looked at certain photos — selfie of the couple lying in each other's arms on the beach, her in her husband's at luxury restaurants, taking mirror selfies while being well dress, and funny photos of them at random moments. Clearly, if it wasn’t her who had lived the dream honeymoon, she would have been jealous too seeing how perfect everything looked. As Asma kept questioning her about her trip and her husband, she paused when she saw a message.
Should I pick you up or are we meeting there?
« Oh, yeah, right » whispered Donna.
« Sure, reply to your sexy husband, I can wait »
« Asma, stop »
Even though she could have met him there, the thought of him showing up at her work in his sports car with that cocky smile really appealed to the redhead. After quickly replying that she was waiting for him, she resumed her conversation while on the other side of Manhattan, her husband smiled, knowing he was going to pick up his wife. As he was about to leave the office, his colleague snorted when he saw his best friend all excited at the idea of running away.
« You're going to pick up your wifey? »
« Yeah, and stop looking at me like that »
« Oh please, don't play innocent with me. I'm almost sure you got Donna pregnant in Italy » snorted Mike.
« I never had sex with Donna »
Faced with Harvey's revelation, Mike gasped, remaining silent for a few seconds, watching him with wide eyes, before murmuring, struggling to believe it was possible.
« What? »
« Mike, I'm not sure I want to… »
« Wow, wow, wow. Harv? We’re best friends, right? We need to talk because I think we know each other pretty well by now. You're a ladies' man, I've never seen you abstinent for more than a week, and now you're telling me you've never slept with your wife? Are you still having an affair with others? »
« No. It’s juste that… hum… On our wedding’s night, we had a brief conversation where she said she wouldn’t sleep with me as long as I was seeing other girls, and she’s right. I mean, we’re married, but this marriage is fake, and even though I have to admit that sleeping with her is more tempting than anything, things are... different. I don’t want her to think I’m making an effort just to get her into my bed. She deserves much more than that, she’s a great girl »
« I get it. So, what now? I thought with the honeymoon, things would have moved to the next level... I mean, sure, you’re married, but even if it's still a deal, you two are young and hot, you can have fun — what would you do for over a week in Italy if you didn’t have sex? » murmured Mike.
« Well, we were... making out, I guess? It’s just that the vibe was there, it was nice, and I told her we could still kiss, even if our relationship was fake, that I wasn’t in love with her and kissing her was just for fun »
« Damn, you really know how to talk to women, huh? »
« She seemed fine with it, Mike »
« Well, then it’s a good thing she’s not in love with you, at least one of you isn’t lying in this whole thing — anyway, we’ll catch up tomorrow, bro »
Without even giving him time to respond, Mike left his best friend’s office while Harvey sat back, reflecting on what he had just said — Donna wasn’t in love with him, and their marriage was fake — and god, it broke his heart. Lost in his thoughts, Harvey was quickly brought back to reality when his phone rang, a message from Donna telling him she was leaving her office and waiting for him on the sidewalk as his heart raced when he saw the photo on his wallpaper.
It was a mirror selfie taken in their hotel room, and while Harvey wore a simple beige shorts and white shirt, Donna was in a white crop top and a short black skirt that revealed her long, slender legs. The top showed the freckles on her arms, and there was a thin strip of pale skin on her stomach. Harvey had his arm around her neck, his chest against her back as he held her close, both of them laughing while she held out the empty Aperol Spritz bottle they had drunk from the night before on the terrace. The photo was simple but casual and funny — everything their relationship represented and what Harvey felt when he was with her.
After a final smile, he made his way down to the garage, got into his car, and drove towards Midtown to pick up his wife. As he arrived in front of the New York Times building, Harvey couldn't help but feel his heart race when he saw her waiting on the sidewalk. Despite their marriage, Harvey's wealth, and his lifestyle, Donna hadn’t changed. She still had that perfect blend of boho-hippie chic, yet always managed to look classy and effortless. Seeing her in her wide-leg pants, beige suede mules, and a sleeveless knit top in the same color, Harvey had never thought Donna looked more beautiful.
« Hey you »
« Hey »
« Thanks for coming and picking me up »
« I’m at your service » smirked Harvey.
« How was your day? » smiled Donna.
As Harvey explained how his day had gone, enjoying the fact that the redhead was genuinely interested — Donna being the first and, most importantly, the only one to do so — the couple drove towards the Upper East Side, where Harvey’s accountant was located — well, now, their accountant. The marriage wasn’t just about a big white dress and a suit, it was also about meetings to discuss money, the very foundation of the contract between Harvey and Donna. But while the redhead had never stepped foot in an accountant's office, she would quickly realize that, first, it was going to give her a headache, and second, that her husband was much wealthier than Rachel had ever let on.
« Harvey Specter, please come on in »
« Hello Harrison »
« And you must be the now Mrs Specter »
« It’s me, but you can call me Donna » smiled the redhead.
As the man turned to look at Harvey, the redhead noticed how he shook his head slightly, signaling his disagreement and normally, she would have been upset that Harvey was making a decision for her, but the thought of him commanding everyone to respect her and call her Mrs. Specter turned her legs to jelly. So without much choice, the man muttered with an awkward smile.
« I’ll stick with Mrs. Specter — please, have a seat »
Following the man's directions, the couple settled into large chairs across from the accountant, who quickly tapped a few keys on his computer before beginning the discussion with a big smile
« Alright, so, this is both of your first marriages, right? »
« Yes »
« Yeah, yeah »
« So, when a couple gets married in the United States, several things can change in terms of accounting and taxes, particularly regarding your filing status and tax returns. We’re going to go through the different points to discuss, and feel free to ask if you have any questions »
« Alright »
« Great… » whispered Donna.
« Alright, so regarding the change in filing status, with marriage, you have two options: married filing jointly, which allows the couple to declare their income together on one return, which can offer tax benefits, including a lower tax rate. Or married filing separately, where each spouse files their income separately »
« Separate, right? » murmured Donna.
Since they knew they would soon be divorced, the redhead figured it was pointless to link them too much, but apparently, that wasn’t how Harvey saw it, and he quickly responded with a mixture of hope and determination on his face.
« Well, we’re married. What’s mine is yours, right? »
« Yeah, but... you know… »
As Donna looked at Harvey, who seemed to pretend not to understand what she was hinting at, the accountant decided to intervene, trying to offer some further clarification.
« If I may, for example, if one spouse has many deductions or a very high income, it can be more beneficial to opt for married filing separately, whether it’s for retirement taxes, recalculation of exemptions and credits, avoiding AMT taxation, or such things. How much do you earn, if you don’t mind me asking, Mrs. Specter? »
« Between $60,000 and $70,000 a year »
« And Mr. Specter is currently around $750,000, excluding performance bonuses and incentives. You clearly have very different incomes »
« Let’s go with married filing separately, then »
« Alright »
Clearly, Harvey wasn’t pleased with that choice, sighing as Donna turned to look at him somewhat curiously before the accountant wrapped up a few documents and had them both sign. Once they were done, the man returned to his work, typing a few more times on his keyboard before murmuring.
« In terms of name or address changes, is there anything to report? »
« Well, I’m keeping my name… »
Seeing Harvey drop his gaze like that, Donna felt something unexpected wash over her, and without any real justification — to make him happy, because it pleased her, because she genuinely wanted it, she didn’t know — she hurried to add quickly.
« Well… Mrs. Specter in everyday life works for me. I just want to keep Paulsen for anything official on paper simply for convenience »
« Noted » smiled Harrison.
« And as for the address… »
As Donna turned toward Harvey to see what he thought about changing their address, she could see he was just as lost as she was. Deep down, they were both tempted to live together, because even though they weren’t having sex, what they had experienced in Italy had been amazing — falling asleep in the same bed, waking up in each other’s arms, sometimes sharing the bathroom — they both loved all of it — but they had no idea where the other person stood mentally. As they looked at each other, Donna saw that Harvey wasn’t ready to make a decision, so she looked back at the accountant and murmured.
« Do we have some time to think about it? »
« Of course, it’s just that if you ever decide to officially become Donna Specter and live legally with your husband at the same address, it’s important to update this with the Social Security Administration »
« Of course »
« Perfect. Alright, next… »
As the couple discussed their retirement plans and separate investment accounts, Donna’s eyes widened as she learned that, in addition to his exorbitant base salary and equally monstrous bonuses, making him a very rich man, she didn’t expect to find out just how much he had invested... a lot. Three homes in Boston, a property in the Hamptons, four apartments in the Upper East Side, three classic cars, investments in stocks, and anything else that could make him money — Harvey was only in his early thirties, and yet, he was insanely wealthy. Once that part was settled, the accountant looked at them with a wide smile, completely unaware that the couple had made a deal a few months ago.
« Well, I’m aware that this might be a bit early to talk about — or maybe not — but in terms of potential children, you’ll definitely need to come back and discuss the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit. We can also talk about the child and dependent care credit: if one spouse works and pays for childcare services, they could qualify for tax credits related to childcare and dependents »
While the man was already speculating about children that would never come to be, the couple struggled to swallow the topic because deep down, they knew that this was one of the reasons why they couldn't be together forever.
Donna wanted children, that was certain. But while she was twenty-eight now, and by the time of her divorce, she would probably be thirty, it wasn’t too late to start over and have kids, even though right now, she couldn’t see herself married to anyone other than Harvey. Meanwhile, the young lawyer was conflicted — he absolutely didn’t want children, knowing full well that he wasn’t cut out to be a father. But knowing that Donna wanted them, and that she would never go down that road with him, left him feeling sick to his stomach at the idea of his wife having children with another man in the future — no matter their deal.
Seeing that the couple wasn’t reacting much, the accountant moved on to the next topic — estate planning and inheritance — a topic that clearly didn’t sit well with the couple.
« Oh, I don’t want anything from Harvey’s fortune »
« Are you serious? » whispered the lawyer.
« I’m not with you for your money, Harv »
Deep down, they both knew what she meant through her words.
Sure, they had a deal. Harvey was going to pay her the five hundred thousand dollars he had promised, but aside from that, she didn’t want anything else from him. It was one of the things he loved about her — she was simple and didn’t crave his wealth — but at the same time, since they had been together, Harvey had discovered another source of happiness in spending his money.
Originally, he was throwing it out the window on alcohol, weed, cars, girls, or parties, but now, seeing his money wrapped around his wife’s finger, that huge sparkling diamond, seeing it in the beautiful dresses she wore when they went out together, hugging her body perfectly, through every photo where he paid to see her smile — he had to admit, it was the best thing he wanted to do with his money. So even though the redhead seemed to have very firm ideas on the subject, Harvey was ready to fight, and to make sure she has a little, he murmured.
« At least a little, right? »
« No, nothing »
« Donna… » sighed the lawyer.
« Please, Harv. Don’t start »
Seeing that the redhead wasn’t giving in, he gestured for the accountant to drop it, with the lawyer confidently telling the man that he would come back another time to discuss it with him, since he literally had no one close enough to share his fortune with, especially since his own wife didn’t want anything. Afterward, the couple and the accountant discussed health insurance, benefits, and then reevaluation of exemptions and tax credits — terms that Donna was far from understanding. Nearly two and a half hours later, after signing a series of documents, they finally stepped out, with Harvey groaning.
« Urgh, I feel like my head’s going to explode »
« Coffee? »
« I’d rather have a Macallan 18, but I’ll settle for coffee » snorted Harvey.
Quickly, the couple walked to the nearest coffee shop to grab two take-out coffees and head back to the car. As they sat in the leather seats of his Aston Martin — a luxury Donna had quickly embraced — the redhead turned to him with a smile, whispering softly.
« What do you want to do now? »
« We need to go to the banker »
« The banker? »
« Well, I have a deal to honor, huh? »
As Donna’s heart raced at the thought of finally settling her father’s issues, Harvey smiled, taking her hand to plant a kiss on the back before starting the car and heading toward the bank. Donna knew that this was why she had married the lawyer — to settle her father’s debts — but as they arrived in front of the massive private bank, she swallowed nervously as she stepped inside, Harvey’s hand never leaving hers. As soon as they approached the reception, Harvey spoke confidently, sending shivers down Donna’s spine as she found him so handsome and charismatic.
« Hello, I’m Mr. Specter. I’d like to see my private banker, Mr. Mason »
« Of course, I’ll let him know you're here. You can wait. Would you like something to drink? »
As the blonde woman smiled sweetly at Harvey, Donna felt a twinge of jealousy as he quickly replied, turning to her with a soft look, forgetting the woman for a few seconds, his benevolent gaze rested on her and her alone.
« Do you want something? »
« I’m good » smiled Donna.
« Nothing then, thank you »
« Alright, you can sit in the waiting area » said the receptionist.
As they sat down, the couple exchanged small talk until a small, mustached man in a suit arrived, eager to shake Harvey's hand with a big smile. He quickly apologized to Donna while speaking rapidly.
« Mr. Specter, it's an honor to see you again — and Mrs. Specter as well — congratulations on your wedding, it was magnificent, truly a pleasure to attend. Please, follow me »
As soon as the man started walking quickly, Donna clung a little tighter to Harvey’s arm, leaning in to whisper discreetly in his ear.
« He was at our wedding? »
« Apparently » snorted Harvey.
After sharing a laugh, the couple entered the man’s office, sitting in front of him as he settled into his chair with a big smile.
« How can I assist you? »
« Well, I need you to transfer five hundred thousand dollars to my wife »
« Oh »
« Yeah, some sort of... wedding gift »
« I see, of course »
For a few moments, the man pulled out the necessary documents, double-checking the transaction details, including the recipient's bank account information, reference codes, and anything else needed before having Harvey sign the papers. Donna would have thought such a large sum would take longer to process, but in less than ten minutes, they were out the door, and Donna received a notification from her bank confirming the transfer of several thousand dollars to her account. As they stood on the sidewalk, Donna stopped and looked at Harvey with love and tenderness, softly murmuring, her hand gently caressing his jaw.
