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.

I pay. Plus, treating you to

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 her, almost

wanted to show her appreciation

out more often. I need to enjoy some perks of being the mother-in-law." Harper just smiled, not saying anything, as she wasn't sure if there would

Harper linked arms with Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so sweet to remember

They turned around, their gaze not just on

of them bumped

slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign she

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

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

have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my

her tone gentle and

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at

no chance to seek

overbearing, but every softly

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. If word gets out, given your past status, it would be

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

sleeve and

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

frustrated as she pulled Harper closer.

by the

Lily was always direct.

met Benjamin's gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking,

be blamed

her for

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 despite her seemingly gentle appearance, she was actually very assertive

on, "So, have you thought it

somber, and he remained silent for a long

Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize.

son. As an outsider and a

was at a loss