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.

younger one, it's only right that I

that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had

wanted to show her appreciation in her own

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

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

around, their gaze not just on the woman speaking but also on the man

four of them bumped

stiff, void of any emotion, a sign she

was surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking, "Mom,

we can't come? Lily replied, her tone

you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're not upset with me," Lauren said

head bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing

to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way,

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

for words, instinctively

gave her no chance to seek

or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of

Or do you know he's married and still cling to him? If that's the case, it's quite indecent of you,

say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but she was indeed

her lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured,

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

Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer.

by the

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking,

blamed

he blamed her for making

hospital. If you dare do anything to wrong Harper, then don't bother coming back to the

you thought it through?

and he remained silent for a long time, his thoughts

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

As an outsider and a bystander, you

face stiffened, and she was at a loss for