💖STORY INFO💖

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A/N

Hi guys, it’s time for another Mpreg story. Yay!!!!!

This story came to me out of no where and it’s been sitting in my drafts for such a long time. Most of you who follow me or have read my other fics already know that majority of my stories are mpregs and it’s my absolute favourite style of writing. I really hope you enjoy this one. I haven’t decided how long it is going to be yet. Please let me know, what you think of the storyline in the comments.

PLEASE NOTE:

LIKE ALL MY OTHER STORIES, ANY PICTURES OF CHILDREN/ADULTS ARE JUST RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM CHILD ACTOR/MODEL PAGES OFF PINEREST. If the parents, family or models themselves wish for photos to be removed, please DM immediately.

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STORYLINE

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Both Harry nor Louis had no idea that the day they both gave birth would eventually lead to a complicated family they didn’t know they needed.

In the confines of the same hospital, two strangers are currently giving birth to two gorgeous baby girls. There is only a wall seperating the birthing rooms and both men seem to be in sync as they deliever their bundles of joys at precisely the same time.

This is a story of how on a day full of chaos and hetic times, two babies who were fast asleep side by side in the nursey and are at the hands of fate, are accidentally switched.

With the parents and the hospital staff unaware of the mishap, life goes on as normal for the new parents.

When one child becomes ill 5 years later, only then does Harry find out that the daughter he thought was his own flesh and blood, actually isn’t his at all.

With the news falling heavily on his shoulders and the prognosis weighing him down, Harry is desperate for some sort of explanation and solution.

With so many issues regarding the situation, the hospital declares it’s responsibility and makes an oath to make things right.

Two already attached parents must now try and figure out how the hell they are going to ‘let go’ of the child they have already raised, love and adore.

Or will they have to????

Will this heart breaking complication bring forth a love between two men who are facing the same struggles?

How will Harry and Louis adjust to their biological child? More so, how will Harry and Louis adjust to each other? How will the two girls deal with having a ‘New Parent’

’ Questions Questions Questions’

-All shall be revealed in due time.

One hospital Two seperate parents Two single babies ONE accidential switch.

This is a tale about: “ The Switch That Combined Homes.“

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CHARACTERS

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Harry Styles , 29 Ex-Lover to Kane Timms Parent to Harmony Biological parent to Lacey. (Soon to be Lover of Louis Tomlinson.😜)

Louis Tomlinson , 31 Lover to Alex ( Soon to be, Harry Styles 😜) Parent to Lacey Biological parent to Harmony.

Kane Timms

Played by Trevor Donovan. Harry’s Ex- Love interest Parent to Harmony Biological parent to Lacey.

Alexander Olsen (Alex)

Played by Lucas Till. Louis’ Partner. Parent to Lacey. Biological parent to Harmony.

Harmony Styles

Lacey Olsen-Tomlinson

A/N

So……

What do you

think of the plot?

Or is it too cringe?

Chapter 1 - Birth-Days

‘ Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, and do so, with all your heart.’

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Harry’s birthing plan was meticulously crafted to ensure a tranquil and serene environment for the arrival of his child. The plan aimed to create a peaceful and positive atmosphere akin to that of a still pond, hoping to facilitate a carefree and positive birthing experience for both himself and his newborn baby.

Just like the gentle rustle of leaves in a peaceful forest, the room would be filled with a quiet reverence. Soft whispers would replace the usual chatter, creating an oasis of serenity. The rhythmic breathing of those present would harmonize with the gentle hum of the air conditioning, creating a soothing backdrop for the miracle that was about to unfold.

Harry had envisioned other elements of this zen-like birthing plan. The room would be showered with soft muted lighting, casting a gentle glow that danced upon the walls. Delicate incense would release fragrant wisps, infusing the air with a subtle aroma of tranquillity. The sound of a babbling brook would emanate from a small speaker, transporting everyone to a place of peace and serenity.

In this carefully curated environment, Harry and the others in the room would embrace the silence, allowing the baby to be born into a world free from unnecessary noise and distractions. It was a testament to Harry’s deep love and commitment, ensuring that the first moments of his child’s life would be filled with nothing but pure, unadulterated calmness.

He had envisioned this moment for months, picturing it to be a time of joy and togetherness. But now, as he looked around he realised that no matter how much he had planned this monumental  moment, one that would redefine his entire life… that he was still all alone .

The revelation of Harry’s pregnancy was met with a shocking response from his ex-lover Kane. Without any hesitation, Kane heartlessly declared that he had no interest in being a part of their child’s life, leaving Harry feeling heartbroken and abandoned.

Despite anticipating some degree of complication in sharing this secret with Kane, Harry never expected to feel so isolated and crushed. He knew all too well that his flirtation with a closeted and already committed man like Kane was a mistake, but Kane’s irresistible charm always made Harry feel special - at least until Harry revealed the unexpected news of an impending baby.

Kane was not just any ordinary man. He was born into wealth and power, with a family name that commanded respect and admiration within the community. With his family heavily involved in politics, his image was everything to him, his family and his peers. Being discovered and outed as gay, not to mention expecting a child with another man, would be the ultimate disgrace for Kane, leading to disinheritance and disownment. So when Kane kissed Harry and declared their affair over, he did so with the knowledge that his family’s reputation was at stake, his own desires now a thing of the past. As part of the agreement that he had his lawyer draw up, Kane made sure that Harry signed a legally binding NDA so he could not speak of their relationship.

It was a heartbreaking decision for Kane, who loved Harry deeply, but the truth was, his career within the family business meant everything to him. He was engaged formally, but his finance, to him, was just another secret beard that only he himself knew about. So he wrote a hefty check to ensure Harry and their child were taken care of, with the agreement that Kane would never be a part of the child’s life, nor would he ever be recognized as its parent. It was a painful and challenging choice, but one that Kane felt was necessary to protect both himself and his beloved family reputation.

A mix of emotions engulfed Harry’s heart as he laid there, another contraction cramping his stomach . He was torn between the desire to fully embrace his impending fatherhood, and the need to keep this hidden truth from his own loved ones.

Both his sister and Mother had no clue who had impregnated him, and Harry was adamant to them that he would never disclose it. Now, as he faced the imminent arrival of his baby, the magnitude of his loneliness weighed heavily upon his soul.

No matter how well he had read all the pregnancy books, no matter how healthy he had eaten, how prepared the nursery was or how thought out his birthing plan had been created, it didn’t change the fact that Harry was solely by himself right now and it terrified him. 

Harry’s mind wandered to his mother, who was suffering from the flu, rendering her unable to be by his side during this momentous occasion. Their bond was unbreakable, and Harry longed for her comforting presence. Unable to suppress his worry, he whispered a silent prayer for her recovery, seeking solace in the hope that she would still be able to meet her grandchild soon enough.

It was at that very moment, when Harry’s thoughts were consumed by his family’s absence, that a sudden realisation hit him, his phone had dinged several hours ago. He opened up his phone to find a heartfelt message from his sister, Gemma.

She had detailed her hurried efforts to rearrange her plans, the urgency in her words matching Harry’s plea for someone beside him. As he read on, the distance between them seemed to collapse, the miles turning into mere increments of time separating their reunion. Despite the uncertainty, her commitment to being there for Harry during this pivotal moment echoed through the phone, offering a sense of calm amid the impending arrival. The details of her next flight were intricately laid out, a complex web of departure times, layovers, and connections. She spoke with a determined urgency, each word carrying the weight of her intention to bridge the physical gap between them. As the conversation unfolded, the flight number, departure gate, and arrival time formed a map of her journey, a journey fueled by love and the anticipation of a significant occasion.

Harry’s sister, his best friend was on her way.

The weight of Harry’s emotions shifted, and a newfound sense of hope blossomed within him. Harry’s heart overflowed, his prayers echoing in the depths of his soul as he endured yet another painful contraction. In the midst of the sterile hospital room, he longed for someone to stand by his side, a comforting presence amidst the constant shuffle of nurses.

With each intensifying contraction, Harry clung to the anticipation of Gemma’s arrival. He drew strength from the unwavering dedication she had always shown to their family, knowing that her steadfast support would carry them through this challenging journey.

A journey of parenthood.

The pain intensified, but Harry’s determination grew stronger. He knew that he could face this daunting adventure of fatherhood, even if he had to do it alone.

In the midst of the chaos and discomfort of labor, the door to Room 27 swung open to reveal a nurse in scrubs.

“How are you progressing, my dear?”

She had whispered that discreetly, aware that it was one of Harry’s preferences.

“I’m okay? Are you checking my dilation again?”

The woman smiled and nodded as Harry reclined against the pillows, bending his knees and spreading his legs, clearly familiar with the procedure now.

“Shouldn’t be too much longer, petal.” She smiled.

A couple of minutes elapse after the midwife departs. Not hearing the door, Harry senses a presence and directs his gaze towards Gemma, who has just entered, but not only Gemma, she’s brought along Harry’s childhood best friend as well.

With an excited hush, Harry’s mouth dropped open as he whispered yelled..

“Gemma thank g- oh my god, and holy shit, Liam ! How did you, when did, oh my god you’re actually here. Ow ow ow.”

The room, once filled with sadness and heartache, now overflowed with love and celebration. Harry’s fears of isolation were replaced by the realisation that family came in many forms and that the unexpected plot twists in life could bring the most extraordinary moments of joy.

Harry wasn’t alone after all.

And so, in Room 27, a unique and wonderful tale unraveled-a story of transformation, courage, and the extraordinary bonds that emerged when faced with the unexpected. The journey of Harry, and his newborn daughter would forever remind him that even in the darkest of times, love had the power to rewrite destinies and forge unbreakable connections, and with some…that he also never saw coming.

Next door in room 28, a totally different scene played out, where Louis Tomlinson eagerly awaited the birth of his first child alongside his partner, Alex.

“You fucking prick, you are never touching me again, god fucking damn it, this hurts, shit !”

Alex gently reached for a damp cloth, delicately dabbing Louis’ forehead tenderly.

“Sweetheart, you’re doing incredibly well, so, so well. I’m immensely proud of you. I love you so much, you know that. It shouldn’t be much longer, and we’ll finally get to meet the little miracle we tried so hard to conceive.”

He leaned down closer to Louis placing a delicate kiss on his lips but poor Alex was thrown back when Louis pushed him with force.

“ Ooooowwwww fuckin Jesus Christ, I need more drugs, Alex for god sakes make yourself useful and get the fucking doctor, this is HURTING ME! “

Those final two words emerged in a demonic tone, sending a shiver down Alex’s spine. Anxiety crept in as Louis grew more uneasy. Aware of Louis’ low pain tolerance and high-strung nature, Alex couldn’t deny his own fear about breaking the news to him that he had already reached the maximum dose of pain relief and that no more could be administered.

The hospital room was a flurry of activity as Louis laid on the delivery bed, his face flushed with exertion, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. He was beyond irritated, his patience worn thin by the long hours of labour. His frustration had reached its peak, evident in the sharpness of his tone.

“This is the last time I let you near me, Alex!” Louis snapped, gripping the rails of the bed accidentally turning his knuckles white. “I am never, and I mean never, doing this again, I swear to god!”

Alex, standing by his side, held Louis’ hand tightly, his thumb gently caressing the back of it. His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and love. “You’re doing amazing, Louis. Just push a little more, and she’ll be here.”

Louis shot him a glare that could cut through steel. “Oh, really? You try pushing a watermelon through a pinhole, and then talk to me about ‘just a little more!’ With a withering look, Louis scoffed. “If you say ‘just a little more’ one more time, I will personally ensure you never say it again!”

The doctor who was positioned at the foot of the bed, monitoring the progress, spoke up with calm encouragement. “You’re almost there, Louis. One more big push.”

The Doctor strongly considered adding ‘just a little more’ solely to exacerbate Louis’ annoyance but he refrained. After all, Louis had been causing distress to all the doctors and nurses today. However, he maintains his professionalism.

“Alright, Louis, on the next contraction, I need you to push down as hard as you can. Can you do that for me? It’s time to meet your baby.”

Louis rolled his eyes. “Oh, really? Why didn’t I think of that Doctor? Push! What a novel idea!” Despite his sarcasm, he braced himself, taking a deep breath.

Through gritted teeth Louis mumbled towards Alex. “If one more person tells me to push, I’m going to… ARGH!” He bore down, channeling all his energy into this final effort.

With a final, primal scream, Louis pushed down, every muscle straining. Suddenly, the pressure released, and the sound of a baby’s cry filled the room. He collapsed back against the bed, panting, his eyes fluttering open to seek out his offspring.

“Congratulations! You have a beautiful baby girl.”

The nurse swiftly wrapped the newborn in a soft, white blanket, turning her towards Louis. He caught a glimpse of his daughter’s tiny, scrunched-up face, her eyes closed, mouth open in a loud wail. His heart swelled despite his exhaustion.

“She’s absolutely perfect.” he breathed out, his voice suddenly soft and gentle, as if a whole new, calmer side of Louis had emerged from nowhere.

The nurse with her face a mask of professional calm, suddenly glanced down at the little girl. 

“Doctor, her heart rate is a bit fast. We should take her to the nursery immediately for a more thorough check.”

Louis craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of his daughter.

“Let me see her properly. What is happening?”

The nurse hesitated, glancing at the Doctor before offering a hurried explanation.

“Just a moment, we need to clean her up and check her vitals. She’ll be right back.”

Louis’ eyes widened with alarm.

“What? No! I just got her!”

The doctor nodded in agreement with the nurse’s idea to go ahead with the course of action.

“It’s just a precaution, Louis. We want to make sure she is healthy.”

Louis narrowed his eyes, his sass undiminished even in the face of concern.

“Oh, sure. Fine. Just take my baby away. I only spent nine months growing her and hours pushing her out. No big deal.”

The nurse, trying to suppress a smile, nodded.

“We’ll be quick, I promise.”

But before Louis could protest any further, the nurse had whisked the baby out of the room. Louis fell back against the pillows, exhausted but unbowed.

“This is ridiculous. First, they tell me to push more, now they take her away. What’s next, they’ll want me to run a marathon? This is ridiculous.” he muttered. “I go through all that, and I don’t even get to see her properly or even hold her.”

Alex squeezed Louis’ hand, trying to soothe him.

“She’ll be back soon, I promise. They just need to make sure she’s okay.”

Louis huffed, glaring at Alex.

“If she’s not back here in five minutes, I am personally storming that nursery and bringing her back myself.”

Alex leans down, pressing a kiss to Louis’ forehead.

“You were incredible, baby. I’m so proud of you. And she’s perfect, just like you. I know it.”

Louis rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Yeah, yeah. Just make sure they bring her back quickly. I didn’t go through all this just to be left waiting.”

Alex chuckled softly, his hand never leaving Louis’. “They will.”

As the room quieted, the couple shared a moment of tender silence, the enormity of what had just happened settling over them, while the anticipation of their daughter’s return hung in the air.

Despite Louis’ sass and snark, the love between them felt more precious than ever. Despite his exhaustion and irritation, the bond between Louis and Alex was strong, a steady current that would see them through the challenges ahead and ready to face whatever may come next.

Fifteen minutes later, the door to the hospital room creaked open. In walked the nurse her smile soft and reassuring, cradling the now-sleeping baby in her arms. Louis, who had been nodding off from sheer exhaustion, immediately snapped awake at the sound, wincing as he quickly sat up, his body reminding him of the ordeal he’d just been through.

Speaking gently, the nurse placed the tiny bundle into Louis’ waiting arms.

“Here she is.”

Louis’ irritation melted away as he looked down at his daughter. He gingerly pulled back the edge of the blanket from her cheeks, revealing her delicate features. His breath caught in his throat.

“Oh gosh, Alex, look at her. She is so beautiful.”

Alex moved closer, wrapping an arm around Louis’ shoulders as he gazed at their daughter. “She really is.” he whispered, his voice filled with bitter sweet adoration.

Louis’ eyes never left the baby’s face, a tender smile curving his lips. “I can’t believe she’s finally here.”

Alex pressed a kiss to Louis’ temple.

“You did it, Louis. She’s perfect. We finally have a baby, after all those years of trying, sweetheart, we have a family.”

Louis chuckled softly, the sound a mix of relief and joy. “We did do it. Alex, honey, I can’t explain to you how happy I am right now.”

Alex knows that look, that tone. Something is coming he knows it.

“ But…?” Alex says raising an eyebrow.

“But let’s be clear, Alex—you’re the one dealing with all the diaper changes for the next month. I have deserved that much, okay.“

Alex laughed, squeezing Louis’ shoulder.

“Deal. Anything for you. I love you so much.”

Louis smiled fondly at his partner of 10 years.

“I love you too.”  

The baby stirred slightly in Louis’ arms, her tiny hand reaching out and grasping his finger. Louis’ heart swelled with love as he looked down at her.

“Hey there, little one. We’ve been waiting a VERY long time to meet you.”

The nurse, standing quietly by smiled at the scene.

“She’s healthy and strong. Congratulations to both of you.”

Louis nodded, his eyes never leaving his daughter’s face. “Thank you. For bringing her back that is, not for taking her away.” Louis laughs. “But from now on, this little one stays with me, got it.”

The nurse chuckled. “Understood. I’ll leave you three to enjoy your time together.”

As she left the room, Louis relaxed into the pillows, his daughter snug in his arms and Alex by his side. The exhaustion, the pain, the frustration—all of it faded in the light of this perfect experience. Despite all the sass and sarcasm, the love and joy in Louis’ heart were undeniable. Their family was complete now, and that was all that mattered.

✨️

Fifteen minutes ago back in room 27, Harry closed his eyes, his body tense yet determined. The journey from conception to delivery that he had embarked upon had been uncharted and filled with uncertainty, but it was a path he had chosen with unwavering courage. This was his moment, the extraordinary experience of bringing a precious little life into the world.

The room glowed softly, embraced by a subtle, ethereal light filtering from his candles. The air, laden with a delicate blend of lavender and eucalyptus, enveloped Harry in a comforting embrace, reminiscent of the distinctive fragrance his ex lover Kane once carried. Unspoken and deeply personal, he would never admit that the choice of these scents in his burners served as a poignant connection of the past. In this fragrant sanctuary, he sought solace and drew strength from the serene hush, turning his space into a haven where memories and tranquility converged.

With each contraction, Harry’s abdomen tightened, reminding him of the purpose that thrived within him. He focused on his breathing, the rhythm anchoring him to the present as his body worked in harmony with nature’s design. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead, his heart pounding in his chest, marking the imminent arrival of a moment that would forever change his life.

With the room still silent as ever, Harry’s eyes moved from Gemma and then to the nurse. In that silent exchange, the nurse’s nod became a wordless agreement, granting permission for the conclusive effort. The room, seemingly suspended in quietude, braced itself as Harry prepared for the final push.

Harry’s weary eyes welled with tears, a blend of vulnerability and awe, as his ears finally caught the faintest cry – a cry that echoed with both his pain and his triumph. It was the wail of a new life, a resounding melody of existence that spoke volumes of the strength and resilience forged within him.

Harry basked in the enchanting magic of becoming a parent, his heart overflowing with a sweetness that only deepened as he grogily gazed upon his darling daughter, a love so pure and innocent that it felt like the most beautiful lullaby ever composed.

Harry was now a parent, and Harry was already so in love with her.

As the cry faded, Harry who was overcome with a torrent of emotions, found the energy to somehow lift himself up, his trembling hands reaching down to lift the small bundle of life from his own body, just the way he had requested. The weight of his child rested against his heaving chest, a symphony of connection and love that transcended all boundaries.

Harry’s gaze met the tiny face for the brieftest second – a reflection of his own struggles and dreams – and tears flowed freely, mingling with the sweat tracing paths across his flushed cheeks. In this trembling moment of pure tenderness, he whispered words of unconditional love, promising to protect and nurture the extraordinary soul he cradled against his heart.

