Hello, everyone! It's been a while, I know. But I'm here now. And hopefully, a longer chapter will make up for it :) This one is centered around season 2, and since there was a lot to take inspiration from, I've decided to split this chapter into two parts. So expect the next one to drop within 2-3 weeks! In the meantime, I hope you love this chapter just as much as I've enjoyed writing this! Thanks to Stefanie (COOPaulsen on Twitter) for helping! Love you, woman!

-Jane


Closing the door behind him, Harvey sighed. What a day. While being knee-deep in a case that was getting the best of him, Jessica found out about Mike. Trying to keep his mind on the case, his mind kept wandering to the decision he knew he had to make. Even though he'd feared the day that this would happen, Harvey didn't expect this. He didn't expect to fire him this soon.

It was the only option though. That much Jessica made clear. But Harvey did something he had rarely done - he hesitated.

When his associate came barging into his office, he was ready. But then Mike went on about the case and WWHD and Harvey couldn't do it. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't. Instead, he told him how proud he was of him, which was true.

Only a few months have passed since Mike appeared in their lives but in those months, he became a part of the family Harvey knew he had in the firm. Only a few months to have Harvey think of him as a younger brother. And for what? He had to shatter their family by firing him…

"Harvey?" Donna's voice brought him back from his train of thoughts. Looking up, he could see her coming towards him from their bedroom.

"Hi." Harvey closed the remaining space between them and smiled as Donna stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

As they part, Harvey reached into his breast pocket and fished out a simple silver wedding band that matched Donna's, and was about to put it onto his finger. Before he could, Donna stopped him and reached for the ring. Smirking up at him, she slipped it on his hand. "I love you, Harvey Specter."

"I love you too, Donna Specter," Harvey repeated parts of the vows he first uttered seven years ago. Ever since then, they had made it a ritual of sorts to do this whenever they got home from work.

Home, a place where they could just be them - Donna and Harvey Specter. A married couple. There were no boundaries, no prying ears or eyes. Just the two of them. Basking in each other's presence.

And that's what they did. After coming home, shedding the stress of the day they had, and preparing dinner, they curled up on the couch and watched a movie.

"You were right," Harvey said after a while, interrupting their peaceful surroundings.

Donna lifted her head from his shoulder, met his gaze, and frowned. He took that as permission to continue, "I couldn't do it."

"Why?"

"You know why." Harvey rolled his eyes.

"You got overwhelmed with a wave of emotion you didn't see coming. You cried and you let him stay?" Donna teased with a smirk, recalling their earlier conversation.

"Donna…"

She sighed. "You knew you had to fire him at some point, Harvey."

"I just… I didn't think it'd be this soon."

"What are you gonna do then?" Donna wondered out loud. Harvey looked at her pointedly but stayed silent and Donna knew that he had already made a decision. Even if he didn't know it yet. "No matter what you decide, you know that I'm gonna be by your side, no matter what, right?"

Wrapping his arms tightly around her, Harvey pulled her closer as he placed a kiss on the crown of her head. "Yeah. I know."

Donna smiled, squeezed his hand that she took before interlacing their fingers together. "Okay, that's enough moping for today, mister. We need to finish this movie."

While Donna was able to relax and keep her eyes on the TV, Harvey was just watching her while replaying their conversation and today's events. No matter what happened from now on, he knew that she would be with him. Come hell or high water. And he couldn't be more grateful for it.

A moment passed before Harvey chuckled. "I wasn't the only one overwhelmed with emotions…"

"I don't know what you're talking about..." Donna trailed off.

"Oh, but you do…" His fingers move from her hands to her waist and he started to tickle her.

"Harvey… stop…"

"Not a chance." He grinned.

Donna raised her eyebrow. "Unless you want to spend the night on the couch…"

"You wouldn't."

"Wanna bet?"

Instead of replying, Harvey leaned down and kissed her.


"You drunk dialed him?" Donna asked, amused as she dried off her hands. She was just coming out of the toilet when she bumped into Rachel. Ever since they had drinks in Harvey's office, their lives had been way too busy to find a moment and truly catch up. Thanks to working in the same building, they at least can meet up in various places and have a quick chat about whatever is going on with them that day…

"I didn't drunk dial him. I called him."