« Thank you »
« We had a deal, didn’t we? »
« I know, but I still wanted to thank you. I know I’m not responsible for my father’s mistakes, but what you just did really takes a load off my shoulders »
« It’s no problem, and besides, you help me too. Thanks to this deal, you’re going to help me get the job of my dreams »
« Yeah, but a marriage with you isn’t worth five hundred thousand — I’m not worth five hundred thousand — that was way too much to pay for everything that’s going on here »
As Harvey swallowed hard at Donna's implication, as if she were hinting that she appreciated being married to him and would have done it even for free, it warmed his heart to know that she cared for him and appreciated him for who he was and not for his money, which had often been the case with others. Suddenly, caught up in the moment, he cupped her face in his hands delicately and kissed her again and again, not caring what it meant.
Sure, since their honeymoon, there had been times when they kissed, but it was often in public or when the opportunity presented itself and the mood was right — like when they were both in swimsuits under the Mediterranean sun. But kissing in the middle of the street in New York just because they had experienced something personal and emotional was a first. So after a final kiss, their mouths parting in a sigh of contentment, Harvey reluctantly murmured against her lips.
« Do you want me to take you home? »
« Yes, thank you »
Harvey took Donna's hand, guiding her toward the car and as they settled into the comfortable silence, Donna leaned her head against the window, still feeling the warmth of their kiss. Harvey, usually so composed, was uncharacteristically quiet, lost in his thoughts about how much things had shifted between them in such a short time. Things had changed, slowly but surely, and despite their fears and uncertainties, they felt good together. What had started as a mere formality, a contractual marriage, was slowly becoming something more. Every moment spent side by side, even without words, brought a new sense of peace. They weren’t ready to admit it yet, but something genuine was beginning to form between them.
And god, they were so excited about it.
Chapter 14: Clear your day after
Notes:
This chapter contains smut... Enjoy 🔥
Chapter Text
Since their marriage, things had gone back to normal.
The couple continued to live their lives, each living separately but spending their evenings together — neither of them being able to go twenty-four hours without seeing each other — except when Harvey had client meetings or went out with friends. In those cases, the lawyer would rush to grab pastries and a takeout coffee before heading over to her place to have breakfast with her before going to work. They never talked about moving in together or even spending their nights apart until that famous Friday evening when Harvey had invited a client and his wife over for dinner, forcing Donna to spend the evening at his place — although it didn’t bother her at all. After using the duplicate of his keys, she entered the luxurious condo, smiling as she saw a few recently taken photos of them displayed in the living room, even though she didn’t see the lawyer.
« Harv? »
« Bedroom »
As she made her way to the room at the back, she swallowed hard when she saw him with his bare chest and his well defined with abs as his boxers left little to the imagination, while she tried to shake the image of his bulge from her mind. Even though she had seen him countless times barely dressed — at the beach in a swimsuit, in boxers when he woke up, or in shorts during his workouts — she couldn’t help but blush when she saw him like that... well, her husband was hot. While he seemed lost in his thoughts, busy turning his room upside down looking for something, she whispered from the doorway.
« Everything okay? »
« I can't find my fucking wallet »
« It should be on the entryway table, next to your keys »
« You think I haven't looked there? I'm not fucking stupid, Donna »
His tone was harsh and aggressive, and the redhead was taken aback to hear him so... mean, especially since he was usually gentle and sweet when it came to her. Given that she could read him like an open book now, she left the room and headed to the hallway, knowing that arguing with him wouldn’t help, before returning a few seconds later and tossing the wallet onto the bed, softly murmuring.
« It was on the entryway table. Next to your keys »
« I’m stupid… » sighed the lawyer.
« You are. But never speak to me like that again »
Without another word, he moved toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace, his muscular arms enveloping her completely as he sighed contentedly, murmuring softly against her temple.
« I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have… »
« It's fine — what’s going on? You want to talk about it? »
« It’s just... I had an altercation with another lawyer, and he said some things... I didn’t like it so it’s pissing me off. But it’s not your fault, I’m sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry with you »
« It’s already forgotten. Come on, I’m going to start cooking »
As Harvey was stressed about signing the contract, a client who had dropped him a few years ago because he considered Harvey to be immature and unserious, Donna had advised him to do it at home and invite his wife too, since the redhead had scrolled through some articles to help Harvey and noticed the man mentioned his wife all the time.
So, while Harvey would typically have invited the man to a luxurious restaurant, as he would with any client to discuss business, he found himself hosting a sort of double date at his place with Donna in charge. The idea of showing the businessman that he had a perfect wife with whom he was happy and serious about their marriage gave Harvey butterflies in his stomach. After quickly putting on a suit pants and a dark gray polo, while continuing to work at the kitchen island, he couldn’t help but steal glances at Donna as she had pulled her hair into a bun using a large clip while she worked at the stove, humming to herself.
At that moment, he just wanted to get closer, wrap his arms around her, and plant his lips on the curve of her neck, inhaling her delicate scent, but instead, he stayed seated, watching her cook, as the smell of pasta with mushrooms and cream filled the condo. For another twenty minutes or so, they chatted about anything and everything before the man and his wife arrived, and the four of them sat in the living room with a glass of wine in hand. While the atmosphere was warm and relaxed, they all moved to the table, with the guests complimenting the redhead on the delicious dish.
« Donna, I have to admit, these pasta are amazing »
« That's very kind, but I have to say the credit doesn’t go to me. During our honeymoon in Italy, we attended a traditional cooking class, and the lady who taught the class gave me this recipe, so I must admit, I got a little help »
« It's a real treat »
« Thank you so much »
For a few more minutes, everyone chatted until the two men stepped out onto the terrace to enjoy some whiskey, and the two women stayed inside, sipping their wine and discussing a current exhibition. Hours later, after dessert, the guests left, and Donna and Harvey were finally alone as the redhead hurried to murmur.
« So? »
« He’s going to sign with me »
« Harv... That’s so great »
« Yeah, it’s thanks to you — with the bonus I’m going to get, you’ll be getting an Hermes bag and more, let me tell you »
« Oh, please »
While she was busy doing the dishes, chuckling softly, Harvey came up behind her, placed his hands on her hips, and kissed her cheek, whispering softly, his warm breath against her skin.
« Thank you »
« You're welcome »
For nearly another half hour, they cleaned up the condo and did the dishes while talking about the evening until Harvey saw Donna heading toward her bag. Understanding she was about to leave, the lawyer quickly murmured before even thinking.
« Hey, it's late, don't you want to stay the night? »
« You don’t mind? » whispered Donna.
« Of course not, I’ll give you an old T-shirt »
« Thanks »
As they both headed to the bedroom, Harvey handed Donna an old Harvard T-shirt of his and one of his boxers, the redhead locking herself in the bathroom while he sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about what was happening while his wife was probably completely naked in his bathroom. It wasn’t the first time they’d slept in the same bed, but it was the first time she would spend the night at his place outside the context of their honeymoon, which made it all the more exciting. He knew nothing would happen, but the idea of falling asleep next to her again after almost three weeks made his heart race. After nearly ten minutes, the door opened again, revealing Donna in a T-shirt that reached mid-thigh, showcasing her long pale legs as her hair was up in a bun above her head, and there wasn’t a trace of makeup — which only highlighted her freckles even more. This was how he preferred her.
« The bathroom is all yours »
Seeing her in his Harvard T-shirt, catching the scent of him on her, and realizing it had been over a month since he’d done anything, he quickly got up, retreating to the bathroom to lock himself in as he wanted to avoid Donna noticing the effect she had on him — especially in his boxer right now. While he could have, like every evening — and every morning after an erotic dream — taken care of the problem himself with just his hand, the idea of masturbating while thinking about Donna’s delicious curves when she was in the next room made the lawyer a little uncomfortable. So after a cold shower, he emerged to join Donna, who was already lying in bed, scrolling on her phone as he settled next to her, sighing softly as she turned to look at him, running her fingers through his hair.
« You're good? »
« Yeah »
« Is it because of dinner tonight? »
« No, no. I’m really happy about signing, it’s just... the argument I had with the other lawyer keeps replaying in my head, and it’s driving me crazy »
« Hey, I won’t force you to talk about it, but if you need to, I’m here, okay? »
« I know… Thanks »
As she continued to run her fingers through his hair, Harvey chose not to bring it up, part of him afraid that Donna might realize he was a bit more fucked up than he was letting on as for a few minutes, they talked until the redhead drifted off to sleep, and Harvey took a moment to admire her and reflect. What he hadn’t told Donna earlier that day was that he’d had a confrontation with one of his competitors over her — and he’d completely lost it, punching the man in the face.
As he was on track to win the case, the opposing counsel had called him out, and seeing Harvey in a vulnerable position, he tried to destabilize him by attacking his personal life. Harvey had tried to pretend he hadn’t heard it, but the moment the man compared Donna to Harvey’s mother, claiming she would leave him just like Lily had left Gordon because, like his father, the young lawyer was a failure, Harvey lost control. Without hesitation, he threw his fist into the man’s face, and they were quickly separated by bystanders. Since then, he couldn’t stop thinking about it, a sense of anxiety slowly taking over him as he struggled to get any sleep, tossing and turning, his eyes burning from lack of rest. It wasn’t until almost an hour later that he finally managed to fall asleep, though it was fitful and restless because in the middle of the night, as Donna slept peacefully, she was suddenly awoken by a jolt from Harvey’s elbow.
« Ouch »
Surprised, she straightened up, the room plunged into darkness as she could hear Harvey mumbling, but more notably, she could feel him moving restlessly beside her. As she turned on the bedside lamp, she saw how pale he was, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and his jaw was tightly clenched. Without hesitation, she ran her fingers through his damp hair, murmuring softly.
« Harv, hey »
In a split second, he gasped for air, sitting up abruptly, trying to understand what was happening to him and at that moment, Donna had to admit that she was a little scared for him. Seeing that he couldn’t calm down, she shifted to straddle him as he immediately wrapped his arms tightly around her, squeezing her so hard it almost felt like she was suffocating. But as he slowly began to calm down, Donna focused on him, waiting for his breathing to return to normal, gently running her hand through his damp hair and placing soft kisses on his temple, hearing him whisper.
« Sorry »
« Don’t worry... How are you feeling? »
« I’m okay »
« Do you often have nightmares like this? »
Maybe it was because they were in the dark, maybe because he wasn’t looking into her beautiful eyes, or maybe because he felt comfortable with her, but Harvey began to reveal things he had never told anyone before, murmuring emotionally.
« It started in early adolescence. After my parents’ divorce, I didn’t see my dad anymore, and I’d often fight with Bobby. He’d blame me for being like my dad, a failure, someone who could never be loved because I was too fucked up in my head for anyone to care about the person I really am. At first, it was just panic attacks after arguments or nightmares at night, but I thought when I left home, it would stop. And it did lessen a bit, but still, after a stressful event or an altercation like today, I have nightmares that wake me up »
« And usually, what do you do? You don’t see anyone? »
« No. I just drink until it passes »
« Harv… » Donna sighed.
« Can we just... not tonight? Please »
« Alright… I’m here »
Respecting Harvey’s wishes, Donna said nothing more, leaning over to turn off the lamp as best she could, Harvey’s arms still tightly around her as she then let herself fall back onto her side of the bed, pulling Harvey with her. A few minutes later, they both fell asleep like that, the lawyer clinging to the redhead like a lifeline, finally falling back to sleep for the first time without alcohol after a nightmare. The next morning, they didn’t talk about it — they had breakfast together, enjoying their cinnamon rolls, before spending the rest of their Saturday together. Donna, however, couldn’t shake the worry about Harvey as she noticed him reach for a bottle of whiskey as soon as she turned her back, heading home. She was concerned that he might have another nightmare, especially after seeing that. So the days passed, and they continued to arrange dinners at each other’s places but, as they shared another pastries one morning, Donna noticed Harvey was visibly panicked.
« Hey, what time is your trial? »
« Ten o’clock » sighed Harvey.
« And do you have anything planned after? »
« I think I’ll just work »
« Clear your day after »
« What? »
« Please. I know that trial is stressing you out, and I thought we could clear our heads by going somewhere. What do you think? »
« Just the two of us? » smiled Harvey.
« Yeah — I mean, if you're up for it? »
« Of course. What do you think about The Topping Rose House in the Hamptons? Some of my friends went there, and they have a spa and a beach resort where we could… »
« Oh no » giggled Donna.
« What? » Harvey chuckled.
« No luxury place with rich people, please, it’s just the two of us. So I’m deciding this time — do you trust me? »
« Always »
« Alright, then you'll see »
After giving him one last wink, Donna stood up, placing a kiss on his cheek, stroking his cheek with her thumb, before wishing him good luck and heading off to work, leaving Harvey alone in her apartment for a moment, before he left shortly after, stopping by the office to grab some documents before heading to court. But seeing the look on his opponent's face, Harvey could feel his anger rising. The man had clearly realized that he had managed to get under Harvey’s skin last time, the arrogant smile still plastered on his lips as Harvey tried to control his impulses, focusing on not letting his emotions get the best of him, especially in front of the entire courtroom. Just minutes before the trial was set to begin, the man approached Harvey, whispering softly.
« So, baby Gordon, you ready? »
As Harvey was about to respond, he relaxed in an instant when he felt a feminine hand gently caress the back of his neck, then settle on his shoulder. As he turned his head to look at his shoulder strap, he saw the massive diamond on the woman’s finger contrasted sharply with his dark gray suit, and Harvey recognized it instantly — the one he had slipped onto his wife’s finger just four months ago. Realizing that Donna had come to support him, Harvey turned to look at her with love and tenderness, his expression softening as she whispered with a small smile.
