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.

looked into her eyes. "You're my wife. If

cheeks flushed, and her eyes

did he

never indeed

moans and murmurs under his kisses invaded his mind, along with her pleading voice, making

cell phone rang,

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

he saw the name

unaware of his reaction, answered the phone in his presence,

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

faint smile appear on Harper's face, irritating Benjamin

"Harper, since mom misunderstood us going out on a date,

startled, her eyes lifting

through the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

said, "You guys are getting a divorce, so why is he

know the answer to

acted as if nothing was wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he didn't

she told Frank, "Let's leave it 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."

have to take it

are you worried Frank might misunderstand something?" Benjamin asked

would you think that? Didn't

respond. He just stepped on

silent

She hadn't said anything incorrectly, but he

like last night,

it out. It was better to rip off the band-aid. If she appeased him, it would only make her

*****

stepping in, Harper's company maintained its partnership

their cooperation 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.

a faint smile

close friends, and to the outside world, it was a secret. Unexpectedly, Benjamin explained to others that

together. Frank brought up a sensitive topic. "Since you and Benjamin are getting a divorce, are you planning to stay