“I love you so much, Harmony.”

While he finished pushing out the placenta, Gemma glanced at Harry when hearing the name as she smiled fondly.

“Awwww, such a cute name Harry, i’m gonna call her Harmy for short.”

Harry flashed her a displeased look as the nurse spoke up interrupting their conversation.

“All done, I will be back in a second.”

Harry cradled his newborn daughter against his chest, feeling the delicate weight of her tiny form. He marvelled at her, kissing her velvety head with a tenderness only a new parent could understand.

As he reveled in the precious moments of bonding, a gentle knock on the door heralded the arrival of Nurse Reynolds. Her compassionate eyes met Harry’s, acknowledging the profound connection between father and daughter. She approached with a hushed reassurance, careful not to disrupt the sanctity of the scene before her.

“Harry.” she began with a soft voice, “I’m so sorry to interrupt this beautiful moment, but we need to take your little one across the hall. The other nurse informed me they observed a low Apgar score, and we want to make sure everything is okay. It’s just a precaution.”

Harry’s eyes flickered with concern, a shadow passing over his joy.

“What’s an apgar?”

The nurse turns to the other nurse and gestures for her to explain.

“I will happily fill you in while your baby is being taken care of. She is in good hands, she won’t be gone long.

The nurse’s empathetic gaze communicated understanding as she continued.

Drained yet compelled, Harry gently placed his newborn in a soft, warm crib next to his bed. A sense of bittersweet solitude washed over him as he watched the tiny baby within the clear, portable cot. He felt a fleeting ache, a pang of longing, as the nurse approached to tend to the baby’s needs.

A mixture of sadness and comprehension crossed Harry’s face. He reluctantly pushed his daughter’s crib towards the nurse, whispering a gentle promise to her tiny ears.

“See you soon.”

Harry nodded at the nurse understandingly, his gaze lingering on his daughter as she left the room.

The nurse, recognizing the strength and sacrifice exemplified by this lone figure, treated him with a reverence reserved for the extraordinary. With deft hands, she pushed the baby across the hall, her every gesture underscoring the gratitude she felt for the trust bestowed upon her.

The other nurses’ words conveyed a sense of regret, and her tone demonstrated a genuine comprehension of the intense emotions permeating the room. Despite the unforeseen disruption, her presence provided an implicit assurance.

“They need to clear out her nose and mouth, and the necessary instruments are across the hall. I assure you, it’s a standard procedure. We want to make sure she’s breathing perfectly.”

The door closed behind them all as they all left, leaving Harry with a mixture of emotions and something new now…..fear.

The room seemed quieter, the absence of the soft coos and gentle sighs of his baby palpable. Yet, in the stillness, a flicker of hope remained, fueled by the nurse’s empathetic assurance and the promise of swift care for his precious daughter.

“I only saw her for ten seconds.”

Gemma poured him a glass of water from the bedside table.

“Be happy you got that, I didn’t even get to see her face.” She pouted, causing Harry to laugh and respond. “ I have already forgotten what she looks like.“

And so from here on out, Harry and his child embarked on an adventure of a lifetime – an extraordinary tale filled with unexpected twists, defining moments, and the unwavering strength of a father’s love.

“I will just go and grab Liam.”

Liam had left the room the moment Harry had started pushing. When the midwife had whispered “Good job Harry, the head is crowning.” Liam became whoozy. Harry rolled his eyes from across the room, but when Liam dry reached, Harry used his hand to ‘shoo’ him out the door.

Harry and Liam have been inseparable since middle school, their bond so strong that where you found one, you would generally find the other. They spent every weekend together, sharing adventures and supporting each other through every challenge. As they grew older, their friendship remained unwavering, until the past year when Liam secured a job five hours away. Despite the distance, their connection is still palpable, with frequent calls and visits, underscoring the depth of their closeness forged over years of unwavering companionship.

But even Liam, had no idea about Kane.

Now left alone in the tranquil room, Harry found himself embracing the silence, his heartbeat the only sound permeating the air. The journey had been lonely, the bonds of solitude at times overwhelming, but in that moment, a realization dawned upon him – a profound understanding that he was capable of creating, nurturing, and thriving in a love unbounded by traditional definitions.

Nothing else held any significance for Harry at this point. He had lost interest in pursuing a high-profile career or seeking romantic relationships. His sole focus and concern now revolved around the well-being and upbringing of his newly born daughter, Harmony, where she will always be the love of his life.

When the door to Harry’s hospital room finally opened fifteen minutes later, his heart leaped in anticipation. The nurse walked in, cradling the tiny bundle that Harry had been anxiously waiting to see again. As she approached, Harry sat up a little straighter, his smile growing with each step she took.

“Here’s your daughter, Mr. Styles.” the nurse said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that matched the moment. She gently placed the baby into Harry’s waiting arms, her touch as delicate as the infant she held.

Harry’s breath caught in his throat as he looked down at the baby swaddled in soft, white blankets. “Harmony.” he whispered, the name rolling off his tongue like a sweet melody. Her little eyes fluttered open for a moment, and she made a tiny noise that melted Harry’s heart.

He couldn’t stop smiling, his joy overflowing. Everything else faded away—the hospital room, the hours of waiting, even the world outside. All that mattered was this perfect little girl, who had instantly become the center of his universe.

He traced a gentle finger along her cheek, marveling at how something so small could bring such immense happiness.

“Hi there, sweetheart.” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Daddy’s here.”

Harmony stirred slightly, her tiny hand curling around Harry’s finger, and in that simple act, Harry felt a bond that was unbreakable, a love so profound that it took his breath away.

As he cradled her closer, his heart swelled with a love so pure, so deep, that it felt like it would last forever. Harry knew, in that moment, that no matter what life threw at them, he would always be there for Harmony. She was his daughter, his little miracle, and he would cherish her with all that he could.

Harry’s steady gaze remained on the fragile beauty of new life. In that profound connection, he discovered an all-encompassing devotion that knew no bounds. This was his story, one woven with courage, resilience, and the extraordinary power of the human spirit.

Harmony was his, and his alone.

✨️

As both Harry and Louis spent the next few days in the hospital, they reveled in the blissful haze of new parenthood. The sterile white walls of the maternity ward seemed warmer, softened by the tender moments shared between parent and child. Harry cradled his daughter Harmony, marvelling at her tiny fingers and the way her delicate lashes fluttered as she dreamed away. His heart swelled with an indescribable love every time she cooed or grasped his finger with surprising strength.

Meanwhile in the other room, Louis was equally captivated by his daughter, Lacey. He spent hours holding her close, studying every inch of her small, perfect face. The world outside the hospital had ceased to exist for Louis; his universe now revolved around the precious bundle in his arms. Each time Lacey opened her eyes to gaze up at him, his heart melted a little more. Alex was right there beside him, offering soothing words and quiet support, both of them utterly smitten with their new family.

But as they bonded with their cherished daughters, neither Harry nor Louis could sense the invisible threads of fate weaving a tangled web around them. Unbeknownst to them, a grave mistake had been made—one that would alter the course of their lives in ways they could not yet imagine. The two infants, swaddled in the love of their doting fathers, had been inadvertently switched at birth.

How could such a mix-up happen? The answer to that question lay in the hands of fate, which had already set the wheels of destiny in motion. Neither Harry, Louis, Gemma, Liam, nor Alex had the slightest inkling of the error that had taken place. For now, they were blissfully unaware, wrapped up in the overwhelming joy of parenthood.

But the truth, as truths often do, would eventually come to light. It is uncertain when destiny will reunite them all. Will it be a matter of weeks, months, or even years? The answer remains shrouded in mystery and unfortunately only time would tell.

For now, Harry loved his sweet Harmony with all his heart, convinced she was his perfect little girl. And Louis—Louis was utterly devoted to his precious Lacey, unable to imagine a life without her. The bond between father and daughter was unbreakable, even if the foundation on which it was built was a lie. But as fate would have it, and however destiny would dictate, the truth had an inherent ability to reveal itself, regardless of the depth of its concealment. When this revelation eventually comes to light, the lives of Harry, Louis, and their daughters will all undergo a permanent transformation, one where their lives will all be forever changed.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

A/N

What is that smell?

….

….

….

….

….

….

Oh , it’s the upcoming drama. 🤣

Anyway, a penny for your thoughts?

Chapter 2- Diagnosis

A/N I am so sorry. 😭 Please forgive me. I got carried away writing a story the 1dangstfest and I forgot to continue on here. I am so so sorry. Here is a 10k chapter.

’ The best and most beautiful thing in the world can not be seen nor touched, it can only be felt.’

🧸

✨️

FIVE YEARS LATER

✨️

Harry’s heart felt full as he thought about how much he loved being a dad. From the moment Harmony was placed in his arms five years ago, his world had changed forever. She had been a fussy baby, always demanding attention, crying out at the most inconvenient times, but Harry loved every second of it. The sleepless nights, the countless diaper changes, and the endless rounds of rocking her back and forth had bonded them in ways he hadn’t imagined possible. Harmony’s loud, piercing wail could be heard throughout the house, and as a toddler, she had been no different—always making her presence known with her boisterous laughter and spirited screams. If Harry had been asked to describe her in three words , there would be no denying they would be: Loud, loud and Loud.

Now, at five years old, Harmony had learned to be a bit more composed. He had spent countless hours teaching her manners, showing her how to say “please” and “thank you.” guiding her with his endless patience. Yet, no matter how much she learned to control her volume, that sassy spark still shone through every now and then which often puzzled Harry. His mother often commented how Harmony never resembled Harry regarding personality or demeanour and just assumed it had to come from the other father. Sometimes, when Harmony thought no one was looking, she’d slip back into her loud, expressive ways, making Harry laugh more than scold.

It was Harry’s belief that she inherited her father’s spirit from Kane, and he accepted this explanation without further inquiry. He saw no cause to question it.

Today, however, had been a bit different. Harmony had managed to scrape her knee falling off her bike in the front yard. Harry’s heart had nearly stopped when he heard her cry, rushing out there only to see blood everywhere. He quickly scooped her up and brought her inside, which he was kind of glad about, the weather was turning nasty and cold. He gently cleaned the wound and used the last of the band-aids to cover it up. His mother, who had been visiting at the time, witnessed the whole scene unfold and offered to stay with Harmony so Harry could make a quick run to the chemist.

This was the third time in two weeks that Harmony had gotten bruises or scrapes, and Harry was starting to worry. Whenever he asked her how she got them, she’d just shrug, her little face blank and unable to remember. But today, at least, he knew exactly what had happened, and he wanted to make sure he had enough supplies on hand for the next inevitable incident.

Harry glanced over at his mother, who was now sitting on the couch with Harmony nestled beside her, flipping through a picture book. Harmony’s scraped knee was wrapped in a fresh bandage, and she looked perfectly content, giggling as his mother read to her in a silly voice.

“Thanks for staying, Mum.” Harry said, grabbing his keys and wallet. “I’ll be quick. We’re out of band-aids, and I need to completely restock the first-aid kit.”

“No rush, love. ” his mother replied with a smile, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Harmony. “We’ll be just fine here, won’t we, Harmi?”

Harmony nodded.

“Yeah, we’re reading about caterpillars” she exclaimed, a big grin spreading across her face.

Harry chuckled.

“Sounds interesting, alright, you two have fun. I’ll be back soon.”

He gave Harmony a quick kiss on the top of her head and headed out the door. Even with the small accidents and the worry that came with raising a spirited child like Harmony, he wouldn’t trade this life for anything. She was his little girl, his joy, and his world.

As he walked to the car, he reflected on how much Harmony had grown in these five years. She was becoming more independent, more curious, and sometimes, more challenging. But every scraped knee, every loud outburst, and every moment of sassiness was a reminder of how much she was like him, kane: strong-willed, full of life, and unafraid to make her mark on the world.

He slid into the driver’s seat, started the car, and began the short drive to the chemist. His mind wandered as he drove, thinking about the future, about Harmony growing up, about the challenges that lay ahead. But no matter what came next, Harry knew he’d face it with a smile, just like he had faced everything else since becoming a father. Because for Harmony, he would do anything.

✨️

Louis had always known that he wanted to be a father, but he never expected it to be like this. From the moment Lacey was placed in his arms five years ago, she had been his everything. He had marvelled at how perfect she seemed—small and delicate, with big, curious eyes that seemed to take in everything around her. Unlike some other babies who cried all night or fussed over the slightest thing, Lacey had been a dream. She rarely cried, slept through the night early on, and seemed content with whatever the day brought her. Louis often joked with Alex that they had won the baby lottery.

Lacey was a quiet, observant child, always watching and learning. She would sit for hours reading books, her little brows furrowed in concentration, or carefully lining up her toys in little neat rows. Louis and Alex often wondered where she got her quiet nature and sharp intellect. Neither of them were particularly reserved, nor did they have Lacey’s calm, almost old-soul demeanour.

As Lacey grew from a baby into a toddler, and now as a five-year-old, her disposition hadn’t changed much. She was still quiet, still observant, and remarkably well-behaved. Louis often felt like he was living with a little adult rather than a child. She had an uncanny ability to listen and understand things far beyond her years, and she almost never caused trouble. Lacey was what most parents dreamed of—a near-perfect child. And while Louis adored her calm nature, there were times he wished she would just be a bit more playful or mischievous, like other kids her age.

Today, however, was different. Winter had settled in, bringing with it a bone-chilling cold that Louis loathed. The frigid air seemed to seep through every crack and crevice, no matter how high they turned up the heat. And to make matters worse, Lacey had caught a head cold. It had started with a blocked nose a few days ago—nothing too serious, just a bit of sniffling and a small cough here and there. But this morning, her cough had worsened, becoming deeper and more persistent. Her little face was flushed, and her usual bright eyes looked tired and dull.

Louis hated seeing her like this. It was so unlike Lacey to be sick, and even when she was, she was so stoic about it. She didn’t complain, didn’t whine; she just lay there quietly, her little chest heaving with each breath. Alex, ever the doting partner, had immediately offered to make her some warm chicken soup. He had insisted Lacey curl up on the couch under her favorite blanket, a soft, fluffy pink thing that she loved. He made sure the TV was set to her favourite cartoons, hoping the familiar characters would bring her some comfort.

“Try to rest, sweetie.” Alex said softly, tucking the blanket around her shoulders as she nestled deeper into the cushions. He then turned to Louis, who was already grabbing his coat and keys. “I’ll take care of her. You go to the chemist babe, and get something for her cough. And maybe pick up some more tissues while you’re there. We’re running low.”

Louis nodded, casting one more worried glance at Lacey. “I’ll be back soon, my love.” he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Her skin was warm to the touch, a stark contrast to the cold winter air outside. “You be good for Papa, alright?”

Lacey nodded weakly, a small smile playing at her lips. “I will, Daddy.” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Louis felt a pang in his chest as he straightened up. He hated seeing her like this, so small and fragile. He grabbed his scarf and wrapped it tightly around his neck, bracing himself for the icy wind that waited outside. The cold was biting today, the kind that cut right through you no matter how many layers you wore. Louis had never been a fan of winter. He despised the way the cold made his bones ache and how the days seemed to drag on forever under the gray, overcast skies. But today, he hated it even more for what it was doing to his little girl.

The streets were slick with a thin layer of ice, and Louis took careful steps as he made his way to the car. He didn’t want to rush and risk slipping. His mind was already running through a list of things he needed to pick up: cough syrup, tissues, maybe a few extra boxes of tea for himself and Alex. Something warm to help them all through this cold weather.

As he drove, Louis couldn’t help but think about how lucky he was to have Lacey. She was truly a special child—so thoughtful, so smart, and always so kind. He smiled to himself, feeling a rush of affection for his daughter. She was so much stronger than he ever could have ever imagined.

But as much as he admired her strength, he wished she didn’t have to be strong right now. He wished she could just be a little girl, carefree and full of laughter. He wanted to hear her giggle again, to see her eyes light up with excitement over something silly and small.

He shook his head, focusing on the road ahead. “She’ll be fine.” he told himself. “It’s just a cold.” But he couldn’t shake the worry that gnawed at him. He hated seeing her so quiet, so unlike herself.

The chemist was just up ahead. Louis pulled into the parking lot and found a spot near the entrance. He sat for a moment in the car, taking a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He needed to be strong for Lacey, just like she was being strong for him. He got out of the car, bracing himself against the biting wind, and headed inside, determined to find everything he needed to make his little girl feel better.

Today was just one of those days, he thought. A test of patience, a challenge of parenthood. And as he pushed open the door, he felt a renewed sense of resolve. He would do whatever it took to make Lacey well again. After all, she was his daughter, his perfect little angel. And he would move mountains if it meant seeing her smile once more.

🧸

Harry wandered through the crowded aisles of the store, his mind elsewhere, barely noticing the colorful displays of products lining the shelves. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t see the man standing in front of him until it was too late. Their shoulders collided, sending a bottle tumbling from the man’s grasp.

“Watch where you’re fucking going!” the man snapped, his voice laced with irritation. The harshness of his words cut through Harry’s fog, jolting him back to the present.

“I’m really sorry.” Harry blurted out, crouching down to retrieve the bottle before it could roll away. His fingers wrapped around the cold glass, and he carefully stood back up. “Luckily this didn’t break. Again, I apologise.”

As Harry straightened and handed back the bottle, the man stared at him, his annoyance slowly melting away as he got a closer look at Harry’s face. There was something in Harry’s earnest expression, his striking features framed by tousled hair, that made the man’s anger dissipate.

“It’s okay. Sorry for snapping.” the man replied, his tone softening, his eyes lingering on Harry a moment longer than necessary.

But more often than not, important encounters are planned via people’s souls, long before their bodies even meet. Perhaps the saying holds true, that our encounters are not coincidental. That certain individuals are destined to intersect our paths, for reasons yet to be revealed. The two gentlemen exchange a prolonged gaze, as if acknowledging a mutual familiarity. Logically, this should not be the case, as they have never formally met.

So no, their bodies had never met before, but their souls had, and boy could they feel it. It’s awkward, silent and very weird, but neither moves.

Louis eventually shook the bottle of cough medicine in his hand, offering a small smile and a flirtatious laugh.

“Can you tell it’s winter?”

Harry chuckled, relaxing slightly.

“Yeah, it’s been a horrible few weeks with the cold weather. Although, my daughter has become a little clumsy which doesn’t help when she’s super hyper. No decongestants for her, just plasters. Hi, I’m Harry.”

Hi, I’m Harry. He mimics inside his head. What the hell! Gosh this man standing before him was beautiful and captivating in every sense and those eyes, blue blue and more stunningly blue. The words had tumbled out of Harry’s mouth without thinking and now he feels like a fool. 

Louis laughed, his eyes twinkling.

“Nice to meet you Harry, my name is Louis.”

They both stood there for a moment, subtly checking each other out. There was an unspoken connection, one that felt odd and different, an electricity of some sort floating throughout the air.

Finally, Harry remembered why he was there in the first place. He smiled apologetically.

“Sorry, I better get going and find some more first aid supplies. Nice to meet you, and I hope your daughter gets better soon.”

Louis’ smile widened, his heart skipping a beat.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Harry turned to leave, but not before casting one last glance back at Louis. Louis was struck by a certain pair of intense green eyes.

“Yeah, um, have a good day.” he managed to say.

As Harry began to walk away, Louis felt a pang of guilt. He glanced down at his engagement ring, his mind jumbled. What the fuck just happened? He had never even looked at another man before. Yet, there was something about Harry that had captivated him instantly.

Harry gave him a final smile before turning out of the aisle. As he walked away, Louis couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement and curiosity about the man he had just met. He stood there for a minute, trying to shake off the unexpected feelings, but the encounter lingered in his mind, leaving him both confused and utterly intrigued.

