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.

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

really wanted to say was that this might be the last time she could treat her

to show her

take me out more often. I need to enjoy some perks of being the

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

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

bumped

void of any emotion, a sign

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

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

should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're

gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

Lily showed no 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,

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

a loss for words, instinctively glancing

her no chance

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

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 you, Ms. Davis. If word gets out,

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

Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin,

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

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

off guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a

must be blamed her for

her for making Lauren

hospital. If you dare do anything to wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the

pressed on, "So, have you thought

he remained silent for a long time, his thoughts

upset because of

to my son. As an

and she was at