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. Plus, treating you to dinner motivates me

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

her appreciation in her

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,

a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so sweet to remember

not just on the woman speaking but also on the

them bumped into

stiff, void of any

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are

place, and we can't come? Lily

right away, but Benjamin was worried about

head bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign

house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin

Lily gave her no chance to

overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was excruciatingly

married and still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of

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

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

this at home? Lauren is

as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin, who

off guard by the sudden pull, was

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt

blamed her

he blamed her for making

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

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

was somber, and he remained silent for a long

Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my fault, Mrs.

I am speaking to my son. As an outsider

stiffened, and she was at a loss