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.

right that I pay. Plus,

Harper really wanted to say was that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind

to show her

"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 to enjoy some

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

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

them bumped into each

of any emotion, a

composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper doing

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

while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so

gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms.

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

a loss for words, instinctively glancing at

no chance to

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

"Ms. 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 indecent of you, Ms. Davis.

Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but she was

her lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right,

we discuss this at home? Lauren is

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

off guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking,

must be blamed her for coming

her for making Lauren feel

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,

thought

and he remained silent

pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I

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

she was at a loss for