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.

right that I pay. Plus, treating you to dinner

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

to show her appreciation

take me out more often.

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

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

four of them bumped into

stiff, void of any emotion, a sign

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper doing

booked the whole place, and we can't come? Lily replied, her tone sharp

Martin, it's been a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope

tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

words, instinctively

no chance to seek

indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was excruciatingly

still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you, Ms. Davis. If word

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

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

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

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

guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

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

be blamed her

her for

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 seemingly gentle appearance, she was

have you thought it through? Who

and he remained silent for

are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my

Davis, I am speaking to my son. As an

face stiffened, and she was at a loss