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.

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

flushed, and

he

and Lauren never indeed

her stifled moans and murmurs under his kisses invaded his mind, along with her

cell phone rang, snapping him back to

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

face darkened when he saw the name on

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

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

a faint smile

since mom misunderstood us going out

eyes

came through the phone. "Harper, are

She then softly affirmed.

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

didn't know the answer to that question

to divorce, and Benjamin acted as if nothing was wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he

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." "Why would it

just an excuse; you didn't have to

Frank might misunderstand something?" Benjamin

think that? Didn't you say we shouldn't involve others in

just stepped on

silent the

said anything incorrectly, but he

night,

him. She had figured it out. It was better to rip off the band-aid. If she appeased him, it would only make her more dependent; better to

*****

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

you were connected to the Mitchell family and such good friends with

just offered a

was a secret. Unexpectedly, Benjamin explained to others that they were

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