Donna chuckled. "Yeah, I left the room for two minutes and you called him after a glass of Whiskey. What would you call it?"

"Stupid," Rachel huffed out.

"So what'd you say in the message?" Donna asked as she folded up the towel and put it back on the counter. Then she reached for her phone and checked her messages. Seeing a few unopened messages from Harvey she smiled.

Where are you?

Are you in the bathroom?

Is there room for one more, Mrs. Specter?

She was so busy imagining what Harvey could do with her, that she almost missed Rachel's response "I said that I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss."

"You kissed him?" Donna asked surprised, her full attention back on her friend.

"Yes." Rachel nodded.

"Where?"

"On the mouth."

"Where did it happen?"

"In the library."

Donna stilled for a moment. Wait. This sounded way too familiar. It couldn't have been… To make sure, she asked her friend to clarify. "The Pearson Hardman library?"

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Yes."


Browsing through the shelves, Donna was so focused on her task that she didn't even notice the footsteps that were approaching her. Thinking nothing of it, she continued her search for a certain book Harvey needed on mergers.

A few rows later, she finally found it. Nestled on a shelf above her head, Donna had to stand on her tiptoes to reach it. But before she could do that, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist that caused her to yelp out in surprise.

Freezing for a moment, Donna released a breath when she realized that she knew those arms. She knew that cologne...

"Harvey, what are you doing?" Turning around she saw a mischievous smirk plastered on his face.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

Donna raised her eyebrow.

"I just came here, looking for my secretary but instead, I found my really hot girlfriend."

Donna fights a smirk threatening to break out, instead she looks at him, wide-eyed. "What did we agree on, Harvey?"

"We're not in the office…"

Donna rolled her eyes. "Why did I have to agree to go out with a lawyer?"

"Because you love me." Ever since she said those three words back to him, Harvey couldn't stop reminding her of it every chance he got.

Tightening his arms around her waist, Harvey took another glance at her appearance with a dangerous flame in his eyes. Then he leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "You, in this suit should be illegal…"

"Harvey…"

"In fact, we need to get rid of it immediately."

Threading his fingers through the fabric, Harvey slowly peeled off the blazer just enough to give him more access. He trailed his lips down to her collarbone, leaving open-mouthed kisses in his wake.

It was when he tried to slide the blazer further down, that Donna realized where they were. Sighing, she moved her hands from his hair to cup his cheeks and pulled him back so that their eyes met. "If you want to get lucky tonight, you're gonna stop now."

Seeing the pout, Donna smirked as she straightened herself and began walking towards the door, leaving Harvey standing there, looking after her like a lost puppy.

"Donna?" Rachel's voice brings her back. Looking at her friend through the mirror first and then turning towards her, Donna furrowed her eyebrow. "Huh?"

"You spaced out there for a minute…"

"Oh… it's nothing. Just thought of something." Trying to taking the focus off her, Donna asked, "So what's the problem?"

"With what?"

Donna gives her a look. "With Mike..."

"The problem is, I left him that message three nights ago. And he hasn't said anything." Rachel sighed. Then she added, "I don't know what to do."

"Well, when a person gets a message like that and they act like they didn't, it's one of two things. Either they got the message and they don't feel the same way, or they didn't get the message. And who doesn't get their messages?"

"He made his choice then…" Rachel trailed off.

Donna looked at her sadly. Then she felt her phone buzz with a new message. Reading it, Donna's eyes widened. "Wow… I gotta go..." She walked towards the door but a few steps in, she stopped. "Wait a second. How was it?"

"The kiss? Good enough to make me drunk dial him."

Donna smiled as she left the bathroom, another memory of a certain date on her mind...


They paid the bill, walked to his car, and made their way to her place.

The ride there was peaceful. As usual, they were talking about anything that came to their minds, joked around, and flirted a bit.

It was normal for them. It's who they always have been.

