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.

that I

last time she could

wanted to show her appreciation in her

my daughter-in-law is treating me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more often. I need to enjoy some perks of being the mother-in-law." Harper just smiled, not saying

out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from

voice. They turned around, their gaze not just on the woman speaking but also on the

them bumped into each

face was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a

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

and we can't come? Lily replied, her tone sharp and

a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're not upset with me,"

and unassuming, showing no sign of

coolly, "There's no need to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at

Lily gave her no chance to seek

or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers

Davis, why 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

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

sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right,

home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too upset. Please don't be like

have I done now? Did I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper

guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense

be blamed

her for

Lily said, "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 Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't do anything about his own mother, aware that despite her seemingly gentle appearance, she was actually very assertive

thought it through? Who is Harper

remained silent for a long time,

Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's

Davis, I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and

face stiffened, and she was at a