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 me

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

show her appreciation in her

longer insisted 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

arms with Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin, you're so

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

four of them bumped into each

any

composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and

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

but Benjamin was worried

gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing

Lily gave her no chance to seek

overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers

married and still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you,

words were

Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin

and he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still

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

caught off guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

met Benjamin's gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a

blamed her for

blamed her for making Lauren

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

you thought it through? Who is Harper

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

pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me,

an outsider

and she was at a loss for