🧸

Harry had spent the entire evening trying to clean the house, emphasis on “trying.” His thoughts kept drifting back to the man he’d met in the store earlier. There had been something about him—something familiar, almost magnetic and inquisitive. Harry couldn’t quite place it, but the man’s smile lingered in his mind, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

He shoved the last of the folded clothes into the bottom cupboard drawer. The room was finally in some semblance of order, but his mind was still a mess. Just then, he heard the unmistakable sound of  little feet padding down the hallway.

“I’m ready for bed. And yes, I have brushed my teeth, my dirty clothes are in the clothes basket, and I’ve filled my glass of water.” Harmony announced as she entered Harry’s bedroom, her tone reflecting that of standard routine. She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by the nightly checklist her father insisted on.

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me like that, young lady.” Harry chided gently. “Did you tidy up that mess on the floor at the end of your bed?”

Harmony’s eyes widened in realisation. “Shit!” she exclaimed before dashing out of the room, her little feet slapping against the hardwood floor.

“Hey! Watch your mouth, missy!” Harry called after her, shaking his head in disbelief. Where did she pick up this language? No one in the family really cursed, and when Harry did, it was never in front of her. She was starting school next week now that she had just turned five, so she couldn’t have picked it up from there. Even Kane, her other father she didn’t know, was well-mannered and had been raised to avoid swearing. It just wasn’t in his nature either.

Harry followed her down the hall to her room, where he found her hurriedly stuffing the last of her craft materials into a colourful plastic bin. Stickers, bits of paper, and glitter, always glitter, were strewn around her feet, but Harmony worked quickly, her little hands moving with practised efficiency. She snapped the lid shut and shoved the bin under her bed with a satisfied huff.

“All done.” she declared, turning to face her father, a triumphant grin on her face.

Harry leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a bemused smile on his lips.

“Good job, champ. Now, into bed, it is past your bedtime.”

Harmony climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. She was already getting cosy, her head nestled into her pillow, her favourite stuffed smiley emoji clutched tightly in her arms.

Harry moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, his hand gently smoothing the hair away from her forehead.

“You know.” he began softly, his voice warm and affectionate, “Every night before you go to sleep, the moon and the stars come out just to say goodnight to you. Because you’re their favourite little girl in the whole wide world.”

Harmony giggled, rolling her eyes again, but this time with a fondness that warmed Harry’s heart. “Dad, that’s so cringy.” she teased, her voice filled with a mix of embarrassment yet a tiny bit of affection.

Harry chuckled, brushing his fingers against her cheek. “I know, but you love it.” he replied, his eyes sparkling with love.

Harmony sighed, her smile softening. “Yeah, I guess I do.” she admitted.

Harry leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, my little moonbeam.” he whispered, pulling the covers up a little higher, tucking her in snugly.

“Goodnight, Daddy.” Harmony replied, her eyes already starting to flutter shut. “Love you.”

“Love you more.” Harry whispered back, watching as her breathing began to slow, her body relaxing into the soft embrace of sleep.

He lingered for a moment, just watching her, his heart swelling with a fierce, protective love. No matter what challenges lay ahead or whatever the world would throw his way, moments like this made everything worth it. He quietly got up, turning off the bedside lamp and tiptoeing out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar, just as she liked it.

As he walked back down the hallway, the house felt quieter, more peaceful. His thoughts drifted again to the man in the store, and a small smile played on his lips. There was something about today that felt different, something that seemed to hint at the beginning of a new chapter, a new chapter of a book Harry thought he had already closed. But for now, all that mattered was the quiet, contented sleep of his little girl and the warmth that filled his heart…..and a 5ft 9 man with the softest voice he had ever heard.

🧸

Louis sat at the kitchen table, his eyes unfocused, staring off into space as he mechanically dunked a teabag up and down in his cup. The steam curled lazily into the air, and the faint aroma of chamomile filled the room, but Louis wasn’t really noticing any of it. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally. It had taken him what felt like hours to finally get Lacey back to sleep after yet another coughing fit. Her small body had been wracked with spasms, her face flushed and tired, and Louis had held her, rubbed her back, whispered soothing words until finally, her breathing had evened out and her eyes had shut.

Now, with her safely tucked into bed, he was left alone with his thoughts, and they weren’t particularly comforting. His mind kept drifting back to the grocery store earlier that day, to the man with the green eyes. Those green eyes that had caught his attention immediately, striking against the fluorescent lighting of the store, a green so vivid and deep that they were almost haunting.

He sighed, his hand still dunking the teabag in the water, over and over. He didn’t even notice Alex entering the room, his partner’s presence barely registering as he continued the rhythmic, almost hypnotic motion. Up and down. Up and down. The teabag bobbed in the cup, the water gradually darkening to a rich, amber hue.

Alex stood by the door, watching Louis curiously, his brows knitting together as he observed the repetitive motion. It wasn’t like Louis to be so lost in thought, especially not when he was making tea. Usually, he was so precise about everything—two dunks for flavor, then a little squeeze against the side of the cup, and the teabag was tossed away. But tonight, Louis seemed caught in a loop.

“Hey.” Alex said softly, his voice breaking through the silence. “What’s got you all caught up? What are you thinking about over there?”

Without a second thought, Louis replied, “Green eyes.” The words slipped out of his mouth before he even realized he had said them, and as soon as they were out, panic jolted through him. His hand froze mid-dunk, and he turned his head slightly, trying to keep his face hidden from Alex’s view, hoping his expression wouldn’t betray him.

“Huh?” Alex’s voice was filled with confusion. “Green eyes?”

Louis’ heart thudded in his chest. Shit. This was not good. He needed to think fast. “Ah, no.” he stammered, forcing a laugh that sounded a little too forced, a little too fake. “I said, uh, ‘clean ties.’ Yeah, I gotta clean your ties for work tomorrow.”

He sprang up from his chair, the movement sudden and jerky, almost knocking over his cup. The liquid sloshed dangerously close to the rim before settling back down. He grabbed the cup, dumping its contents into the sink without a second glance. “I’ll just… I’ll go do that now.” he said quickly, turning on his heel and heading for the laundry room.

Alex stood there, blinking in bewilderment. He watched as Louis all but fled the kitchen, the clatter of the tea cup echoing behind him. Alex’s brows furrowed in confusion. Louis wasn’t normally this jumpy. He was usually calm, composed, always the one to keep things steady. So why was he acting so strange tonight?

Alex’s eyes drifted to the living room, where all of his work ties were hanging neatly on the clothes air dryer. They were freshly cleaned, pressed, and arranged by colour—just the way Louis always did it. There was absolutely no need to clean them again.

He shook his head, more perplexed than ever. “What on earth was that about?” he muttered to himself, his gaze flicking back to the kitchen doorway. He could still hear the faint sounds of Louis rummaging around in the laundry room, undoubtedly pretending to look for something to wash.

Alex took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that settled in his chest. He loved Louis, and he trusted him, but something about his behaviour tonight didn’t sit right. Green eyes? What had Louis meant by that? And why did he seem so flustered after saying it?

He walked over to the sink, staring down at the abandoned tea cup. The tea bag sat forlornly in the bottom, still steeping, still releasing its flavor into the remaining dregs of water. Alex picked it up, his fingers playing absently with the string as he tried to make sense of everything.

Maybe it was nothing, he thought. Maybe Louis was just tired—after all, Lacey had been sick, and they were both running on very little sleep. But deep down, a nagging doubt gnawed at him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to it, something Louis wasn’t telling him.

He sighed, setting the cup back down and turning away from the sink. For now, he’d let it go. They were both exhausted, and there was no sense in making a big deal out of a simple slip of the tongue. But as he headed towards the living room, he couldn’t help but glance back at the laundry room, wondering what was really going on in Louis’ mind, because Alex, well, he didn’t have green eyes, his were blue.

🧸

The day had finally come: Harmony’s first day of school. Harry had been up since the crack of dawn, unable to sleep from a mix of excitement and nerves. The house was unusually quiet, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. He tiptoed down the hallway, poking his head into Harmony’s room. She was still fast asleep, her small frame curled up under the covers, her mouth slightly open. Harry couldn’t help but smile. His little girl was growing up so fast.

He busied himself in the kitchen, making her favourite breakfast—Coco Pops with hardly any milk, just the way she liked it. He made himself some eggs, the smell of cooking filling the house, and soon enough, he heard the familiar patter of Harmony’s feet as she padded into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes.

“Morning, Daddy.” she mumbled sleepily.

“Morning, sweet pea!” Harry grinned, turning from the stove. “Are you ready for your big day?”

Harmony nodded, though a hint of hesitation crossed her face. “I think so. But… what if the other kids don’t like me?”

Harry’s heart clenched at her uncertainty. He crouched down to her level, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. “They’re going to love you. Just be yourself. Besides.” he added with a wink, “what’s not to like?”

She smiled, her confidence seemingly restored, and sat down at the table. As she ate, Harry couldn’t help but marvel at how grown-up she looked. It seemed like only yesterday she was learning to walk, and now she was heading off to school. He felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with so much pride.

After breakfast, he helped her into her little school uniform—a crisp white shirt, a navy skirt, and a matching blazer. He carefully tied the laces on her shoes, making sure they were just right.

“How do I look?” Harmony asked, twirling around once she was fully dressed.

“Like the most beautiful little girl in the world.” Harry said, his voice thick with emotion.

“Daddy, stop.” Harmony giggled, rolling her eyes.

“Okay, okay.” he chuckled, grabbing his camera from the counter. “But first, we need to take some pictures.”

Harmony groaned dramatically.

“Do we have to?”

“Yes, we do.” Harry replied, already snapping away. He took what seemed like a hundred photos, Harmony in front of the door, Harmony on the porch, Harmony pretending to walk down the driveway. Each click of the camera was a moment he wanted to capture forever, a memory to hold onto.

“Okay, Daddy, I think that’s enough.” Harmony said, her patience wearing thin.

“Just one more!” Harry insisted, moving to get a different angle. “I want to remember this day forever.”

Harmony crossed her arms and sighed, but she couldn’t help the small smile forming. “You already took like a million, Daddy. Can we go now?”

Harry finally lowered the camera, laughing. “All right, all right. I guess I did go a little overboard, huh?”

“A little?” Harmony teased.

Harry chuckled and put the camera away. He grabbed her school bag that was already packed with all her supplies, and handed it to her.

“Ready to go?”

Harmony nodded eagerly, her earlier nerves forgotten in the excitement of the moment. Harry felt a swell of pride as he looked at her, standing there so confidently.

They walked hand in hand to the car, and as they drove to the school, Harry couldn’t stop glancing in the rearview mirror, watching Harmony’s wide eyes take in everything around her. The world seemed so big today, and she seemed so small. But she was ready. And so was he, even if he didn’t feel like it.

When they pulled up to the school, Harry’s heart pounded in his chest. He parked the car and helped Harmony out, her little hand clutching his tightly as they walked towards the entrance. Other parents and children bustled around them, the air filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous chatter.

At the front gates, Harmony turned to Harry, her eyes wide with apprehension.

“Are you sure I’ll be okay, Daddy?”

Harry crouched down to her level again, his hands on her shoulders. “You’re going to be amazing, Harmony. Just remember to be yourself, and have fun. That’s all that matters.”

She nodded, a determined look on her face. “I’ll try.”

He pulled her into a tight hug, feeling the familiar sting of tears at the back of his eyes. “I love you so much. I’m so proud of you.”

“I love you too, Daddy. ” she whispered, hugging him back just as tightly.

After a few more moments, he reluctantly let her go. “Now, go on.” he said softly. “Your adventure awaits.”

Harmony took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and turned to face the school. With one last wave, she walked towards the front doors, her steps hesitant at first, then growing more confident with each stride.

Harry watched until she disappeared inside, a smile on his face despite the tears that slipped down his cheeks. His little girl was off to her first day of school, and he knew this was just the beginning of so many more firsts to come.

🧸

Louis pulled up to the school, glancing at the dashboard clock. “Look at that, we made it just in time!” he said with a hint of relief in his voice. “Here’s your bag, quick—the bell will go any second.”

Lacey, already unbuckled, grabbed her backpack from the back seat and slid out of the car. She took a couple of hurried steps toward the school gate, her little feet crunching on the gravel, before Louis called after her.

“Hey, where’s my kiss? Quick!” he called, leaning out of the window.

Lacey stopped in her tracks, turning around with a small huff. She jogged back to the car and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Have a wonderful day, love. Now run!” Louis urged, giving her a gentle nudge.

Lacey rolled her eyes playfully.

“Well, if you hadn’t have slept in, then—”

“Run, Lacey!” Louis interrupted, laughing. “You can’t be late on your first day. Love you!”

“Love you too, Daddy!” Lacey shouted over her shoulder as she turned and jogged towards the entrance, her backpack bouncing with each step.

Louis watched her go, his heart swelling with pride as he saw her make her way into the schoolyard. She looked so grown-up in her little uniform, her ponytail swinging as she moved. He could see her excitement mixed with a bit of nerves, and it made his chest tighten with  joy and a bit of nostalgia. It seemed like just yesterday she was a baby in his arms, and now here she was, heading off to school.

He stayed there a moment longer, just watching, a soft smile on his face as she disappeared into the building. He finally put on his indicator and prepared to pull away from the curb. But as he checked his rearview mirror, something made him freeze.

A car was pulling out from behind him, a silver sedan. “Nooo.” Louis muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he strained to get a better look.

Was it…?

He leaned forward, trying to make out the driver’s face. For a second, he could have sworn he saw a flash of small dark curls and a familiar profile.

“Is it?” he whispered, his heart beating faster.

He squinted, trying hard to look, but before he could get a clearer view, the car had already turned the corner and disappeared down the street. Louis shook his head, a wry smile on his lips as he quickly dismissed the thought. There was no way that was Harry, the guy from the chemist.

What were the odds?

“Get a grip, Louis.” he muttered to himself, shaking off the thought. He shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the school, glancing one last time in his side mirror, but the street was empty now.

As he drove off, he couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of something in his chest—curiosity, perhaps? Or maybe something more. But he quickly brushed it aside, focusing on the road ahead. After all, today was about Lacey, and he wouldn’t let his imagination run wild on such a special day.

🧸

✨️TWO WEEKS LATER ✨️

Harry was in the middle of tidying up the living room when his phone rang, its shrill tone breaking the calm of the afternoon. He glanced at the screen, recognizing the number immediately—it was Harmony’s school. His heart skipped a beat. This couldn’t be good.

He quickly swiped to answer. “Hello?”

“Mr. Styles?” the voice on the other end was calm but serious. “This is Mrs. Thompson, the school nurse. I’m calling about Harmony.”

Harry’s stomach twisted into a knot. “What happened?” he asked, his voice edged with worry.

“There’s been an incident.” Mrs. Thompson explained. “Harmony was involved in a fight with another child on the playground. There was some pushing involved and she took quite a nasty fall. She’s bleeding quite a bit from her legs.”

Harry’s mind went blank for a second, the world narrowing to just the sound of Mrs. Thompson’s voice and the sudden pounding of his heart. “Bleeding?” he repeated. “How bad is it?”

“Well, it’s more than we’d expect from a fall like this.” the nurse admitted, her tone carefully measured. “We’ve cleaned the wounds, but they’re still bleeding quite heavily. We think it might be best if you took her to see a doctor, just to be safe.”

“I’ll be there right away.” Harry said, already grabbing his car keys from the kitchen counter. He barely managed to hang up the phone before bolting out the door. She had only been at school for two weeks and this wasn’t the first time Harmony had come home with cuts and bruises, but this felt different. More serious.

The drive to the school took forever as Harry was held up by several red lights.  He couldn’t stop his thoughts, a hundred scenarios playing out in his mind. Harmony, as boisterous as she was, had never been cautious. She was the type to roughhouse and take risks. On the playground she was up and all over everything she could, but lately she usually stuck to the swings or the sandbox, carefully avoiding the more rambunctious games of tag or dodgeball.  Even at home, she was hesitant about activities that could lead to injuries. Just last week, he had watched her carefully tiptoe down the stairs instead of racing like most kids her age. Riding her bike was more of a gentle glide now than a fast-paced adventure, and he could count on one hand the number of times she’d gone down the slide at the park. 

When he finally pulled up to the school, he practically jumped out of the car and sprinted towards the nurse’s office. His heart hammered in his chest as he burst through the door, eyes immediately finding Harmony sitting on a small stall her face pale and strained.

“Dad!” she cried out, her voice trembling.

“I’m here, sweetie.” Harry said, rushing to her side. His eyes quickly moved to her legs, where he saw several bandages soaked through with blood. His breath caught in his throat. This was bad. Far worse than he had imagined.

“We cleaned the wounds as best as we could.” Mrs. Thompson said, stepping forward with a clipboard in hand. “But they’re still bleeding more than we’d like to see from a fall like this.”

Harry nodded, barely hearing her. He crouched down, his hands hovering over Harmony’s legs, afraid to touch them, afraid to cause her more pain. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asked gently.

“It hurts, Daddy.” Harmony whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “A lot.”

“I know, honey, I know.” He turned to Mrs. Thompson. “I’m taking her to the doctor right now.”

“ Of course. Sign her out over here.”

🧸

The doctor’s office was mercifully quiet when they arrived. Harry had called ahead, explaining the situation, and the receptionist had promised to get them in as soon as possible. As they waited, Harry tried to keep Harmony calm, holding her hand and whispering reassuring words. But inside, he was anything but calm.

This wasn’t the first time Harmony had experienced unusual bleeding. There had been several incidents over the past few months that had concerned him. The time she had fallen off her bike and scraped her knee—how it had bled for nearly an hour before it finally started to clot. Or when she had lost a tooth and her gums had bled profusely, far more than he’d ever seen with other kids. Even a simple cut from a thorn in the garden had taken ages to stop bleeding. And then there were the mysterious bruises that seemed to appear out of nowhere, often lingering for weeks longer than they should.

He’d brought up these concerns at previous doctor visits, but each time they’d been dismissed as just “one of those things.” Kids get bruises. Kids get cuts. But this… this was different. This wasn’t normal.

“Harmony Styles?” a nurse called from the doorway, breaking his train of thought.

Harry quickly stood, helping his daughter down from the chair. “Come on, sweetie, let’s go get it looked at.” he said softly, guiding her towards the examination room.

The doctor, a middle-aged woman, greeted them with a warm smile. “Hello, Harmony. I hear you’ve had a bit of a rough day.”

She nodded before looking up at her dad nervously.

“Let’s take a look, okay?” the doctor said, gesturing for Harmony to sit on the examination table.

As the doctor carefully unwrapped the bandages, Harry felt his stomach tighten. The cuts were deeper than he had expected, and the blood—there was still so much blood.

“Hm,” the doctor murmured, her brow furrowing as she inspected the wounds. “We’re going to need to run some tests.” she said finally, looking up at Harry. “Just to rule out a few things.”

Harry’s heart sank. “What kind of things?” he asked, his voice strained.

“Nothing to worry about just yet.” she replied, trying to sound reassuring. “ It could be something as simple as a vitamin deficiency, but we need to be sure. For now, lets clean this up properly.”

Harry nodded, though his mind was spinning. A vitamin deficiency? That sounded simple enough. But deep down, a cold, creeping fear began to settle in his chest. He squeezed Harmony’s hand, trying to stay calm for her sake.

“We’ll draw some blood and run a few basic tests.” the doctor continued. “And then we’ll know more.”

Harmony whimpered at the mention of needing a needle, and Harry leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re just going to make sure you’re alright.”

As the nurse prepped Harmony for the blood draw, Harry’s mind drifted back to all the little signs he’d ignored or brushed off. The extra caution she took, the unexplained bruises, the bleeding. He’d thought she was just being careful. But what if there was something more?

