I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Harper was stunned.

She didn't know how to answer that.

Harper could only press her lips, looking helplessly at Benjamin. It was as if he had received her silent plea for help but chose not to intervene. Instead, he said coolly, "Harper, Mom's asking you a question. You have to back me up here, otherwise I'll be misunderstood."

His deep gaze fell on her, seemingly carrying a hint of amusement.

'What did Benjamin mean by that?' Harper thought.

It was clear Benjamin was throwing Harper under the bus.

Feeling awkward, Harper replied softly, "Mom, since grandpa is fine, Benjamin and I will head out now. We've planned to go watch a movie together."

Then, pulling Benjamin along, they headed out, Lily's voice following them, "Grandpa would be so happy to hear you're going on a date, he'd wake up right away."

Harper let go of Benjamin's hand once they were in the car.

Benjamin turned to look at Harper beside him and asked softly, "What movie are we going to see?"

"I was just lying to Mom," Harper replied indifferently.

"You always say we shouldn't lie, right?"

"It was a white lie. Even if mom finds out, she won't blame me."

"A white lie?" Benjamin stared at her intently. "So, what are you trying to suggest to me?"

Harper frowned, realizing what he meant.

"I'm not suggesting anything. I didn't say anything. Could you not jump to conclusions," Harper retorted.

"Alright, I won't overthink it. Now that it's just the two of us, tell me, is there anything wrong with my health?" Benjamin asked it sanctimoniously.

"It's your body. How would I know?"

Harper quickly turned her head away, not wanting to continue the conversation.

Yet, Benjamin seemed to insist, as if he wouldn't let it go unless she answered.

into her eyes. "You're

cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted

did he mean

she and Lauren never

Benjamin's gaze. Images of her stifled moans and murmurs under his kisses invaded

a cell phone rang, snapping him

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

he saw

unaware of his reaction, answered the phone

she used to talk to him, but now she seemed like a hedgehog

made a faint smile appear on Harper's face, irritating

"Harper, since mom misunderstood us going

startled, her eyes lifting to meet

voice came through the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

said, "You guys are getting a divorce, so

the answer to that

about to divorce, and Benjamin acted as if nothing was wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he didn't care that he seemed so indifferent. Thinking about

at this for now; we can talk more at the office tomorrow." After hanging up the phone, Harper looked at Benjamin and said, "Let's just go home. It's not the right time to go to a movie." "Why would it be

was just an excuse; you didn't have to take it seriously," Harper said

Frank might misunderstand something?"

"Why would you think that? Didn't you say we shouldn't involve others

stepped on the

was silent

said anything

weren't ignoring each other like last night, everyone at Pineview Villa could sense Benjamin's

rip off the band-aid.

*****

to Chris stepping in, Harper's company maintained its partnership with

agreement. Summit Realty explained their previous misunderstanding, "Ms. Mitchell, we're truly sorry. We had no idea you were connected to the Mitchell family and such good friends with Mr. Martin. You should have told us earlier, and we

a faint smile

marriage to Benjamin was known only to their families and close friends, and to the outside world, it was a secret. Unexpectedly, Benjamin explained to

resolving this issue, Harper and Frank had lunch together. Frank brought up a sensitive topic. "Since