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.

to face him, and looked into her

cheeks flushed, and

he

she and Lauren never indeed been together?"

Images of her stifled moans and murmurs under

cell phone rang,

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

face darkened when he saw the name on the

answered the phone in his presence,

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

Frank said made a faint smile

mom misunderstood us going out on a

startled, her eyes lifting to meet

voice came through the phone.

She then softly affirmed.

are getting a divorce, so why is he

the answer to that question

were about to divorce, and Benjamin acted as if nothing was wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he didn't care that

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

excuse; you didn't have

are you worried Frank might

she replied, "Why would you think that? Didn't you say

on the accelerator, and the car

was silent the whole

hadn't said anything incorrectly,

last night, everyone at Pineview Villa could sense

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

*****

to Chris stepping in, Harper's company maintained its

agreement. Summit Realty explained their previous misunderstanding, "Ms. Mitchell, we're 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

offered a faint

to their families and close friends, 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, it still hurt her a

had lunch together. Frank brought up a sensitive topic. "Since you and Benjamin are getting a divorce, are you planning to stay in