« Hey honey »
Honey. God, that nickname still gave him butterflies, and for someone who had always thought cute pet names were absolutely stupid, he would’ve never imagined it happening to him one day — yet he had to admit he always waited to hear Donna call him that whenever they were in public. As she looked at him tenderly, he murmured in a soft, low voice.
« Hey »
« Don’t take too long, I remind you, we’ve got a weekend waiting for us »
Seeing her smile and mentioning their weekend plans, Harvey chuckled before turning back to his adversary, murmuring with confidence.
« Don’t worry, this will be wrapped up quickly »
As Harvey watched the man across from him gulp nervously, he stole one last glance at Donna, who had taken a seat behind him. She flashed him a bright smile, and in that moment, Harvey melted. She was right — while the first part of the trial had seemed never-ending and the final ruling had felt shaky, this time, thanks to Harvey’s aggressive and relentless approach, the trial was wrapped up in just half an hour with a victory for the young newlywed. Without sparing a glance at his opponent, Harvey turned to Donna with a big smile, and the redhead chuckled.
« Congratulations »
« Thanks — first trial? »
« Yeah »
« And? What did you think? » chuckled Harvey.
« So hot » whispered Donna.
Unable to stop himself, the lawyer pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, silently thanking her for being there and supporting him through such a complicated trial as both of them chuckled. Quickly, he left the courthouse, hand in hand with Donna, hailing a cab to head back to his place and after changing and packing his things, he would head to Donna’s place to do the same, eager to start their weekend together. As soon as the bags were in the trunk, Donna entered the address on her phone and started the navigation. Harvey drove his sports car while they chatted about everything and nothing, the soft music filling the cabin. After two hours on the road, as Harvey drove deeper into the forest, he murmured softly.
« Alright, I trust you — you're actually the person I trust the most — but now I’m starting to get a little scared »
« Oh please, it’s going to be fun »
« Fun? We’re lost in the middle of nowhere, how can that be fun? »
« Stop being a baby and keep driving »
Harvey rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile as he knew she was right, that they probably still had some time before they reached their destination and it’ll probably be a great weekend. About twenty minutes later, Harvey finally discovered the large house Donna had rented in Woodstock — way too big for the two of them and incredibly isolated — but as the lawyer saw the redhead smiling so brightly, he felt his heart race. They quickly dropped off their bags before heading out to explore the villa — an idyllic view of the lake through a wooden-framed glass façade, a pond supporting the house, vast lawns, and a series of trees that isolated the property — the couple was truly alone, with no one around them, and surprisingly, Harvey found himself enjoying the idea.
« So? What do you think? »
« It looks… good? »
« Come on, let's go into town, do some shopping, and then we'll head back to enjoy the house. Deal? »
« Deal »
They quickly hopped back in the car, and Harvey realized it was the first time he’d ever gone grocery shopping, and honestly, he liked it. Usually, he ordered in, went to restaurants, or hired private chefs. Recently, it had been Donna taking care of the cooking, but now seeing her wander around the Sunflower Market filled him with a sense of calm and familiarity over such a simple moment. Once they finished their shopping, they headed back to the villa. Donna pulled out the strawberries they’d bought and moved toward the edge of the lake, setting up two towels. As Harvey settled down, he was surprised to see Donna turn toward him, a playful smile on her face as she teased him in a light voice.
« What are you doing? »
« What? »
« Aren't you coming over? »
In a split second, Donna was stripping off her clothes, leaving herself in her underwear — matching panties and a black lace bra — while Harvey swallowed hard as he watched her approach the edge, slipping one foot and then the other into the cold water. As the water engulfed her, she turned one last time, casting a quick glance over her shoulder as that’s when Harvey quickly stood up, removing his polo and shorts, running in his boxers toward the water while Donna screamed in surprise, clearly aware that he had something mischievous planned. Once they were close, he tackled her, and they both fell backward into the water, their soaked underwear sticking to their skin as they burst out laughing at the situation.
For nearly twenty minutes, they splashed, laughed together, chatted together, all the while getting closer, their bodies closer and closer until Harvey's hand ventured onto the redhead's hip underwater while Donna's arm hooked around Harvey's neck, their bodies now pressed together and their faces close. Naturally, as the mood grew — the two of them alone in their underwear, their bodies almost naked and pressed against each other — they began to kiss, again and again, until they broke apart when Donna's stomach rumbled and she pulled away to return to the shore.
« Strawberries? »
« Sure, yeah » smiled Harvey.
As soon as she handed the fruit bowl to Harvey, they both began eating, continuing to talk about everything and nothing, both very close to each other, sitting on their towel in their wet underwear, their hair damp, while they continued to lightly flirt. As Donna bit into a strawberry, the juice dripping down her chin, Harvey chuckled before approaching.
« Wait »
« What? » giggled Donna.
« Here »
As his face was inches from hers and he was about to slide his thumb under her lip and wipe away the drop, when his gaze met her beautiful green-brown eyes, he moved a little closer, sliding his tongue against her skin with their eyes wide open as they began to shine. Between the warm mixture of her breath and the cold lake water — and feeling no resistance from Donna — Harvey Harvey slid his tongue past her lips and French kissed her, passionately and boldly, the taste of strawberries on their tongues, while the redhead moaned into his mouth. As they usually didn't do anything other than make out, as Donna leaned in a little further, unconsciously forcing Harvey onto his back while she straddled him, they both understood that things would probably go a little further today.
While Harvey didn't want to force her in any way, he unfortunately didn't have control over his body, and while the wet fabric of his boxers was no match for the painful bulge growing inside his underwear, Donna wasn't helping either. Now sitting on top of him, every time he released her mouth for her to take a breath, she pressed her ass against his crotch, making Harvey moan as he squeezed Donna's thighs between his large hands with each wave of pleasure he felt, probably leaving marks the next day.
« Donna, be careful »
« What? »
« I haven't had sex in almost a month… It's… sensitive down there »
She knew perfectly well what this date echoed — almost a month was when they'd had a conversation on the terrace after their wedding where Donna had told him she wouldn't sleep with him until she was the only one. At first, she had trouble imagining that Harvey could remain abstinent for so long, that he would give in the second a glimpse of cleavage appeared before his eyes or a bouncy ass walked past him, but from what he'd just implied, he'd stopped his affairs with other women, being faithful to his wife. So after a deep kiss, she murmured against his lips.
« You stopped? »
« That’s what you wanted »
« But you usually always do whatever you want »
« I told you, you’re my everything now… It’s you and only you »
Without further ado, she left his lips, placing open-mouthed kisses on his jaw, his neck, his swollen chest, his abs, before sliding her tongue to the edge of his boxers, making Harvey swallow hard as their gaze met — both of them full of desire. As she moved and sat up on his lower stomach, Harvey watched the redhead remove the hair tie she had around her wrist, shake her wet hair back before making a bun as he closed his eyes and made a small victory sign with his arms, murmuring with a big smile.
« This is the best day of my life »
Seeing him delighted at the idea of Donna taking care of him, the redhead couldn’t help but laugh before leaning forward again, one hand gripping his jaw to tilt his head and expose his neck. She pressed her lips to his pulsing point, laying a few open-mouthed kisses there, gently sucking his skin to leave a mark, nibbling to deepen the hickey she was about to leave on him, then sliding her tongue over it as if to soothe the sting. For a few seconds, she kept going, her mouth dropping soft kisses along his jugular, her teeth sinking into his collarbone, her tongue teasing his chest as Harvey's hands gripped every accessible part of her body, as if to remind himself where he was.
If up until now Harvey had already been pretty worked up and was starting to wonder how much longer he could actually hold on, he had to admit that the moment Donna pressed one last kiss right at the edge of his boxers before settling herself between his legs, his head fell back against the wooden dock by the lake on its own as the redhead wasted no time at all. She hooked her two fingers into his boxer briefs, sliding the fabric down his thighs before wrapping her hand around his shaft and beginning her ministrations, her mouth dropping soft kisses along his lower belly, inching closer and closer to where he desperately wanted her lips. Harvey was just as addicted as he was frustrated by the slow pace the redhead was deliberately imposing, but as she wrapped her lips around the head, sliding her tongue, Harvey let out a moan that blended into a low, almost desperate groan.
« Fuck »
« Fuck… Really? You are vulgar, sir… And you kiss your wife with that mouth? » chuckled the redhead.
As he opened his eyes to look at her, he saw the way she watched him — a mix of desire, challenge, and amusement — giving him a wink just as Harvey was starting to lose himself a little too much in this dangerous game. And even though she was the one in control for now, he couldn’t stop himself from murmuring in a low, deep voice.
« Just wait until you see what I can do with my mouth… Trust me, you won’t be — oh fuck »
She didn’t even let him finish his sentence. No — instead, she took him all the way in, her mouth sliding down his full length as far as she could, while the lawyer’s eyes rolled back, his head tipping against the dock behind him. Seconds, minutes, hours — Harvey had no idea as time felt both incredibly fast and unbearably slow, but in any case, Donna checked absolutely every box of the perfect wife, and even more so now as she was giving him the best blowjob of his life.
She was now in front of him, and just when he thought the moment couldn’t get any sexier, Harvey’s gaze darkened as he took in the redhead in her entirety. On her knees, her head between his legs, moving back and forth along his length, her arched back giving the lawyer a perfect view of one of his favorite things about her — her ass. Perfectly round, exposed before him, pale skin covered by that black lace panties that suddenly seemed far too small — he was completely losing his mind. But just as he slid his fingers into her hair, guiding the movements of her head with his hand, giving himself the illusion of control when deep down he knew he was at her mercy, Donna released his length with a pop, Harvey moaning as he murmured.
« What are you doing? That felt so good… »
« And what? Let you enjoy it all by yourself? No way, Mr. Specter… What kind of husband would you be if you didn’t take care of your wife’s urgent needs? »
Alright, he had no idea if she was playing some kind of role — a husband-and-wife thing, lover, or even boss-and-secretary — no clue, but what he did know was that the little blood left in his brain had just rushed south, making him even harder. Swallowing hard, caught between a mix of unprecedented excitement, a frantic urgency that made him almost violent, and the ache between his legs from being overstimulated, Harvey nodded as Donna gazed at him with desire. But Harvey wasn’t a patient man and without waiting, he grabbed her jaw, pulling her in for a kiss until she settled back onto his lower stomach. He quickly straightened, so they were both sitting upright. Just as Donna was about to slide her fingers down her back to unclasp her bras, Harvey grabbed the middle of it, pulling a sharp, commanding tug that made her arch back as her breasts freed and he replaced the fabric with his hands, dropping open-mouthed kisses on them as if devouring them, murmuring against her skin with urgency.
« Just these two alone are worth more than five hundred thousand dollars »
« Can you not talk about the fact that I married you for money? »
« Yeah, you’re right, sorry »
When Donna slid her hands to the back of Harvey’s head, she didn’t expect his hands to leave her breasts, and she certainly didn’t expect to hear the ripping sound of fabric as he tore her panties like an animal. But it was too late — her hot center was exposed to the cool air, making her shiver as Harvey’s hands slid over her thighs, up to her ass, squeezing her flesh to lift her slightly, murmuring against her lips in that commanding voice that made her roll her eyes.
« Up »
A split second later, he was positioned at her entrance, dragging her along its length, sliding inch by inch inside her, Donna’s head falling back as Harvey could have sworn she had been made just for him. Barely all the way in, he groaned, her hot, tight walls around his shaft making him realize that sex with her was going to be as exhilarating as it was complicated — he was a man, he had to ensure his wife’s pleasure, but could he manage it when she was feeling this good? Hard to say. Without giving her time to fully adjust, he lifted her with his hands on her ass, plunging in again, Donna moaning at the repeated intrusion. With every thrust, it was faster, deeper, more intense, their bodies burning despite being outdoors, their hands slipping against each other’s sweaty skin as Harvey seemed to lose his grip on the flesh of her ass.
Without hesitation, they flipped them over, his cock still inside her, the alpha male taking control as he leaned over her, his hands bracketing her head, Donna’s body jolting with every in-and-out while she couldn’t even keep her eyes open. The rare moments she did, her gaze fell on his muscled, sweat-slicked chest, his veined, powerful arms framing her head, their bodies colliding with obscene sounds of skin slapping together mingling with growls and moans — she was losing her mind.
« I’m gonna come » groaned Harvey.
As she felt a wave of heat wash over her, shivers running through her body, her heart rate and breathing quickening, she could also see how hard it was for Harvey to hold back. And having learned to read her husband over the months, she knew his alpha side wanted her to come before him — and right now, his sudden, uneven movements betrayed that he was struggling more and more to last. But as she and Harvey were more connected than ever before, when she felt the involuntary spasms of her walls and a rush of intense pleasure making her see stars for a fleeting moment, she slid her leg down his lower back, digging her heel into his ass to pin him in place as she gasped and moaned.
« Come inside »
Harvey didn’t hesitate. Barely two seconds later, he tensed, let out a low groan, his heat spilling into Donna’s lower body as he collapsed onto her, their bodies still pressed together and their minds completely numb. For a few moments, neither of them spoke, the newlyweds trying to catch their breath as Donna slid her fingers through his hair, whispering in his ear.
« That was impressive… »
« I can go again. Give me five minutes »
At that moment, they were so grateful to be isolated, able to have sex completely naked in the open air while making as much noise as they wanted — grunts and moans filling the space.
That day, afternoon slowly turned into evening, and after several rounds of intense sex on the dock, then on the kitchen’s dining table, the staircase, and finally in the master bedroom’s bed, the sort-of newlyweds had begun a new life together — or rather, a new way of living together. They had fallen asleep naked in each other’s arms, their bodies tangled in ways that hardly seemed possible, before waking up to share their morning coffee in bed. But with this new closeness came a new challenge: if Harvey had already lost his mind before, now that he knew what having sex with Donna felt like, the redhead certainly wasn’t making things any easier for him.
