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.

said, "Lily, as the younger one, it's only right that I pay.

say was that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her, almost tenderly

wanted to show her appreciation

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

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

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

bumped into each

any emotion, a

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

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

visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we

tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin beside

no

arrogant or overbearing, but every

you know he's married and still cling to him? If that's the

what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but she

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

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

say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin, who is Harper to

by the sudden pull, was

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking,

must be blamed her

for making Lauren feel

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

thought it through?

was somber, and he remained silent for a long

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

was at