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.

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

be the last time she could treat her to a

wanted to show her

daughter-in-law is treating me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more often. I need

out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so sweet to remember

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

them bumped into each other

face was slightly stiff, void of any

composure, asking, "Mom, what are you

booked the whole place, and we can't come? Lily replied, her tone

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

tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

"There's no need to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

was at a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin

Lily gave her no chance

gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken

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 you, Ms. Davis. If word gets out, given

had no idea what to say as Lily's words were too

sleeve

this at home? Lauren is

something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer.

caught off guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

met Benjamin's gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of blame

must be blamed

her for making Lauren

"Benjamin, don't forget, Paul is still in the hospital. If you dare do anything to wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the Martin

pressed on, "So, have you thought it through? Who

and he remained silent for a long time,

said softly, "Mrs. Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my fault, Mrs.

to my son. As an outsider and a

she was