I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

He Calls Her Mrs. Martin

"What did he mean by saying this? Is he trying to explain?" Harper thought.

But they were about to get divorced. It was pointless to do such a thing that could so easily be misunderstood.

Harper really couldn't grasp what was going through Benjamin's mind.

Yet, his tenderness did move her.

Loving someone for ten years wasn't something one could easily turn off. Even if Harper could bear the pain and ignore her feelings, those tender moments still stirred her heartstrings.

Harper held her breath, tears welling up in her eyes, but she wouldn't allow them to fall.

She asked calmly, "Why are you telling me this?"

Benjamin chuckled, "Why? You ask why? If I don't explain, I probably have to sleep at couch tonight, and the servants will laugh at me for having no say in this family. So, can you trust me now, Mrs. Martin?" Great, now it became her fault.

Harper replied calmly, "You chose to leave. I didn't drive you away."

"Am I supposed to stay and keep arguing?" Benjamin asked.

"I didn't want to argue in the first place. It was you who..."

"Alright, let's just drop it. Can we please not talk about this again?"

Since he had put it this way, there was no more she could say.

Benjamin added, "Why don't we visit Grandpa together this afternoon? I'll come pick you up."

Harper pressed her lips. "Okay."

After hanging up the phone, Harper stood there, stunned, muttering to herself, "Benjamin, what am I going to do with you?"

She couldn't understand why he hadn't changed the way he treated her even though they were on the brink of divorce.

Benjamin still didn't love her, and she wished he were cruel. It would be so much easier to let go that way.

Meanwhile, Benjamin had gone to the hospital.

Lauren was getting discharged tomorrow, and he was there to handle the procedures.

Then, he returned to her room, where Lauren's agent was also there.

Lauren was a singer. She had thrived in the industry due to her savvy marketing skills and Benjamin's influence, and she was known for a few signature hits. But since the accident, she'd faded from the public eye. Only some loyal fans were still waiting for her.

As soon as she saw Benjamin enter, she smiled, "Hi, Benjamin! Come give me some advice. Do you think I should keep chasing my singing career with the way things are now?"

Benjamin kept his face calm, giving nothing away. "Let's talk about that after you're back on your feet. Right now, there's something else I need to ask you."

Feeling his detachment, Lauren quickly asked her manager to step out. Once they were alone in the hospital room, she asked softly, "What's wrong, Benjamin? Is there something wrong with my health?" Her eyes were filled with worry and panic.

Her face looked exceptionally pale and weak due to her illness, and her tearful eyes made one feel an instinctive pity. Benjamin frowned slightly and asked, "You answered the phone when Harper called me last night, didn't you?" Lauren paused for a moment and then realized he was talking about the call from last night.

She bit her lip gently, showing a mix of guilt and regret on her face. "Did Harper say something to you? I'm sorry, it's my fault. I shouldn't have picked up your phone. I just thought, since Harper isn't really an outsider..."

"Lauren, it's not about what Harper might have said. What did you say to her?"

Lauren hung her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry, Benjamin, I was too impulsive. Harper has been by your side for a year, I really felt insecure. I was scared you might start to have feelings for her. It's all on me. Please, don't be angry, okay?"

Benjamin's face was stern, his eyes cold and distant. "Harper and I are still married, Lauren. I thought you understood that. It means we can't act as if we're a divorce couple."

Lauren nodded as if she truly felt guilt and promised there wouldn't be a next time.

But Benjamin was still upset. "Get some rest. I have to head back to the office, but I'll be back to pick you up when you're discharged tomorrow."

As Benjamin turned to leave, a flicker of coldness crossed Lauren's face, her jaw clenching.

*****

That evening, Benjamin drove to pick up Harper from work, and then they both headed to the hospital.

Paul hadn't awakened yet, but all his symptoms were stable and normal.

Seeing them arrive together, Lily seemed quite pleased. She said, "Don't worry about Grandpa, he's fine. If you're really worried about him, you should start thinking about having a child soon. A great- grandchild would surely do lift his spirits."

Harper's smile was strained, and she didn't respond.

Benjamin frowned. "Mom, why bring this up out of the blue?"

"Out of the blue? You've been married for a year now. I was pregnant with you after two months I got married. If a man can't get his wife pregnant, well, who knows what others might think?" Lily's words were heavy with implication.

Harper could only keep her head down and remain silent, wishing she could disappear.

Scott cleared his throat softly, clearly embarrassed.

But it was Benjamin who felt the most helpless. His expression darkened, and he had to fight the urge to roll his eyes.

Lily, however, ignored this and asked, "Harper, dear, tell me the truth. Is there something wrong with Benjamin? Is that why you're not pregnant?"