What if all these signs were pointing to something he didn’t want to see?

He watched as the nurse drew the blood, Harmony wincing slightly but staying brave. He stroked her hair, whispering soothing words, but inside, he felt a wave of dread wash over him. He knew they wouldn’t have answers today, but the questions had already started to form, and he couldn’t push them away.

What if there was something really wrong? What if it was something he should have seen, something he should have done or could have prevented?

As he sat there holding Harmony’s hand, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something he wasn’t prepared for. Something that would change their lives forever.

The nurse’s words still echoed in Harry’s mind as they walked out of the clinic, Harmony’s tiny hand nestled securely in his. “Please re-book an appointment for the end of the week, Mr. Styles.” she had said, her tone carefully neutral. “That’s when the blood test results should be ready.”

Now, as he made his way back to the car, he tried to focus on Harmony who was chattering away beside him, her voice bright and cheerful, oblivious to the concern furrowing her father’s brow. She was rambling about the pictures she’d seen in the waiting room, the ones with the bright happy colours and silly faces. But Harry could hardly hear her. His mind was already racing ahead, imagining all the possibilities.

He helped Harmony into her car seat, buckling her in with automatic movements. “Daddy?” she asked, her eyes looking up at him. “Are you okay?”

Harry forced a smile, patting her knee.

“Of course, sweetheart. Daddy’s just thinking about what to make for dinner tonight.”

He shut the door gently and walked around to the driver’s side, his smile fading as soon as he turned away from her.

As he started the car and pulled out of the clinic’s parking lot, his thoughts kept circling back to the nurse’s instructions. Why did she sound so serious? Was it just routine? The rational part of his mind told him not to worry, kids got bruises all the time, right? They played rough, they fell, they scraped their knees, they got growing pains. But something about the nurse’s tone, the way she had looked at Harmony with a hint of concern, was unsettling.

He glanced in the rearview mirror. Harmony was looking out the window, humming a little tune to herself, her legs swinging in time with the music only she could hear. His heart tightened in his chest. She looked so small, so vulnerable.

What if these bruises and scrapes were more than just the usual childhood clumsiness?

No, nope. He had to push the thoughts away, telling himself that he was overreacting. It was just a precaution, just to be safe. That’s what doctors always did. But a small voice in the back of his mind kept whispering, What if?

The drive home seemed longer than usual, each turn and stop light dragging out the time. Harmony kept singing, her voice soft and sweet, a contrast to the tension building in Harry’s chest. He focused on her voice, letting it calm him a little. She was fine. She had to be.

Finally, they pulled into the driveway. Harry turned off the engine and sat there for a moment, hands still gripping the steering wheel. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Whatever the results were, they would handle it. They always did. He couldn’t let his worry show, not in front of Harmony. She needed him to be strong.

“Come on, sweet pea.” he said, his voice steadier now as he turned to her with a smile. “Let’s go inside. How about some ice cream before dinner?”

Harmony’s face lit up with a grin.

“Yes, yes double yes, triple yes, yes yes yes please!”

As he unbuckled her and lifted her out of the car seat, he hugged her a little tighter than usual, holding on just a second longer. “I love you so much.” he murmured into her hair.

She giggled, squirming in his arms.

“I love you too, Daddy! But not as much as chocolate chip mint, let’s go!”

He set her down and watched her try and walk the fastest she could towards the front door, her laughter bright and carefree. He wished he could feel that same lightness, that same certainty. But as he followed her inside, a shadow of worry still clung to his thoughts.

🧸

✨️THREE DAYS LATER ✨️

Harry was at work, standing behind the counter of the shoe shop. It was a slow afternoon, the kind of day where he had time to arrange and rearrange the display shoes just to keep himself busy. He’d taken this job a few months ago, working part-time three days a week, mostly to fill his time while Harmony was at school. He liked it well enough—simple, straightforward, with just enough customer interaction to keep it from being boring.

He had only been working for three hours when his phone vibrated from where it sat on his jumper, which was folded on the shelf beneath the counter. The shop was quiet, except for the soft background music playing over the speakers, causing him to not pay too much attention to the vibration. He continued organising a stack of shoeboxes, making sure each one was perfectly aligned.

It wasn’t until about forty minutes later, during a lull between customers, that Harry remembered his phone. He ducked down and retrieved it, frowning as he noticed the screen. A missed call. His heart sank a little when he saw who it was from. The doctor’s office. The first thing he noticed was the voicemail notification.

With a slight hesitation, he tapped to listen to the message, bringing the phone up to his ear. His pulse quickened as he waited for the automated voice to finish, and then the message began, the doctor’s voice coming through clearly:

Doctor’s Voicemail:  “Hello, Mr. Styles, this is Dr. Harris from the clinic. I hope you’re well. I’m calling regarding Harmony’s recent blood tests. The results have come back sooner than we anticipated, and after reviewing them, I felt it was best to expedite a referral. I’ve gone ahead and made an appointment with a haematologist, a specialist at the hospital—for next Monday at 4pm.  I recommend that you disregard your initial appointment with us as the specialist will be able to provide more detailed and comprehensive information on the results. Please give the office a call if you have any questions or concerns, and we’ll be happy to assist. Take care.”

Harry’s hand shook slightly as he ended the call. The doctor’s voice had been calm, reassuring even, but the fact that they had made an appointment with a specialist, and so quickly, filled him with a cold dread. What did they find in those tests? And why a haematologist?

He had no idea what this meant, but whatever it was, it was already scaring the shit out of him. He slipped his phone into his pocket and took a deep breath, preparing himself to speak to his manager about leaving early. Whatever was going on, nothing was more important than his daughter. And right now, he wanted nothing more than to hug her tightly.

🧸

The week had dragged on with an agonising slowness, each day stretching out longer than the last. Harry had racked himself with worry, his mind running over every possible scenario, each one worse than the last. The anxiety gnawed at him relentlessly, making it hard to sleep, to eat, to think about anything else. He found himself spending a lot of time at his mother’s house, seeking comfort in her familiar presence, but even her soothing words couldn’t bring him any peace. She’d told him everything would be okay, that it was probably nothing, but he couldn’t shake the unease that had settled deep in his bones. By the time Monday finally came around, Harry was exhausted, his nerves frayed, and his mind clouded with fear. It didn’t help that Harmony had developed two new bruises since the last time he’d checked.

Now, as they walked through the hospital corridors, Harry felt a sense of dread. This part of the hospital looked completely different from the maternity ward he had been in last time he was here. He remembered that day so clearly—the sterile but hopeful atmosphere of the delivery ward, the anticipation, and the nervous excitement. But now, his eyes darted around, catching sight of signs that read “Oncology to the Left” and “Cardiology” down another hall. He felt his chest tighten. It was hard as a parent to see those signs and not let his mind wander down dark paths. Even though Harmony’s heart was fine, thank God, the mere sight of the word made his stomach twist with anxiety.

They finally reached the Pediatrics level, where the haematology department was located. This area of the hospital had been designed to be more kid-friendly, a deliberate attempt to make the experience less daunting for young patients. Bright, colourful murals covered the walls, depicting scenes of cartoon animals playing in a sunny meadow. There were whimsical clouds painted on the ceiling, and a large aquarium built into one wall, filled with vibrant, exotic fish that swam lazily through the water. Small chairs and tables were scattered around, some with puzzles or colouring books already laid out, clearly intended to distract and entertain. Despite these cheerful touches, the underlying clinical nature of the place still poked through. The antiseptic smell of the hospital, the low hum of distant machines, and the occasional soft beep from monitors kept reminding Harry where they were.

He walked over to the reception desk, trying to keep his expression calm for Harmony’s sake. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, looked up as they approached.

“Good morning.” she said softly. “How can I help you?”

Harry cleared his throat, his voice a little hoarse from stress. “Hi, I’m Harry Styles. I have an appointment for my daughter, Harmony.”

The receptionist nodded, her fingers clicking across the keyboard as she checked the appointment schedule.

“Yes, I see it here. You’re with Dr. Salt, our haematologist. If you could please take a seat, the doctor will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.” Harry murmured. He turned and led Harmony over to one of the small clusters of chairs. He sat down, and she climbed up beside him, her little legs swinging back and forth.

Harry’s eyes kept drifting around the room, taking in every detail, the bright colours, the cheerful décor, the other children who looked equally apprehensive. His heart ached at the sight of them. No parent ever wanted to find themselves in a place like this, and yet here they were. He glanced at Harmony, who was watching the fish with a quiet fascination, her face calm and innocent. She had no idea what was going on, no understanding of the worry that had consumed him over the past week.

He tried to focus on the fish too, but his mind kept wandering back to the voicemail from the doctor, the urgency in her voice. He felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting to see if he was going to fall or if someone would reach out and pull him back to safety.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, and reached over to take Harmony’s hand. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and trusting, and he managed a small smile. “It’s gonna be okay, sweet pea.” he whispered, squeezing her hand gently. “We’re just here to see the doctor and make sure everything’s all right.”

Harmony nodded, seeming reassured by his words, and went back to watching the fish. Harry wished he could believe it as easily as she did. When the nurse finally called their name, a surge of nervous energy jolted through Harry’s body. His hands felt clammy, and he could feel his heart rate pick up. He glanced down at Harmony and saw the fear in her eyes, her small hand gripping his tightly. She looked up at him with a worried expression, her brows furrowed in uncertainty.

“It’s going to be fine. Trust me.” he whispered, trying to muster a comforting smile, though he wasn’t sure who he was trying to reassure more—her or himself.

They followed the nurse down a long corridor, the fluorescent lights above buzzing softly. Each step felt heavier than the last, until finally, they were led into a small, sterile patient room. The walls were a soft beige, intended to be calming, but they did little to ease Harry’s nerves. A small table sat in the corner with a few chairs, and a child-sized examination bed was positioned against the wall.

“Please make yourselves comfortable.” the nurse said with a kind smile. “The doctor will be with you shortly.”

Harry nodded, swallowing hard, and guided Harmony to one of the chairs. He tried to focus on steadying his breathing, his eyes darting around the room. Every second felt like an eternity as they waited, the silence only amplifying the tension. Harmony’s small fingers dug into his palm, a silent plea for comfort in a moment that felt overwhelmingly uncertain.

The door opened not long later, and the doctor, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, entered the room holding a file. He gave Harry a small sympathetic nod before he glanced at Harmony with a smile before turning his attention back to Harry.

“Mr. Styles?” he said softly, extending a hand. “ My name is Doctor Salt, and I’m here with Dr. Bibbs a trainee. Thank you for coming in today. I understand this must be a very stressful time for you. I’ve been reviewing Harmony’s test results.”

Harry stood to shake the doctor’s hand, finding it hard to keep his own hand from trembling. Harry nodded, his grip tightening on Harmony’s small hand.

“Yes, it is. Nice to meet you, and please, just call me Harry. I just want to know what’s going on with her.”

“Of course. I’ll explain everything as clearly as I can. After your visit to the clinic last week, the doctor who attended to Harmony requested a series of blood tests to help us understand the cause of her frequent bruising and prolonged bleeding.”

Dr. Salt pulled a chair close to Harry’s and sat down, his expression serious but compassionate. He nodded understandingly and opened the file.

“We performed several tests on the blood samples taken from your daughter” Dr. Salt explained. “First, we did a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check the overall health of her blood, which includes the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This helps us rule out conditions like leukaemia, which can also cause unusual bruising.”

Harry’s heart thudded in his chest as he listened, because no parent wanted to hear that word. He nodded, urging him to continue. “And what did you find?”

“Her CBC came back normal.” He said with a small smile. “That’s a good sign. It means her platelet count is normal, and there’s no indication of other blood cell abnormalities.”

Harry let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. “Okay, that’s good.” he muttered, though he was still on edge.

“Next.” Dr. Salt continued. “We conducted two clotting tests: the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and the Prothrombin Time (PT). These tests measure how long it takes for blood to clot. In Harmony’s case, the PT was normal, but the aPTT was prolonged, which suggests there might be an issue with the ‘intrinsic’ clotting pathway—the part of the clotting process that involves certain clotting factors.”

Harry frowned, trying to process this information.

“So, what does that mean? Is there something wrong with her blood?”

“It means that while some parts of her clotting mechanism are working fine, others might not be.” Dr. Salt explained patiently. “To determine this, we also performed Factor Assays, these are specific tests to measure the levels of clotting factors in her blood, particularly Factor VIII and Factor IX. These factors are proteins that help the blood to clot properly.”

Harry’s eyes widened slightly as he started to understand. “And…what were the results?”

Dr. Salt paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “The tests showed that Harmony has lower-than-normal levels of Factor VIII. This suggests she might have a bleeding disorder, specifically Hemophilia A. It is a condition where the blood doesn’t clot properly because it lacks sufficient Factor VIII.”

Harry’s brow furrowed, confusion and worry etched across his face.

“Hemophilia? But… how? What? She is just bruised and …” Harry felt a wave of fear and confusion wash over him. “What does that mean for Harmony? Is it really that serious?”

The doctor spoke sympathetically.

“Yes, it can be very serious. Haemophilia A is typically inherited, but it can also occur due to spontaneous genetic mutations. Harmony’s recent symptoms—easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, and significant nosebleeds—are classic signs of this condition. We confirmed it through her blood work, which showed significantly low levels of Factor VIII. This disease varies in severity. Some people have mild forms and may only bleed excessively after surgery or injury, while others have more severe forms and may experience spontaneous bleeding or more frequent bruising. We’ll need to assess Harmony’s case further to determine where she falls on that spectrum.“

Harry’s grip on Harmony’s hand tightened slightly.

“How do we treat it?”

“We’ll need to manage her condition carefully.” Dr. Salt explained. “The primary treatment involves regular infusions of Factor VIII concentrates to help her blood clot properly. This will be crucial in preventing and managing bleeding episodes. She’ll also need to avoid activities that could lead to injuries or bleeding. Physical therapy might be necessary to help manage any joint issues caused by internal bleeding.”

Harry looked down at Harmony, a mixture of relief that there was a treatment and fear of what this meant for their future.

“And what about school, playing with her friends? Can she still have a normal life?”

Dr. Salt gave a reassuring smile. “With proper treatment and precautions, many children with Hemophilia A can lead relatively normal lives. It will be an adjustment, but with regular Factor VIII infusions and some lifestyle modifications, Harmony can still enjoy many activities. We’ll also connect you with a support team to help you navigate this.”

The doctor paused, his expression turning more serious. “There is one more important thing we need to discuss. Given that Hemophilia A is usually inherited, it’s important for us to understand more about Harmony’s genetic background. We’ll need to perform blood tests on you as well, Harry.”

Harry’s brow furrowed in confusion. “On me? Why is that necessary?”

Dr. Salt continued.

“We need to check if you are a carrier of the haemophilia gene, which will help us understand more about how Harmony inherited this condition. Additionally, it will help us plan her treatment more effectively. If you are a carrier, it will also provide valuable information for any future medical considerations.”

Harry nodded slowly, taking in the information. “Okay, if it’s important for Harmony’s care, I’ll do whatever is needed.”

Dr. Salt placed a reassuring hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I know this is overwhelming, but these tests are crucial for us to provide the best care for Harmony. We’ll take a blood sample from you today, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.”

Harry nodded, his mind racing.

“Then what?”

“I’ve already made another appointment here at the hospital.” Dr. Salt continued. “Today was just letting you know what we had found. Next visit we will be able to provide you with more detailed information and help us develop a proper treatment plan for Harmony. We will also review these test results in more detail and may order further testing to confirm the diagnosis properly and assess the severity of her condition.”

Harry nodded again, trying to take it all in. “Okay, thank you.” he said softly. “I appreciate you explaining all of this.”

Dr. Salt gave him another reassuring smile. “You’re welcome, Mr. Styles. I know it’s a lot to process, but you’re doing the right thing by being here. We’ll take good care of Harmony and make sure you both have all the information and support you need moving forward.”

Harry took a deep breath and squeezed Harmony’s hand. “Thank you.” he said again, his voice firmer this time. He was scared, but he knew he needed to stay strong for his daughter.

As Dr. Salt and Dr Bibbs left the room to arrange for the next steps in Harmony’s care, Harry leaned closer to his daughter, kissing her forehead gently. “We’re going to get through this, Harmony. I promise. Don’t be scared, okay. Daddy is right here and loves you so much.”

Harmony has no idea what’s going on, as most of her time had been spent reading the murals on the wall.

🧸

Harry gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove home, his knuckles white from the strain. A thousand thoughts collided in his head, making it hard to focus on the road. He was barely aware of his surroundings, and his foot pressed down on the gas a little too hard as he approached an intersection. The traffic light turned yellow, but Harry didn’t see it—his mind was too clouded with anxiety and dread. It wasn’t until a horn blared from the side that he slammed on the brakes, jolting the car to a stop just before the light turned red.

“Watch it, Harry.” he muttered to himself, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but his hands were still trembling.

From the back seat, Harmony’s small voice piped up.

“Daddy, are you okay?”

He didn’t answer. He hadn’t even heard her. His thoughts were looping on an endless reel of worry and fear.

Why? he kept asking himself. Why does this always happen to me?

It felt like the universe was conspiring against him, throwing one obstacle after another his way, never giving him a moment to breathe. Every time he thought things might finally settle down, another crisis would hit, knocking him off balance again.

“Daddy?” Harmony tried again, her voice tinged with concern. She watched him, her big eyes wide with worry, but he seemed lost in his own world.

He glanced at her in the rearview mirror, seeing her lips move but not registering the words. His vision blurred momentarily, and he blinked to clear it. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was looming, just beyond his reach—a dark cloud on the horizon, growing larger with every passing second.

As he turned onto their street, the familiar sight of their home brought no comfort. Instead, it only intensified the knot of fear in his stomach. He pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine, but he didn’t move. He just sat there, gripping the wheel, his mind reeling. Harmony, sensing something was wrong, stayed quiet now, waiting for him to speak.

Harry could feel it—his world was about to be shattered. In a few days’ time, everything he knew, everything he had been trying to hold together, would come crashing down. And there was nothing he could do to stop it.

🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸

Chapter 3 - Results

“ The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear, is fear of the unknown.“

Harry sat in the waiting room, his leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably as he stared blankly at the dull, white walls. The antiseptic smell of the hospital made his stomach turn today, and his fingers twisted around each other in his lap, unable to stay still. He glanced over to the small window in the far corner of the room, watching as the on and off again rain lightly tapped against the glass. It was a dreary day, but Harry wasn’t paying attention to the weather. He was fixated on what lay ahead—Harmony’s meeting with the haematologist. He swallowed hard, trying to push the flood of anxious thoughts to the back of his mind, but the knot in his chest wouldn’t loosen.

Beside him, his mother, Anne, was the calm in the storm. She sat poised and still, her hands neatly folded in her lap as if she were waiting for a friend at a café rather than a hospital. Harry had asked her to come because there was no way he could endure this alone. He had been a mess all week, and with Harmony’s new bruises popping up out of nowhere, his worry had multiplied tenfold. Anne had reassured him, over and over, that they’d get through this, but no words could chase away the dread. Anne gently placed a hand on Harry’s knee, her touch warm and steady.

“You’ve got to stop fidgeting, love.” she whispered with a soft smile, trying to catch his eye. “You’re only winding yourself up more.”

Harry let out a heavy breath, running a hand through his hair.

“I can’t help it, Mum.”

Anne squeezed his knee lightly, offering comfort.

“You’ve always been strong for Harmony, and you’ll continue to be, no matter what. But sitting here and panicking won’t change anything, darling.”

Harry nodded, though his insides still felt like they were in churning. He glanced at the door that led to the children’s playroom, where Harmony was. She had run in there as soon as they arrived, eager to play with the brightly coloured toys and other children. The hospital staff had assured them the kids were supervised, and Harry had watched, feeling a pang in his chest, as Harmony smiled and laughed, her ponytail bouncing with each movement. He hated the thought that his little girl, so full of life, was dealing with something beyond their control. Just then, the sound of his name being called startled him from his thoughts.

