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

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

her

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,

Lily to head out. Suddenly, a sweet, gentle female voice called from behind, "Benjamin,

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

of them bumped

any emotion, a sign she

his composure, asking, "Mom, what

the whole place, and we can't come?

been a while. How have you been? I should have visited you at home right away, but Benjamin was worried about my health, so we delayed. I hope you're not upset with me," Lauren

tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of

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

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

loss for words, instinctively glancing at

Lily gave her no chance to

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

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. If word gets out, given your past status, it would

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

Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin,

he said, "Mom, can we discuss this at home? Lauren is still recovering and shouldn't get too upset. Please don't

was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin, who

off guard by the sudden pull,

Lily was always direct.

gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was

must be blamed her for

her for

don't bother coming back to the Martin Manor." Benjamin knew

thought it through? Who is Harper to

silent for a long

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

an outsider and

was at a