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.

said, "Lily, as the younger one, it's only right that I pay. Plus, treating you to dinner motivates me to

be the last time she could treat her to a

to show her

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

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

voice. They turned around, their gaze not just

of them bumped

slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign

was surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking,

You've booked the whole 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

gentle and unassuming, showing no

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words,

her no chance

or overbearing, but every

"Ms. 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.

head bowed, had 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

we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering

have I done now? Did I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as

caught off guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

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

be blamed

for making Lauren

wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew he couldn't do anything about

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

he remained silent for a long time, his thoughts

please don't pressure Benjamin. If you are upset because

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

stiffened, and she was at a loss for