I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin) novel Chapter 29

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.

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.