And yet this time, it felt different.

For the first time in years, there was something else lingering in the air. Hope, want, desire, and longing. Ever since Harvey's confession, the atmosphere between them felt different. They were different now.

Yes, they were them. But at the same time, everything changed. No matter how much he tried to deny it, Harvey knew that since that conversation they had at the diner a few weeks ago, things shifted between them.

They seemed to have fallen into this rhythm of sorts. After work, they would talk and drink in his office, then they would go home — either to his place or hers and spend the night in each other's company.

But this? Having a dinner where they didn't have to be careful about anything? Being on a date? This was different. And Harvey loved every second of it. Even if he was still battling his doubts, he knew that being with Donna Paulsen was inevitable. And going by her next question, he hoped that she felt the same.

"Did you mean it?"

"Mean what?" Harvey stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

"At the restaurant. About us…" she trailed off.

Harvey smiled before he became serious. "Donna. I meant every word."

Donna took a deep breath and smiled. There was a silence that overlapped them for a moment or two. Then Harvey noticed her shivering.

"Donna?" he asked.

"Yes?" she wondered with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you cold?" Harvey smirked.

"No."

He raised his eyebrow. "Really? Then why do you have goosebumps, Donna?"

Donna rolled her eyes. "You're an idiot."

Harvey grinned as he took off his jacket.

"Wait. What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Harvey asked as he moved the jacket towards her and draped it over her shoulders.

"I can survive without it, you know that right?" Donna said, even though she didn't stop his movement.

He just winked at her as they continued to walk in silence. Not too long after, they arrived in front of her apartment building.

"Thank you for tonight, Harvey."

"It was my pleasure, Donna."

Both of them took a deep breath. Neither one willing to end the night just yet.

"I guess, this is it…" Harvey trailed off.

"Yeah…"

"About that thing that I said at the restaurant…" Harvey cleared his throat before continuing. "I really meant it. I love you. And however you wanna play this, I'm game. You want to keep us a secret, then I'm okay with it. Even though I would like to shout it from the roof—"

Donna interrupted him. With a kiss.

After the initial shock, Harvey lifted his right hand and cupped her cheek, while pulling her closer to him with his left. Their eyes locked, his thumb stroked her cheek softly, and then Harvey's lips found hers again in a battle of desire.

The feeling of her lips on his, combined with her scent overwhelmed him and he melted into her, deepening the kiss. His grip tightened around her waist, gently squeezing her to his front. Donna smiled into the kiss. Her arms found his chest, his shoulders, finally stopping at his neck, where she pulled him closer to her.

Before either one has the chance to take this any further, Donna broke the kiss, looking at him with a glint in her eyes that made his breath hitch.

"You might want to shout it from the rooftops, but I'm not ready to share what we have here, mister."

Harvey grinned as he moved to kiss her again. But she pulled away too soon for his liking, which caused him to frown.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Donna said, "Harvey, as much as I like this, I think that we should move it somewhere else."

"We should..."

"I know just the place..."

Without a second thought, Donna took his hand and led him to her apartment…


Bracing herself on the counter, Donna sighed as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. In all the years that she has devoted to being a legal secretary she never thought that she'd find herself here.

She has made a mistake. A great one that might cost her everything.

Finding that memo, her heart stopped as she went through all the possibilities of how they could get in trouble. There was a stamp with her name on it dated four years ago. Truth be told, Donna didn't even remember seeing that document then. That goddamn stamp not only put her in trouble, which she could stand, but it also indicated that Harvey was the one to order her to bury it.

That was the last thing she wanted.

Which meant that she had to get rid of it.

And she tried to, but every time she came close, Mike interrupted her. Then he suggested that she tell Harvey about it. She wanted to, but she had no idea how to do that. After all, she couldn't just strut into his office and tell him point-blank. Nor could she tell him at home, where they had a "no work talk" rule.

A day later, she finally got the courage and approached him when he was busy filling out forms in his office. She didn't say anything then, either. Just stared at him, trying to come up with the right words to say, but nothing came out.