“Harry Styles?” the receptionist called out gently from behind the desk. He jumped to his feet so quickly that he nearly knocked his chair over.

Anne stood up beside him, calm and collected as always. “It’s going to be alright.” she whispered once more before they made their way to the consultation room.

After Anne had introduced herself, Doctor Salt politely got straight to the point as soon as they sat down.

“Alright. I know this can all be overwhelming, but I want to walk you through some of the treatment options available for Harmony. We’re going to make sure she gets the best care possible. Let’s start with the most common approach. Clotting factor replacement therapy. Essentially, we’ll be giving Harmony either Factor VIII or IX concentrates, depending on her type of haemophilia. These are administered through an IV infusion.”

Harry instantly becomes mortified.

“An IV? I mean… she’s so young, will that hurt her?”

“It can be a bit uncomfortable, but we use special techniques to make it easier for kids. We can apply a numbing cream to her skin before the IV to minimise the pain. Also, paediatric nurses are excellent at distraction techniques—whether that’s using toys, games, or videos during the process. We try to make it as stress-free as possible.”

“Okay, but how often would she need this?”

“That depends on how severe her haemophilia is. For some kids, it’s once or twice a week. For others, it could be more or less frequent. We’ll tailor the frequency based on how often she experiences bleeding episodes.”

“And what about other treatments? Are there any alternatives?”

“Yes, there are. One option is desmopressin, also known as DDAVP. It’s not as invasive as the IV therapy and can be given as a nasal spray. Some kids respond well to this, especially those with milder forms of haemophilia.”

“A nasal spray? That sounds way easier for her than an IV.”

Anne nods along with Harry in agreement as the Doctor continues.

“For some children, yes, it’s much more manageable. The dosage is adjusted based on her weight and how well she responds, but it’s definitely something we can consider if it suits her condition.”

“And… is there anything more permanent?“

“There’s also gene therapy, though I want to be clear—it’s still in the experimental phase and undergoing clinical trials. The idea behind gene therapy is to correct the genetic defect causing the haemophilia. In the future, it might offer a more permanent solution, but right now it’s not widely available for children.”

Harry shakes his head no.

“Experimental? I don’t know if I want to take that risk.”

Harry casts a worried glance at Anne, who appears equally apprehensive.

“That’s understandable. It’s something that may be an option down the line, but for now, we’ll focus on the proven treatments that are available.”

Harry has a temporary lapse in his ability to recall the questions he had prepared all week. Despite being presented with the opportunity to ask these questions, his mind becomes utterly blank.

“Oh, um, what happens if she gets hurt again? Like that fight she had at school? I don’t want her dealing with joint problems or worse.”

“That’s where the management of Bleeding episodes comes in. If Harmony experiences another bleed, especially in her joints, it’s crucial we treat it right away with clotting factor concentrates. This prevents further complications, such as joint damage. We’ll teach you how to manage these situations at home as well, and there will always be a paediatric haematologist on call if you need support.”

“I didn’t even think about long-term damage…”

Harry gently rubs his forehead in a contemplative manner while listening attentively.

“That’s why physical therapy and Joint care is important too. We want to preserve her joint health, so incorporating physical therapy early on will help. The exercises can be integrated into play to keep her engaged and active. It’s all about making it part of her routine without it feeling like a burden.”

“So this will be a whole team of people helping her?”

“Exactly. We’ll have a collaborative approach—paediatric haematologists, physical therapists, and even nurses trained specifically in haemophilia care for kids. They’ll all work together to monitor her progress and address any complications that arise, like inhibitors or joint issues.”

“And how does this all fit into her daily life? I don’t want her to feel like she’s different from other kids.”

“Our goal is to minimise disruptions. The treatments will be personalised to Harmony’s needs, keeping her health as a priority while ensuring she can still enjoy her childhood. We’ll work together to create a plan that keeps her safe, healthy, and happy without taking away from the experiences a child should have.”

“I just want her to be okay.” Looking at his mother, she smiles gently.

“I know. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure she gets the best care possible. We’ll guide you through each step, and you’ll never be alone in this….Now, let’s have a look at the blood results, shall we?”

There was something about his tone that made his stomach churn. The doctor shifted in his seat, the soft whirr of the computer’s fan filling the silence. His fingers danced over the keyboard with practised ease, eyes fixed on the screen as lines of data flickered before him. For a moment, his brow furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line as if he were mentally preparing himself for what came next. The faint glow of the monitor illuminated his face, casting shadows that deepened the tension in the room.

A long, drawn-out pause followed as the doctor scrolled through the results, the rhythmic clicking of the mouse echoing ominously in the quiet. He leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing, and then sat back in his chair, exhaling slowly before he spoke again.

“So, it appears your daughter has Haemophilia A, Factor VIII Deficiency. Haemophilia A is more prevalent, accounting for approximately 80% to 85% of all haemophilia cases. It tends to be more severe in terms of bleeding episodes, especially if the deficiency is severe, which we will learn more about with further testing. Believe it or not, this is good news for Harmony. Factor VIII deficiency is generally more common than Hemophilia B and easier to treat.”

Harry felt his body ease slightly at the doctor’s words. It wasn’t the best news, but it was better than he’d imagined. The heaviness in his chest loosened, and for the first time that day, his lungs filled fully with air. He glanced over at Anne, who was watching him with an encouraging smile, her hand gently resting on his arm. She always knew when he needed reassurance without him saying a word.

“What about my blood test? Was I a carrier?” Harry asked, his voice steadier now, though a flicker of uncertainty remained.

The doctor smiled, a quick flash of warmth across his face. “Let’s have a look.”

He turned back to the computer, fingers flying across the keyboard once more as he navigated through the various tabs. Clicking open new reports, his eyes flicked between data points with precision. Harry and Anne exchanged a glance, the air in the room shifting subtly. They both noticed it—something in the doctor’s posture had changed. He was leaning in closer, his brow furrowing again, but this time, his movements felt slower, more deliberate. The silence stretched, thick with tension.

Seconds passed, the only sound in the room was the occasional click of the mouse and the soft tapping of the keyboard. Harry shifted in his seat, his heart pounding a little faster now. The doctor seemed lost in thought, eyes scanning the screen as if trying to make sense of something.

“Well, do I?” Harry asked, his voice breaking the quiet, trying to push through the growing unease.

The doctor straightened slightly, glancing at Harry before turning back to the screen, his lips pressing into a firm line. He hesitated for a moment, then looked at Harry again, his expression unreadable.

“Mr Styles, may I speak with you privately for a moment, or are you comfortable enough for me to speak with your mother present?” the doctor asked, his tone professional, but there was a gentleness behind the words.

Before Harry could respond, Anne gave him a soft smile and stood up. “I’ll wait outside.” she said, squeezing her son’s shoulder briefly before excusing herself out the door. The sound of it closing behind her seemed to echo louder than usual and it made Harry scared. He turned back to the doctor, the massive pit of anxiety making a reappearance.

“What is wrong?”

With no initial answer, the only sound that remained was the gentle ticking of the wall clock, marking the steady passage of time. For some reason, Harry’s eyes darted around the room taking in the medical degrees on the walls and the various anatomical models on the desk. He fidgeted with his hands, his anxiety growing.

“Harry.” The doctor began. “I’ve reviewed the results of both Harmony’s and your genetic tests.”

Harry leaned forward.

“Okay. And what did you find out? She is going to be alright and- …. I’m sorry, why do you look like you have bad news?”

Dr. Salt hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully.

“When we performed the genetic testing, we compared her DNA with yours to confirm the inheritance pattern.”

Harry’s brow furrowed. “Yes, you did inform me of that…And?….What came up? Do I have it too?”

Dr. Salt took a deep breath.

“No, fortunately you do not have the disorder. Look, there is no easy way to say this, so I am just going to be straight forward. Are you certain you are her biological Parent?”

Harry’s eyes widened in shock, confusion knotting his stomach. Every instinct screamed that the doctor was making a mockery. His grip tightened on the armrest.

“WHAT? Of course I’m her father.”

The disbelief in his voice cut through the room, his heart pounding so loudly it felt like it was echoing in his ears.

The doctor’s expression remained solemn. He glanced back at the screen, his face shadowed in the dim light of the monitor, then returned his gaze to Harry, his tone gentle but firm.

“Harry, I do not mean to question your honesty, but I’m afraid the DNA results don’t match up. Harmony does not share your DNA.”

Harry’s jaw dropped, words catching in his throat. Shock rooted him to the chair as his mind fought to process the information. This couldn’t be happening. He locked eyes with the doctor, his breath shallow, waiting for him to admit that there had been some kind of misunderstanding, a clerical error—anything that could make this moment disappear.

“There must be some kind of mistake.” Harry said, louder than he intended. The room seemed too small now, the walls closing in as his mind spun in disbelief.

Dr. Salt shook his head slowly, eyes filled with empathy as he turned the laptop towards Harry. The screen displayed the genetic test results, with charts and data clearly showing the discrepancy. The charts and tables all pointed to one conclusion, one that Harry wasn’t ready to accept.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Styles, but on paper, Harmony does not share the same DNA as you. She is not your biological daughter.”

Harry’s world tilted, his mind clouded. His heart thudded painfully against his chest, a mixture of panic and disbelief rising like a tide inside him. He blinked at the screen, the numbers and charts blurring together as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. None of it felt real.

“This can’t be right.” Harry muttered, his voice shaky as his eyes remained glued to the data in front of him. “There must be a mistake“ He repeated. “I’ve raised her, loved her… She’s MY daughter!”

His voice cracked with the weight of his words, and he glanced back at the doctor, desperately searching his face for something—anything—that would tell him this was some kind of sick joke, a nightmare he could wake up from.

But Dr. Salt’s expression exuded profound empathy. Never before in his extensive medical career had he encountered the daunting task of conveying such a sensitive matter.

“I understand how difficult this is to hear.” Dr. Salt began, his voice careful and calm. “Mistakes like this are rare, but they do happen. We need to investigate further to understand how this could have occurred. It’s possible there was a mix-up at the hospital when she was born, and—”

Harry’s hands trembled as he raked them through his hair, his mind screaming in denial.

“A mix-up at the hospital? How could this happen? What do I do now? This is absurd! There must be a mistake!”

The doctor leaned forward, his tone growing even gentler, as if he were trying to steady the wave of emotions crashing inside Harry.

“First, we need to confirm the findings with additional testing, just to be absolutely certain. Then, if the results are consistent, we’ll need to work with the hospital to investigate what happened and identify the other family involved. This is a very delicate situation, but we’ll support you through every step of the process.”

Harry stood abruptly, unable to stay still any longer. His legs felt unsteady beneath him as he paced the length of the room, anger boiling beneath the surface.

“Support me? Excuse my language, but this is fucking crazy!” He swung around to face the doctor again, his voice breaking as he tried to hold back the wave of anger.

“I just want to make sure Harmony is okay. You don’t understand—she’s all I have. She is my daughter. There is no doubt. I love her.”

He sat back down, his body rigid as he stared at the floor, his mind a whirlwind of fear, anger, and confusion. None of it made sense. This wasn’t just about DNA; this was about the bond he’d built with his daughter, the love that had grown with every moment he’d spent raising her. It couldn’t all come down to numbers on a screen.

Dr. Salt reached across the desk, placing a hand on Harry’s arm, his voice low and sincere.

“We’ll do everything we can to help you and Harmony through this. I am deeply sorry this is happening.”

Harry swallowed, his throat tight with emotion. His jaw clenched as he forced the words through gritted teeth, every part of him trembling with the need to fix what was so painfully broken.

“Test again.”

As the weight of the revelation settled in, Harry’s determination solidified. No matter what the DNA said, Harmony was his daughter in every way that mattered. They would face whatever came next together, but right now, all he wanted to do was call Kane …and he fucking couldn’t.

🧸

Harry stormed out of Dr. Salt’s office, his footsteps echoing in the hallway. His mind was spinning, his chest tight with a pressure that he couldn’t relieve. He didn’t know how to process what had just been said, only that he needed to keep moving—to get away from the crushing weight of reality that had come tumbling down around him.

As he turned the corner, he spotted his mother in the waiting room, sitting in one of the stiff chairs, flipping absently through a magazine. The moment her eyes met his, she smiled softly, but her expression shifted immediately when she saw his face—pale, stricken, on the verge of falling apart.

Before he knew it, he was moving towards her, faster and faster, his legs weak beneath him. His vision blurred with tears he couldn’t hold back, and by the time he reached her, he collapsed into her arms, his face buried in her shoulder.

“Heyyy, hey, what happened?” Anne’s voice was full of concern, her arms wrapping around him protectively as she held him close. She rubbed soothing circles on his back, but her voice trembled, her worry palpable. “I thought she was going to be okay?”

For a brief second, Harry found solace in the warmth of his mother’s embrace, but the reminder of Harmony made him pull back quickly. His breath hitched as he glanced down the hallway, his heart racing again. Harmony. His little girl. She was so close by, and he couldn’t risk falling apart in front of her. He couldn’t let her see him like this.

Without answering his mother, he spun around, panic gripping him as he hurried towards the playroom where Harmony had been waiting. Anne followed him, her concern deepening as she sensed the shift in his energy. He pushed open the door to the playroom, scanning the small space until his eyes landed on his daughter, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a puzzle in front of her, blissfully unaware of the chaos swirling around her.

“Harmony.” Harry called, his voice unsteady as he crossed the room, kneeling down next to her. His hands were shaking as he helped her up, his movements frantic. “C’mon, we need to go.”

“But Daddy—” Harmony started to protest, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. She had been playing so contently, unaware of the storm building in her father’s heart.

“We’ll go get something to eat, love, but we need to leave now.” Harry interrupted, trying to keep his voice calm, though he could feel the tension cracking beneath the surface. His hands were sweating as he picked up her little backpack and hurried her towards the door.

Anne, watching him with growing alarm, followed closely. “Harry, what’s going on?” she asked, her voice laced with worry as they moved through the halls. But Harry didn’t respond. He couldn’t—not yet. His heart was pounding, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts, all of them leading back to that impossible truth.

By the time they reached the car, Harmony was tugging on Harry’s sleeve, her small voice a constant refrain. “Daddy, can we get pizza? I’m hungry. Daddy, daddy please? Can we have pepperoni pizza?”

Harry’s grip tightened on the car door, his knuckles white as he fought to keep it together. He was hanging on by a thread, barely able to hear Harmony’s requests over the noise in his head. The drive home loomed before him like an insurmountable task, and he didn’t know how he was going to hold himself together much longer.

With Harmony strapped into her car seat in the back, Anne stopped Harry from entering the driver’s side, her hand on his arm. “Darling.” she said softly, but firmly. “You need to let me know what has you this way. You’re scaring me.”

Harry froze, his eyes darting towards the back seat where Harmony was humming a tune to herself, still completely unaware of the turmoil. He leaned in close to his mother, his voice barely a whisper, terrified that Harmony might hear even a hint of what he was about to say.

“She’s not… she might not…not be mine.” Harry choked out, his breath hitching in his chest as the weight of those words settled between them. “The tests… they said she’s not mine, her DNA, we, shit, we don’t match mum. But I asked for a retest.”

Anne’s eyes widened, her breath catching as she stared at him, her mind struggling to comprehend what he was saying. She was stunned into silence, her lips parting as she looked at her son with a mixture of disbelief and heartbreak.

Harry avoided her gaze as he pulled back, sliding into the driver’s seat. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was heavy with the unspoken horror of what he had just revealed.

The entire drive home was quiet, the only sound coming from the back seat, where Harmony rattled on about her day at the hospital—about the drawings she’d made, the toys she’d played with, and, of course, her unwavering desire for pepperoni pizza.

Harry tried to focus on her voice, on the normalcy of her chatter, but every word felt like a dagger twisting deeper into his chest. His mind kept replaying the doctor’s words, the screen with the results, the cold, undeniable truth staring back at him. Harmony might not be his. Not by blood. But as she continued to talk, her little voice full of joy, Harry clung to one thing—she was still his daughter in every way that mattered. And no confirmation test could take that from him.

🧸

Later that evening Harry sat at the kitchen table, his hands wrapped around a mug of untouched tea, his leg bouncing nervously beneath the table. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the room, but it did nothing to ease the storm inside him. His mother sat across from him, her gaze steady and full of concern. He didn’t know how to begin, didn’t know how to put into words the fear that had been clawing at his chest since the doctor’s revelation.

“I am so scared.” Harry finally whispered, his voice breaking. “What if this turns out to be true, Mum? She’s my daughter, I don’t care what it says.” He looked up, blinking rapidly, his vision blurring as his eyes filled with tears.

Anne reached across the table, her hand warm and gentle as she clasped his. “Harry, love.” she began softly, her voice filled with a kind of strength that only a mother could offer. “Family is so much more than blood. It’s in the way you love her, care for her, tuck her in at night. No test can take that from you.”

Harry closed his eyes, his chest tightening as the tears slipped down his cheeks. He hated crying in front of his mum, but it was all too much. Anne noticed immediately, her brow knitting in sympathy. She squeezed his hand, offering him silent comfort as the silence in the kitchen grew heavier.

“What about her other dad, Harry?” Anne asked, her voice quieter now, as if she was treading into dangerous territory. “What if—”

Harry sighed heavily, pulling his hand from hers as he turned away. He wiped his eyes quickly, his hand dragging down his cheeks in frustration. He hated this conversation. He hated the guilt that it stirred up inside him every time his mother brought it up. “You know I can’t discuss that.” he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve told you before. Any discussion about him is off the table… it’s for our own good.”

His tone was firm, but there was an undercurrent of frustration, even helplessness, that lingered beneath his words. He felt like he was walking a tightrope, always on the verge of losing control of the delicate balance he had created. And his mother wasn’t convinced—not this time.

“I don’t get why you just can’t call him at least.” Anne said softly, a touch of disbelief creeping into her tone. “Don’t you think he has a right to know all this?”

Harry’s jaw clenched at her words, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. His mother had no idea—no idea who Kane really was, or how coldly he had tossed them aside, like they were nothing more than an inconvenience. God, if only she knew that he had given birth to a daughter fathered by one of the wealthiest men in the UK. What Harry really hated, though, was that his mother supported Kane’s political team.

“End of discussion.” Harry snapped, his tone final. He didn’t want to argue. Not about this. Not now.

Luckily, the conversation was cut short by the sound of little feet pattering across the hallway, and the door to the kitchen creaked open. Harmony bounded in, her face lighting up with a bright, carefree smile that made Harry’s heart ache in ways he couldn’t describe.

“Daddy!” she chirped, throwing her arms around his waist in a tight hug. Oblivious to the tension in the room, she then turned to Anne, giving her an equally enthusiastic embrace. “Nana! Guess what? I made a new friend at school today and she is the best!”

Harry forced a smile, trying to keep it together. He felt his heart squeeze as he looked down at his daughter—his daughter—so innocent, so full of life, and so blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding around her. He stroked her hair gently, swallowing hard to keep his voice steady. “That’s great, sweetheart.”

Anne knelt down to Harmony’s level, her smile genuine as she listened to the little girl’s excited chatter.

“A new friend, aww.” she said, her eyes twinkling with the same warmth she always had when she was with her granddaughter.

Harmony’s face lit up even more, her eyes wide with excitement. “She’s in my class, and she let me play with her today. But she dresses so fancy Nana! Like, her hair is always like a princess.”

“That sounds lovely, darling.” Anne said, standing back up. “How about we talk more about her while I help you get ready for bed, hmm?”

