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

wanted to say was that this might be the last time she could treat

show her appreciation in

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 there would ever be

Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called

turned around, their gaze not just on the woman

of them bumped into

of any emotion, a

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

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

you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin

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

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.

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words,

her no chance

was indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was excruciatingly

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

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

Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin

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

done now? Did I 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, was

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt a sense

be blamed

blamed her for making Lauren feel

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

thought it

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

are upset because of me, then I apologize. It's all my fault,

am speaking to my son. As an outsider and

and she was at a