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.

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

be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to

her appreciation in

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

Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice

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

bumped into

slightly stiff, void of any emotion,

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what

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

I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're not upset with me,"

tone gentle and unassuming, showing

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..."

a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin

no chance to seek

or overbearing, but every

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

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

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

he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering

have I done now? Did I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this?

by

Lily was always direct.

gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt

blamed her

her for making Lauren

then don't bother coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't

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

he remained silent for a long

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

stiffened, and she was at