I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Chapter 61 A close relationship

Lauren's lips tightened as she glanced lightly at Benjamin. Speaking in a hushed tone, she remarked, "Today's conference is for my comeback. Let's keep the focus on my upcoming projects. As for my personal life, I prefer not to divulge too much. If there's any good news to share, I'll gladly do so with my fans."

Though Lauren's words seemed to discourage further inquiry, they only fueled speculation.

Meanwhile, in the company office, Harper watched the live broadcast. The image showed Benjamin, resplendent in a suit and leather shoes, standing beside Lauren, who was adorned in a flowing gown and exquisite makeup. Their proximity inevitably sparked questions about their relationship.

Harper sighed and closed the laptop, unwilling to delve deeper.

At that moment, the office door creaked open, and Frank entered, locking eyes with Harper.

He said, "Harper, what's Benjamin playing at? Attending Lauren's event in front of the media - it's like he's announcing their closeness."

Harper shrugged, wearing a nonchalant smile. "It's his prerogative."

"Harper, he's treating you unfairly. Why do you stay in this marriage?"

Harper met Frank's gaze calmly. "I understand your concern, but there are intricacies only the involved parties comprehend. Marriage isn't just about two individuals."

She wanted a divorce, but Benjamin's influence - both familial and personal - complicated matters. She couldn't simply walk away, not with the Martin family's hold over her. She couldn't just ignore everything to cut off her relationship with Benjamin.

She couldn't do it.

Frank wanted to say more, but Harper cut him off gently. "I'm fine, Frank. Don't pity me. Each experience shapes us. Life isn't perfect."

Harper's smile left Frank speechless, his expression betraying a hint of sorrow. "Harper, I wish you'd stay away from him. I fear for your well-being..." Backstage at Lauren's meeting, Benjamin strode out with a stern visage.

Lauren hurried after him. "Benjamin, please listen to me..."

halted abruptly, fixing his gaze

one-time occurrence. I

and walked away, impervious

eyes as

ago at the conference, a reporter's inquiry echoed, "Mr. Martin, can you shed

I hope you focus on her achievements rather than fabricate rumors.

the stage,

directed her ire towards Harper. If Harper hadn't lingered in Benjamin's life, she didn't need to misguide reporters to think

She impeded

a vengeful resolve, Lauren vowed to give Harper

up and

let's continue," Harper replied with

with familiar tunes. Her voice remained

of the incident also flooded the internet, swiftly

at the Martin Manor, Paul nearly lost his temper

he growled, "What is Benjamin' doing? He really

contact Benjamin immediately. However, Curtis intercepted the call and explained that Benjamin was currently in a meeting. "Once the meeting is over,

"Okay, I get it."

urged, "Dad, let's not jump to

address? The evidence speaks for itself! He listens to nobody right now!" Paul fumed, his anger directed squarely

already scolded

desperate bid for answers, he reached out to Harper, hoping for some clarity. However, her composed response only exacerbated his

Benjamin concluded his meeting, and Curtis promptly briefed him on

expression darkened. "Did I hire you to do nothing? Go to take

bore an icy intensity, laced with

gravely. "Mr. Martin, I apologize for the oversight. I'll initiate the necessary