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

cheeks flushed, and her eyes

did he mean by

never

gaze. Images of her stifled moans and murmurs under his kisses invaded his mind, along with her pleading voice, making his

then, a cell phone rang, snapping him

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

when he saw the name on the

answered the

to him, but

faint smile appear on Harper's face, irritating

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

her eyes lifting to

voice came through the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

getting a divorce, so why

answer

In Harper's mind, it must be

now; we can talk more at the office tomorrow." After hanging up the phone, Harper looked at Benjamin and said,

just an excuse; you didn't have to take

are you worried Frank might misunderstand something?"

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

just stepped on

was silent

said anything incorrectly, but

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

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

*****

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

"Ms. Mitchell, we're truly sorry. We had no idea you were connected to the Mitchell

offered a

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

resolving this issue, Harper and Frank had lunch together. Frank brought up a sensitive topic. "Since you and Benjamin are getting a divorce,