I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 36

Chapter 36 Cling to Benjamin

He didn't even look at Lauren, saying indifferently, "No."

"But you're clearly not very happy," Lauren murmured.

Benjamin's gaze locked onto her with a hint of coldness, making no one dare to get too close.

Lauren felt a slight fear, her eyes showing obvious retreat as she looked at him.

However, Benjamin simply added calmly, "I have a business trip to Dattlech this afternoon and will be back in two days. If you need anything, contact Amanda. She will handle it for you. Also, while I'm away, try to keep your distance from Harper, okay?"

Amanda Clark was Benjamin's female assistant.

Lauren hesitated for a moment.

But she quickly nodded. "Okay, I understand."

Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that Benjamin's last sentence held a deeper meaning. She thought, "Did Harper told him something last night?"

Lauren speculated silently but didn't dare to ask Benjamin.

Benjamin didn't inform Harper about his business trip. She found out from Lauren after returning to Pineview Villa that evening.

Her reaction confirmed Lauren's assumption that Harper was unaware. So, Lauren immediately dismissed Benjamin's instructions from her mind. She said, "Harper, Benjamin treats me like a wife now, so he will tell me directly about his schedule, not you. If I were you, I would file for divorce right away."

Harper just gave Lauren a cold look, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.

But Lauren seized the opportunity to ask, "Harper, when do you and Benjamin plan to divorce? His grandfather is awake now, right? Do you intend to cling to Benjamin?"

"If you want to know, ask Benjamin directly. As for when we divorce, that's between him and me. Ms. Davis, what's your concern?" Harper replied, devoid of emotion.

After all, Benjamin had said their matters shouldn't involve Lauren.

Agitated, Lauren stared at Harper and said, "Benjamin doesn't truly love you. He only married you because of Sir Martin's pressure. If it weren't for Sir Martin forcing him, do you think you two would have gotten married? Harper, everything you have now should have been mine. You're just taking advantage."

"So what? We are married now. If you truly want me to divorce him, you better behave. Otherwise, I will refuse to divorce, and Grandpa will be on my side. Even if he doesn't agree, he will consider Grandpa," Harper retorted calmly.

"Harper, you have no shame."

"I'm still not as bad as you."

"You..."

Lauren was too furious to speak. Harper just turned and went upstairs.

Watching Harper's retreating figure, Lauren felt sore, but she quickly regained her composure. She stared at Harper's back, already plotting her next move in her mind.

In the bedroom upstairs, Harper closed the door, finally letting all her emotions show.

She thought, "In truth, Lauren isn't entirely wrong. I'm the one who's taking advantage now.

If Grandpa hadn't insisted on our marriage, Benjamin would have married Lauren long ago, right?

Perhaps they would even have had their child.

So, I'm indeed superfluous."

The thought weighed heavily on Harper.

She had loved Benjamin for ten years, falling for him at first sight, only to end up in a marriage she thought would last a lifetime, but the time they spent together this year seemed like enough. Over the next two days, Harper and Lauren didn't have any more conflicts.

Harper's sketches entered the editing phase, keeping her busy. As for Lauren, she began preparing for her comeback, also occupied with many tasks.

Since Benjamin didn't even mention his business trip to Harper, it was clear he wanted to convey that there was no need for communication.

So, during this time, Harper had no contact with Benjamin.

Thus, the two days passed without incident.

Paul was discharged from the hospital on the morning of the third day.

Because she didn't know when Benjamin would return, Harper rushed over early in the morning to prepare to pick up Paul from the hospital, along with Scott and Lily.

After Paul's check-up, it was found that his levels of blood pressure and blood sugar were slightly high, but everything else was normal.

Harper personally took care of all the procedures, and her filial piety towards Paul was evident. Lily said, "Harper, rest yourself. Let them handle it all. Come over and chat with your grandpa." Harper finally stopped, saying, "Just doing what I can."

"You're a kind, considerate, and filial child."

"Lily, you're embarrassing me with all this praise."

"Haha..."

Harper sat down on the sofa, and Paul looked at her, saying, "Harper, come back with us to the Martin Manor. We'll have dinner there tonight. You can't refuse, consider it a favor to me." Paul looked at her expectantly.

Lily and Scott chimed in. "Yes, let's all have dinner together at home."

Harper nodded. "Okay, I'll accompany you. Otherwise, I won't know how to appease you if you get angry."

"Hear that? This girl is starting to replace fault with me."

Paul's banter caused Scott and Lily to burst into laughter simultaneously.

The atmosphere was very pleasant.

After packing up, the driver and the housekeeper came up to bring the belongings. Harper held Paul's hand as they walked out of the ward. Harper advised, "Grandpa, when you get back, make sure to take care of your health. Don't eat things you shouldn't, okay?"

"Okay, I'll listen to you. But if you come back often to have meals with me, you can supervise me. Otherwise, I might eat things behind your back, and you wouldn't know," Paul joked.

He was hoping Harper would visit more often. She understood that and nodded in agreement.

As they left the hospital building, the mood was jovial, smiles evident on everyone's faces.

However, just as they were about to reach the hospital's main entrance, Harper heard a familiar voice. Her steps faltered, and Paul was the first to notice her distraction, following her gaze. Paul's expression darkened instantly.

He tapped his cane heavily on the ground, and Scott immediately asked, "Dad, what's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Harper then snapped back to reality. "Grandpa, are you okay?"

Seeing Harper still caring for him at this moment touched Paul even more.

He coldly stated, "Didn't you all say that the brat couldn't come to the hospital to pick me up from discharge due to a business trip? How come he's here now, accompanying someone else to the hospital?" Scott and Lily then noticed Benjamin with Lauren.

Paul turned to Harper and asked, "Harper, do you know he's back?"

Harper bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Seeing that Harper wanted to speak for Benjamin, Paul understood and said, "Good girl, you've been wronged. That ungrateful brat!"

Harper shook her head. "Grandpa, I'm fine. Please don't get upset."

"I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine," Paul said with simmering anger.

The commotion caught Benjamin's attention, and he immediately strode over.