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.

only right that I

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

show her appreciation in her own

if my daughter-in-law is treating me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more often. I need to enjoy some

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

turned around, their gaze not just on the woman speaking

four of them bumped

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

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you

can't come? Lily replied, her tone

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 you're not

and unassuming, showing

to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

a loss for words, instinctively glancing at

no

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

why 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 status, it would be quite the joke, wouldn't

bowed, had no idea what to say as Lily's words were too

tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right, it's my

home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too

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

off guard by

Lily was always direct.

calm. Perhaps she was overthinking,

must be blamed her

her for making Lauren

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

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

silent for a long

softly, "Mrs. Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my fault, Mrs.

my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you

stiffened, and she was