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.

it's only right that I pay. Plus,

this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal.

wanted to show her appreciation

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

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

gaze not just on the woman

of them bumped into

of any emotion, a sign

asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper

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

been a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin

tone gentle and unassuming, showing

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 now

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin

gave her no

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

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.

say as Lily's words were too

sleeve 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

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

blamed her for coming

blamed her for making Lauren feel

"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

on, "So, have you thought it

expression was somber, and he remained silent for a long time, his

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

my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not interrupt,

and she was at a