As expected, during the week, they hardly saw each other — just a few stolen glances in the lecture hall and late-night FaceTime calls — but other than that, it was empty. Donna missed him, that much was certain. The weekend they'd spent together had reminded her of what it was like to be with someone, and even though she had never experienced anything as passionate and intense as what she felt with him — something that seemed destined to be — she also knew this was just the beginning, and that it was normal to feel this way. For Harvey, however, it was a disaster. The lawyer had never known anything like this — a serious relationship, even though he hadn't put a label on it yet. While she was in his thoughts every second of the day and night, he couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with him. It was impossible to be so obsessed and addicted to someone as he was with her. And although he would have liked to ask someone who knew more about relationships — just to check if he wasn't completely crazy — he couldn't talk to anyone. He didn't have friends close enough to trust with something like that. He knew confessing it to Jessica would be a mistake — she wouldn't understand and would only care about the firm's reputation. Talking to his brother or father was out of the question as Harvey already anticipated their negative reactions. So, no, he had no one to talk to about it. He could tell Donna, but he was afraid of scaring her by admitting he was obsessed with her. After all, they knew each other well enough now, but hadn't yet discussed the idea of a future together, so Harvey had no idea what a twenty-five-year-old woman's mindset was like. At that age, he himself had been anything but ready for any kind of serious commitment. So he kept it all inside, patiently waiting for the end of the week as he spent every free moment texting her, making a few phone calls when they were finally at home — all while doing his best to avoid Paula. In the end, Friday had never seemed so long, and the thought of seeing Donna for real in just a few hours made his heart race and his pulse quicken. Just as he had finished his class with the second-years and was about to head home, he hurriedly sent a message to the redhead.
Your place or mine?
A few seconds later, he smiled when he saw that she had already replied, but he was intrigued by what she had sent.
Call me
The bluntness of her words, devoid of the usual teasing that characterized most of their exchanges, made Harvey swallow hard, already imagining the worst. On Donna's side, she had quickly sent the message before grabbing a stack of documents and rushing to the photocopier, trying to get as much done as possible so she could head home — either to hers or to his. But when she saw that he hadn't called yet, or hadn't responded to her message, she stopped dead in her tracks. Staring at her screen, it finally hit her what the problem might be as she quickly typed out a new message.
sexy boy*
As they had done the quizzes to get to know each other better, Donna had already caught a glimpse of Harvey's hidden side — an insecure child, afraid of not being loved because he had been abandoned by his mother. He hadn't gone into the details, but he had said enough for her to deduce that he'd struggled with attachment ever since. She had clearly noticed how quickly he'd become attached to her, how much he needed to know that she was there for him. And while that might have scared most people off, Donna had to admit that she liked being that reassuring figure, no matter how fast everything was moving for them. So, when she sent that message in a rush because she was pressed for time, she hadn't considered that he might panic, thinking she was upset — or, worse, angry with him. And she was right to worry. When he received her next message, Harvey exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, then quickly called her, his heart melting the moment he heard her voice.
«Hey you»
«Hey. You're still at work?»
«Yep — you?»
«Just finished my lesson. Look, about this week end, I —»
«Wait, let me just step into the photocopy room for more privacy... hold on a sec... Alright, let's go. You were saying?»
«For this weekend, it's up to you. Your place or mine?»
«Well, I mean, it's the same either way, we'll still be stuck inside. But at least at your place, there's a big bathtub, more space to have sex»
Even though she ended with a little sarcastic joke, Harvey couldn't help but notice a hint of disappointment when she mentioned they would be stuck indoors. Determined to never let her feel disappointed and to make her happy, he decided to press on.
«Why do I get the feeling that bothers you?»
«What? Having sex in the bathtub instead of the shower? No, it's not— »
«No, I mean being stuck inside with me»
«Oh, no, it doesn't bother me at all. I love spending all my time with you. It's just… I kind of wanted to walk around outside with you, go shopping, maybe hit a restaurant. You know, that kind of thing. But we can't, so it's fine. Your place works?»
