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.

as the younger one, it's only right that I pay. Plus, treating

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

she wanted to show her appreciation in her own

to take me out more often. I need

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

not just on the

of them bumped into each other

face was slightly stiff, void of any emotion,

was surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and

You've booked the whole place, and we can't come? Lily replied, her tone sharp and her gaze

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

bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing no

Lily showed 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, does

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

was at a loss for words, instinctively glancing

gave her no

overbearing, but every softly

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

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

aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right, it's my

discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get

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

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 sense of blame in his

must be blamed her for

for

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

"So, have you thought it through? Who is

and he remained silent for a long time, his

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

an outsider and

and she was at a