I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

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.

Harper said, "Lily, as the younger one, it's only right that I pay. Plus, treating you to dinner motivates me to keep earning."

What Harper really wanted to say was that this might be the last time she could treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her, almost tenderly so.

Thus, she wanted to show her appreciation in her own way.

With that said, Lily no longer insisted but 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, not saying anything, as she wasn't sure if there would ever be another chance.

After 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 what I like to eat."

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

The four of them bumped into each other unexpectedly.

Harper's face was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign she had become numb.

Benjamin was surprised but quickly regained his composure, asking, "Mom, what are you and Harper doing here?"

What? You've booked the whole place, and we can't come? Lily replied, her tone sharp and her gaze piercing.

"Mrs. Martin, it's 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 said softly.

Her head bowed, her tone gentle and unassuming, showing no sign of fault.

However, Lily showed no deference. She said coolly, "There's no need to come to our house, and certainly, not everyone is eager to visit Martin Manor. By the way, does Ms. Davis know that this man next to you is now married?"

"Mrs. Martin, I..."

Lauren was at a loss for words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin beside her.

But Lily gave her no chance to seek help.

Lily was indeed gentle, not arrogant or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was excruciatingly embarrassing.

Lily continued, "Ms. Davis, why don't you answer? Is there something 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 be quite the joke, wouldn't it?"

Lauren, head bowed, had no idea what to say as Lily's words were too cutting. It wasn't apparent from her tone, but she was indeed interrogating.

Biting her lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin's sleeve and murmured, "Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right, it's my fault."

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

"What have I done now? Did I say something wrong?" Lily was visibly frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. "Who is this? Tell me, Benjamin, who is Harper to you?"

Harper, caught off guard by the sudden pull, was stunned.

Lily was always direct.

Harper met Benjamin's gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but she felt a sense of blame in his stare.

He must be blamed her for coming here.

Or he blamed her for making Lauren feel wronged.

Neither of them interacted, and Lily said, "Benjamin, 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 her seemingly gentle appearance, she was actually very assertive deep down.

Lily pressed on, "So, have you thought it through? Who is Harper to you?"

Benjamin's expression was somber, and he remained silent for a long time, his thoughts inscrutable.

Seeing 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, I'm sorry...I..."

"Ms. Davis, I am speaking to my son. As an outsider and a bystander, you should not interrupt, okay?"

Lauren's face stiffened, and she was at a loss for words.

Lily was satisfied and continued, "Benjamin, did you not hear me?"

"Harper is my wife. Are you satisfied with that answer now?"

Benjamin seemed resigned, his face expressionless, revealing nothing of what he might be thinking.

His response shocked Harper, hurt Lauren, but particularly pleased Lily.

Lily looked at Lauren with a smile and said lightly, "Ms. Davis, you heard him too, right? So, a self-respecting girl should never overstep her bounds. Otherwise, it's really shameful, don't you think?" Lauren pressed her lips, tears swirling in her eyes. She had no choice but to agree with Lily. "You're right, Mrs. Martin."

"Since Ms. Davis understands, then there's nothing more I need to say." Her gaze coldly swept over Lauren before turning to Benjamin, "Let's go, take me and Harper back home."

Benjamin remained still and said, "Mom, you go ahead. Lauren's not fully recovered yet; I need to take her back to the hospital."

"Ms. Davis wouldn't mind, and she certainly wouldn't get close to a married man. Right, Ms. Davis?"

"Mrs. Martin is right, Benjamin. Don't worry about me; you should take Mrs. Martin and Harper instead," Lauren whispered to Benjamin.

Yet her eyes were filled with hope as she gazed at Benjamin, her face a portrait of sorrow and grievance. Facing Lily, she felt utterly helpless, unable to resist.

Before Benjamin could reply, Lauren suddenly lost her balance and started to fall to the side. Benjamin quickly caught her, and she ended up in his arms. Harper's eyes widened, and so did Lily's.

Harper hadn't expected such intimacy in public; she couldn't find the words to describe her feelings at that moment.

Her heart ached sharply, making it hard to breathe.

With a calm, indifferent voice, she squinted her eyes and said, "Lily, let's go."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Lily glared at Lauren and Benjamin, her face filled with anger. Pointing at Benjamin, she coldly said, "You really are a fine son of mine."

Then, she hurriedly followed Harper.

Benjamin's eyes followed Harper's figure, and Lauren, still in his arms, noticed and asked softly, "Benjamin, is Harper upset?"