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

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

show her appreciation in

if my daughter-in-law is treating me, I won't say no. But you'll have to take me out more often. I

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

gaze not just on the woman speaking but also on the

of them bumped into each other

any emotion, a

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper

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

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 hope you're not upset with me," Lauren

and unassuming, showing no sign of

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

for words, instinctively glancing

gave her no

overbearing, but every softly spoken

If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you, Ms. Davis. If word gets out, given your past status, it would be quite the joke, wouldn't

no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her

at Benjamin's sleeve

"Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't

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

by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of blame in his

blamed her

her for making

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

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

silent

If you are upset because of me, then I apologize.

speaking to my son. As an outsider and

she was at a loss