Harmony nodded eagerly and then looked up at Harry. “Night, Daddy!” she said sweetly before giving him one last squeeze.

Harry hugged her back, holding her a little tighter than usual, his eyes misting over again as he tried to hide his emotions. He kissed the top of her head, lingering for a moment, and whispered, “Goodnight, love.”

As Anne led Harmony upstairs, her voice full of warmth as they chatted more about school, Harry sat back down at the kitchen table. The sound of their footsteps faded, and once again, he was alone with his thoughts. He stared at the untouched tea, his hands trembling slightly as the weight of everything bore down on him.

‘It still could be a mistake’….He told himself.

🧸

The dreaded moment had arrived, and Harry found himself once more within the confines of the hospital.

Same room, same chair, same horrible fucking feeling brewing inside.

Except today, his mother, who had earnestly hoped she could attend, had gone to work at Harry’s request. Their entire family was not poor per se, but they did need to work in order to sustain themselves. Additionally, Harry, for some inexplicable silly reason, felt it was his sole burden and responsibility to handle this matter alone.

Dr. Salt entered through the door holding a file and a laptop.

Already, Harry knew something was up, because beside the doctor, stood a stern-looking man in a sharp suit, Mr. Edwards, a lawyer from the hospital, and Mr. Roberts, the hospital’s CEO, now all sat with serious expressions, with only a brief introduction of names being made.

Harry felt instantly sick. 

The Doctor took a seat behind his desk and looked at the three men, his expression grave.

“Thank you all for coming. Harry, as you know, we needed to confirm the initial findings from Harmony’s genetic tests.”

Harry maintained a forward posture, his gaze firmly fixed on him. He refrained from verbal communication, opting instead for an intense stare.

Dr. Salt opened the file and took a deep breath. “Unfortunately, the results are definitive. Harmony is not your biological daughter. The DNA tests confirmed it beyond any doubt.”

Harry’s face flushed with anger, his fists clenching. “How can this happen? How could you mix up babies? This is my daughter we’re talking about!”

Mr. Edwards, the lawyer, leaned in, his voice calm but firm.

“Harry, I understand how distressing this is. We spent all week going through old records and investigating the situation. We found that there were three babies born on the same day as Harmony.”

“So you already knew this definite outcome earlier in the week and didn’t call me, figures! What ? Had to get your story in order?” His outburst went unnoticed by the formality of those around him.

Mr. Roberts, the CEO, opened a folder and spread out some documents on the table.

“We’ve tracked down the medical staff who were working that day. Unfortunately, one of them no longer works at the hospital, but we are making every effort to find and interview them. We are committed to uncovering how this mistake happened and ensuring it never happens again.”

Harry’s eyes darted between the men, his anger turning to desperation. “Three babies? So there are three other families out there who might be in the same situation?”

Dr. Salt nodded. “Yes, and we are reaching out to those families for testing. We need to be thorough to ensure we understand exactly what happened.”

Harry’s voice broke, a mixture of rage and sorrow. “This is my daughter god damn it, Jesus Christ, how am I supposed to deal with this?”

Mr. Edwards offered a faint smile, his voice softening. “Harry, we are truly sorry for the pain this is causing you. We will support you through this process and ensure you get the answers you deserve.”

Harry stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “Support? How can you support me through this? You’ve turned my life upside down! Support, im sick of hearing that word”

Without waiting for a response, Harry stormed out of the office, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He walked aimlessly through the hospital corridors until he found himself outside. The sun was shining, but he felt cold, numb. He stumbled to a nearby bench and collapsed onto it, his body shaking with sobs.

Tears streamed down his face as he buried his head in his hands, the weight of the revelation crashing down on him. He had loved Harmony with all his heart, and now the foundation of his world had been ripped away. He cried until he had no tears left, and now, all he wanted to do was collect Harmony from school early and hug her.

So, he did just that.

🧸

As Louis stepped out of the school office with Lacey in tow, the mid-morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees lining the walkway. His expression hovered between exasperation and amusement, his daughter’s small hand clasped in his. Lacey, with her usual determined pout, glanced up at him occasionally, gauging his reaction.

“I can’t believe you pulled that one, Lace.” Louis remarked dryly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “A sore belly? Really? You could’ve been more creative.”

Lacey bit her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. “I really wanted to be home for dad’s birthday.” she admitted, her little voice laced with sincerity, but there was a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

Louis shook his head, feigning sternness. “If you’re going to fake sick days, you’re going to have to get way better at lying, kid. You were about as convincing as a soggy piece of toast.”

Lacey snorted, and they both burst into laughter. The weight of the morning’s call to the school—over yet another one of Lacey’s “emergencies”—had long since melted into shared amusement. But as their laughter echoed across the nearly empty schoolyard, Louis’ phone buzzed in his pocket, cutting the moment short.

He glanced at the screen, brow furrowing slightly. “Hold on, munchkin.”

“Hello?” Louis answered, his voice shifting to a more formal tone. “Yes, this is he… one moment, please.”

He covered the phone with his hand and leaned down to Lacey. “How about we head over to the play equipment for a minute? I won’t be long.”

Lacey, ever compliant when the swings were in sight, nodded eagerly and trotted off towards the small playground nearby. Louis followed her with a quick, practised glance to make sure she was safe before lifting the phone back to his ear.

“Sorry about that. Now, who did you say you were? Doctor who now? From Green Valley Hospital?”

His voice wavered slightly. It wasn’t often a hospital called out of the blue.

“Come in? Why can’t you discuss it over the phone? ….Okay. Sure. See you then.”

If Louis and Lacey had only continued towards the front gate, they would have undoubtedly crossed paths with Harry. But destiny had other plans. As Harry made his way to the office, ready to scoop up Harmony and cuddle her like never before, the universe conspired to keep the two men apart for just a little longer. It had only been a few weeks since Louis and Harry last saw each other, and once again, today, they narrowly missed that moment of reunion.

Through the rustling leaves, fate whispered. “But not for long.”

🧸

✨️

A WEEK LATER

✨️

Harry crouched down to eye level with Harmony, his heart heavy in a way it hadn’t been for a long time. Today wasn’t like other days. Today, his mind was filled with what Dr. Salt had told him —the news that two out of the three babies tested had not been a match. Which meant today, they were testing the last family, the one that had to be the family. Harry’s appointment was set right after theirs, and while he agreed to it without hesitation, the thought of what he might learn gnawed at his insides.

Harmony, in her usual sassy way, had been protesting the whole walk to class. “Why can’t I come with you?” she whined, rolling her eyes dramatically. “I hate school!”

Harry had barely registered her stamping foot, too distracted by his own swirling thoughts. He forced a smile and ran a hand through his messy curls. “You’re going to have a great day, my love. Look at all the kids. There are so many people to play with.“

He gestured around the classroom entrance, his eyes following the groups of kids. Harmony looked around too, her eyes locking onto two boys standing nearby, whispering and snickering. Her face darkened, and before Harry could react, she stomped her foot and yelled, “Shut up, Gerald!”

Harry blinked, surprised, and just as he opened his mouth to reprimand her, a gentle voice came from behind them.

“Don’t listen to them, Harmony. They need to learn to treat people with kindness.”

Harry turned to see a girl standing a few feet away, smiling warmly at Harmony. She had dark hair that cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders and striking eyes that seemed to shine with sincerity. Something in Harry’s chest stirred as he stared at her, the feeling unfamiliar, as if his heart was trying to tell him something without using any actual words. He swallowed hard, but the sensation lingered.

“Yeah, but Gerald is such a meanie.” Harmony retorted, scrunching her nose. “I prefer my way!” And with that, she stuck her finger up at the boy.

Lacey gasped audibly, and Harry’s momentary distraction was cut short as he reached out to pull Harmony back into line. “That is not kind, Harmony. You know better. We treat others with respect, no matter what they say.”

Harmony grumbled but nodded, casting one last defiant glare in Gerald’s direction before focusing back on the girl. But before Harry could speak, before he could ask who this girl was or even thank her for the kind words, the school bell rang loudly, echoing across the courtyard. Harmony and the girl exchanged grins, then, without a word, they linked hands and skipped off together into the classroom, giggling as if they had known each other forever.

Harry stood there for a moment, frozen. He watched them disappear inside, hand in hand, his mind still tangled in the strange sensation from earlier. He shook his head, trying to dismiss it. It’s just all the hospital bullshit, he told himself. That’s all it is. Her dark hair, her eyes… there was nothing to it. Just a strange, fleeting feeling in the middle of an already overwhelming day.

But even as he turned and walked back to his car, his steps felt heavier, as if something about that brief interaction had lodged itself in his mind. The short drive to the hospital stretched out like a long, winding road, he just wanted this day over already.

🧸

Harry was seated in the hospital hallway. His mother, who had come to meet him there, was now sitting next to him. Her presence provided a modicum of solace during this trying time. His foot tapped nervously against the floor, his hands fidgeting in his lap. Down the hall, he saw two men walking closer, their voices echoing softly. He knew it had to be the other parents, and his stomach tightened with anxiety.

Harry was not suppose to see the family. His appointment was made after theirs but the family before him had been super late.

He glanced down, trying to steady his breath, but as the voices grew louder and the footsteps neared, he couldn’t resist looking up. The moment his eyes lifted, he froze. He could never forget that voice or that immaculate face.

No way, no fucking way.

Harry locked eyes with Louis, who was still a safe distance away but already smiling gently with recognition. Louis raised a hand in a soft wave, the man next to him leaning in to whisper something, clearly asking who Harry was.

Shit, Harry thought. They don’t know yet. They’re going in now to be told everything. And what if… please, this can’t be true.

Not him. Please not him.

Maybe the other man is the parent and Louis is just a friend. God, he can only pray.

With Harry not reciprocating the acknowledgement, Louis’ smile disappeared as he continued walking, the gentle wave now turning into a small uncertain gesture as they approached the door to Dr. Salt’s office. Harry’s heart pounded, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts and fears. His mother squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with concern and unspoken questions.

The door to the office opened, and Dr. Salt appeared, ushering the men inside. Louis glanced back at Harry one more time, his expression a mix of confusion and empathy, before disappearing into the room.

Harry’s breath hitched as the door closed behind them. He leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes, trying to hold onto any semblance of calm. The waiting was unbearable, insufferable to say the least. His mother’s hand on his shoulder was his only anchor.

Minutes felt like hours as he sat there, the muffled sounds of voices behind the door a constant reminder of the life-altering conversation happening just a few feet away. Harry could only hope and pray that somehow, this nightmare would resolve itself, and that the man with the kind eyes and soft smile wasn’t the father of his daughter.

Harry’s heart pounded in his chest, every beat echoing louder than the last. He glanced at his mother, her worried eyes reflecting his own fears. The seconds stretched into an eternity until a sudden, angry shout broke the tense silence.

From behind the closed door, the sound of raised voices filled the corridor, escalating quickly. Harry’s breath hitched, panic clawing at his chest and suddenly he found it hard to breathe. He squeezed his mother’s hand, trying to ground himself, but the noise continued to build, overwhelming his senses.

Suddenly, the door to Dr. Salt’s office swung open with a loud crash. The man who had been with Louis emerged first, his hands running furiously through his hair, his face a mask of disbelief and anger.

“She is ours, Louis, ours! This can’t be right!” he shouted, his voice cracking with intensity.

Louis appeared behind the man, his earlier gentle smile replaced with a look of profound hurt and anger. How fast things can change, Harry thought bitterly. Louis’ eyes found Harry’s, but the warmth from earlier was gone, replaced with an unreadable mix of emotions that sent a shiver down Harry’s spine.

The other man continued to shout, his words a jumble of rage and denial. Harry couldn’t blame him; he knew all too well the crushing weight of the revelation they had just received. Louis, however, didn’t shout. He just stared at Harry, his expression a tumultuous storm of emotions that Harry couldn’t decipher.

Louis grabbed the other man’s arm, his grip firm yet comforting, and began to lead him down the hall. As they walked away, Louis cast one last glance over his shoulder at Harry, a look that spoke volumes yet remained an enigma.

Dr. Salt stepped out into the corridor, his eyes following Louis and the other man as they disappeared around the corner. Then he turned his gaze to Harry, his expression professional but weary.

“Mr. Styles, please join us.”

Harry took a deep breath and stood, his legs feeling unsteady beneath him. He walked into the office, his mother by his side and took a seat.

The doctor sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples before speaking.

“Well, as you can expect, they didn’t take that very well.”

Harry nodded numbly, his mind struggling to process everything that was happening.

“At the present time, they are in denial about it all.” The doctor continued, his voice gentle but firm.

“But they have agreed to testing. So, in the next few days, please expect a call from us to come in for an update.”

Harry’s mind raced, a thousand questions and fears swirling within him. The reality of the situation was sinking in, and it was almost too much to bear. He looked at Dr. Salt, hoping for some semblance of comfort or clarity, but all he found was a weary resignation.

“Thank you, Dr. Salt.” Anne said softly, her voice steady despite how uneasy she felt.

Harry nodded, his voice barely a whisper.

“Yeah, thank you.”

Dr. Salt observed Harry and Anne with a sympathetic gaze, understanding the immense emotional toll this situation was taking on them. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.

“I understand this is incredibly difficult for you, Mr. Styles.” He said gently. “Both families are facing a very complex and emotional situation. It’s important that we approach this with care and sensitivity.”

Harry nodded, his throat tight. He appreciated the doctor’s empathy, but the weight of the situation felt almost unbearable.

“We will provide support through this process.” Dr. Salt continued. “This includes counselling services. I strongly recommend that you see a counsellor to help navigate the emotional impact of this discovery, regardless of the results.”

Anne squeezed Harry’s arm reassuringly. “That sounds like a good idea.” she said softly.

Dr. Salt offered a small, comforting smile. “We’ll also be coordinating closely with social services to ensure that the best interests of both children are prioritised. The goal is to find a way forward that minimises trauma and helps everyone involved.”

Harry’s mind was still spinning, but he appreciated the thoroughness of the plan. “And… what about the tests? How long will it take to get the results?”

“We’ll expedite the testing process.” Dr. Salt assured him. “You should expect the initial results within a couple of days. Once we have confirmation, we’ll discuss the next steps in detail. It’s crucial that both families remain as calm and cooperative as possible during this time.”

Harry nodded again, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. “Okay. Thank you.”

The doctor stood, signalling the end of the meeting. “If you have any questions or need anything, don’t hesitate to contact us.”

After a brief discussion regarding the commencement of Harmony’s treatments, Harry rose from his seat with the intention of leaving. As he cast a final glance towards the door, his mind drifted back to the expression on Louis’ face . He was unable to dispel the persistent sensation that this marked the onset of what would be the beginning of a very long and painful journey.

🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸

Chapter 4 - Options

A/N

Sorry it took so long for this update. Been writing other stories. And the kids are on school holidays and its october which for those who know me, know that i build a massive halloween haunted house walkthrough, so all my time has been used on that. Sorry ! 

‘ Sometimes, the hardest thing, and the right thing, are exactly the same.’

🧸

Harry was just finishing up the dishes when his phone buzzed loudly on the counter, rattling the ceramic plates that were next to it, as it vibrated. He quickly dried his hands on the dish towel and picked it up, frowning slightly when he saw the number was from the hospital. His heart thumped heavily in his chest.

“Hello.” Harry answered. He tried to keep his voice steady, although a knot was already tightening in his stomach because was this THE call?

“Mr. Styles?” came the familiar voice of Mr. Roberts, the hospital’s CEO. Harry recognized it immediately; it was strange how voices could stick with you in moments like this.

“I’m calling about the test results.“

Harry’s hand tightened around the phone, his knuckles turning white.

“Right… okay.” he managed to reply, no other words feeling adequate.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, brief, but to Harry, it stretched endlessly, every second feeling like it dragged out the inevitable.

“We’ve received the results from the other family, and I wanted to inform you that the tests confirm what we suspected. There was, in fact, a switch beyond no doubt. Mr Louis Tomlinson is confirmed to be the biological parent to Harmony.“

Harry’s heart sank while his stomach churned. Despite all the doubts and fears he’d had over the past week, hearing it confirmed now with no possible doubt and finding a match made the air feel thick, almost unbreathable. He had been dreading this moment, but now that it was here, it still felt surreal.

“Louis…Harmony is Louis’ child.” Harry repeated. It wasn’t a question and the CEO seemed to understand that as he continued. He quickly looked around realising he had said that out loud, hoping that Harmony had not heard.

“I know this is difficult to hear.” Mr. Roberts said gently. “But I wanted to inform you as soon as possible so we could arrange a meeting. We’d like you to meet with the other family to discuss how to move forward.”

Harry swallowed hard.

“A meeting? With them?”

“Yes. It’s important for both families to be present so we can go over the next steps. We’ll have a counsellor available as well to help mediate the conversation if needed. We’re hoping to schedule it for tomorrow, if that works for you.”

Tomorrow. TOMORROW?

“Yeah… tomorrow is fine.”

He barely recognized his own voice. It was as if he was outside of himself, watching, unsettled by the nervousness that had taken over. He didn’t like it one bit.

“Thank you. You’ve both been through an unimaginable situation. Someone from our team will send you through the details for the meeting shortly. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions in the meantime.”

Harry nodded, which was pointless, the man couldn’t see him.

“Yeah, okay. Thanks.”

“Take care, Mr. Styles. We’ll see you then.”

The line went dead, and Harry slowly lowered the phone from his ear, his fingers trembling slightly. The kitchen was unnervingly quiet, except for the distant sound of ‘you tube’ playing in the other room. He had known this moment was coming, and had tried to prepare himself for it. But nothing could have truly braced him for the cold, “hard confirmation”. Harmony wasn’t his biological daughter. Despite all his prayers, all his desperate hopes that the hospital would call back and say, “Sorry, it was a mistake. Harmony is yours.” that call had never come.

The doctor’s words echoed in his mind like a broken record, relentless and cruel: “Louis Tomlinson is Harmony’s biological parent.”

He felt numb. Tomorrow he would meet the other family, the parents of his biological child. His biological child, he hasn’t processed that part. And then what? How do you even begin to navigate something like this? His thoughts spiralled, each one more overwhelming than the last. What would they all say? What would Louis’ family want? What would he want to do?

Harry leaned against the counter, closing his eyes as the enormity of it all weighed on him. This wasn’t just a mix-up or a misunderstanding. This was life-changing. Life shattering!

Harmony’s laughter rooared from the living room, breaking through his thoughts. He glanced in her direction, watching her giggle at the TV, completely unaware of the drama swirling around her. His heart twisted painfully.

How could he ever imagine a life without her? Could he? Should he?

Tomorrow. The meeting would bring answers, but it would also bring impossible choices. Harry had no idea how he’d make them, how he’d face Louis again, or how they’d navigate the mess of emotions waiting to unravel. All he knew for certain was that, after tomorrow, nothing would ever be the same.

🧸

Louis was anxiously walking back and forth in the living room, tightly gripping his phone. His thoughts were in turmoil as he processed the information conveyed by Mr. Roberts only minutes ago. “The results are definitive. The paternity test confirms that Lacey is not your biological daughter.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Louis spat, throwing his hands in the air as he whirled around to face Alex. “I mean, what kind of a hospital can’t keep track of babies? Actual human beings! Bloody hell, how hard is it to not mix up people? This is not happening, Alex. Please tell me this is not happening.”

He was pacing now, sharp, angry strides that carried him from one side of the room to the other. Alex sat on the couch, arms crossed, watching Louis’ tirade with quiet concern. He’d seen Louis angry before, but this… this was something else entirely.

“I can’t believe this. I knew something felt off, but this? I just thought she had a unique personality to us. They’re telling me that Lacey…” He stopped, pointing towards their daughter, who was sitting quietly at the dinner table, oblivious to the shit storm brewing in her father’s heart.

