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.

and looked into her

flushed, and her eyes

he

and Lauren never indeed been together?" Harper

and her actions caught Benjamin's gaze. Images of her stifled moans and murmurs under his

then, a cell phone rang,

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

darkened when he saw the name

answered the phone in his presence,

to him, but now she seemed like a hedgehog showing its spines

smile appear on Harper's face, irritating

"Harper, since mom misunderstood us going out on a date, why don't we just

her eyes lifting

phone. "Harper, are you with

She then softly affirmed.

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

didn't know the answer to that question

nothing was wrong. In Harper's mind, it must be because he

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

an excuse; you didn't have to take it seriously," Harper said

Frank might misunderstand something?" Benjamin

you think that? Didn't you say

He just stepped on the

atmosphere was silent the

said anything

last night, everyone at Pineview Villa

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

*****

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

Realty explained their previous misunderstanding, "Ms. Mitchell, we're truly sorry. We had no idea you were connected to the Mitchell

a faint smile in

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

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