She spent most of her time wearing very little — or sometimes nothing at all — and her sexy underwear seemed to end up scattered everywhere, something that never failed to spark something in him the moment his eyes landed on a piece of sexy lace.
As soon as they sat on the sofa and she reached over him to grab something, she'd end up straddling him, bouncing on his length until they came. Whenever he took a shower, she'd slide behind him, only to end up against the wall, Harvey fucking her from behind. When she backed away and her ass accidentally collided with her husband's crotch, she'd end up sprawled on a table or the back of a sofa, Harvey busy behind her. And even when he woke up in the morning, feeling her warm, naked body against his, he knew it would end with her mouth around his shaft or his head between the redhead's legs.
So at the end of that second day, after barely sleeping and spending most of their time having sex, the couple found themselves reminiscing about their first time by the water, until they eventually ended up lying together again, the quiet sounds of nature the only thing surrounding them. For a moment, Harvey gently traced circles on her back with his fingers, his mind at peace for the first time in what felt like forever, as he whispered softly.
« I hope this weekend won’t be the only time I get access to that stunning body of yours »
« You enjoyed all that sex, huh? » chuckled Donna.
« It was hot »
« It was »
« It’s just, we’ll be married for a moment so we could enjoy this, right? It doesn’t mean… »
As Harvey's last words hit her like a cold shower, Donna felt the brief moment of happiness she had been convinced of come to an abrupt halt. But as she quickly analyzed the situation, she realized she had only two options — reject this viewpoint and endure her marriage without having her heart break when the day of their divorce would come, or adopt the same mindset as him, enjoy and have fun while it lasted so that she wouldn't have any regrets when their deal was over. So, after a brief moment of reflection, she turned to kiss him lightly while whispering against his lips.
« Exactly. It doesn't mean anything »
Chapter 15: Please, don’t be too indecent
Notes:
Alright, since it's the weekend, that means a double update. I hope you'll like it (and oh, yeah, smut again) 👀
Chapter Text
Since their romantic weekend, the couple had taken their relationship to the next level, namely — sex.
Since the sex during that weekend away, two days as intense physically as psychologically, the couple had discovered that they were even more obsessed than they thought. Quickly, they became addicted to each other's bodies, spending every moment together these past few months sleeping together, tasting and touching each other’s body, watching the other’s pleasure on their faces, every orgasm, every moan, every grunt driving them a little bit more crazy each time. Neither of them had really discussed what this new situation would mean for them, because while pretending to be a couple had been relatively easy up until then, sleeping together was something... more.
Plus, both of them had to admit that the sex together was so good — god, they never thought they'd have as much fun as they were currently having. Ever since they'd experienced pleasure together, they'd been sleeping together nonstop — to wake each other up, one or the other would start the day with their head between the other's legs before humping each other against the shower walls — just like right now. While Donna was already in Harvey’s shower, her hair clipped up on top of her head, the lawyer rushed to join her — running through the living room, then the bedroom, trying to kick off his boxer on the way, almost tripping before he slipped into the shower just in time. As she reached out to grab the soap he had bought her a few days earlier, Harvey quickly stopped her.
« Wait — let me do it »
Instead of taking the pink bottle with the strawberry scent that brought back so many memories, he grabbed the one right next to it, the wood sage and sea salt one, making Donna smile as she murmured softly.
« That’s not my soap »
« I know, but the thought of my scent on your skin all day kind of turns me on »
« Not that I’m surprised » snorted Donna .
Without waiting, he scooped a dollop of soap into the palm of his hand, rubbing them together before starting to glide the lather over her breasts, her arms, and then her stomach. He then gently turned her to wash her back, the top of her hips, her bouncing ass, planting soft kisses in the hollow of her neck ad as he had covered her entire body, his fingers lingering a little longer in certain places, Donna stepped back under the stream of the shower. But as Harvey watched the water cascade over her pale skin, slightly flushed from the heat, like a horny teenage, all the blood seemed to rush from his brain to… elsewhere. Like almost five times a day, Harvey got hard just by watching her. As he watched the redhead rinse the last traces of soap from her body, he approached, pressing himself against her from behind, his hands finding her stomach then her breasts, caressing her skin without stopping.
« Harv… »
« I’m obsessed with that body »
If Donna let him keep his hands on her while continuing to rinse off, Harvey was clearly not in the mood to stop there. Without hesitation, he guided her a little further into the corner of the shower, turning the shower head on her so she wouldn't catch a cold, his hands on her hips as he tilted the lower part of her body, arching her back and lifting her hips, brushing gently against her ass as she moaned.
« I have to be at work in twenty minutes »
« I’ll be quick, then I’ll drop you off, I promise »
His voice was almost pleading while Donna’s eyes were already closing, and as he waited for a response, the lawyer always making sure his wife was just as willing as he was when it came to sex, when she pressed her ass against his length, he hastened to begin. After sliding the tip between her folds a few time, he pushed into her slowly, both of them letting out sighs of relief as Harvey started with a slow, deep rhythm, Donna’s free hand sliding to the back of Harvey’s head while he had one hand on her stomach and the other around her throat.
« Harvey »
If feeling her warm, tight walls around him already gave Harvey a sense of paradise, hearing her voice reverberate under his palm as she moaned and the motion as she swallowed hard under the pressure made him accelerate even more. For several minutes, he continued his back-and-forth, faster and faster, frenzied and deep, as if he could never get enough, his mouth devouring her neck while the hot water poured over their burning bodies. He tightened his hold around her throat — not so much that she couldn’t breathe, but enough to give them both the sense of possession Harvey demanded. Minutes later, they climaxed together in a sharp moan and a muffled growl, their breaths rapid and their bodies already spent as he whispered.
« This is the best way to start my day »
« No kidding — but get off, remember I have to be at work in less than fifteen minutes »
Reluctantly, Harvey pulled away, both of them moaning at the loss of contact, their bodies still sensitive, as they stepped out of the shower to dry off, get dressed, and leave the condo together. Donna had planned to arrive early to prepare for an important team meeting, but in the end, she just made it, her hair still damp and her hips slightly sore from where Harvey had pressed against her. But honestly, as intense as mornings could get with Harvey, she wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.
Afterward, like everyday, they'd wait all day to meet at each other's places and end the night sweating under the sheets — if they could wait until nightfall. Anyway, even though their life was mostly fun right now, they still had to remember their main mission: to be the perfect couple in the eyes of the world, and at that moment, it had to do with the Christmas holidays.
« What do you think? »
« I don't know, I've never celebrated Christmas, Donna »
« What? Never? »
« Well, I remember a few Christmases when I was a kid with my parents, when my dad wasn't on tour, and we did it just the four of us with Marcus. But after that, I always avoided it. When my mom married Bobby, Christmas became big parties with lots of guests, charity galas at his mansion with so many people that no one really noticed if I was there or not. And then I went to university, I didn't celebrate anymore, and finally, I came to New York, and Christmas nights were just like any other night, at my place, watching a game with a beer »
« Harv... It’s… »
« Pathetic, huh? » snorted the lawyer.
« No it’s not, it's… sad? I swear to you, if I could go back in time, I'd come get you from your mansion, alone in your room, to show you what the spirit of Christmas really is »
« Sex by the fireplace? »
« Oh my god, you certainly know how to kill the mood » chuckled Donna.
« Sorry. It’s just… I don’t celebrate, so I don’t care what we are doing — you can choose »
« Well, I’m sorry for you, but Christmas is one of my favorite holidays — right after Halloween, of course — and this year, you're going to celebrate it with your wife »
Even though they had been married for a few months now, always reminding themselves it was just a deal, Harvey couldn't help but feel his heart race every time she mentioned that she was his wife. As ridiculous as it was, one little word had such an effect on him. But seeing her smile and how beautiful she was, he couldn't help but smile back before whispering.
« I can't wait »
« Oh, don't be too optimistic, we're going to have to stop by my parents' place »
« What? No, come on » groaned Harvey.
« Look, I know last time things weren't great with my dad, but the wedding went fine, right? »
« Well, I could barely spot him in the crowd of a hundred guests — so I would say yes »
« That's something, don't you think? »
« If you say so — and then? »
« I’d say don't get your hopes up too quickly… »
« That doesn't reassure me »
« I have a racist uncle, my sister will probably try to steal you away all night, my nephews and nieces are terribly ill-mannered, and one of my aunts is a nosy little viper who'll try to find out everything she can about us just to be sure she has the latest scoop »
« It'll probably be better than spending Christmas with the Ambassador of Norway and the Governor of Kansas, huh? At least we’ll be able to have a little fun »
« If you look at it that way, yeah, why not? » giggled Donna.
For a few more minutes, the couple discussed Donna's slightly chaotic family while laughing, but as they had to go to work, they reluctantly parted ways. Harvey left the bed already dressed in his two-piece suit, while Donna took advantage of working from home to sleep a little longer — the night having been short thanks to her hot husband.
As Christmas approached, the couple wrapped up their last little tasks at their respective workplaces before each packing a bag and meeting downstairs at the redhead’s place, on their way to Connecticut. Deep down, Harvey kind of couldn’t wait to spend Christmas with his in-laws. Normally, he didn’t do anything for the holiday, but this time he hoped to celebrate it with Donna alone, hoping she would show him something new and exciting, as she always did so well. But, unfortunately, he was going to have to experience it with Jim as well, knowing that the man didn’t exactly have a soft spot for him.
« What's your sister like? »
« She’s a real bitch »
« Well, that’s clear » snorted Harvey.
« It’s just… She believes she’s better than me because she’s a successful businesswoman while I’m a failed actress and she likes bringing it to my face. She always has something to say about my life, my job, my love life too — but hey, now I’m married, so that’s something »
« Oh baby, she has no idea how married you are » smirked the lawyer.
« Harv? »
« Hmm? »
« Please, don’t be too indecent » moaned Donna.
« I’ll try… But I’m not promising you that I’ll stay calm »
« What does that mean? »
« I might finger you under the table next to her, who knows? »
Not even knowing how to respond, Donna looked at Harvey in shock, her eyes wide open and her mouth slightly ajar, both shocked by his words, frightened by what he might do, and yet so excited with the idea. Not wanting to linger too long and give any ideas to the lawyer, Donna changed the subject while Harvey continued to roar down the East Coast roads in his sports car, heading toward Hartford.
As expected, barely arriving, Harvey noticed Donna's horrible sister — a blonde who had undergone a bit too much surgery, looking at her little sister with superiority while her children made a monstrous noise. As she approached them, Harvey pulled Donna close, securing her with his arms around her waist and neck, her back pressed against his chest, as if she feared he might be left alone with this crazy family.
After a seductive glance from Anna, a dark and disapproving look from Jim, an apologetic gaze from Laurel, a look from the racist uncle trying to figure out if his skin, slightly darker than Donna's, suggested some sort of origin, and curious glances from the other guests, everyone sat down at the table. Meanwhile, Harvey tried to follow several conversations at once, despite the incessant noise from Anna’s children, trying to understand what was going on. As Jerry, James's brother, finally concluded his racist speech on mass immigration, attention once again shifted to the star of the house, Anna, as Harvey listened to her with shock.
« I caused a scene in the store. I was in a hurry, I had clients to see, and this cashier was clearly taking her time scanning my items. I immediately raised my voice and asked to speak to her supervisor to explain my situation. I mean, the customer is always right, right? I hope that lazy employee got fired »
As Anna explained how awful and mean she had been to a cashier who was probably just doing her job, Harvey observed how the children continued to bicker, with Jim and Laurel saying nothing, while Jerry once again made a racist comment asking about the employee's origin, and Linda — Donna's aunt — approving everything with a superior air. Discreetly, Harvey leaned toward the redhead, whispering softly in her ear.
« Where’s your sister’s husband? »
« He’s working, apparently — though who knows if that’s true »
« I’m sure he’s avoiding her » chuckled the lawyer.
« Could be » snorted Donna.
For a few more seconds, everyone listened to Anna while adding their own comments — all equally trivial — with Harvey still leaning toward Donna’s ear, his warm breath caressing her neck. As the lawyer could hear her sigh, a clear sign that she was clearly fed up with her sister — well, her half-sister — monopolizing the conversation, he leaned in a little closer, planting a soft kiss beneath her ear before whispering gently.
« Well, she’s very tense... Her husband should finger her from time to time, she might be less uptight — I mean, it works great for you. See how relaxed you are after my fingers do their job? »
« Harv... don’t start »
« Come on, don’t you remember the taxi? Hot, right? »
« Shut up »
Of course, she remembered the taxi — while Donna was stressed about a big interview waiting for her with one of her favorite authors, she hadn’t stopped talking about it to Harvey since she had opened her eyes in the morning. So, when they were both in the taxi on their way to the hotel where the artist was staying, seeing the redhead ultra-stressed and talking nonstop, Harvey took advantage of the fact that the driver was focused on the road and the evening's dim light to slide his hand under her dress. As Donna gave him wide eyes, he continued to move his fingers closer to her center, her dress riding up little by little, while he discreetly moved her thong to the side.
As he slid his fingers along her folds, Donna suppressed a moan as he slip them inside, beginning to gently caress her walls. Thanks to the fact that they were next to each other with no space between them and Harvey's hand movements were discreet, the driver didn't notice anything as Donna gripped his forearm and pursed her lips to keep from moaning. Needless to say, that night, Harvey had managed to relax her completely, and now, as she sat at the table with her family, still feeling the sensation of Harvey's fingers between her legs, she took a deep breath before trying to reconnect with the conversation.
« So… Harvey, how's married life? Not too boring? I heard you had fun before, now you're married and with Donna… »
« Well, I have to admit, my married life is even more fun than anything I could’ve known before — your sister is so fun and perfect »
As Anna seemed offended, the conversation about them quickly came to an end, and the topic shifted as the racist and trivial comments resumed. A few hours later, after shrimp cocktails, pâté en croûte, salmon tartare, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes — they finally moved on to dessert, with the couple not seeing the end of the evening in sight. Once the pecan pie had been enjoyed, while Linda was encouraging Anna, who continued to criticize one of her colleagues while throwing jabs at her little sister, Donna turned to whisper to the lawyer.