“They’re saying she’s not ours. How is that even possible? No… no no no. Nope, Lacey is…”

Alex exhaled, standing up and walking toward Louis, trying to calm him down.

“Look, I know this is overwhelming, and I am just as upset and angry about this too but we’ll deal with it. We’ll figure it out. You’re not doing this alone, baby.”

Louis snorted, his usual sass kicking into high gear. “Oh yeah? Well, it sure feels like I am, because guess what? You won’t even be there tomorrow, will you? You’ve got that bloody conference with the clients from China.”

Alex’s face tightened, guilt flashing in his eyes. “Shit ! I can’t miss that. Baby, I’m so sorry. It’s been scheduled for months. You know how important this deal is.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” Louis waved his hand dismissively, bitterness creeping into his voice. “Clients from China, big deals, lots of money. meanwhile, I’ve got to go sit across from him” he spat out the word as if it was poisonous,  Was he trying to convince Alex or himself that it would be torture to be around those eyes. Shit, those beautiful sparkling green eyes. 

“And i’m gonna have to pretend like I’m handling this situation with a shred of grace. You know me better than anyone. I’m gonna be a mess, I’m going to need you to ground me because you are the only one who knows how to calm me.”

Alex took a step forward, reaching for Louis, but he pulled back, his emotions too raw.

“I can postpone and …” Alex began to offer.

“I can’t let you do that.” Louis said interrupting, voice cracking just slightly. His gaze drifted back to Lacey, sitting innocently at the table, happily munching away on her dinner. She looked up, smiling with those bright eyes that melted Louis every time. And shit, now he can see it. Her eyes, Harry’s eyes.

“I just… I can’t, Alex.” Louis whispered, his voice finally breaking. “Lacey’s ours. She is. I don’t care what some doctor says, I don’t care about the bloody test results. She’s ours. And now I have to sit there, listen to them say she belongs to someone else. It’s too much.” He slumped into a chair, rubbing his temples as if trying to fend off a headache.

Alex crouched beside him, putting a hand on Louis’ knee. “You don’t have to go through this alone, Louis. I’ll be there in spirit, and as soon as that conference is over, I’m coming straight to you. But you can do this. You’re stronger than you think.”

Louis let out a shaky breath, his eyes moving back to Lacey. “Yeah… well, tell that to my heart because right now, it’s bloody broken.”

🧸

After a very sleepless night, Harry sat alone in the private waiting room, his leg bouncing nervously as he stared down at his phone. Pictures of Harmony flashed on the screen as Harry opened up his camera roll. Moments from her first day of school, her last birthday, and even the mess she made with the glitter and glue just last week. He let out a slow, shaky breath, scared of losing his little girl. How had it come to this? Five years. Five years of memories, and now, with one phone call, everything was turned upside down.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door slammed open.

Louis stormed in, his face flushed with anger, eyes blazing. He looked angry and he had every right. He also was alone and yet that somehow made Harry more nervous. There was no way Harry was gonna break the ice, instead Harry made eye contact but not for long as Louis drew his eyes out towards the window.

“Can you believe this shit?” Louis barked, his voice sharp enough to make Harry flinch. “Of all the things to happen, and out of everyone in the ward that day, they mix up our babies? Unbelievable!”

Louis didn’t want to start off like that. A simple “ Hello again.” was what he had originally planned. But Louis made the mistake of taking in Harry’s appearance the moment he stepped through the door. He looked so good in dark blue jeans and a white button up shirt and Louis felt that guilt again. Never had he even contemplated looking at another man since Alex. He was confused by Harry’s presence, so his body and mind made a quick decision, one that he thought would guard himself…he quickly put up walls around himself and became defensive.

Harry straightened in his chair, his body tense. He had been preparing for this meeting, but no amount of mental preparation could truly prepare him for Louis’ fury. “I know, It’s…”

“No, you don’t know, Harry! Because if you did, you wouldn’t be sitting there all calm like nothing’s happened!” Louis’ hands flew up in exasperation as he began pacing back and forth. “This is our lives! Our daughters! And you’re just sitting there like it’s another day at the office.”

Harry was very offended at that but inhaled deeply, keeping his voice steady. “I’m trying to process this too. But yelling at me isn’t going to fix it. This isn’t my fault, you know.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, am I too loud for you?” Louis shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I should just sit here quietly and pretend everything’s fine, right? Because that’s what you do, isn’t it? Sorry, Mr. Cool, calm and collected.”

Harry frowned but kept his composure, he isn’t sure how he does but he manages it.

“I’m not pretending anything. I’m just as scared as you are. But we need to focus on what’s best for the girls, not attacking each other.”

Louis stopped pacing and turned to face Harry, his eyes flashing with hurt beneath the anger. “What’s best for the girls? You of all people should understand. I’ve raised Lacey for five years. I’ve tucked her in every night, held her when she was sick. She’s MY daughter, Harry. Am I supposed to just hand her over now?”

Harry felt a lump form in his throat. He understood, of course he did. But it wasn’t that simple. “And Harmony’s my daughter.” he said quietly, his voice betraying the strain he was trying to hide. “But I’m not saying we switch them back like nothing happened. I don’t know what the answer is. I just… I just think we need to talk about it, not tear each other apart. Again, not my fault, why are you so angry at me?”

Louis let out a bitter laugh. “Talk about it? What is there to talk about, Harry? The hospital screwed up. We’re living in some nightmare. And you’re acting like a goddamn mediator when our whole world’s falling apart.”

Harry wanted to defend himself, to explain that staying calm was his only way of coping with the whirlwind inside him, but he knew now wasn’t the time. “I get that you’re angry but…”

“You clearly don’t get shit!” Louis interrupted, his voice cracking. “How can you be so damn passive about this? Do you even care? I am not handing over my daughter to you and that is final.”

Harry felt the accusation cut deep, but he held onto his composure, even as frustration bubbled beneath the surface.

“Of course I care, Louis.” Harry’s head falls downward towards his lap and then back up again. 

At that precise moment, Louis established direct eye contact, prompted by his recognition of the underlying melancholy conveyed through Harry’s tone.

“I care more than anything. But we’re both scared, and if we let that fear control us Louis, we’re going to make this even harder on the girls. Don’t you see that? I wouldn’t just take your daughter from you, you don’t know me. I’d never-“ but Harry stopped, his words falling short.

Louis clenched his fists, his whole body vibrating with pent-up rage and hurt. He opened his mouth to retort but then closed it again, staring at Harry as if he was trying to decide whether to punch him or cry along with him.

Finally, Louis let out a long breath and slumped into a chair. “I just… I am sorry. I don’t know how to deal with this and Alex had to go to work and-” he muttered, his voice softer but still tense. “I can’t lose her, Harry. Don’t take her from me, please.”

Harry looked at him, his heart heavy.

“Neither of us wants to lose our children. But maybe, just maybe, we don’t have to. Let’s just see what happens in this appointment. But to be clear, I am not your enemy here.”

Fuck, he had forgotten how green those eyes were.

Shit. Breathe, Louis. In and out.

Louis looked away, jaw still clenched a little, but the fire in his eyes had dimmed slightly. “Yeah.” he managed to mumble, crossing his arms and staring at the floor.

Perhaps Harry is not the adversary in this baby switch issue afterall, however, his persistent actions of causing Louis unwanted butterflies in his belly are certainly problematic.

A door opposite them opened, revealing a woman neither of them had previously encountered.

“They are ready. Please come in.”

Louis stood, and for the first time today they both shared a common look at each other.

Fear.

But Louis sat rigidly, his arms crossed tightly over his chest glaring at the table in front of him. He needed to keep a facade, he needed to appear confident and firm, because the air felt thick with tension and he needed to be strong, otherwise he would fall apart. Beside him, Harry sat calmly, his hands folded on his lap, eyes focused on the panel of hospital administrators, doctors, and the lawyer Mr. Edwards. The room was oppressively quiet, broken only by the shuffling of papers.

Louis could feel the anger simmering under his skin, barely holding it in check. They had already sat here for several minutes listening to all the apologies under the sun and for some reason, every time Louis asked a question it kept getting avoided until he finally cracked. 

“This hospital needs to be shut down.” Louis had abruptly and unexpectedly changed the subject, unable to contain his irritation any longer. He directed a pointed look at the hospital staff.

“They can’t even keep track of defenceless newborns, for crying out loud! Can we get some answers now, or can we not trust you to lose those too?”

Louis’ attention was immediately drawn to Harry when he noticed the expression of discomfort on Harry’s face, and a hint of irritation briefly resurfaced.

“What? Are you fine with just giving up your daughter now are you? Because I’m sure as hell not!”

“I didn’t say that. I’m not fine with any of this!” Harry replied, still calm but his face portraying otherwise.

“Have you noticed they haven’t given us any other option yet?” Louis mentioned.

“But this isn’t just about what we want Louis. Harmony and Lacey, this affects them too, if not more.” Harry said softly, his eyes diverting away.

Louis gritted his teeth, biting back a snarky response. He wanted to yell, scream about how unfair this all was, but Harry’s words gnawed at him. He knew deep down that Harry was right. This wasn’t just their nightmare, Lacey and Harmony’s lives were caught up in it too and this all fucking sucked.

Louis could not allow himself to imagine the potential consequences if Lacey were to have a say in the matter. He was aware that she would express a desire to meet Harry, and Harry possessed qualities that suggested he was a capable parent. Louis was concerned about the possibility of Lacey developing a stronger preference for Harry and expressing a desire to reside with him. Additionally, he was apprehensive about the potential for Harmony to dislike him too. The room suddenly felt more confining, and Louis wondered if someone had closed the window, why was it so hot in there? The prospect of losing Lacey was emotionally devastating for him, and he was determined to prevent Harry from having any opportunity to establish a close relationship with her. He simply could not risk such an outcome.

“As far as I’m concerned this case is closed. Lacey stays with me, Harmony stays with Harry. NOW CAN WE GO?”

Harry’s eyebrows shot up at the way Louis’ voice had risen so loud.

Harry sighed beside him, his tone measured.

“I get it, Louis. But yelling about it won’t help anyone. I still need more information here. Don’t you?”

Louis turned to face him, sharp sarcasm lacing his words. “Oh, you get it, do you? Well, that’s just great, Harry. Glad someone’s calm about the fact they gave us the wrong child.” Louis rolled his eyes. “But you’re right. Sorry, go ahead and get your answers. This is bullshit. I just want to go home to my daughter and forget this ever happened.”

Harry placed his hand gently on Louis’ knee, trying to soothe him. “Look, I know this is messed up, but we need to focus on what happens next.”

Louis froze at the contact, his sharp retort dying on his tongue. A wave of something strange washed over him, comfort, but not the usual kind he got from Alex. It was unsettling, unfamiliar. What the fuck was that? He thought, his mind spinning for a second. Only Alex ever had that calming effect on him.

But Harry’s hand stayed there for a moment longer, grounding him, and Louis took a deep breath. He looked back towards the panel of people sitting across from them, his anger momentarily quelled, though his heart still hammered in his chest.

Harry observed the manner in which Louis regarded his hand and promptly withdrew it. The gesture was intended to provide comfort, yet it inadvertently ignited a sensation akin to an electric current that both of them felt.

“What’s our next step then?” Louis asked much calmer, his voice clipped, but more collected now. He straightened in his seat, ignoring the weird sensation still lingering from Harry’s touch.

Mr. Edwards, the lawyer representing the hospital and guiding them through the legal options clears his throat. Harry looks calm but visibly tense, while Louis is tapping his foot impatiently, arms crossed still. Mr. Edwards is flipping through a folder, reviewing the details before speaking. The room is quiet for a moment, then Mr. Edwards begins to explain the situation.

“Alright, gentlemen. Let me walk you through what happens next now that the DNA results have confirmed the switch. First and foremost, I understand this is incredibly difficult for both of you, but the main priority in cases like these is the well being of the children. This isn’t a decision based solely on biology.”

Louis scoffs while cutting him off.

“Yeah, well, I’d like to think the ‘well-being of the children’ started with not mixing them up in the first place! This hospital, unbelievable! Honestly, the whole system should be shut down if you ask me.”

Harry, without thinking or any hesitation, places his hand back on Louis’ knee to calm him.

And fuck, why did Louis feel like his leg was on fire.

“Let him explain, Louis. We need to hear them out. I need answers.”

Louis could only nod because all he could concentrate on was how to put out the non existent blaze burning through his thigh. 

Mr. Edwards, who was nodding along agreeing with Harry’s wise words, waits a second longer to allow the tension to settle.

“Thank you, Harry. Now, here’s where things stand. There’s no legal requirement stating that you need to hand the children back to their biological families. The decision here is largely up to the two of you.”

Louis raises an eyebrow in pure shock because maybe this won’t be so bad afterall.

“So, we just get to choose? And who’s to say what’s right here? Me or Harry?”

Mr. Edwards smiles softly.

“Not quite that simple, but yes, you do have options. The first step would be for both families to meet and discuss the situation together, with the guidance of legal and psychological professionals. Ideally, the two families can come to an agreement about what happens next. You can either switch the children back to their biological families, maintain the current arrangements, or even pursue shared custody. If you can all reach an agreement, we can move forward from there.”

Harry takes a deep breath, speaking carefully.

“So, if we don’t switch them… we could still keep the child we’ve raised? Legally?”

Mr. Edwards nods his head.

“Yes. It’s entirely possible to maintain the current arrangement if that’s what both families want. Given that the children have spent five years with each of you, the court or any mediator would heavily weigh the emotional bonds formed over that time.”

Louis smiles widely.

“ Well then, there’s our answer. Let’s all be on our way then shall we. Nice to meet you Harry and…”

“Mr Tomlinson. Please take your seat.”

It’s not the sound of the man’s voice that makes Louis stop. It’s the look on Harry’s face. He doesn’t look angry nor sad, but theres something there, something in those fucking eyes that pleads to him to sit back down.

And so he does. 

Louis’ sarcastic tone resurfaces.

“Oh, fantastic then. Righto, so, what if the other family suddenly decides they want Lacey back? Are me and my fiance just supposed to hand her over like a package, no questions asked?”

“Not exactly. If you and the other family can’t come to an agreement, then, unfortunately, the court would need to get involved.”

Louis, leaning back and with his voice rising, throws his hands.

“Great. So it’s a legal battle then. So the court just gets to decide who gets whose kid like it’s a damn chess game, got it.”

Mr. Edwards responds calmly even though he is getting frustrated by Louis’ remarks. But he knows and understands that it’s valid, the two men have every right to be upset and angry.

“If it goes to court, the outcome would be based on the best interests of the children, not just who’s biologically related to whom. The court could decide to maintain the status quo, meaning you keep the children you’ve raised, or they could recommend a shared custody agreement, where both families are involved in each child’s life. They will focus on emotional stability, the relationships that have been formed, and the psychological impact on the children.”

Shared custody. Harry is in deep thought. He doesn’t know why but now all he can think about is the little girl he wants to see, to meet, his own flesh and blood. 

“I see. So… the courts are less likely to just switch them back?” Harry asks.

“Exactly. The courts prioritise what’s best for the child. Stability and emotional security play a massive role in their decision-making process. It’s not about who’s right or wrong, it’s about what’s least traumatic for the girls.”

Louis begins to bite his lip, frustrated to say the least.

“This is… too much. I’ve raised Lacey for five years. She’s mine. I don’t care what some test says.”

Harry gazes at Louis and he can see the wheels turning even if Louis doesn’t admit it. Louis is filled with curiosity too. Louis is thinking about Harmony. Probably along the same line as himself mirroring Harry’s own thoughts: pondering her physical appearance, her intelligence, her behaviour, and her interests.

Harry cannot explain how he knows this, he just…..does.

“I don’t know what’s right here either, but… we have to think about the girls, Louis. Not just us.” Harry reminds him.

Mr. Edwards offered a sympathetic look.

“Harry’s right. In the end, it’s not about who wins or loses. It’s about making sure the children, Lacey and Harmony, are in the best environment, whatever that looks like. I would recommend giving both families some time to think over what they want before making any decisions.”

Louis softening slightly, glances in Harry’s direction and it’s like Louis has momentarily had his memory erased.

“So what are our actual options, again?”

Harry frowns because didn’t they just go over this? Wasn’t Louis only 5 seconds ago determined to not hand Lacey over?

“I said your options are as follows: One, you and the other family can agree to switch the girls back to their biological parents, though I’ll be honest, that’s the rarest outcome in cases like this, given the emotional ties. Two, you can maintain the current arrangement, where you keep Lacey, and the other family keeps Harmony, as long as both sides agree. Three, you can explore shared custody, where both families have a role in the girls’ lives.”

Harry looks at Louis, a little panic creeping in because suddenly option three sounded tempting.

He found himself more open-minded to the idea of resolving this mix-up, although at the present he would never admit it out loud. As much as he adored Harmony, his heart ached that the baby he had carried for 9 months, the one who kicked and turned inside his belly, made him smile the moment she came into the world, wasn’t the child sleeping in his own house. That thought lingered now in the quiet moments when he watched her play or tucked her into bed. He couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere deep down, a part of him was missing, his biological daughter, a little girl he hadn’t had the chance to know. It complicated everything, making it impossible for him to simply brush off the idea of a change.

“And if we can’t decide?” Harry asks, making Louis suddenly scared.

“If an agreement isn’t reached, the matter goes to court. In that case, the outcome will be based entirely on the best interests of the girls, taking into account psychological evaluations, expert opinions, and the relationships they’ve built with each of you, not necessarily on biology or custody agreements. The court will take into account their emotional well being, their relationships with both of your families, and their sense of stability.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, thick with implication. Harry stared down at the table, his mind racing. Court. He couldn’t imagine dragging Harmony into that mess, especially as she was now facing such a horrid disease. She was already going to be dealing with enough as it was.

“I can’t… I can’t do that to her.” Harry muttered under his breath, shaking his head. The idea of a judge deciding his daughters future, it made his stomach turn.

Louis leans forward rubbing his temples, clearly stressed but trying to collect himself.

“This is a nightmare. I don’t know how we’re supposed to make that kind of decision.”

Harry offers the saddest smile and fucking hell, like the eyes weren’t enough today, Harry’s dimples have come out to play.

“We’ll figure it out, Louis. We have to.”

Louis, in his tone that was now less sharp, stares at the man before him.

God he hates this. 

“Yeah… I guess we do.” Louis glanced over at him, sensing the shift. “We don’t have to decide today though, right?” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Let’s just take some freaking time. This is not like picking out what’s for dinner tonight for fu-, for goodness sakes.”

But to Harry, it didn’t feel like time was something they had.

The lawyer and the CEO exchange a glance before Mr. Roberts leans forward again.

“There’s one more thing we need to discuss before we move forward with the girls.” He pauses, sensing Louis, based on his defensive approach in particular, isn’t going to like this part. “We’re planning to hold a press conference. We need to address the media.”

“A press conference? Media? What for?” Harry asks simultaneously.

“Yes, Mr. Styles. Given the… unusual circumstances of this situation, word is already starting to spread. There’s already a lot of buzz around the hospital. Little whispers, rumours… things are already starting to leak out. We want to be ahead of this, to control the narrative before it spirals out of control.”

Louis leans back in his chair and yes, they were right. Louis is not happy. He crosses his arms with a sharp glare and snaps.

“Buzz? What are we, some kind of spectacle now? The media’s just waiting to sink their teeth into this, aren’t they? Great. As if things aren’t bad enough. Of course you wanna control it. Gotta save your own ass, right? Can’t have your shiny little hospital looking bad now because your staff couldn’t do their own job. Go ahead and protect yourself, that’s what this is really about.”

Mr. Roberts nods solemnly. “I understand how this sounds, but we’re not trying to turn this into a media circus. We need to ensure that the story is told the right way, factually, without any embellishment. If we don’t get in front of it now, the story will grow on its own, and trust me, that will only make things worse for both of you… and for the hospital.”

