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.

felt like a return to the days before their divorce discussion; she always looked after him tirelessly, with every detail tended to patiently and

an unbelievable thought popped into his

an ancient tale buried through the

was late at

suddenly shattered

It was Benjamin's.

up

just knocked on my door. I'm terrified. Could it be those people who are out to get me? Are they going to kill me now that

had also opened

tossing the covers aside as he prepared to get out of bed. Harper asked, "Are you going

at her but didn't answer. Instead, he spoke to Lauren,

me what they did

now. You go back

her

We can't let anything else happen to her,

"Yes."

Benjamin's response was resolute.

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 and

to furrow, a chill passing inexplicably through

didn't dwell on it, quickly dressing

eyes snapped open the next second, her gaze

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

but merely because she was still his wife,

no other

on her abdomen as she whispered with guilt and self-reproach, "I'm sorry, baby, but mommy promises, I'll do everything in

*****

following day, Harper came downstairs to find

come back, or he had come back

chose not to ask, instead taking

breakfast spread included oatmeal, sandwiches, tacos, and boiled

avoid it as much as possible, but even the faint

finishing her oatmeal and ready to leave the table when Benjamin said, "Why are you eating so fast? Have an egg, and try

responded flatly and

you upset?"

steady, his

briefly, then responded, "Of course not.

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

it in her bowl, even peeling the egg before

for it, so he kept

about ten seconds, she had no choice but to take