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 eyes. "You're my

cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted

he mean by

Lauren never indeed

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

cell phone rang,

It was Harper's phone.

The caller was Frank.

face darkened when he saw the

Harper, unaware of his reaction, answered the phone in his

how she used to talk to him, but now

smile

tone, "Harper, since mom misunderstood us going out on a date,

was startled, her eyes

came through the phone. "Harper, are you with

She then softly affirmed.

"You guys are getting a divorce,

the answer to that

they 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 he

can talk more at the office tomorrow." After hanging up the

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

might

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

just stepped on

was silent

felt wronged. She hadn't said anything incorrectly,

each other like last night, everyone at Pineview Villa could

out. It was better to rip off the band-aid. If

*****

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

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

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