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 you to dinner motivates me to keep

could treat her to a

show her appreciation

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

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

and Lily instantly recognized the voice. They turned around, their gaze not just on the woman

four of them bumped into each other

was slightly stiff, void of any emotion,

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

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

right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed.

her tone gentle and unassuming,

not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that this man next to you

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

at a loss for words, instinctively glancing

her no

arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers

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.

words were too

aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin

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

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

by the sudden

Lily was always direct.

was overthinking, but she felt a sense of

must be blamed her for

blamed her for making Lauren feel

don't 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

you thought it through? Who is Harper

remained silent

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, Mrs. Martin,

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

stiffened, and she was at a loss for