I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Chapter 28 Are You Shy?

He phrased it so nobly, yet Harper blushed, her face turning a delicate pink. Even though they had been honest with each other, his straightforward request for help with bathing was embarrassingly direct.

She tugged at her hand forcefully, bowing her head, eager to escape the situation. Harper said, "You should hurry up and wash. I'll take the bowl downstairs to be cleaned."

But Benjamin was reluctant to let go. Instead, his voice deepened as he asked, "Harper, are you shy?"

Naturally, Harper wouldn't admit it. She looked up, meeting his gaze, and asked seriously, "Do you really need my help?"

"We are husband and wife; isn't this normal?"

"Alright then." With that, Harper turned to face him and began to unbutton his shirt. Her incredible fingernails inadvertently brushed against his skin, changing the previously colorless atmosphere into something slightly different.

Benjamin stood stiffly, unmoving, while Harper kept her gaze forward, showing no sign of discomfort.

He didn't stop her until the last button of his shirt was fastened, then he suddenly reached out, halting her continuation, and said in a soft voice, "I'll do it myself, you can leave now."

Harper paused for a moment before she withdrew her hands and walked out.

She understood Benjamin's habits well and knew exactly how to provoke him.

After exiting the bathroom, she patted her cheeks and then came back to her senses and went downstairs.

She handed the bowl to the maid for washing and then stepped out of the living room to make a phone call.

As soon as the call connected, a woman's voice came through. "Harper? Why are you calling at this time?"

"I wanted to ask you something about the baby..."

Harper briefly explained her situation, then added, "Could there be any problems?"

"If you're worried, find some time in the next few days to come to the hospital, and I'll give you a check-up. If you've indeed decided to keep the baby, then you'll need an official prenatal screening." "Alright, I'll arrange a time and let you know. Just make sure everything is set up discreetly. I don't want anyone else to know yet," Harper instructed.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it, the other person assured."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Are you being formal with me? We'll talk more when we meet."

"Okay, see you."

After hanging up, Harper deleted the record of the call and then went upstairs.

Benjamin had just finished showering and came out when Harper handed him a glass of water. "Drink more water and try to get some rest early tonight. How about we skip anything work-related for the evening, okay?"

Benjamin stared at Harper.

their divorce discussion; she always looked after him tirelessly,

thought popped into his

as an ancient tale buried through

late

shattered by the

It was Benjamin's.

up

out to get me? Are they going to kill me now that they know I'm awake?" Lauren's voice cut through the quiet

had also opened

he prepared to get out of bed. Harper asked, "Are you going to

he spoke

what they did last

the hospital now. You go back to sleep." "Benjamin, do you really have to go? Didn't you say your heart was bothering you? If you're not feeling well, you should rest. What are you

speech was rapid, her expression as

said, "Lauren might be under surveillance at the hospital. We can't let anything else happen to her, so I need to go." "Do you really

"Yes."

Benjamin's response was resolute.

him with a detached gaze devoid of any warmth. "Alright, drive safely. I'm going back to

glance, she lay down again, pulling the covers over herself

furrow, a chill passing

on it,

her gaze cold and

disregarded his comfort for a single expression of fear from Lauren. What chance did she have? She was utterly

was not out of any lingering affection for her but merely because she was still his wife, part

was no other

repeated this to herself over and over, her hand resting on her abdomen as she whispered with guilt and self-reproach, "I'm sorry, baby, but mommy promises, I'll

*****

following day, Harper came downstairs to find Benjamin unexpectedly at the breakfast

had come

taking her seat to start

oatmeal, sandwiches,

to avoid it as much as possible, but even the faint smells made

when Benjamin said, "Why are you eating so fast? Have an egg, and try some of these

responded flatly

you upset?"

and steady,

responded, "Of course not. Why would you think

not, then sit down and eat some more. I'll drive you

it in her

reach for it, so he kept holding it

about ten seconds, she had no choice but