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 pay. Plus, treating you to dinner motivates

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

to show her appreciation in her

but laughed. "Alright, 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 perks of being the mother-in-law." Harper just smiled,

to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice

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

them bumped

was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign

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

whole place, and we can't come? Lily replied, her

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

tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

She said coolly, "There's no need to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

was at a loss for words, instinctively glancing at

her no chance to

gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly

Davis, 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.

bowed, had no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent

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

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

I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer.

caught off guard by the sudden pull, was

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt a sense

must be blamed her for coming

blamed her for

then don't bother coming back to the

you thought it through?

was somber, and he remained silent for a long time,

this, Lauren said softly, "Mrs. Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset

I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not interrupt,

face stiffened, and she was at a loss for