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

cheeks flushed, and

did he mean by

she and Lauren never indeed

stifled moans and murmurs under his

cell phone rang, snapping him

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

face darkened when he saw the name on the

his reaction, answered the phone in

voice was gentle, exactly how she used to talk to him,

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

low tone, "Harper, since mom misunderstood

eyes lifting to meet

the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

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

didn't know the answer

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

office tomorrow." After hanging up the phone, Harper looked at Benjamin and said, "Let's just go home. It's not the right time

you didn't have

Frank might misunderstand something?"

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

respond. He just stepped on the accelerator, and the

silent the

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

like last night, everyone at Pineview

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 keep their

*****

to Chris stepping in, Harper's company

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 could have avoided these

a faint smile in

secret. Unexpectedly, Benjamin explained

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