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.

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

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

her appreciation

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 smiled, not saying anything, as she wasn't sure if

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

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

of them bumped into each other

was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign

regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what

whole place, and we can't come? Lily

it's been a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried

head bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign

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 Ms. Davis

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

a loss for words, instinctively

no chance

not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly

him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you, Ms. Davis. If word gets out, given your

what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but

at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right, it's

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

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

caught off guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

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

blamed

for making

to wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the

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

somber, and he remained silent for a long time, his thoughts

said softly, "Mrs. Martin, please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my

son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not interrupt,

was at a loss for