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 her eyes. "You're my wife. If you don't

cheeks flushed, and her eyes

he mean

never

lips, and her actions caught Benjamin's gaze. Images of her stifled moans and murmurs

cell phone rang, snapping

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

darkened when he saw the name

answered the phone

voice was gentle, exactly how she used to talk to him, but now she seemed like a hedgehog showing its

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

low tone, "Harper, since mom misunderstood us

her eyes lifting to

came through the phone. "Harper, are you

She then softly affirmed.

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

know the answer to that question

it must be because he didn't care that he seemed so indifferent. Thinking about this made her feel

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

you didn't have to take it seriously," Harper

are you worried Frank might misunderstand something?" Benjamin

think that? Didn't you

respond. He just stepped on the

silent

hadn't said anything incorrectly, but he was

weren't ignoring each other like last night, everyone at Pineview Villa could sense Benjamin's

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

*****

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

we're truly sorry. We had no idea you were connected to the Mitchell family and such good friends with Mr. Martin.

offered a

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

topic. "Since you and Benjamin are getting a divorce, are you