I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Chapter 29 Not Entirely Beyond Hope

Harper shook her head, "Lily, let's go eat. He's busy."

A flicker of indifference crossed her eyes.

He wouldn't have lunch with her. He only wanted to be with his beloved, Lauren.

She was nothing for Benjamin.

Harper laughed scornfully at herself, feeling utterly insignificant.

A man's disinterest can be so absolute.

She didn't even need to persist.

Lily booked the restaurant where they were dining.

It was an upscale establishment, a long-standing venue in Mayby, not far from the hospital.

They took a private booth and ordered three dishes and a soup.

It was the first time Lily and Harper had dined alone together, but there was no awkwardness at all, thanks to Lily's gentle nature and knack for conversation.

She asked Harper, "Is everything going smoothly at work? If you need anything, just reach out to Benjamin. If you're hesitant to talk to him, you can always come to me or Scott. We're here to support you."

Harper smiled in gratitude. "Thanks, Lily. Things are okay for now. Benjamin helped me out with a problem a few days ago."

"Really?" Lily was somewhat surprised. Harper nodded and confirmed, prompting Lily to comment, "It seems he's not beyond help after all."

Harper was briefly taken aback, while Lily simply smiled.

The food was served at that moment.

The two chatted over their meal, creating a particularly harmonious atmosphere.

The meal stretched over an hour as they playfully argued over who would pay the bill, but Harper ultimately prevailed.

as the younger one, it's only right that I pay. Plus, treating you to dinner motivates

might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her, almost

to show her appreciation in her own

to take me out more often. I

head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female

instantly recognized the voice. They turned around, their gaze not just on

four of them bumped into each other

face was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign

his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper

come? Lily replied,

been a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so

gentle and

deference. She said coolly, "There's no need to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms.

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin

Lily gave her no chance

indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word

and still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you, Ms. Davis. If word gets out, given your past status, it would

no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but

tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin

and he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering

something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin, who

caught off guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt a sense of

be blamed her for coming

blamed her for making

coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't do anything about his own mother, aware that despite her seemingly gentle appearance, she was

you thought it through? Who is

he remained silent for a long time, his

Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my

am speaking to my son. As an outsider and

stiffened, and she was at a loss for