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.

it's 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

her appreciation in her own

out more often. I

linked arms with Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female

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

bumped into each other

void of any emotion, a sign

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

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

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

tone gentle and unassuming, showing

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin beside

Lily gave her no chance

gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but

continued, "Ms. 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. Davis. If word gets out, given your past status, it would be

no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting.

at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin,

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

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

guard by

Lily was always direct.

calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of blame

be blamed her

blamed her for making Lauren feel

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

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

remained silent for a long time,

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

an

stiffened, and she was