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.

right that I pay. Plus, treating you

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

her appreciation

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."

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

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

bumped

void of any

surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking,

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

at home right away, but Benjamin

and

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words,

no

indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every

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

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

her lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is

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

as she pulled Harper closer. "Who

by the sudden pull, was

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt a sense of

must be blamed her for

her for making

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 very assertive deep

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

he remained silent

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

am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should

stiffened, and she was at a loss for