« Do you want to step outside for a few minutes? »
« Yep, let's go »
After briefly excusing themselves, they grabbed their glasses of wine before stepping out to the front of the house, sitting on the porch to finally enjoy the fresh air, the redhead murmuring softly.
« I thought my head was going to explode »
« Your sister is annoying as fuck » snorted Harvey.
« Please, tell me something I don't know » giggled Donna.
« Good thing we stepped out »
« For sure, as soon as I see her, I’m tense as hell »
« You want… »
« Don't even think about it »
« » was going to offer you a joint, but we could always consider the second option too »
« Harv! » gasped Donna.
« What? » chuckled the lawyer.
« You took a joint at my parents' house? »
« I fucking did it, yeah »
As he pulled a joint from his pocket followed by a lighter, Donna chuckled while taking a sip of wine, both still able to hear the heated debate inside. Watching Harvey hold the joint between his lips to light it — even though she wasn’t a fan of the fact that he smoked that much — she found him so handsome and sexy. Barely after the first hit, he offered the joint to Donna, who gave in to a few puffs of weed, hoping it would relax her and help her forget about the horrible but obligatory evening.
For nearly twenty minutes, they passed the joint back and forth, alternating between hits and sips of wine, stopping only to kiss languorously, a mix of herbal and fruity flavors on their tongues, while they whispered softly, the voices in the background gradually fading away. As the joint was nearly finished, the door opened, and Harvey quickly stamped out the remaining bit of the joint on one of the steps leading to the porch, while they both straightened up in a hurry, their pupils dilated and their minds a little foggy while Jim muttered.
« What are you two doing? »
« Nothing »
« Oh please, how old are you? I can smell the weed all the way down the hall »
« It’s just a joint » muttered the redhead.
« Donna, I’d like to have a word with my son-in-law »
« Dad… »
« It wasn’t a question »
As she looked at Harvey, he gave her a quick nod, as if to reassure her that everything was fine, while she whispered that she was going upstairs to her room and would wait for him there. After wishing her father goodnight, she entered the house again, feeling like she was sixteen once more, caught with her boyfriend doing something bad. Once the two men were alone, Jim turned to Harvey and whispered.
« You know, you may be married to my daughter, but that doesn’t mean I like you »
« I figured that out »
« Donna is a good girl, a saint who’s never made a misstep, and now I find her half-drunk and stoned because of you. I don’t think you’re a good influence on her, you’re not what she needs »
As Harvey thought about all the times Donna hadn't exactly been a saint — images of her kneeling before him, looking up at him with lust-filled eyes while her lips were doing wonders around his length — he realized Jim still didn’t like him and didn't care about the consequences. Thanks to his slightly hazy state from the joint and his willing to join Donna upstairs, he looked at Jim, took a sip of wine, and murmured.
« Why? Because I make her happy? You can’t see it like that? »
« Who says she’s really happy? »
« Well, at least I don’t put her in awkward situations »
« What does that mean? » murmured the older man.
« You know exactly what I mean »
« I know you were the one who paid off my debts »
« And yet, I never got a thank you » grumbled Harvey.
« I don’t want your money. As soon as I can, I’ll pay you back »
« I don’t care about that money, Jim... Honestly, I did it for Donna because it’s inconceivable to me that my wife is killing herself at work to help her father, who doesn’t seem to know how to manage his money. So yeah, you don’t like me, I smoke weed with her to forget how terrible her older sister was to her, we’re sometimes completely wasted on alcohol because we’re young and we like to have fun, but since I met Donna, I’ve done everything to make her happy because that’s all she deserves, even if I have to spend my entire life doing so. Hell yeah, I’m far from being perfect while she is, but that doesn’t make me a bad person or wrong for her. So maybe you don’t like me and maybe that will never change, but I don’t care, as long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters »
Without even waiting for a response, Harvey entered the house again, emptied his glass, and went upstairs to join Donna, who was already out of the shower and in her pajamas. While she was brushing her teeth, he came up behind her, planting a kiss on her bare shoulder before undressing to step into the shower.
« How did it go? »
« He hates me, but that’s nothing new » snorted Harvey.
« Well, he caught us smoking a joint on his porch. I think we shocked him »
« Who gives a fuck? »
As Donna finished brushing her teeth, she stepped out of the small bathroom, Harvey following behind, quickly drying off before joining Donna, who was already sitting on her teenage bed. Seeing him all naked, she chuckled before murmuring.
« Put on some boxers »
« Why? »
« We’re at my parents' house, Harv »
« So what? Did you forget to tell me something? They’re sleeping between us, maybe? »
« Oh, come on » chuckled Donna.
« You know what your father said to me? » smirked the lawyer.
Seeing him all naked lie down next to her under the sheets as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she couldn’t help but bite her lip, looking at him, so well-built and sexy, whispered softly.
« What? »
« He said you were a saint — if only he knew what you were doing in bed… How you manage to bend over just so I can take you even deeper… »
« Oh please, he doesn't need to know that — absolutely not »
« Too bad »
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything until Donna murmured softly, sighing at the same time.
« I’m sorry about tonight — but I couldn't not come, they would've been upset with me » sighed Donna.
« Hey, it's fine »
« Yeah, but they were annoying »
« Oh please, I ended my evening getting lectured by your dad for making his precious little saint of a daughter smoke and drink when all I had in mind was all the dirty things you do to me with your mouth — my teenage self would have been so proud »
« You're an idiot » chuckled Donna.
« Maybe, yeah » snorted Harvey.
Once again, the room fell into silence as both of them reflected on the not-so-fun evening they had just spent, though Harvey didn’t quite agree. Sure, with the racist uncle, the venomous aunt, the half-sister taking up too much space, the horrible kids, and the in-laws who barely liked him, there was his wife — for the first time in years, he had spent Christmas with family.
Until then, he had stayed locked in his room, and when he was old enough to live alone, he simply didn’t celebrate it. But now, lying in bed with Donna, discussing the disastrous evening they had, he had never felt so good — and once again, it was all thanks to her. Maybe it was the alcohol, the weed, or his conversation with Jim, but Harvey didn’t want to stay there as he quickly disappeared under the sheets. He began by placing his lips on her neck, then her collarbone, while lifting her top as high as possible, lowering his mouth to the hollows of her breasts, her stomach, her hips, gripping the edge of her panties with his teeth. Sensing he was reaching his limit, Donna murmured softly.
« Harv, stop »
Seeing him quickly lift the sheet to reveal himself, his pupils dilated and his lips slightly swollen, brushing against the skin of her stomach, she saw him place a kiss below her navel before murmuring.
« What? »
« What do you think is going to happen here? »
« Oh please, you didn't really think I was going to leave this house without having sex with you in your teenage bed, huh? »
« Aren't you serious? » gasped Donna.
« Dead serious, let's fucking do it »
Without giving her time to respond, he quickly removed her panties, ending the evening much better than it had started, even being a bit noisy, whatever Jim might have thought about it, the bed creaking under their movements. It had only lasted about twenty minutes, but that passionate, breath-stealing missionary had been more than enough to end the evening on a high note for the young couple, who fell asleep peacefully in each other’s arms — and unsurprisingly, Harvey without his boxer.
A few hours later, after being woken up by the redhead’s alarm, the couple headed downstairs for breakfast while only Jim, Laurel, Anna, and her kids were still gathered around the table, and once again, the conversation shifted back to the older sister. Meanwhile, Harvey’s hand kept sliding onto Donna’s thigh — each time a little higher than before — teasing his wife as she sat up straight in her chair.
« Anyway, I have a videoconference in about twenty minutes about the challenges of being both a mother and a businesswoman with nearly eight hundred people registered for this seminar. I was thinking of doing it upstairs in my room. Dad, Laurel, you don’t mind taking the kids with you for a little outing, do you? »
Faced with the absurdity of the situation — Anna talking about parenting when she barely took care of her own children, choosing a night at a hotel and leaving her kids at the family house rather than looking after them for a few hours — Harvey and Donna had to keep themselves from laughing. Immediately, Laurel glanced at her husband before murmuring.
« Of course… We’ll take them to the Christmas market, then. Are you coming with us? »
As the older redhead looked at them — and especially as they heard Jim sigh — Donna smiled at her mother before answering softly.
« Sorry, mom, but as soon as we’re done here, we need to pack and head back to New York… Harvey has a work gala tonight, and we really can’t miss it » lied Donna.
« Oh, I understand, of course »
After Laurel nodded, everyone finished breakfast. Donna and Harvey helped the older redhead clean up the kitchen while Jim got the kids ready in the hallway, Anna too busy on her phone to do anything. After a round of goodbye hugs with her parents, Jim, Laurel, and the kids left the house — leaving the couple alone with the overdone blonde, who immediately rushed to whisper the moment the door shut.
« You know, little sister, I would’ve invited you to join my conference, but since you’re neither a businesswoman nor a mother, I suppose you wouldn’t understand anything »
Before Donna could say a word, Harvey slipped his arm around her waist, pressed a kiss to her neck, then looked straight at his sister-in-law and murmured in a perfectly arrogant tone.
« Oh, you know, right now we have other priorities than having kids. We’re already so busy during the day… and at night »
Since the lawyer had just implied he had an extremely active sex life — accurate — Donna and Harvey disappeared upstairs to start packing, only to hear the door of the next room slam. A few minutes later, Anna’s nasal voice echoed through the walls as the couple heard her cheerfully greet everyone connected to her morning conference. Realizing she had chosen to set up in her own childhood bedroom next to Donna’s — and that the walls in this house were basically made of paper — another idea flashed through Harvey’s mind. He immediately grabbed his wife, popped open the button of her pants, and yanked them down in one swift motion.
« What are you doing? » asked Donna.
Without pausing, Harvey stripped Donna’s pants down and guided her back against the wall — the one that connected directly to Anna’s childhood room. Before she could process what he was doing, he captured her mouth in a kiss that was messy, hungry, and impossible to misinterpret. He then slipped his fingers into her panties, sliding between her folds and then playing with her mound of nerves for a moment, the redhead straining her moans as Harvey smiled, feeling her wetness on his fingers.
« Good job, baby » he murmured against her skin, voice smug and low.
« Harv… what the hell are you doing? » she whispered, breath uneven.
Without even waiting, he stroked himself a few times until he was completely hard before sliding his hands under Donna's thighs, lifting her against the wall with a thud as her body collided with the wall behind her. He slid her panties to the side, pushing his shaft inside her in one swift motion as she dug her teeth into his neck to keep from being too loud. Without waiting, he leaned in, lips brushing her ear as he groaned, his voice deep and wicked.
« I never told you this, but I’ve always had a fantasy about… you being heard when I gave you pleasure. And right now, I’m pretty sure eight hundred people listening to your sister’s conference count as an audience, huh? »
Not even giving her time to answer, Harvey pushed inside her again, this time more abruptly and quickly as Donna bit her lip to keep from being too loud, while the lawyer didn't hold back. Each thrust was a little more violent, more urgent, Donna's body hitting the wall behind her as his groans grew louder and louder until she finally moaned loudly herself. She bit down on her lip, desperately trying not to be the reason Anna suddenly stopped talking — though it was already too late. A beat later, they heard her falter mid-sentence and mumble something about a technical issue, her voice dripping with embarrassment as Harvey only smiled, tightening his hold on Donna.
« Louder » he whispered.
« Harvey… » she breathed, half-warning, half-plea.
« I said louder »
He set a pace she could barely keep up with, almost painful but so good as every movement were more demanding than the last. Donna clutched at him, her back pressing harder into the wall, her breath coming out in helpless, trembling sounds she couldn’t swallow down anymore. And Harvey — smug, breathless, completely gone for her — urged her on with his rough voice.
« Come on, baby… »
« Honey… » moaned Donna.
He kept moving, deeper and faster, until Donna couldn’t hold back the obscene sounds slipping from her lips at every thrust. A few seconds later, she shattered around him, her whole body tensing, and Harvey followed a few moments later with a loud, rough groan, his fist hitting the wall behind her as he emptied himself to the last drop inside her.
« Fuck »
After they both caught their breath and noticed the door slam then the silence in the room next door, Harvey pulled out and helped Donna clean up before they both got dressed and left the upper floor. As they headed downstairs, Harvey shot Anna — now sitting in the living room for her conference — a smug wink, while Donna followed him, giving her sister a simple wave before stepping out of the house.
Once their bags were in the trunk, Harvey and Donna were ready to leave Hartford, eager to return to New York and leave behind the chaotic festivities and family judgments, so they could be alone, just the two of them. Harvey knew he wanted to enjoy Christmas with Donna — away from expectations and obligations, away from disapproving glances and endless family discussions — he just wanted the two of them, together, while she couldn’t wait to show him how special Christmas could be, especially to see him smile.
Barely back in the city, they walked hand-in-hand through Central Park, snow falling softly around them, laughing and chatting, stopping only to kiss and flirt, a warm coffee in hand. For almost a week — before they had to return to work — they visited the Christmas market at Union Square, picked out decorations for their apartment, and got lost in the streets of New York, admiring the decorated store windows. At night, they continued their strolls and even skated together at the Rockefeller Center ice rink before dining at one of the small cozy restaurants. But deep down, no matter what they did, this Christmas was their moment, because they knew they had found their true family, not the one they were supposed to have, but the one they had created themselves.
The two of them were a family — imperfect and non-traditional, but a family where they could both be themselves, without pretense and almost without lies. Harvey and Donna didn’t need a big party, a huge meal, or any approval — they had what mattered — each other — and that was all that counted. In this fake marriage story, they had found each other, and without even realizing it, they had found the family they had been searching for all along.