«Yeah, yeah. Of course»
«Perfect. I'll be done in less than an hour and then I'll head over»
«Alright, see you»
«See you, Harv»
As soon as he hung up, Harvey couldn't shake the words Donna had just said from his mind as an idea — one that he thought was pure genius — suddenly crossed his thoughts. Meanwhile, the redhead quickly photocopied a few files to wrap up her day, eager to leave and join the lawyer at his place as anticipation was already building in her stomach as she glanced at the time on her phone. It was true that Donna was disappointed she couldn't go out with him, show off how hot her guy was, and do normal, everyday things, but they had known that from the start, and there wasn't much she could do about it. So, while waiting for the photocopies to finish, she slipped into the «Hidden» album on her iPhone, scrolling through the few pictures she had taken of Harvey, as well as the ones he had sent her as she smiled to herself, patiently waiting to see him in person. Once her day was done, Donna said her goodbyes to her colleagues and rushed home to pack a bag for the weekend at Harvey's place. After preparing everything, she left her building and just as she was about to walk up the street toward the subway entrance, a car horn startled her. The window rolled down, revealing Harvey with his signature arrogant smile.
«What are you doing here?»
As she quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching, she heard Harvey speak in a soft, inviting voice.
«Come on, get in»
Without hesitation, she complied, leaning in to give him a tender kiss before sliding into the car. She took a few seconds to take in her surroundings as Harvey continued to plant gentle kisses on her neck, his lips leaving a trail of warmth that made her heart race. A sleek gray sports car with a luxurious leather interior, a huge bouquet of flowers resting on the dashboard next to a Cartier bag, and behind the wheel, her sexy lawyer in black suit pants and a dark gray polo, looking at her with love and tenderness. In the face of all this, Donna couldn't help but melt, her heart fluttering as she leaned in to kiss him again, whispering with excitement.
«What's going on?»
«Well, first and foremost, it's for you»
As he handed her the massive bouquet of flowers, Donna smiled widely, her heart racing as she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement when he handed her the small red bag next.
«What did I do to deserve this honor?»
«Well, I passed by the store, saw this, and thought it was as beautiful as you. So I bought it for you»
«Harv... this is too much»
«Nothing's too much for you. Come on, open it»
As she did, she couldn't help but melt. She knew Harvey had money — lots of money — and while it didn't matter to her, she had to admit, she loved it. Her exes had either been struggling artists or average office guys with average salaries. Being with a successful lawyer was... exciting. As she pulled the red box from the bag, her heart racing while she gasped when she saw what was inside. A stunning ring, typical of Cartier — crafted from white gold with a band of diamonds all around it, her initials engraved inside as Donna looked at him with love, her heart pounding.
«Harvey…»
«Do you like it?»
«I love it, but... I'm embarrassed, it's too much»
«No, it's not. Come on»
As he took the ring from its box, Donna extended her hand while Harvey slid the ring onto her finger, placing a gentle kiss on it before offering her a smile. Their hearts were racing, the moment charged with something they couldn't fully understand and then, he flashed the arrogant grin she knew all too well.
«What?»
«What what?»
«Oh please, I know that look»
«It's just that now, if — what's his name again? Oh yeah, Mitchell — if that little shit Mitchell ever hits on you again, he'll see your ring and know you belong to someone else. To me»
«I can't believe it. You're impossible»
As they both laughed, sharing one last kiss, Harvey revved the engine and took off, speeding through the streets of Manhattan. One hand on the wheel, the other resting on Donna's thigh, they chatted easily, enjoying the moment. After about twenty minutes of driving, Donna broke the flow of conversation to ask the question that had been nagging at her.
«Where are we going? I think we just passed your condo»
«We're not going to my place»
«What? But Harv, we can't be seen together and —»
«Hey, do you trust me?»
«Yeah»
«Then just go with it»
As they had been driving for nearly another hour and a half, Donna turned to Harvey, her voice soft as she whispered.
«So? Where are you taking me?»
«Well, I thought about what you said... about wanting to go out, eat at a restaurant, take a walk... and how, unfortunately, in New York, we couldn't really do that. So I figured, why not do it — just a little further away. I've booked us a night at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia. We can walk around, shop, go to restaurants for two days without anyone seeing us. What do you think?»