Exhaling slowly and running a hand through his hair, Harry shyly asks.

“So, you’re saying this is about damage control?”

Mr. Roberts raises his hands up defensively.

“That’s not what this is about. We want to make sure this situation is handled with care…”

Louis cutts him off, voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, ‘care’, right. That’s what you call it. Real caring of you to swap our kids and let us raise the wrong ones for five bloody years. And now, you want a press conference to make yourselves look like heroes, taking ‘responsibility.’ How noble.”

Mr. Roberts, who is struggling to maintain composure at Louis’ harsh words, sighs.

“We’re not trying to paint ourselves as heroes. We’re trying to manage the narrative before it gets out of control. The media loves a scandal, and believe me, a story like this will get out whether we want it to or not. By holding a press conference, we can be the ones to provide the facts instead of letting speculation take over. It’s also an opportunity to protect both of your families from any unnecessary intrusion.”

Louis rolls his eyes.

“Protect our families? Please. The moment this goes public, every tabloid’s going to have our faces plastered on their front page. You can’t protect us from that.”

Harry calmly tries to once again play mediator because this back and forth between Louis and the people in front of them is beginning to turn nasty.

“Louis, I understand where you’re coming from, but maybe it’s better if we’re the ones to tell the story, not the tabloids. I dunno, I have no experience in any of this but, surely they wouldn’t go out of their way to upset us more.” 

Harry has no clue what is better for any of them if he was being honest.. Right now he is only trying to diffuse the tension.

Louis waves a dismissive hand.

“Tell the story? What story, Harry? The one where they couldn’t even do the basic part of their job? This is just some PR cleanup for them to spin. Can smell it a mile away.”

Mr. Edwards jumps in, trying to keep things professional.

“We’re not here to spin anything. This is about transparency. If we don’t get ahead of this, the media will speculate, and trust me, that could get ugly fast. The press will dig, and you both know how relentless they can be.”

Louis in a mocking tone, shakes his head.

“Oh, right, because nothing says transparency like a hospital trying to cover its tracks. You guys are just trying to make sure you don’t get sued into oblivion.”

Mr. Roberts who has jumped on the defensive train clenches his jaw.

“That’s not the goal here, Louis. We want to be upfront about what happened, yes, but we also want to protect your families.”

Louis speaks with a bitter laugh.

“Protect our families? You’ve done enough protecting, thanks. What’s next? An apology tour on national television?”

Mr. Edwards tries keeping his tone firm but empathetic.

“Look, you both have every right to be angry, but the fact is, if we don’t control the story, it’ll take on a life of its own. We’ve already seen leaks, and once the media gets a whiff of a scandal like this…”

Harry sighs, rubbing his temples.

“Louis, maybe they’re right. We might not like it, but at least we’d have some say in how it all comes out.”

Louis is still fuming. 

“Yeah, because that worked out so well the first time around, didn’t it? Look, you can do your little press conference or whatever, but don’t pretend you’re doing this for us. We’re not idiots.”

Mr. Roberts, although becoming increasingly frustrated, is attempting to maintain composure and provide honest feedback, despite the escalating difficulty in doing so with each utterance from Louis.

“We don’t want to paint this as anything but what it is, a tragedy, yes, but one that needs to be dealt with openly. You’ll both have input. We’ll review the statements with you beforehand. And, of course, we’ll ensure that no identifying information about your families is leaked.”

Louis raises an eyebrow, still suspicious.

“Oh, sure. No names, no photos, right? Because the press is so respectful of people’s privacy.”

“You’re right, Louis. We can’t prevent the media from reporting on this, but we can control how it’s reported. We’ll keep your identities anonymous if that’s what you want, no names, no photos of the children. This will be purely about the hospital taking responsibility for what happened.”

Mr. Edwards, who is more direct now, senses the need to push forward.

“We can’t promise perfection, but this is our best shot at controlling the situation. Otherwise, it’ll be worse, more speculation, more digging. If we’re upfront, we minimize the damage.”

Harry’s voice is so hesitant as doubt creeps in.

“You just said, It’s damage control. I get that. But… I’d rather we control it than let the press do whatever they want.”

Louis then bitterly laughs and retorts.

“Damage control for them, Harry. They don’t care about us, just their reputation.”

Mr. Roberts is quick to interject.

“This is about doing right by you and your families. Yes, we have a responsibility to the hospital, but more importantly, we have a responsibility to fix this as best as we can.”

Louis lets out a dark laugh, shaking his head still amused.

“Yeah? Well, good luck with that. ‘Cause I don’t see how you’re gonna ‘fix’ the fact that we’ve been raising the wrong kids for half a decade.”

Mr. Edwards looks at his other colleagues.

“Louis, we know this is beyond difficult. But this press conference is the first step toward making things right. You don’t have to agree with it, but trust me, it’s better than the alternative.”

Harry, deep in his thoughts, glances at Louis first then back at the lawyer.

“Can they really keep our kids’ names out of it?”

Mr. Edwards nods firmly.

“Yes, we’ll make sure of it. The focus of the conference will be on what happened at the hospital, the steps being taken to address it, and the investigation into how this occurred. We want to minimise the attention on your families as much as possible.”

Louis who isn’t easing up on the sarcasm, huffs.

“Oh, sure, because the media’s really good at respecting people’s privacy, right?”

Mr. Roberts chimes in.

“We’re not naïve, Louis. But again, if we don’t take control now, it’s going to be worse. At least this way, we dictate the story, not them. We make sure the facts are presented, and hopefully, that discourages any wild speculation or sensationalism.”

Harry leans forward, his hands clasped together tightly.

“When would this happen?”

“Soon. Likely within the next couple of days. We’ll give you the chance to review the statement before anything goes public. Like I said, your names won’t be included unless you both give explicit permission.”

Louis’ voice is sharper than ever, but with a hint of resignation.

“And if we say no? If we refuse to let you have this little press circus?”

“Legally, you can refuse. But I’ll be honest, if you try to fight this, the media will still dig. They always do. By letting us control the initial narrative, we have a better chance of protecting your privacy in the long run.”

Harry sighs, looking over at Louis with a calm but quite concerned expression.

“We might not have a choice, Louis. If this gets out the wrong way…I think we should at least see the statement before we make any decisions.”

Louis lets out a frustrated groan.

“Fine. Fine. But I swear to God, if I see one photo of Lacey or Harmony in the papers… Don’t expect me to be there clapping along at this shit.”

Mr. Roberts smiles reassuringly.

“We’re doing everything we can to avoid that. The goal is to take responsibility, put the hospital’s processes under a microscope, and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Louis, still grumbling.

“Yeah, well, that’s the least you could do.”

Mr. Edwards glances between them both, his tone professional but compassionate.

“Thank you. I know this is a lot to take in, but we’re trying to handle this as delicately as possible for everyone involved. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.”

And Harry frowns because he keeps hearing that, but will it hold out?

The mention of having to go to court and now the press conference has sent Harry into panic mode. He was livid. First, because if he and Louis couldn’t come to an agreement, he wouldn’t be able to afford a lawyer, and second, because the hospital seemed utterly disinterested in offering any “real” help. Maybe Louis was right afterall. It was becoming painfully clear that their priority wasn’t resolving the situation, it was covering their own backs, protecting themselves from a lawsuit. The more he thought about it, the more it felt like they were trying to shift the burden onto the families, as if washing their hands of the mess they’d created.

The hospital board thanked them for coming in, and the promise to be in touch soon regarding the press release seemed like a thin veil over the true purpose, damage control. Harry nodded stiffly, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, while Louis offered a curt. “Sure, we’ll be waiting.” before they were finally allowed to leave.

The door shut behind them, and for the first time since they had stepped foot in the sterile, tension-filled meeting room, the corridor felt eerily quiet. The silence pressed in around them, broken only by the muffled sounds of distant footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Harry fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot, his gaze darting nervously to the floor before glancing back at Louis. He gave a half hearted, awkward smile, clearly not knowing how to break the tension. “I… I guess I’ll see you next time, then.” he muttered, already turning to leave.

But Louis wasn’t about to let him walk off just yet.

“Harry.” Louis called out, the sharpness in his voice gone, replaced with a softness that stopped Harry in his tracks. He turned back, a brow raised as Louis took a small step forward, his expression conflicted.

“Look, I’m sorry for the way I was in there.” Louis began, his words tumbling out faster than he intended. He ran a hand through his hair, the bravado from the meeting room peeling away. “That wasn’t really me, okay? I’m not normally like that, I swear. It’s just… I felt like one of us had to be the one to put up a strong, fierce front so they don’t just walk all over us. And… I guess I thought it had to be me.” He sighed, his eyes searching Harry’s face. “I didn’t mean to be rude to you, by any means. I just wanted them to know they couldn’t push us around. So… yeah. I’m sorry.”

For a moment, there was a pause. And there it was, the Louis Harry had met in the pharmacy, the kind, almost gentle man who had captivated him. Not this brash, sassy whirlwind of emotions. Harry couldn’t help but smile at the unexpected sincerity.

“Truth be told.” Harry said, his lips curving upwards slightly. “I’m glad you stood up to them.”

The smile stayed on Harry’s face for a brief second before it faltered, his brow furrowing. His voice dropped, tinged with regret. “Louis, I’m so sorry this happened. If Harmony hadn’t been sick and diagnosed, I would never have found out. We could have been living our lives as usual this very minute.”

Louis had zoned out, his eyes drifting somewhere distant as Harry spoke. In the whirlwind of everything that had happened, the babies being switched, the meetings, the news of a press release, he had somehow momentarily forgotten about Harmony’s illness.

“Louis?” Harry’s voice brought him back. “You okay?”

Louis blinked and cleared his throat, but when he spoke, the words that came out were so soft, so raw, they almost caught Harry off guard.

“Is she alright, Harry?”

There it was. The curiosity, the worry, Louis may have been furious at the situation, but there was still something deeper beneath it all. Something human. Something real, the same deep down feeling he was now sure Louis had too.

“She will be.” Harry replied quietly.

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Harry was the first to break the stare, glancing away nervously.

“Speaking of.” he said, his voice tight. “I better go and pick her up.”

He started to walk down the corridor, but something in Louis couldn’t let it end like that. The way Harry had just slipped away felt wrong, awkward, unresolved somehow.

“Wait a second!” Louis called after him, catching up with a small smile. “Where’s your phone?”

Harry turned, an eyebrow raised, clearly suspicious. “Why?”

“Just… give me your phone.” Louis said, waving his hand dismissively. When Harry reluctantly pulled it out, Louis started rattling off his number. “Here’s my number, just in case, well… you know. In case we need to talk.”

Louis paused, squinting at the ceiling as he tried to recall his own digits. “It’s 07362… wait, no. That’s not right. 0736928…wait.”

He stumbled through a few more numbers before laughing and throwing up his hands. “Hang on, let me check. God, I have the memory of a goldfish!”

Harry chuckled as Louis fished his phone from his pocket, tapping at the screen to find his own number. “Ah, there it is!” Louis grinned, finally giving Harry the correct digits.

Harry shook his head in amusement, punching in the number before sending a text. Louis’ phone buzzed almost immediately. “There. Now you’ve got mine.” Harry said, flashing Louis a lopsided smile as the ridiculousness of the whole exchange sank in.

Louis smirked, muttering under his breath, “Got it.”

Alex who, again?

Louis waved him off with a playful. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Harry echoed back, walking away, the encounter leaving him feeling strangely lighter.

“Bye.” Louis mimicked again, quieter this time, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he stood there watching Harry disappear down the corridor.

The whole situation was weird, awkward, maybe even a little stupid. But still… oddly refreshing.

🧸   Harry stood by the school gate, his hands stuffed deep into his coat pockets, watching the steady flow of children racing out, their high-pitched voices piercing his ears. He glanced around for Harmony, knowing she’d be out any second, her usual burst of energy marking the end of the school day.

Before long, there she was, sprinting towards him with that same excitement that always made his chest swell. “Dad!” she shouted, practically jumping into his arms. “Can I have a friend over today? Please, please, please?”

Harry chuckled, smoothing her hair as he bent down to meet her level. “A friend, huh? Well, I guess we can arrange that. If her parents are okay with it. But who are you tal…”

Before he could finish, Harmony let out an excited squeal and bolted back towards the building. “I’ll go get her! She’s still packing her bag!”

Harry watched her retreat, a soft smile on his lips. He loved seeing her like this, happy, carefree, and full of life. But as the smile lingered, a shadow of worry crept in. His brow furrowed, thoughts swirling in his mind. How the hell was he going to explain all of this to her? The questions, the situation, everything. His heart squeezed painfully at the thought.

“Frowning will give you wrinkles, you know.”

Harry froze. That voice. He knew it well enough by now to recognise it anywhere. Slowly, he turned, and there was Louis, standing a few feet away with the faintest of smiles on his lips, though it disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.

They both stood there for a moment, absorbing the sudden reality of being in front of each other once again. The tension in the air was palpable. The faint sound of kids chattering in the background faded as they locked eyes, realizing for the first time what this moment meant.

It’s hard. It’s like they read each other so well, both automatically on edge realising that at any given second they could each potentially see their biological child. They can both see the fear in each other as Harry clears his throat.

But Louis spoke first, his voice measured but strained. “I didn’t expect… I mean, I didn’t know they went to the same school.”

Harry shrugged, trying to act casual but failing miserably. His hand rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yeah, neither did I. I’m just waiting for Harmony. She’s wanting a play date with some friend of hers.”

Louis nodded, though the tension in his posture didn’t ease. He looked like he was stuck, stuck between bolting away and staying to catch a glimpse of what he didn’t want to admit was his biological child. His eyes flickered towards the building, but his feet stayed planted. His mind raced, every instinct screaming at him to run. To avoid seeing her. Because once he saw her, really saw her… he wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle the fallout and what it might entail.

He doesn’t know what to do. Does he want to catch a glimpse? The problem is he doesn’t know what that “glimpse” would bring. Reject? Heartache? Or a painful and unwelcomed longing to see her again. He is seconds away from excusing himself when he hears Lacey’s voice from behind himself.

“Daddy, daddy! Harmony said I can go to her house! Can I, please? Please daddy?”

The words made his heart lurch painfully in his chest.

Their kids were friends!

There she was, Harmony, his biological daughter, standing there right behind him. All he had to do was turn around.

But could he?

He swallowed hard, feeling his chest constrict as his gaze flicked back to Harry.

Their eyes met, and Harry’s expression shifted. His brows knitted together, his eyes filled with something Louis didn’t expect: wonder, curiosity…admiration? Harry looked at Lacey like something had clicked in his mind. Louis saw it too. He could feel it, the recognition of their features, the heartbreak. He knew what Harry was feeling. That undeniable pull. That’s why he wouldn’t let himself do it.

Louis can see the way Harry had zoned in on her. His eyes are already watering especially now that Harry has realised he has spoken to his bio daughter once before. But when Harry panics and looks back at Louis he notices that Louis is frozen in fear. A fear that Harry doesn’t seem to harbour.

Louis stares at Harry unable to divert his eyes elsewhere. He doesn’t want to see Harmony, he doesnt want that image of her burned into his brain. He can’t, he just can’t because if he does, then it’s game over.

Harry’s voice was almost a whisper when he spoke. “I…um…Harmony..ah.” His voice cracked slightly, the reality of everything crashing down on him all at once.

Louis’ breath hitched, and panic set in. He could feel Harry’s emotions overwhelming him, but all Louis could feel was fear. Raw, consuming fear. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want to see Harmony, to acknowledge what they had both lost and found all at once. He couldn’t handle it. Not now. Not ever.

His eyes pleaded with Harry, begging him silently to let it go. He couldn’t bear to look at Harmony the way Harry was at Lacey, to see her face and know that he hadn’t been there for her, that she was the bundle of joy that made him severely sick with morning sickness. He would unravel, and there would be no coming back from that.

Louis, unable to move, unable to speak, flinched when Lacey’s voice pulled him back to reality.

“Daddy? Are you listening? Earth to dad! Can I go to Harmony’s house.”

The two little ladies stepped around him coming into view, and Louis took the opportunity to sharply turn away.

It tears Harry apart, hurting him like crazy. He can’t fathom why Louis wouldn’t want to see her, how he could turn his back so easily like that. As Harry looks at Lacey, it’s like staring into a mirror, seeing pieces of himself and Kane reflected in her. In that moment, an overwhelming need floods him, he wants to know everything about her, every little detail he’s missed.

Louis blinked, forcing himself to not look at her but keeping his gaze soft, yet off in the distance. “No, sweetheart. We can’t today. We have to go, now.” His voice was mechanical, detached, as he turned away so abruptly, walking off before Harry could even respond.

Both girls exchanged disappointed glances, Harmony’s face falling. “See you on Monday.” Lacey mumbled sadly before turning to leave. “Bye, Harmony’s dad.”

And fuck. Harry’s heart twisted painfully in his chest. ‘ Oh, she was so beautiful .’

Harry, who was sure his heart wasn’t beating correctly anymore, offered a sad smile back. 

“See you, Lacey. Maybe we could have a playdate another time. ” he said, his voice strained and apologetic, trying to hold back the flood of emotions, because this was his daughter. He looks over at Harmony and he has to look away to wipe his eyes.

As he turned back to watch Lacey walk away, something inside him was now battered and bruised. The pain was unbearable, sharper than he had ever imagined. Fuck, he hadn’t prepared for this type of pain at all. It didn’t hurt like he had imagined it would, It had hurt so much more.

Harmony tugged on his hand, breaking the spell. “Her dad seems mean.” she said innocently. “I’m glad to have you as my daddy. Can we go to Grandma’s?”

Harry didn’t respond right away, his gaze still locked on Lacey as she climbed into Louis’ car. His mind was racing, his heart a chaotic mess. He could barely hear Harmony over the noise in his head.

“Dad. Grandma’s?”

Harry blinked, shaking himself out of it. “No. Yes. No, maybe. I don’t know. Let’s just go, okay? Come on.” He squeezed Harmony’s hand a little tighter, his mind far too muddled to think straight.

As they walked away, he couldn’t shake the feeling of loss. Of what could have been. And what might yet still come.

The tension between Harry and Louis was starting to feel like an unspoken impending battle of opposing personalities. The scene at the school gate had captured and highlighted just how different they were when faced with the heartbreaking reality of their switched children.

Harry, ever calm and measured, always tried to keep things steady, his quiet resilience showing in the way he watched Lacey with an undeniable tenderness. Despite everything, he couldn’t help but feel a pull towards the child he only just realised was his own. He was open to her, he knew it right then and there. Louis on the other hand, was all sharp edges and instinctual avoidance, refusing to let his emotions take hold, shutting down any vulnerability by turning away from the moment and not acknowledging his biological daughter, as it was just too much for him to handle.

They were a contrast in every sense, their reactions indicating they were about to clash like fire and water. Harry, ready to embrace the messy complexity of it all, stood in stark contrast to Louis, who resisted with everything he had. Harry’s willingness to embrace the situation versus Louis’ fierce resistance to it, will no doubt create friction between them. Harry just hopes that Louis changes his mind and relaxes and hopes that this meeting today doesn’t set the stage for the push and pull that will no doubt follow, if their differing reactions and coping mechanisms are anything to go by.

It scares Harry immediately because will this create a rift, one lined with misunderstandings and the potential for emotional blowouts? Because all he can think about now is having no money for a lawyer. 

But beneath that friction was something else entirely, something potent and alluring, a simmering connection that neither of them quite understood yet. Their differences, rather than driving them apart, only served to set the stage for the emotional drama that would eventually draw them closer.

Or would it?

One thing Harry was now certain of, is that he and Louis are in the exact same chapter, but they are definitely not on the same page.