Even if it was only for a moment.
Chapter 16: No way
Chapter Text
That morning, while they were both in the shower, Harvey took advantage of Donna leaving the stall to get rid of the soap running down his body, hearing his wife speak over the sound of the water falling.
« Are you sure? »
« Sure about what? »
« Not coming tonight »
« Well, even though it breaks my heart not to spend the evening surrounded by boring intellectuals who will talk to me about stocks and current events, I can't come, I have too much work »
« Do you think I'm a boring intellectual? » snorted Donna.
« First, you’re anything but boring and you know it. Second, you’re hot so you could be as intellectual as you want, I don’t mind »
« Idiot »
Hearing Donna laugh, he couldn’t help but smile as that sound had become what he wanted to hear for the rest of his life. But a few seconds later, as he stepped out of the shower, he moved toward her, talking while dropping a kiss on her shoulder.
« I swear, if I could’ve come, I would’ve come »
« The Anderson case — I know »
« Sorry »
« It’s fine, I’ll go out, have a few drinks, have fun with my colleagues, then I’ll come back home »
« Alright, anyway, we’ll keep in touch, right? »
« Of course »
For a few minutes, they chatted about their day until they were both ready, then they left Harvey’s apartment, which had become theirs for the past few months. Barely out, they shared the lawyer’s driver, and once in front of the building, as Donna stepped out, he grabbed her arm, kissing her quickly before letting her go, watching her disappear into the grand New York Times building. Then, after Ray had started the car again, Harvey headed toward the firm where Jessica was waiting in her office, a small smile on her lips as she motioned for him to sit.
« Specter »
« Jessica »
« How are you? »
« I’m doing great »
« And how’s that poor woman you married? »
« She’s fine... and very satisfied, if that’s your question » smirked Harvey.
« I don’t want to know — anyway, I called you in to talk about something »
« What? »
« Anthony Harrison »
« What about this asshole? »
« He just lost his fourth big client in three months »
« You’re kidding me? » gasped the young lawyer.
« Nope. This is your moment to shine, and the Anderson case is the perfect opportunity to get noticed. I’m counting on you to tear him apart in court, to get your name on everyone’s lips, and for Darby to only think of you — I want my protégé to be the one to win the most anticipated trial of the year »
« Count on me, Jessica. I won’t let you down »
After a final nod, Harvey headed toward his office, and as soon as the door closed, he did the only thing that came to mind — call Donna. The moment he dialed her number, he brought the phone to his ear, waiting for her to pick up as he heard a few seconds later her soft voice and the nickname she used when there were people around.
« Honey, hey »
« Hey, I’m not disturbing you, am I? » smiled Harvey.
« No, no, tell me »
« Do you have time to talk? »
« Yes, please, get me out of here. Ellie won’t leave me alone, she keeps asking me about my mysterious husband — what’s going on? »
« Anthony Harrison just lost his fourth big client in three months »
« You kidding me? » gasped Donna.
« I promise you, it’s Jessica who just told me. She thinks that if I win the trial this week, I have a good chance of becoming the next heir to Darby International »
« Oh my god, Harv, this is so good, I’m so proud of you »
« Well, I have to win this trial first, then we’ll see, nothing is certain yet »
« Hey, I have faith in you. You’re talented, and you’ve worked hard to get where you are, there’s no reason things should be different this time. You’ve got this, you’re going to win, I know it »
Hearing Donna’s words, he couldn’t help but melt at everything she said. It was one of the things that made Harvey need her in his life – up until now, most people he had met had never told him they were proud of him, often implying that everything he had achieved was thanks to his family and his money. Donna, however, was the only one who spoke differently. She was proud of him, of who he was, and of the way he fought for what he wanted. And that’s why he wanted to thank her for being so encouraging, caring, and sincere with him — she was perfect.
« Thanks. How are you doing, by the way? »
For a few more minutes, they talked about everything and nothing before Harvey was forced to hang up, after all, he had a trial to win, right? Anyway, hours passed, each of them working on their own until the clock struck five, and the sun began to set over New York. He had been busy for nearly two hours listening to various people speak at the meeting, his head aching and his eyes burning, forcing Harvey to take a break to clear his mind and relax with what helped him most: Donna. While some guy from accounting was giving an update on the firm’s finances, he quickly typed a message to the redhead.
Hey, what are you doing?
A few seconds later, his phone vibrated, and he smiled seeing that she had replied.
I just finished getting dressed, I’m about to leave. How’s your meeting?
Smiling at how considerate she was for him, knowing she was aware that this kind of thing usually annoyed him, especially when he had a big trial to win, he replied just as quickly.
Boring, but almost done — what are you wearing?
Although he had said that to make her laugh, pretending he wanted to sext during a meeting, deep down he knew it was to get yet another picture of her and also to see what she’d be wearing tonight — just out of consciousness — but as he was wearing a big smile on his lips, it disappeared in an instant the moment he received an answer. In the picture, Donna had probably placed her phone on a piece of furniture to take the almost full-body video, but seeing how the light green silk hugged her body perfectly, he took a deep breath before quickly replying.
No way
At that moment, he wasn’t listening to anything else, his gaze fixed on the video she had just sent, imagining all the eyes on his wife while he wouldn’t be able to do anything about it since he was stuck here. Just as he was about to send another message because she hadn’t replied fast enough, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw she had responded.
What do you mean, no way?
He knew he shouldn’t, remembering that in a few months, when they divorced, he would have no say, and she could do whatever she wanted because she wasn’t just his wife, she was a woman at first. But as long as she was still his wife, he wanted to keep her all to himself and so, with slightly trembling hands, he replied.
It’s February, Donna. This is not the weather to wear something like that
He knew Donna was a feminist and independent woman; she didn’t need a man to tell her what to wear or what to do — she did whatever she wanted, which in fact excited Harvey, he had to admit. But when her choices impacted him indirectly, like making him jealous by knowing other men were looking at her, he felt the need to intervene. Unfortunately, Harvey hadn’t counted on his wife, who wasn’t about to back down, replying with a short message making it clear that he didn’t have a say and that she would do whatever she wanted.
I don’t remember asking for your opinion. See you tonight — or maybe tomorrow
With that, Harvey didn’t know how to respond, knowing he had upset her, and he couldn’t focus on the meeting anymore, something Jessica noticed as it was finally wrapping up. She took advantage of the fact that he was alone in his office — well, with his secretary, who had an obsession with the lawyer and kept the intercom open constantly to find a flaw that would make him fall for her. As soon as Jessica entered the glass-walled room, she could see how tense he was, pacing back and forth, clearly lost in thought.
« Care to tell me what's going on with you? »
« I don’t want to talk, Jessica »
« But I do — what happened for you to change your behavior in the middle of the meeting? »
« Nothing »
« Harvey » sighed the brunette.
« I had an argument with Donna, that’s all »
« Already trouble in paradise? »
« Can we not talk about it? It’s already annoying me enough »
« Even though I knew you had this girl under your skin, think about Anderson, that’s all you need to focus on, alright? »
« Yeah, I got it »
« Good »
As soon as Jessica left his office, Harvey saw his secretary give a small satisfied smile to herself before he left his office to go find Mike, who was busy flirting in the kitchen with Rachel. Clearly not in the mood, he interrupted them, startling his best friend, who seemed uncomfortable.
« I need both of you tonight »
« For the Anderson case? »
« Yeah »
« Me too? » asked Rachel.
« Well, you’re the best paralegal I know. It’s a complicated case, and your knowledge could really help us — if you don’t mind, of course »
« I’ll be there tonight, then »
« It’s probably going to be late » sighed Harvey.
« That’s fine, brother. We’ll be there »
« See you in an hour? »
« An hour works perfectly »
After thanking them, he returned to his office, calling out to his secretary — Carla — to ask her to stay as well, something she immediately agreed to, excited at the thought of spending the evening with her boss. So, an hour later, the four of them found themselves in one of the meeting rooms with a series of boxes scattered around, all ready to tackle the case while Donna, on her side, was in her office building. She was conflicted about her interaction with Harvey because, even though she couldn’t stand him dictating what she should do, his caveman-like side coming out from time to time, she had to admit that she understood why he had reacted that way, and found it incredibly sexy. Even though their marriage was a facade and was supposed to end as soon as they knew who would be the heir to Darby, for now, even though they didn't admit it to each other, they were acting like a couple — being married, calling each other all the time to check in, sleeping at each other’s place, having sex, and waking up in each other's arms.
However, because they refused to put words to what they felt, they found themselves in this in-between state where, despite their marriage, they couldn't allow themselves everything, like now when Harvey was clearly jealous at the thought of other men looking at her — she was his woman and no one else’s. But, Harvey, as much as he was a jealous man, also had to understand that if Donna was preparing and taking care of herself, it was primarily for herself and not for others — even though she greatly appreciated Harvey’s gaze on her. So, after this brief and somewhat sharp exchange of messages, she grabbed her bag, slipped on a jacket, and headed out to her office for the staff party. In a way, Harvey was right, it was February, and it was chilly, but Donna also knew that it would get warm after a while, when everyone would be crowded in a room and the dress would be practical. Anyway, as soon as she arrived at the building, she walked into the venue where the party was being held, spotting a few colleagues in the distance who waved her over, and Donna smiled back.
« Hey »
« Red! How are you? »
« I’m great, what about you all? »
As everyone gave their responses, Asma looked at her colleague and friend with a big smile before chuckling.
« Girl, you're hot — that dress is insane »
« Really? » giggled the redhead.
« You're very beautiful, indeed »
« Thank you, Noah »
Noah, a journalist in his thirties who worked two offices away from Donna’s, had a huge crush on the redhead for years now. Just before her marriage to Harvey, when the young man had learned about Donna’s breakup with Mark, he had tried, in his shy way, to ask her out. But as soon as he had gathered the courage and started to ask her, she interrupted him, confessing that she was engaged — and this time, to another man. It had been seven months since she married Harvey, a year since their phone conversation, and the young journalist didn’t seem to have come to terms with the fact that she was no longer available. So, when he murmured that with a slightly trembling voice, Donna just wanted to text Harvey that at least another man had complimented her on her dress, unlike him. Even though the idea was tempting, seeing Noah’s frail body and remembering Harvey’s muscles and his weekly boxing training, she preferred to avoid giving the poor guy a broken nose — or any other broken bones. Quickly, the evening picked up pace, and the party began to liven up as Donna had already had a few drinks, while Asma was talking loudly over the music, with Noah following her attentively, stars in his eyes.
« Where’s your husband? »
« Working »
« That late? »
« Well, he’s got a big trial this week, and he has to work a lot if he wants to win it »
« Too bad — he’s missing something » chuckled the brunette.
« Yeah » smiled Donna sadly.
Realizing that her husband wouldn’t be coming, Noah suggested they all head to the dance floor as Donna, ignoring the few messages from Harvey that she had received, knew that keeping him waiting would mean a hot and hard sex tonight — her favorite. A few miles away, the atmosphere was quite different at Pearson Hardman as all four of them were deep in the documents, except for Harvey, who kept checking his phone every thirty seconds, making Mike chuckle.
« Everything okay, brother? »
« Donna’s not replying, and it’s driving me crazy »
« She’s at the staff party at her work, she probably hasn’t seen your messages »
« Oh, she’s seen them. We... had a disagreement, let’s say, and she’s not replying on purpose »
« Disagreement about what? » murmured Rachel.
« Her dress is too tight »
« Harvey » sighed Mike.
« What? I don’t like my wife walking around in dresses like that when I’m not there. I’m allowed, right? »
As Mike and Rachel exchanged a teasing glance, both understanding that over time, this marriage of convenience was slowly evolving into something more genuine, Carla shrank back to eavesdrop on this private moment, perhaps hoping to take advantage of this weakness in their relationship to try her luck. Seeing Harvey sulking, Rachel spoke in a soft voice.
« Come on, you know Donna, it’s not a dress that’s going to stop her »
« I know, but still. I’m aware I should have maybe been more permissive, but I don’t know who’s at that party or what’s going on there because I’m stuck here with that fucking Anderson. I want to know how she’s doing — can you text her? »
« What? » gasped Rachel.
« Come on, you’re her best friend. It’s just an innocent message to check how she’s doing »
Not really sure, Rachel glanced at Mike before quickly texting Donna.
Hey, is everything alright at your party?
On her side, while Donna was taking a break to go to the restroom and freshen up her makeup, she chuckled upon seeing a message from her best friend. But since she had left Harvey’s messages on read and knowing that Rachel was spending her evening working with him, she suspected it was a trick from her husband. So, she quickly replied with a smile on her lips.
Is this Harvey asking?
Barely sent, she quickly saw the chat bubble appear at the bottom of the screen and chuckled at Rachel’s response.
Of course. Your hubby is losing his mind without a response from you
Reading her best friend’s message, Donna couldn’t help but bite her lip, imagining Harvey filled with jealousy at the thought of her being away from him, with other men possibly circling her without him being able to defend her. So, not wanting to stop there and ensuring herself an intense night, she replied.
Tell him I’m having way too much fun and having an amazing time with Asma, Ellie, and mostly… Noah
As soon as she sent it, she left the restroom to find her colleagues, with the economic journalist following her like a puppy, the alcohol having made him lose the little dignity he had left. Meanwhile, back in the meeting room, seeing Rachel swallow hard knowing she was about to create something big, Harvey hurriedly groaned.
« What did she say? »
« Nothing »
« Rach… »
« She's having fun, alright? That’s it »
« That’s it? Show me the text »
« No way, it’s my phone, Harvey »
« What did she say then — read the message, please. I’m losing my mind »
« She said… I’m having way too much fun and having an amazing time with Asma, Ellie, and… Noah »
As the brunette hesitated to give the last name, she knew why her best friend had written that, and clearly, the redhead knew her husband well enough because if he had already been tense before, he was even more so now as he murmured softly.