He thought that she was there to request a day off for their anniversary — just like she'd done for the past seven years. Ever since they tied the knot, on their anniversary — which conveniently fell on Halloween, Donna made a show to request a day off, and Harvey took a day off for "personal reasons". It worked because no one suspected anything.

Just like no one suspected anything now. Except for the fact that when Harvey looked up and saw Donna's features, he didn't have a chance to ask what was wrong because Hardman strode into his office with Allison and their game faces on.

With a pale face, Donna just stood there and listened. There was no choice. She had to shred the memo and never mention it again. She couldn't bear to see someone she loved in trouble. She had to protect him, even if it meant that she would be committing a crime.


Hearing the bathroom doors burst open, Donna took a deep breath as she saw Harvey's raging eyes staring at her.

"What the hell were you thinking?"

He knew. Goddamn Mike and his loose mouth.

Swallowing, Donna looked at her hands as she muttered, "I didn't know what to tell you."

"Really?"

"You don't understand. It had my name on it. I stamped it in. That implicates you."

"Did you keep it from me four years ago?" Harvey wondered.

"I don't even remember seeing it four years ago!" Donna's voice was desperate.

With his voice raised, Harvey stepped closer to Donna. "Then I don't give a shit what it implicates! You don't keep it from me now!"

"I had never made a mistake like that, and I thought I needed t—"

Before she had a chance to explain herself, Harvey cut her off, his voice having a dangerous tone. "Look, keeping it from me isn't a mistake, it's a decision."

"I wanted to protect you." Isn't that obvious?

"Lying to me doesn't protect me, it betrays me."

What does he mean? Betraying him? The hell? "Betrays you? If I had told you the truth, you…"

"You don't keep things from me!" Harvey shouted.

"You keep things from me all the time!" Donna shouted back.

"That's because I'm your boss." He is. But maybe… "Well, maybe you shouldn't be my boss anymore."

"But I'm also your husband..." Harvey trailed off as he looked at Donna with glossy eyes.

"And what does that have to do with it?" She couldn't help herself, her blood was boiling with rage. They might have been married for almost a decade, but that never had anything to do with their working relationship. They always knew how to differentiate between those two. But maybe that was just all a fluke. Maybe they couldn't handle it — living double lives. Otherwise, they wouldn't have this fight, right?

"We knew this wasn't going to be easy, but we also said that we need to communicate with each other and be honest if we want this to work," Harvey started, looking at Donna's face full of tears.

"Harvey..."

"Or were those just empty phrases?" There's something in his tone that makes Donna stop for a moment. Feeling like she was just stabbed in the heart, with her eyes watering, Donna looked at Harvey with a plea as she whispered his name.

"You promised no more secrets, Donna."

Sniffling, she tried to reach for his hand. But he didn't budge. "I wanted to tell you, Harvey…"

"When? After they put me in jail?"

Donna shook her head. "They won't put you in jail. Not when I tell them that it's my fault."

"I can't do that."

Does that mean that he still cared about her? "Why not?" She raised her eyebrow.

"For better or worse, Donna. We promised that," he said as his voice dropped and he left for the door.

Donna just stood there, frozen to the ground as she watched him leave. Tears were already falling down her cheeks this whole time, but it was only after he left that she managed to wipe them away.

Standing there for what felt like hours, Donna reflected on every word Harvey had said. He was mad. Some would say that he was furious. Yeah, it was bad, but she had to do it. She didn't regret it. But if she had to change anything, it would be the fact that she didn't tell him about it.

He felt betrayed. An he was right. She had betrayed him. So much so that she wasn't really sure about them anymore. From their fight, Donna could feel the rage he had towards her. She could feel that something had shifted in the way he had looked at her - the sparkle in his chocolate brown eyes replaced with a raging flame.

It was at that moment that she knew the tales her friends told her about the seventh year of marriage were true.

A marriage or long-term romantic relationship declines after around seven years.

Every time this subject got brought up, she just laughed it off. After all, her and Harvey had a bond that was stronger than any other bond she's had with her boyfriends in the past. But after these past few days, she started to slowly believe that. Maybe they reached the boiling point in their relationship. Maybe he would divorce her for this.

