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.

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,

her appreciation in her

But you'll have to take me out more often. I need to

Harper linked arms with Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind,

gaze not just on the

bumped

stiff, void of any emotion,

was surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper

come? Lily replied, her

right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're not upset

gentle and

is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that this man next to you is now

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing

no chance to seek

or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers

don't you answer? Is there something you can't say? Or do you know he's married and still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of

had no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from

looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and

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

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

guard by

Lily was always direct.

eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she

blamed

for making

still in the hospital. If you dare do anything to wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't do anything about his

have you thought

was somber, and he remained silent for

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

I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not

she was at a loss