«I think you're the best»
As she placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him tenderly, Harvey kept his eyes focused on the road, feeling his heart melt at the sight of her so happy. About twenty minutes later, they arrived at the hotel. Donna couldn't help but feel slightly out of place in her outfit, suddenly self-conscious as they walked through the luxurious lobby. But Harvey didn't seem to care at all. He walked confidently beside her, his usual assured demeanor unwavering, as if nothing about the situation was out of the ordinary. After he gave his name and received the room keys, they found themselves in the elevator. Harvey leaned in, his lips grazing her neck as Donna laughed softly, her hand sliding to the back of his head, her fingers threading through his hair.
«Harv»
«Hmm?»
«You could've at least warned me. I'm not dressed well enough, and have you seen my bag? I have cheap pale pink Pilates bag in a Ritz, not a Vuitton. This is embarrassing»
«Do you like Louis Vuitton?»
«What?»
«Louis Vuitton. Do you like it?»
«I remind you, I'm a secretary. I can't afford Louis Vuitton»
«But I can»
«Harvey, I don't want you to —»
«Come on, usually I throw my money away on alcohol and nights out. At least here, I know it makes you happy, and it makes me happy too, because I can see the smile on your face. Let me spoil you»
«I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you or anything»
«I know you're not. So, do you like Louis Vuitton or not?»
«I love it»
«Perfect, there's a store not far from here»
After one last tender kiss, they stepped out of the elevator, heading toward their suite — because Harvey never did anything halfway. They dropped off their things, including the bouquet of flowers, before heading back out to explore the city. As soon as they stepped onto the sidewalk, Donna slipped her hand behind his back to press against him, and he responded by wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She then intertwined their fingers, and they strolled down the street, casually chatting about anything and everything. It was the first time Harvey had ever held a girl's hand in public — or maybe the first time ever, really, aside from preschool. But as they walked together, passing strangers who glanced their way, he felt his heart race. The idea that he was in a relationship, and that he was falling in love — though the word still terrified him — felt almost surreal. Donna, of course, was very affectionate. She alternated between sweet kisses on his hand and soft pecks on his clothed chest when she turned her head, each little gesture making his heart swell as he couldn't help but smile, a sense of pride and warmth filling him every time she showed him that simple, open affection. It felt like the world was just a bit brighter with her by his side, and he was beginning to realize that this — whatever it was — was more than he had expected. After walking around the city center for a few hours, they stopped for a salad at a bar around lunchtime before Harvey took her shopping.
«A dress?»
«Yeah»
«Why?»
«You'll see»
«Is it a surprise?» asked Donna, smiling slyly.
«It is, yes»
«Gosh, you're perfect»
As she said this, so naturally, his heart raced again. Usually, people only complimented Harvey when he'd achieved something grand or exceptional — after a big victory or when he'd earned a lot of money. But here, Donna didn't even know what he had planned, and yet she already thought he was perfect. With her, he didn't need to be extravagant or extreme, just being there was enough and that gave him a little hope that he was more than just a famous lawyer and a money-making machine. For Donna, she didn't even know what to think anymore, because everything felt so perfect and thoughtful. Every time he looked at her, she felt like a goddess, which only made her fall harder for him. After driving to a mall just outside the city, Harvey quickly got to work. He headed straight to buy the Louis Vuitton travel bag he'd promised her, holding the bag in one hand while interlocking his fingers with hers in the other. As they strolled through the mall, he turned to her and whispered.
«Dolce & Gabbana?»
«Harv…»
«Come on»
Without giving her a chance to protest, Harvey pulled her into the store while Donna, a little embarrassed, followed him as he eagerly picked out a series of dresses. He led her toward the fitting rooms and sat down in front of them, speaking loud enough so she could hear.
«You're going to show me?»
«Yeah, don't worry»
«I can't wait»
The first dress was a calf-length stretch viscose jersey rib dress in black, with long fitted sleeves and a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her curves perfectly. As the dress hugged her figure, the fabric smooth and flattering, showing just enough without revealing too much, Harvey couldn't help but murmur to himself.