« Noah? »
« Must be a colleague » smiled Rachel falsely.
At that moment, Mike, being immature and sometimes a bit clueless, looked at Rachel with wide eyes, almost forgetting his best friend was in the same room, before he gasped.
« Wait? Noah? Isn’t that the guy you told me was in love with Donna and never got over her marriage to Harvey? »
As the words left his lips, the blonde quickly turned toward his best friend, realizing the mistake he had just made while Harvey stood up abruptly, wordlessly, grabbing his jacket and storming out of the office — a clear sign that their night at work was over. For a few seconds, the room remained silent, as Mike murmured while looking at the mess on the table.
« Well, I think we’re done for tonight… »
« Are you serious, Mike? I saw this Noah, he’s all skinny... You do realize Harvey’s going to send him to the hospital, right? »
« Oh shit »
Once again, the room was silent — Rachel partly relieved for her best friend, knowing the plan she had put in place had clearly worked, but also fearful that poor Noah might have a rough end to his evening while Mike was terrified of having to bail his best friend out of jail, and Carla was clearly delusional. A few miles away, Harvey had gotten into a taxi and driven to the grand New York Times building where the party was held, hurrying to the reception desk.
« Good evening, this is a private event, sir. Do you have an invitation? »
« Not with me, but my wife works here, and the invitation was for both of us. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it earlier, but here I am »
« Your name? »
« Harvey Specter. My wife is Donna Paulsen »
« Paulsen... Paulsen... Paulsen — ah, yes, I see here an invitation for two people, but only one showed up. Alright, the second name is… Specter. Perfect, you can go, it's on the thirty-sixth floor »
« Thank you »
Quickly, he entered the elevator, waiting patiently to reach the correct floor and as the doors opened, he sighed when he saw the crowd of people immersed in darkness, illuminated by many strobe lights. Alright, his wife was a redhead, it shouldn’t be that hard to find, right? Either way, there was no way he was leaving without French kissing her in front of Noah and marking his territory. In the meantime, somewhere in the room, as Donna chatted with Asma in a corner, Noah still by her side hanging on to her every word, she couldn’t help but chuckle as she reread Rachel's message.
« Are you alright? »
« Yeah, sorry. It’s just that I had a little fight with my husband because he thought my dress was too tight, and clearly, he hasn’t gotten over it since he’s still talking about it now with my best friend and his best friend — they all work at the same firm »
« You guys fought, and it doesn't bother you? »
« Oh, please. I know him — he’s jealous. But it’s fine, I know that when I get home tonight, he’s either going to want to make up or prove that he’s better than everyone else and make sure I have a good evening — or even a good night too »
As Donna’s hint made Asma laugh — and Noah, much less so — the brunette across from her paused, glancing over Donna’s shoulder, chuckling softly as she whispered.
« Well, I’ve only seen your husband once from afar and in a few photos, but I’m pretty sure that's him walking in »
Donna’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Harvey.
She hadn’t expected him to show up tonight, especially not after their little argument. But she quickly glanced over her shoulder, scanning the crowd, and sure enough, there he was — Harvey Specter, as confident and commanding as ever, standing out even in a crowd like this one. As soon as he spotted her, he started heading straight toward her, his eyes locked on hers as Donna’s legs turned to jelly when she realized that tonight, he was about to make it clear that she was his wife, and no one else’s. Before she even had the chance to turn back to apologize to her friends, Donna felt Harvey's large hand wrap around her arm, pulling her slightly to turn her toward him and in an instant, she found herself face to face with her husband, who didn’t wait to grab her jaw with strength to force a kiss, sliding his tongue into her mouth. Even though she could have been tempted by such a passionate kiss, knowing they weren’t alone, she kept the pace for a few seconds, before she gently pushed Harvey back with one hand on his chest, whispering against his lips.
« You came? »
« Don’t you ever ignore me again »
As he kissed her again, Donna's toes curled at the intensity of the moment and the way he pressed her body against his, as if they were alone in the world, with no one around. For a few seconds, they continued to kiss again and again until Donna pulled away for air, sliding her fingers through his hair as he looked at her with desire and… love? As he continued to place tender kisses on her lips, he heard Donna whisper with a smile.
« Do you want a drink? »
« I want to go home and take off this dress that's way too tight »
That was all Donna needed to lace her fingers with Harvey’s and pull him toward the exit.
She waved briefly at her colleagues, her focus on getting out of the crowded room and up to the fresh air of the night while Harvey, however, made it a bit more difficult, as he was busy devouring her neck and sliding his hands all over her body. If Donna thought they would wait until they were back home before getting into anything heated, she clearly underestimated her husband’s complete lack of patience. Barely out of the hall, instead of heading toward the elevators, Harvey suddenly turned and pushed open a door in the corridor, pulling Donna with him into what looked like the floor’s restroom. Without even checking whether anyone else was inside, he locked the door, guiding her toward the mirror as her hips bumped lightly against the edge of the counter, making her lean forward. With a sense of urgency, Harvey lifted the hem of her dress while already reaching for his own waistband, groaning into her neck.
« I already can’t stand it when you don’t answer me, but ignoring me while you’re surrounded by a bunch of other men? Don’t ever do that again. I’m a possessive man, Donna — what’s mine is mine. I don’t share. Especially not you »
« Harv… »
Donna felt warm all over — too warm — and while Harvey seemed lost in the haze of his own jealousy, she was already trembling with anticipation at the thought of getting intimate with her husband at her workplace.
He didn't wait. With her dress now hiked up to the small of her back, he lowered his hand onto the redhead's ass, making the young woman moan, knowing he'd left a mark for tomorrow. He then pulled down his boxers just enough to reveal his length, pumping a few times before positioning himself between the folds and pushing inside her, making them both groan. He didn't wait long, withdrawing almost completely from her before plunging back in fully, hitting her walls in a mixture of pleasure and pain. He started again, over and over, and despite the lawyer's hands on his wife's hips, Donna had to place her own hands on the mirror in front of her to steady herself as Harvey thrust in with force and determination.
They had no idea how long it had lasted, but while neither of them could look each other in the eye — perhaps because of the intense pleasure or simply because they knew that what was happening had nothing to do with the idea of having fun they had been claiming from the beginning — the redhead was whispering.
« Say it again »
He didn't even need to ask what she was talking about, because he knew. This dangerous little game was slowly transforming into something real and concrete as he let the words flow.
« You're mine »
In a fraction of a second, they would melt together, Harvey's hands squeezing her breasts as he came inside her while Donna's sweaty hands slid across the mirror in front of her, catching themselves by gripping the sink opposite. For a few seconds, they stayed like that, catching their breath until Donna whispered something to lighten the mood.
« I should make you jealous more often »
« Because you think your night is over? You'll pay for your behaviour tonight… baby »
In a few minutes, they had left the sex-scented restroom, walked down the stairs to the ground floor before getting into a taxi and giving the lawyer's address, their mouths locked and their hands wandering.
In the middle of the night, after three rounds of hot sex, as she gently ran her fingers through Harvey’s hair asleep against her, Donna lost herself in her thoughts. The silence of the night, only broken by the steady rhythm of their breathing, allowed her to focus on what she was feeling. She remembered their argument earlier in the evening, Harvey’s obsession over her dress and his jealousy, but then the embrace that had followed, as fiery as it was passionate. Maybe this marriage wasn’t what they had originally planned, maybe, somewhere along the way, it was becoming something more, but they weren't ready to put words to what they felt.
Not yet.
Chapter 17: Are you sure you’re okay?
Chapter Text
While the couple continued their little life, despite Harvey's jealousy scene at her workplace, they kept pretending to be the happy little married and in-love couple in the eyes of everyone, while privately, they kept lying to each other, pretending they were just kind of sexfriends more than casually — as if it were normal.
Often, after their workday, they would call each other to figure out where they would sleep that night, their stuffs going on here and there while they were aware of each other's schedules, except today when Harvey was surprised not to have heard from Donna when she was supposed to have finished her day. Taking the opportunity to see Rachel pass by in the hallway, he called out to her before murmuring with a false air of confidence when deep down, he wasn’t feeling great.
« Hey, have you heard from Donna? »
« What? You haven’t? »
« Well, I don't know, when I try to send a message, she's activated the Do Not Disturb option, but I don't remember her having a meeting at work today » murmured Harvey.
« Oh no, she didn’t tell you? »
« Tell me what? »
« Well, one of her friends from Yale had a baby yesterday, and she was stopping by to see the baby this afternoon at the hospital »
« Oh »
Surprised that she hadn’t mentioned it, Harvey made a funny face before Rachel chuckled, softly murmuring as she saw the confusion on the lawyer's face.
« Hey, don’t worry. She probably didn’t tell you because she knows babies aren’t really your thing, that you’re not interested. But she told me she was going to stop by after work, just for a moment »
« Alright, yeah — thanks, Rachel »
« You're welcome »
After a final smile, Harvey returned to his office, reflecting on what had just happened as he struggled to understand why Donna hadn’t told him, although he suspected the reason. Until now, they had been like a couple in every way, living together, sharing everything, and considering each other the center of their universe, but there was one thing that set them apart from a typical couple: the future.
Harvey and Donna had never looked ahead, stopping at the potential date of their divorce, never going further. So, if they weren’t looking ahead, there was one topic they never addressed: children. He didn’t want any, the idea of being responsible for a little human terrified him and didn’t comfort him, and given his childhood, he didn’t want to put another child through that. But even though he suspected Donna wanted children, she never brought up the subject as he didn’t really know what she thought about it until, by accident, he overheard a conversation.
Although he had warned her that he would finish late, Donna had told him that he could join her at her place without really giving her a precise time. So, when he entered the bathroom and heard two voices resonating from afar, he realized that she must be in the bathroom, on FaceTime with Rachel as she often was. Not wanting to disturb her — and also out of curiosity — he quietly closed the door behind him before standing there, listening to the conversation between the two best friends.
« So? »
« Oh my god, Rach… He’s adorable »
« Really? »
« You have no idea. He was so tiny in my arms with his tuft of brown hair. He was already smiling so much with his adorable chubby cheeks... I was completely melting »
« Gives you baby fever? » chuckled the brunette.
« Urgh, you have no idea »
« It’s never too late, huh? »
« It won’t be anytime soon, Rach » sighed Donna.
« You never know »
« Well, I already have to wait for my divorce, which probably won’t be for another six months. Afterwards, I’ll need to wait to find the right guy because I don’t want to have a baby with a man I’ve barely met. So, I don’t know, I’m twenty-nine today, I’d prefer it to happen before I’m thirty-five, I still have a few years to find someone, so we’ll see »
« Hey, it’ll happen faster than you think, I’m sure of it »
« I really hope so — by the way, are you free Saturday night to grab a drink? »
As the conversation shifted to something else, Harvey deliberately made noise to announce his presence, raising his voice to be heard.
« Donna? I'm home »
« Bathroom — hey, I’ll let you go, Rach, but I’ll call you tomorrow »
« See you, Donna »
As he entered the bedroom, he watched Donna, dressed only in one of his boxers and a top, busy scrolling on her phone. She glanced at the mirror and smiled at him.
« Hey »
« Hey »
« How did the client meeting go? »
« Yeah, I think he’s going to sign with us »
« That’s a good thing, right? »
« Yeah, yeah, excellent »
« Then why don’t you look thrilled? » smiled Donna.
« I’m just exhausted, that’s all »
« I understand »
As she watched him remove his clothes to end up in his boxers, she chuckled softly, seeing him collapse onto the bed, sighing contentedly as he inhaled Donna’s scent from the pillows. Without further ado, she joined him in the bedroom, crawling on the bed until she was straddling Harvey's back, sitting on his ass while she bent down to grab some oil from her nightstand. As soon as she opened the bottle, the scent of rosemary, lavender, and black pepper filled the room, Harvey groaning and murmuring.
« Is this the massage oil for sex? »
« I thought you were exhausted? » giggled the redhead.
« Never for this » snorted Harvey.
« No surprise — come on, relax and let me do it »
Without wasting any time, she poured a bit of oil into the palm of her hand, rubbing her palms together to warm the liquid before pressing them into the small of his back while Harvey sighed in contentment. For nearly twenty minutes, she relaxed every knot in Harvey's back, the lawyer gradually unwinding until he was almost falling asleep. Donna let herself flop down next to him, and Harvey quickly pulled her against him as she murmured.
« You're so tense »
« Hmm »
« You know, instead of boxing and weightlifting, you should do yoga with me »
« No way » the lawyer snorted.
« Why not? » giggled the redhead.
« Can you already picture me in the lotus position? »
« Could be hot »
« Alright, never mind then »
As they both chuckled, they stayed like that for a little longer, Harvey lying on his stomach, his face in the crook of Donna’s neck, while the redhead was stuck under his arm, scrolling on her phone, reading an article about an exhibition currently in Paris. While Donna was absorbed in her article, Harvey couldn’t stop himself from tightening his hold on her, his kisses against the curve of her neck growing slower, deeper, and far more insistent as the redhead slid her fingers into his hair, murmuring absently.
« Harv, I thought you were exhausted »
« Yeah, but never too tired for sex… come on »
« I can’t believe you » Donna chuckled.
« Please… »
She didn’t answer right away, but something in his voice sounded almost desperate — like wanting her wasn’t just desire but something he needed. With a sigh, she turned off her phone, tossed it somewhere on the mattress, then shifted her head, lifting his so she could capture his mouth with hers, whispering softly against his lips.