Seven goddamn years they've spent together and it took one mistake to shatter everything in minutes.

Making herself more presentable, Donna reached into the neckline of her dress and fished out the rings that were dangling from the necklace she wore that day. Taking a deep breath her fingers brushed over them as she brought them to her lips and pressed a kiss on them...

Even though she wasn't really sure where Harvey stood, Donna decided to give him a break by spending the night at her old apartment that they kept for visitors and as an investment.


The next day she comes to the firm with mixed emotions. Yesterday was rough. She didn't even get much sleep. All through the night, she kept thinking about Harvey and the marriage she hoped she would still have once everything got settled.

Despite her personal struggles, she managed to pull herself together and came to work. She knew that her actions had consequences, but when she came into Harvey's office with a few folders in her arms, she hoped, deep down, that he would be there. That they would work everything out. But instead, she was met with an empty office.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around and saw Jessica entering the office with a sad look on her face. This is it. Putting a brave face on, she said: "Harvey's not here. He should be back soon."

"I'm not here to see Harvey."

Jessica's words only confirmed her suspicions. Trying to keep her emotions at bay, Donna nodded. "Oh."

"He wanted to be the one to have this conversation with you. But it's my firm, and I wanted you to hear it from me."

"Am I being fired?" Donna asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"Yes."

As the tears threatened to fall from her eyes, Donna sucked in a breath as Jessica continued her speech. "I appreciate everything you've done for Harvey and for me. But whatever my personal feelings, your actions have left me no choice but to terminate your employment at Pearson Hardman. Effective immediately." Once she finished talking, Jessica left Harvey's office, but not before she whispered how sorry she was.

Donna tried to keep her tears at bay as she went to empty her desk. Once she was packed up, she looked around one last time and walked towards the elevators. Only to be confronted with Harvey. Meeting his gaze, she saw everything she needed to know.

All of the emotions she expected were there. Hurt, betrayal, pain. But what she didn't expect was the flicker of twinkles in his eyes that made her a little hopeful.

Maybe everything changed for the better. Maybe they will be alright.

With a sigh, she turned around and walked into the elevator, then into Ray's waiting car.

With a decision already set in her mind, they drove to the penthouse. She gathered a few of her clothes, left a note on the nightstand, and left for her old apartment.

As much as she wanted to have a conversation with Harvey, she couldn't do it. Not today. After the events that took place these last few days, Donna was exhausted. She needed a break. And she knew that she'll have that at her own place.


"How long have you been waiting here?"

A week later, Donna was still living by herself. While she was getting antsy, she knew that she had to wait just a little more. After all, she wasn't one of these women who caved after a few days and went begging for forgiveness. But she missed him. So much. Apart from a few business trips, this was the first time they've spent more than three days without each other. And Donna didn't like it one bit.

As she was exiting her building, she was met with Harvey, clad in a three-piece suit

leaning against his car waving at her. At the sight of him, her heart skipped a beat. He looked hot. Way too hot. He knew what those suits did to her. How is she supposed to be angry with him now? That bastard.

"How long were you gonna ignore my calls?" he replied without missing a beat.

"Last I checked, you didn't let it ring long enough for me to ever pick up," Donna fired back.

"I didn't know if you wanted to talk to me," Harvey tried to reason. Like a lost puppy.

Fighting the urge to smile, Donna thanked God for her acting skills when she managed to frown at him with a raised eyebrow. "And you didn't want to stay on the line long enough to find out?"

"You know I'm bad at taking the first step." Seeing the twinkle in his eyes Donna almost rolled her eyes.

"Oh, don't I know it. Never show a sign of weakness." She started to walk away, but he followed her.

"Okay, look. I'm an asshole."

"Did you come here to tell me things I already know?" Donna raised her eyebrow.

"No, I came here to see how you're doing." Harvey's voice dropped.

"Why?

"Because I love you."

That threw her off a little. He still loved her. Fighting every urge to just fall into his arms and never let go, Donna furrowed her eyebrow. "Oh really? Is that why you came to get me to do the trial run?"