«You're so beautiful»
«Thank you, but isn't a bit too.. sexy?»
«Sexy is your second name, so..» chuckled Harvey.
«Actually, it's Roberta» snorted Donna.
«No way»
«Yes way — anyway, it's true, it's beautiful, but I'm going to think about itfirst »
«Try the next one»
The second dress was a stunning silver sequined draped calf-length dress, with a round neck and long sleeves. It was just as beautiful as the first, but much more special — perfect for an occasion. Once again, Harvey's eyes lit up with admiration as she stepped out of the fitting room, showering her with compliments. The next dress was a long tulle slip dress in dark burgundy, featuring corset details, spaghetti straps, and a deep V-neck. It was just as sexy as the others, and Donna couldn't help but feel a bit stunned by how good it looked on her. She twirled in front of the mirror, growing bolder with each piece she tried on. Then, Harvey handed her a simple stretch jersey Milano rib sheath dress in dark blue — elegant but understated. After that, a delicate dark green silk dress, feminine yet with a hint of mystery. Donna tried on every dress he handed her, her amusement mixed with a touch of disbelief at the stunning array of outfits. Finally, as Donna walked back into the fitting room, Harvey chuckled when he heard her mutter under her breath, the sound of amusement in her voice.
«No way»
«Try it on»
«Harv, I'm not going out in that»
«Come on, this one is for me. Just try it»
He knew exactly which dress she was referring to, and as he heard her chuckling, he couldn't help but laugh along. A minute later, Donna opened the curtain, and Harvey's breath caught in his throat. While all the dresses had been beautiful, this one was nothing short of spectacular. It was a black half-length stretch lace slip dress, with a deep V-neck and triangle bra-style cups, sleeveless and unlined. The way it clung to her body, the lace tracing her curves, was mesmerizing as Harvey's gaze darkened, a rush of admiration and protectiveness stirring within him. Of course, he'd never let her leave the house in something like this. He had learned just how incredibly jealous he could get when it came to Donna, and this dress — well, it was far too revealing for his comfort. But as she looked at him with a teasing expression, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on him, he motioned for her to come closer.
«Come here»
She then approached slowly to stand in front of him, Harvey immediately placing his hands on her hips while still sitting, gently caressing the fabric under his skin before whispering.
«Turn»
As she complied again, he observed the dress from all angles while his hands slid over her body until she was facing him again. Taking advantage of this position, he placed a kiss on her stomach barely covered by the lace before whispering.
«You're right, you're not wearing that, or I'm going to go crazy»
«That's what I thought»
As Donna snorted, she leaned down to plant a kiss on his head, laughing softly before heading back into the changing room. Taking advantage of her being busy getting dressed, Harvey gathered all the dresses and made his way toward the checkout. They had agreed on the long tulle slip dress in dark burgundy — classy enough for the occasion, but not too revealing, with just the right touch of seduction. Yet, he couldn't resist buying the others as well. At the register, a woman in her fifties smiled warmly at him, and they began chatting as she rang up the items.
«Your girlfriend is a lucky woman»
«I'm the lucky one» smiled the lawyer.
«How long have you two been together?»
«Two weeks…» murmured Harvey uncertainly.
«That's… fast»
«Yeah»
«Well, when she's the one, she's the one. My husband proposed after just a month of dating, and today, twenty-five years of marriage and two kids later, we still love each other like it's the first day»
Harvey didn't know what to say to that, so he simply smiled. The idea of marriage and children was still a distant thought for him and after he paid, thanking the woman, he spotted Donna approaching from a distance. She glanced at the large shopping bag — clearly too big for just one dress — and he quickly pulled her outside before she could ask more questions.
«Harv?»
«Mmh?»
«What's in the bag?»
