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.

forcing her to face him, and looked into her eyes. "You're my wife. If you don't know, who

flushed, and

he mean by

and Lauren never indeed

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

cell phone rang,

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

darkened when he saw the name on

answered the phone in his presence, "Hello,

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

Frank said made a faint smile

knowing why, Benjamin suddenly suggested in a low tone, "Harper, since mom misunderstood us going out on a date,

was startled, her eyes lifting to meet

voice came through the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

a divorce, so why is he acting

know the answer to that question

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

office tomorrow." After hanging up the phone, Harper looked at Benjamin and said, "Let's just

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

Frank might misunderstand something?" Benjamin

"Why would you think that? Didn't you say

didn't respond. He just stepped on the accelerator, and

silent

felt wronged. She hadn't said anything incorrectly, but he

ignoring each other like last night, everyone at Pineview Villa could sense Benjamin's

wouldn't coddle him. She had figured it out. It was better to rip off the band-aid. If she

*****

company maintained its partnership with

idea you were connected to the Mitchell family

a faint smile in

and to the outside world, it was a secret. Unexpectedly, Benjamin explained to others that they were just excellent friends. Although it wasn't a problem,

topic. "Since you and Benjamin are getting a divorce, are you planning to stay