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,

could treat her to a meal. Lily had been

she wanted to show her appreciation

is treating me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more

Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so sweet to remember what I like

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

four of them bumped into

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

surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what

and we can't come? Lily

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

head bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing no

everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that this man next to you is

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

for words, instinctively glancing at

no chance

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

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

idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent

lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin,

at Lily, and he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too

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

by the sudden pull, was

Lily was always direct.

Benjamin's gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was

be blamed her

for making

Harper, then don't bother coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't do anything about his own

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

remained silent for a

upset because of me, then

son. As an outsider and

was at a