«Nothing»
«Seriously? Harvey, I told you I —»
«And I told you I want to spoil you. Come on»
Without another word, they wandered around for a few more minutes before heading back to the car, the night air cool against their skin. Once back at the hotel, Harvey changed from his polo and pants into a sharp suit, while Donna slipped into her chosen dress. As she applied her makeup, he couldn't help but watch, intrigued by the way she moved, the careful precision in each gesture as it was a side of her that felt both intimate and foreign to him — the small moments that made her who she was. When they were ready, they left the hotel and took a short walk to a fine dining restaurant. The atmosphere was romantic, soft candlelight flickering against the dark wood, and the hum of quiet conversations filling the air. Over dinner, they shared easy conversation, flirting playfully, and exchanging soft touches across the table. Donna, who had initially thought their night would end after the meal, looked at Harvey in surprise as he subtly signaled for the check.
«What? You didn't think the night was ending here?»
After settling the bill, they strolled along South Broad Street, the city's quiet evening lights casting a soft glow around them. A few minutes later, they stopped in front of the Academy of Music while Donna paused, eyes wide with surprise and wonder as she looked up at the beautiful building.
«I don't understand?»
«I know you love everything related to opera, dance, and all that. So, I saw that they were performing The Nutcracker tonight, and I thought…»
Before he could finish, she jumped into his arms, alternating between kisses and thank-yous against his lips as he melted, watching her so excited. Once inside, they settled into their seats — the best ones, according to the website — while Donna watched the performance with stars in her eyes, and he looked at her with love. Later that night, after returning to the hotel and sharing a passionate moment beneath the sheets, they both lay side by side, out of breath and their skins sticky. For a few seconds, neither of them said anything until Donna turned to reposition herself, lying on her stomach with her arms crossed over Harvey's chest, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed at him with a loving expression.
«Thank you for today»
«Did you enjoy it?»
«It was perfect — more than perfect»
«I'm glad»
«What about you?»
«Me?»
«Yeah. How did you find it?»
«Me? Well, it's... new»
«And?»
«It was really great. Spending time with you is honestly the thing I love most in the world. And I discovered a lot of new things, like ballet, dates, and even shopping with a girl»
«You liked shopping?» chuckled Donna.
«Yeah. I like the idea of picking out clothes for you, seeing you strut around, imagining outfits that'll be just for me. I mean, it sounds a little caveman-ish»
«Well, you're a caveman, so..»
As she laughed, Donna noticed Harvey biting his lip, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. She could tell something was bothering him.
«Hey. What's going on?»
«I have so much respect for you»
«What do you mean?»
«You said I'm a caveman, but I don't want you to think I don't value you, or that just because you're a woman, I —»
«Harv, it was a joke. You're a caveman in the sense that you're manly, tough, a little arrogant, and confident with others. You're also possessive and jealous when it comes to me — but I love that about you. I think it's so sexy. Plus, I know how much you value me. Just today, you didn't stop pampering me, making sure I was happy, and making me feel like the most beautiful and important woman in the world. You're perfect, alright?»
To finish, she propped herself up slightly to kiss his lips, her fingers gently caressing his jaw. After talking late into the night, they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms. The next morning, after a long, leisurely lie-in, they wandered the streets of Philadelphia hand in hand, savoring the few hours they had left together and by evening, they were back in front of the redhead's house, sitting quietly in the car.
«Thank you»
«You're welcome»
«But Harv, don't spoil me every week end like that»
«Alright. Just every other weekend, then» smirked Harvey.
«You're an idiot»
«What do you think about Washington?»
«What?»
«For next weekend»
As he looked at her with a big smile, she couldn't help but melt, leaning in to kiss him tenderly before murmuring against his lips.
«I'm already looking forward to it»
«Me too»
After yet another kiss, Donna got out of the car, carrying her bouquet of flowers, her Louis Vuitton bag with her things, the half dozen dresses in the Dolce & Gabbana bag, and a heart full of love for the lawyer as Harvey watched her disappear inside, his heart swelling as he drove away. While he made his way home, the memories of the weekend spent with the redhead replayed in his mind, each moment more vivid than the last. The quiet dinners, the laughter, the way she made him feel seen and understood — it was everything he never knew he needed. Later, lying in bed with a wide smile, Harvey realized he had never been so happy in his life. And it was all because of her.
Because she was the one.