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.

her to face him, and looked into her eyes. "You're my wife. If you

and her eyes

did he mean

Lauren never

stifled moans and murmurs under his kisses invaded

phone rang, snapping him back to

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

saw the name

unaware of his reaction, answered the phone in his

was gentle, exactly how she used to talk to him, but now she seemed like a

a faint smile appear on Harper's

since mom misunderstood us going out on a date, why don't

eyes lifting to meet

voice came through the phone. "Harper, are you

She then softly affirmed.

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

know the answer to that

wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he didn't care that

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

excuse; you didn't have to take it

Frank might

you think that? Didn't you say we shouldn't

just stepped on the accelerator, and the car

silent the

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

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

rip off the band-aid. If she appeased him, it would only make her more dependent; better to keep their

*****

Harper's company

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 could

a faint smile in

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

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