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

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

she wanted to show her appreciation in her own

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 to enjoy some perks of being the mother-in-law."

paying, Harper linked arms with Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from

their gaze not just on the woman speaking but

of them bumped into each

any emotion,

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

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

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

her tone gentle and unassuming, showing

and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

for words, instinctively

her no

arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was excruciatingly

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

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

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

frowned at Lily, and he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is

done now? Did I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as

caught off guard by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of blame in

be blamed her for

her for making Lauren

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

you thought

silent

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

I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not

she was at