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.

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

last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been

she wanted to show her appreciation

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 to enjoy some perks of being the mother-in-law." Harper just smiled, not saying anything, as she

gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so sweet to remember what I

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

of them bumped into each other

any emotion,

composure, asking, "Mom, what are you

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

bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at

gave her no chance to seek

but every softly spoken word of hers

If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you,

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

at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs.

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

visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin,

by

Lily was always direct.

eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but

must be blamed her for coming

her for making

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

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

remained silent

upset because of

an outsider and

was at a loss