I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 41

Chapter 41 The Divorce Procedures

"Because Henry wanted to entrust her to me, hoping that I could have her back and that the Martin family could be her background and supporter. Henry was already critically ill at that time. Despite the help he gave me years ago, he never asked me to repay it. This is the first and last time.

"Harper is a very good girl. After all, I feel sorry for Henry and her. If you insist on a divorce, I won't stop you. But Benjamin, as a member of our family, you are responsible for the favors owed by the Martin family. Without Henry, we might not have had the chance to talk together like we do now."

Henry had given Paul a hand many years before, and it was almost a timely help. Otherwise, it was not sure whether Paul could have made it through.

Despite lacking frequent contact and a close relationship for years, the two families remained on good terms.

Paul's words silenced Benjamin. Paul added, "I am not imposing moral obligations. You ought to know that the Martin family is indebted to the Mitchell family. I promised Henry that I would secure Harper's lifelong happiness. When you divorce, I will make it known to the public that she is my god-granddaughter, and I will replace her a husband in the name of the Martin family. In addition, a portion of the company's shares will be given to Harper in my name as a wedding gift. I want you to be mentally prepared in advance."

Benjamin's face darkened as Paul spoke. Although he had been asked to look for a suitable partner for Harper before they could divorce, Paul had obviously changed his mind now. Benjamin was silent for a long time.

Paul asked, "After my detailed explanation, what do you think?"

"Grandpa, we haven't divorced yet. Isn't it a bit unfair to me that you've planned so much?"

Paul laughed, narrowed his eyes, and sneered, "Is what you did fair to Harper? You're still married, but you actually allow Lauren to live in Pineview Villa. Benjamin, do you think it's fair?"

Benjamin's eyes were deep. Suppressing his dissatisfaction, he said, "Grandpa, I have my plan."

"Okay, you've grown up, and I can't control you anymore, so don't talk to me about fairness. Two days later, you can get a divorce."

Paul said no more and waved Benjamin out.

He leaned on the seat, closing his eyes slightly and feeling tired. At that moment, Gordon came in, walked to Paul's side, and asked in a low voice, "Why don't you tell Benjamin the truth directly? Maybe it will stop him from pursuing a divorce."

"Harper refuses to use the baby to keep him. Let him do it if he desires to split with her. He will regret it someday."

Paul gave a cold snort and fell silent. The resolution of every situation took time. The results wouldn't be decided until the end.

The relationship between Harper and Benjamin had eased during the two days they had lived in the Martin Manor.

They were nearly inseparable, reliving moments reminiscent of their pre-divorce days.

They did everything together like a normal couple.

But Harper knew full well that all this was because of Paul's arrangement.

Two days flew by in the blink of an eye, signaling their imminent divorce.

In the morning, Harper and Benjamin had breakfast with Paul, Scott, and Lily. Everyone tacitly agreed not to mention anything about the divorce.

After breakfast, Paul took the initiative and said, "Well, you've stayed with me for two days. I won't go back on what I promised you. You can set a time to go through the formalities." Harper nodded, and so did Benjamin.

Scott and Lily didn't say anything. After all, Paul had made the decision.

Harper and Benjamin didn't linger. They just sat for a while before leaving the Martin Manor together.

In the car, Benjamin was driving, and Harper was in the front passenger seat.

She asked, "Benjamin, when would you like to go through the formalities? How about now?"

Frowning, Benjamin asked indifferently, "Are you anxious?"

"What?"

"If you're not in a hurry, could we put it off until tomorrow? I've been absent from the office for the past two days. After taking you home, I have to go to the office to handle some matters. Is that okay?" he asked gently.

Harper naturally understood. After all, the company's affairs were not trivial, so she nodded and said, "Okay, let's do it tomorrow morning."

"Okay," Benjamin said coldly. In fact, it was a rather perfunctory reply.

But at that moment, Harper didn't notice it at all. In a low mood, she thought, "Once the formalities are done tomorrow, I should move out, so I have to replace a house in advance. Although Benjamin promised to leave Pineview Villa for me, I don't really want to live in such a big villa alone."

After taking her back to Pineview Villa, Benjamin went directly to the company.

When Harper walked into the villa, Lauren immediately came over with a slight smile, but her expression changed when she saw it was Harper. "Why is it you? Where's Benjamin?"

Lauren reluctantly looked behind her, but there was no one there.

With no intention of speaking to her, Harper bypassed her, intending to go straight upstairs.

At the sight of this, Lauren quickly stepped forward to stop her. She said, "Harper, I am asking you. Where is Benjamin?"

"Lauren, who are you to me? What obligation do I have to answer your questions?" Harper said coldly.

Lauren was left speechless, casting a dissatisfied glare at Harper, who didn't care at all. Instead, Harper glanced at her indifferently and headed upstairs.

Lauren angrily stamped her feet, her dislike for Harper intensifying. She shouted at Harper's back, "Don't think that spending two days in the Martin Manor with Benjamin will change anything in your relationship. He told me that his stay there was at his grandfather's request. Now that you have satisfied him, hurry up for a divorce, and don't delay Benjamin."

Harper paused slightly, and her eyes suddenly widened in astonishment.

But she ignored Lauren, let alone responded to her words, and walked straight back to the bedroom.

Harper felt melancholy. It was very clear to her how good Benjamin was to Lauren, but she didn't expect that he would even tell Lauren why he lived in the Martin Manor. Despite assuring Harper that their divorce was solely their concern, he had confessed everything to Lauren.

She thought, "Benjamin, you really have double standards."

Because of the formalities early tomorrow morning, Harper postponed the work for the time being. Frank didn't ask further but said, "Tell me if you need my help. Harper, we are friends. Don't treat me as an outsider, okay?"

It sounded almost like a plea, making it impossible for Harper to say no.

Harper agreed and said, "I will go through the divorce procedures with him tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Is it decided?"

"Yes. Paul also consented."

"What about you? Can you get over him?" Frank asked softly because he knew best about Harper's love for Benjamin. After so many years, it was finally coming to an end, but Frank wondered if she was really willing to give it up.

Harper smiled, "I have never had the final say about our relationship. I don't want to upset myself anymore."

It was both an answer to Frank's question and a reminder to herself. Her determination was clear and thorough.

The day passed so quickly that it was almost unbearable.

The evening soon approached. Benjamin came back from work at the company.

The atmosphere of dinner at the Martin Manor had been particularly good these two days, but now the dinner for the three people made Harper feel very awkward. After all, one of the three people was always superfluous.

Harper remained silent the whole time.

Lauren calmly asked, "Benjamin, Harper said that you will go through the formalities tomorrow, so should we move out?"