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

that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had

she wanted to show her appreciation in

that said, Lily no longer insisted but laughed. "Alright, if my 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

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

bumped

any emotion, a

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

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

away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're

her tone gentle and unassuming, showing

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, does Ms. Davis know that this man next to you is

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words,

no

arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word

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

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

Benjamin's sleeve

"Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too

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

by

Lily was always direct.

eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she

must be blamed her for coming

for making Lauren feel

them interacted, and 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

have you thought it through?

was somber, and he remained silent

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

Davis, I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should

and she was at a