"Donna, it's important."

"Yeah, important for me to get up there and say I screwed up trying to protect you?"

"You did screw up." His voice softened.

"Yes. To protect you." Donna's voice raised a little.

"Which I never asked you to do."

"No, you just expected me to do it. Like I expected you to fight for me."

"I did." Harvey frowned.

Seeing his frown, Donna almost scoffed. "Really? Because it didn't feel like it when Jessica was the one who fired me."

"Jessica insisted that she'd be the one to let you go."

"And since when have you ever done anything Jessica wanted if it wasn't what you've wanted to?" Donna wondered.

Tilting his head slightly, Harvey said with a pleading tone, "Donna, I need you there. I need you to tell them that I didn't do this."

"I'm sorry, I can't." Donna shook her head.

"Donna, please." Harvey begged.

"Why?"

"You are my secretary, and I need you."

Donna scoffed. "You can have a different secretary, Harvey."

"But I can't have another wife."

Donna's breath hitched. She did not expect this. She hoped she'd hear those words from him but she never expected him to be this honest about it. While Harvey was pretty open about his feelings towards her, he rarely expressed his affection like this.

"Then why did it feel like you wanted nothing to do with me ever since you found out about the memo?"

"I was hurt, Donna. You've never kept things from me. For as long as I've known you, you've been loyal and always told the truth. You keeping that from me scared the shit out of me. Not only were you in trouble, you were in trouble because you wanted to protect me. And that was a lot to take in…"

"Harvey…"

"You leaving our house felt final. It almost felt like…"

Oh, God. What did I do? Donna's eyes widened at the realization. "Your mom leaving you all over again?"

Harvey nodded.

"I'm sorry, Harvey." Tentatively, Donna stepped closer to him and reached for his hand. When she saw that he didn't pull back, she squeezed it reassuringly as she admitted, "I thought that you were gonna divorce m—"

Before she had a chance to finish her sentence, her words got swallowed by his mouth as he cut her off with a kiss. Taken by surprise, Donna momentarily froze, but when she felt his arms wrap around her waist and pull her closer to him, she gave in. Snaking her arms around his neck and getting her fingers tangled in his hair, Donna deepened the kiss as Harvey guided them to the nearest wall.

"I would never do that," Harvey whispered once they parted for oxygen. "I can't live without you, Donna."


A few hours later, they were sitting on the couch in Donna's apartment. After Harvey's admission, it started to pour down, so they moved inside. They barely made it over the threshold before they began to pull pieces of clothing off each other. With intertwined limbs and mouths, they made it to her bedroom where they spent the better part of the night making up for the lost time.

But now, they were sitting on the couch, snuggling as they watched the city's skyline together.

"Have I told you how much I missed this?" Harvey asked as he threaded his fingers through Donna's hair.

Almost lulled to sleep, Donna moved her head from his chest and looked at him. "I missed you too, Harvey."

Without replying, Harvey leaned in to kiss her. Once they parted, Harvey looked at her with a look she almost thought was hopeful. "Donna?"

"Huh?"

"I need you there."

"I was fired, Harvey." She couldn't help but remind him.

"Donna, please."

"Harvey, we talked about this..."

"I know we did. But it's a mock trial. And I haven't done one without you there." Pressing a kiss into her hair, he repeated his plea from earlier. "I need you there."

"I know…" Donna trailed off.


"The plaintiff would like to call Ms. Donna Paulsen to the stand."

Hearing her maiden name be called, Donna took a deep breath as she braced herself for what's about to happen. Entering the library, everything felt different. The library was full and that brought up a lot of unease in her.

Even though it was just a mock trial, Donna knew that if she wasn't careful, things she didn't want out in the open would be revealed.

It could merely be because it's Louis doing the questioning. Even though she's slowly becoming fond of him, she knows that he would be ruthless. It scared her more than she was willing to admit.

Sitting down to be questioned, Donna looked around the room and spotted Rachel, who gave her a reassuring smile, Mike who looked at her with an apologetic face, and finally, her eyes met Harvey's. Offering her a small smile, he whispered a quiet "Thank you" before he put on his game face.