« Alright »
Without waiting another second, he used what strength he had left to climb over her, fully aware he didn’t have the energy for anything other than missionary. He gently parted her thighs and positioned himself between them, rubbing their crotches together until he was completely hard and a wet stain appeared on Donna's boxer shorts, while the lawyer's hands never leaving her breasts. While Harvey was too busy devouring Donna’s mouth, thrusting with a rhythm that was almost impossible to keep up with, the redhead took care of the rest herself. She could feel it — this wasn’t just sex. Right now, he needed someone to take care of him, and as his wife, she knew it was her job. Not that she minded; she loved tending to his needs.
She slipped her hand beneath the fabric of his boxers, letting her fingers trail along his shaft just enough to draw a low, needy sound from his mouth — a sound that made her own movements grow more urgent. Quickly, Donna pushed her underwear off her hips and lowered Harvey’s just enough to pull his dick out, her breath catching as anticipation settled warmly between them. She guided him to her entrance, Harvey sliding his muscular arms around Donna's neck as if to imprison her against him, squeezing until it was difficult to breathe, their hearts beating against each other as he pushed inside her slowly, inch by inch, until he was fully buried inside her.
The thrusts were nothing like their usual frantic, playful, or demanding rhythm. This time, everything was slow — gentle, steady, almost tender. Harvey moved with a deep, unhurried care, each motion brushing against her walls in a way that felt achingly intimate. Donna’s eyes fluttered shut on their own, overwhelmed by the quiet intensity of being this close to him, of feeling him so present, so wholly focused on her. The room was quiet except for their soft, shared sounds, yet Harvey felt as if it were loud with all the thoughts echoing inside his head. Having sex with Donna was always constant, always incredible, and she had never once held back from him — she was always as present and willing as he was.
But this… this felt different.
It wasn’t just that he needed her body or the comfort of pleasure, he needed to feel her with him, really with him, because what had happened earlier had hit him harder than he wanted to admit. He might have her every day — her body, her warmth, her laughter, their conversations, her kisses, all of it — but her mind… her mind had been somewhere else: making plans that didn’t include him. And the sudden weight of that realization had settled deep in his chest.
So he tightened his grip on her, his movements becoming deeper and slower, the redhead pushing his ass to make him understand that she needed to come, but he didn't want it to stop, so he just sped up a little but continued to enjoy every wave of pleasure she gave him before turning his face as best he could despite their narrowness. He could feel her nails digging into his back, her legs tightening around his waist, her breath growing shorter and shorter as Harvey's mouth was open and against her ear, the grunts having given way to moans as she murmured in an almost desperate tone.
« Honey… »
The nickname slipped out for the first time in private, and in that moment, Harvey felt something he hadn’t in a long time — normal. No divorce hanging over them, no Darby, no debts weighing down every breath, just the two of them, a couple in love, needing each other to finally unwind. Suddenly, his fingertips slid to the base of Donna’s head, threading into her red hair, brushing against her scalp before giving a gentle tug to tilt her face up toward him, giving him full access to her mouth. He kissed her again and again, deep and slow, until he felt her tense around him, the soft sound she let out swallowed by his mouth — just before he gave in himself and exploded inside her, his warmth spread deep inside her as they both sighed in relief.
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. Donna stared up at the ceiling, trying to make sense of whatever had come over the lawyer, while Harvey simply soaked in the closeness, unwilling to let the moment end. And as her other hand traced random shapes across his back, feeling his breathing slow and deepen, she finally murmured:
« Harv, let’s go wash up »
« Hmm »
« Come on »
Reluctantly, he stepped out of the shower, and Donna followed, rinsing off quickly before leaving him there, giving him a moment alone before he came out just in time to see the redhead looking at her phone with a smile. He had a pretty good idea of what she was looking at but didn’t say anything, joining her to fall asleep a few hours later, his mind still echoing with the conversation she had had with Rachel. The next day, even though they had never mentioned the baby topic or the fact that Harvey was tense, the couple went back to their life, knowing that Jessica was hosting something at her place in the evening.
Harvey, Mike, and Louis, along with their partners — so Donna, Rachel, even though nothing was official with Mike, and Louis had brought along his visibly new girlfriend — would all be there. It was a big dinner with other people, and even though Harvey would have preferred to spend his evening watching Survivor with Donna, he had no choice but to go. In the evening, as they were getting ready and Harvey sat on the couch watching her, she turned to murmur.
« Are you sure you’re okay? »
« Yeah, yeah — why do you ask? »
« I don’t know, you’ve been acting weird since you got back yesterday »
« I told you, I’m exhausted, and this evening isn’t helping either »
« Oh, come on, it’s gonna be fun »
« I’ve already seen these people all day at work, I don’t want to see them at night too »
« Oh, come on, don’t be a killjoy like that... it could be good, right? » chuckled Donna.
« If you say so… »
« Come on, are you ready? »
« Yep »
Quickly, they left Harvey’s apartment, the redhead still looking as beautiful and poised as ever, while the lawyer tried to push aside all the stress that was weighing on him at that moment. Once at Jessica’s place, the brunette chatted for a few minutes with the young journalist while Harvey stayed close to her, refusing to leave her side, as if he needed her to reassure him. Gradually, the guests arrived, and as everyone sat down at the table, the couple sat next to each other, with Rachel sitting next to Donna while Harvey listened to the exchange between the two women while throwing brief glances in their direction.
« By the way, you didn’t send me the photos »
« Oh, wait, shit. I got… distracted, away — I’ll show you »
As he looked discreetly, feeling Donna's hand unconsciously caress his thigh, the other holding the phone, he saw on the screen a photo of a baby, probably the one she had gone to see the day before, while Rachel made little sounds to express how cute it was, and the redhead scrolled through the pictures. If Harvey was already feeling a bit overwhelmed by a sense of discomfort, the moment Donna scrolled to show a photo of herself holding the baby, Harvey excused himself from the table, saying he needed to go to the restroom, feeling like he needed to breathe.
It was stupid, why did he feel so bad about a baby story? He knew very well that his marriage with Donna was fake, and that the more the days went by, the closer their divorce was approaching, so why did this whole baby thing make him so uncomfortable? He had no idea, but as he saw how radiant she looked in that photo, Harvey slowly realized that he wouldn't be the one to make her happy for the rest of her life. So, imagining that another man could one day be the source of her smile hurt the lawyer a little, who preferred to isolate himself.
After splashing water on his face, he returned to the table as if nothing had happened, resuming the conversation with his neighbor across from him, Gustave from the finance department, while he couldn’t help but glance at Donna, intertwining his fingers with the redhead’s until dinner ended and everyone went out to the large terrace for one last drink. As Rachel chatted with Jessica and Donna, Harvey was busy pouring himself a glass of whiskey, with Louis monopolizing his time, while he observed from a distance as Liam from HR approached his wife.
« Louis, hush »
« What? »
« Just... hush »
Apologizing, Louis fell silent while Harvey eavesdropped on the conversation between Donna and Liam.
« Excuse me, you're Donna Paulsen, right? Harvey's wife? »
« That's me, yes » chuckled the redhead.
« I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to talk to you about one of the articles you wrote on Le Malade Imaginaire by Molière, performed at the Westside Theatre »
« You read it? »
« I did and it made me want to go see it. I mean, your comparison between our society and the search for easy solutions was brilliant »
« That’s very kind »
« Do you mind talking about it? »
« No, not at all »
As the two animatedly discussed the article Donna had written for the New York Times, noticing that Harvey wasn’t in the best company, Louis slipped away, leaving space for Mike, who approached his best friend and murmured as he saw his sad expression.
« You okay, dude? »
« I don’t know »
Harvey didn’t want to lie, not tonight, not to his best friend — he didn’t have the strength for that. As they kept looking at the two talking and laughing together, Harvey finished his glass of whiskey in one go, while Mike sighed, murmuring softly.
« Hey, it doesn't mean anything, you know. Just because she's talking to a guy doesn’t mean you have to be jealous. They’re talking about work »
« It’s not that… »
« Then what? »
« He seems perfect for her, doesn’t he? » sighed Harvey.
« What? »
« I mean, I’ve never heard anything bad about the guy, apparently he’s nice, and he seems into culture and theater — like her — and I don’t even understand what they’re talking about, but apparently she does »
« Well, she wrote this article and he seems like he appreciated art, so what? »
« He could be a good match for her »
« Harvey, where is this coming from? »
For a few seconds, Harvey didn’t say anything, pouring himself another glass of whiskey before sighing deeply, his eyes already shiny because of alcohol. Seeing his best friend visibly confused, he nudged him a little further to isolate them and as the two young lawyers now found themselves at the front of the house, both leaning against the lawyer's car, Mike started to question Harvey as they shared a joint.
« So? Wanna talk? »
« It’s stupid, but I can’t get this whole thing out of my head »
« What happened? »
« Yesterday, she went to visit a friend who had just had a baby. I know it shouldn’t affect me, but she didn’t tell me about it. I found out through Rachel, as if she didn’t want to talk about it with me. I don’t know if it’s because she thinks I don’t care, or if she just doesn’t want to bring up the subject, but she didn’t tell me. Then, I went over to her place and overheard a conversation between the girls where she explained that she wanted a baby, and when Rachel asked if she had baby fever, she simply said yes. But, at that point, I wasn’t really surprised. I mean, it’s Donna, she’d be perfect as a mom, but it’s what came after that hurt »
« What did she say? »
« Basically, she said she was going to wait to divorce me before seriously considering having a child. The thing is, I don’t want kids — well, I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for that — but what hurt was knowing that she didn’t consider me even once or even mention me, like I'm just a passing fancy. She just said she was waiting for our divorce, like she was putting her life on pause for me and waiting to finally do what she wanted as soon as I’ll be out of her life »
« Harv... Don’t take this the wrong way, but you knew from the start that things would never go further with Donna, right? Sure, you get along great, and you seem to play the perfect married couple perfectly, but you two are different, you know it and… »
« I’m in love with her, Mike »
Without another word, he took another hit, letting the smoke fill his mouth and then his lungs before exhaling, his mind disconnecting for the first time in the last forty-eight hours as at Harvey’s confession, Mike couldn’t tell whether he was surprised or not. Since the meeting between the two spouses, he had seen Harvey become a different man — calmer, happier, more carefree — and the blondie suspected it had to do with the redhead.
Aside from teasing him, Mike had never really tried to figure out what was going on between his best friend and his wife, even though he suspected they were sleeping together and were more than just friends, however, he never imagined Harvey would admit to being in love with her to the point of being unhappy. Unfortunately, seeing his face and attitude, he felt bad for the man, understanding that his best friend was desperate. For a few seconds, Mike thought about what to say without breaking his friend’s heart.
« Maybe she feels the same way… »
« What difference would that make? »
« Harv… » sighed the blondie.
« I’m not the person she’s looking for, at least not long-term. Sure, for now we have fun together, we get along great, everything’s happy and a bit crazy, but what happens the day I might get Darby’s position? I’ll throw myself into the job, traveling all over the world, never in New York — so what? Am I supposed to ask her to wait for me? To stay with me because I’m in love and I’m fully myself when she’s around? That I’ll fall apart the day she leaves? I can’t do that, Mike. I can’t make her feel guilty, force her to stay with me because I know she won’t leave if she knows I’m not okay without her. And even after that, she wants to be married with kids, the perfect little life — I can’t offer that to her, and there’s no way I’m going to be the one who makes her unhappy »
« So what? You’ll be unhappy the day she leaves, and you won’t do anything about it? »
« Better me than her, huh? »
At Harvey’s words, Mike sighed, watching his best friend take another hit from the weed, exhaling the smoke while his jaw clenched with the movement, the young lawyer’s eyes closing. For a few minutes, the two stayed in silence, sharing the joint while, on the other side of the house, Liam and Donna were finishing their conversation. The redhead then joined her best friend, while the young journalist searched for her husband with her eyes.
« Did you see Harv? »
« They went off with Mike on the other side, probably just chatting »
« Alright — I’m going to join him because I don’t want to get home too late »
« Yeah, me too. I think Mike will give me a ride »
« Oh, of course, the puppy’s obsessed with you »
« Come on »
As the two girls quickly said their goodbyes to Jessica, they made their way around the house to find Harvey and Mike sitting on the hood of the car. Even though they’d erased all the signs of their boys’ time together, the smell was enough to understand what they had been up to. While Harvey seemed sad, Donna approached gently, murmuring.
« Hey »
« Hey »
« You smoked? »
« A bit, yeah. Sorry »
As she slid her hand along his jaw to force her husband to look her in the eyes, she noticed his pupils were more than dilated and after a small smile, she murmured.
« You’re stoned as fuck »
« I’m stoned as fuck, yeah — here »
As he handed her the car keys, Donna grabbed them before sliding her hand, which had been resting on his jaw, down to his abs as she then leaned in to hug Mike and wished him a good night, her hand never leaving Harvey. After saying goodbye to Rachel, the couple got into the car, with Donna starting the sports car and driving toward the lawyer’s condo, the road ahead taken in silence. Nearly half an hour later, as they were in the shower, Donna could see that every one of his movements was slowed, and that he was in a bit of a daze as she decided to act accordingly. Barely out of the shower and in her pajamas, she let him take his time to put on his boxer shorts while she went to get something to drink and eat, knowing that the weed had dried his mouth and increased his appetite. Barely in the bedroom, seeing Donna sitting against the headboard, scrolling through her phone with a bottle of water on her nightstand and a bag of chips, Harvey murmured with a small smile.
« God, you're perfect »
« I know – come on, sit down »
Quickly, he curled up against her, Donna realizing that he was a little more clingy than usual — blaming it on the weed — while he hydrated and ate his chips, never leaving his spot next to her. The past two days had made Harvey face the inevitable truth: their relationship, as deep as it was, couldn’t last forever. The differences in their futures were too vast, yet, instead of dwelling on the pain ahead, he decided to make the most of the time they had left — he would love Donna fully, without regret, and savor every moment. While their paths would soon separate, he knew he would cherish what they had, no matter how short-lived.
In the end, loving her fully, even for a brief time, was worth the inevitable heartache.