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.

she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her, almost tenderly

show her

you'll have to take me out more often. I need to enjoy some perks of being the mother-in-law." Harper just

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

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

of them bumped into each

was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign she

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what

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

home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health,

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

Lily 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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively

gave her no chance to seek

indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly

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

were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but she was

at Benjamin's sleeve and

said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too upset. Please don't be like

something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this?

caught off guard by

Lily was always direct.

were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of

blamed her for coming

her for making Lauren

Harper, then don't bother coming back to the Martin

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

remained silent for a

are upset because of me, then

an outsider and a bystander, you

and she was at