That was when Louis stood up from his seat and walked to the front.

"Ms. Paulsen, could you please state your employment history prior to becoming a Legal Secretary at Pearson Hardman?" Louis looked at the audience and then his gaze settled on Donna.

Donna smiled. "I was an actress." Her acting history always brought a smile to her face.

"Were you able to make a living with that?"

Donna frowned. "No. I also worked as a floating temp at the District Attorney's Office."

Louis interrupted her. "Until you moved to Harvey Specter's desk full time?"

Donna's frown deepened. "Yes."

"Interesting. You were a Drama Major and suddenly your secretarial temp position becomes a full-time job with a six-figure salary overnight. Doesn't happen to just anyone, now does it?"

"What can I say? I'm very good at what I do," she couldn't help but note. Hopefully, this will steer him away from that.

"Was that all you were good at, Ms. Paulsen? I don't know about you, but I have never met someone who climbed the corporate ladder that quickly just by being good at her job." Louis stepped closer to her.

Donna froze. Not this.

"Objection! Relevance?" Harvey interrupted.

"This is extremely relevant. Ms. Paulsen, do you agree that you have a closer relationship with Mr. Specter than other secretaries have with their bosses? Late nights, dinners, vacations even?"

Donna didn't answer. She was too stunned. Louis' train of thought was going way too far now.

"Is there anything you wouldn't do for Harvey Specter, Ms. Paulsen? Any secrets you wouldn't keep for him?"

"That… I… um..." Louis' accusations make Donna stutter as she briefly met Harvey's eyes.

"Badgering." Harvey stepped in.

"You quit just hours before Harvey left the DAs office. You had a good arrangement there, so why did you leave and why did you go back to take a job with him again? Why didn't you concentrate on acting again? A beautiful woman like you can't be short of offers. Work-wise or in her personal life."

"I loved my job and—" Donna tried to reason, but Louis cut her off.

"And you wanted to stay with Harvey, we know. Ms. Paulsen, I'm wondering if it was the job or the man you really loved."

"Excuse me?" Louis' words felt way too familiar to Donna. Over the years, there had been many people that questioned their relationship. Many of them managed to get fooled by the walls they had put on at work. But there were some that saw through them straight away — just like Jessica did when they first came to the firm. Which was why his next question didn't surprise her that much.

"Do you love Harvey Specter?"

And there it is…While it didn't surprise her, it sure threw her off. Remembering part of her vows and their evening tradition, Donna tried hard to bite back the "yes" that was at the tip of her tongue.

"I love you, Harvey Specter."

"I love you, Donna Paulsen."

"What?" she asks instead, acting dumbfounded as she shook the memories of their vows off.

Louis ignored her answer. "A woman in love will do almost anything for a man, don't you agree? Breaking the law by keeping his secrets must be such little sacrifice for the price that is Harvey Specter. Innocent people went to prison because you wanted to keep yourself in Harvey's life. Was it all worth it, Ms. Paulsen?"

"I don't— I didn't..."

"Did I hit a nerve there? Your professional life revolved around him. And that was expected as you were his secretary, but your personal life? You're with him all the time. Why is that?"

"I—"

"I think you would keep all his secrets, just because you love him. And I think he knows and keeps you around for that same reason. The big question is, how far would you two really go for it?"

"It's not like that."

"You have spent every minute of almost every day together for the past twelve years. I'm sure there are feelings involved. Tell me, how can it not be like that?" Louis took a deep breath. "Did you ever have a romantic relationship with Harvey Specter?"

"It's complicated."

Donna saw him pause, take a look at her before going for the last question. But before he could do so, Harvey stood up and looked at Louis with rage in his eyes. "We are done here."

Hearing Louis' persistent questioning topped off with that last question made Donna almost shake with fury, but Harvey's interruption made her blood boil. Not wanting to stay for another second, she stood up and stormed out of the library.

What she didn't see was that Harvey rushed after her almost immediately...