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.

"Lily, as the younger one, it's only right that I

that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her,

to show her appreciation in her

me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more often. I need to enjoy some

sweet, gentle female voice

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

four of them bumped into each

of any emotion, a sign she had

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

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

bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming,

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,

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin beside

her no chance

overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was

Or do you know he's married and still cling to him? If that's the case,

to say as Lily's words were too

sleeve and murmured,

this at home? Lauren is still recovering

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

off guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking,

blamed her

her for making Lauren feel

don't forget, Paul is still in the hospital. If you 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 actually

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

he remained silent

softly, "Mrs. Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of

speaking to my son. As an

stiffened, and she was at a loss for