I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Unwilling to Divorce?

Frowning slightly, Benjamin fixed his eyes on Harper subconsciously and replied to Lauren's words in a low voice, "Did Harper tell you that we will go through the formalities tomorrow?"

"Yes, she informed me upon her return this morning. Is that right, Harper?"

Lauren turned to Harper with a gentle expression, not at all as aggressive as when they were alone.

However, Harper ignored her, cast a glance at her, and looked away.

Harper said nothing, so Lauren was embarrassed.

She whispered, "Benjamin, since you and Harper are going through the procedures, we'd better move out. You mentioned leaving the villa to Harper as part of the divorce settlement. If we stay here after your divorce, people might think we're taking advantage of Harper."

Benjamin was impatient, and his tone was indifferent. "Is that what you want?"

He was asking Harper.

They looked at each other. His deep eyes were icy cold, as if they could sting like frostbite.

Harper did not dodge and said, "After our divorce, I don't plan to live here. I will move out, so if a suitable place isn't found, you can continue to live here."

Benjamin owned a lot of real estate, so his statement about not having an appropriate residence for Lauren might have been merely an excuse.

Harper believed that he simply used such explanations as a way to be near his beloved constantly.

But it would soon have nothing to do with her. Thus, she wouldn't ask any more questions.

Probably, it was because of her answer that Benjamin was displeased with her all night.

He seemed very angry.

But Harper didn't know why.

After dinner, Benjamin went back to the study, and Harper entered the bedroom.

He didn't go back to the bedroom until late at night. As a result, Harper had no chance to talk to him.

While waiting, she felt sleepy and fell asleep.

The next day soon followed the dreamless night.

At about six o'clock in the morning, Benjamin came out of the master bedroom and went directly downstairs.

He skipped breakfast and readied himself to leave. As he was about to get in the car, there was a woman's voice. "Benjamin, are you going out?" Benjamin turned around, and Lauren trotted over.

He said yes and added, "Where are you going so early?"

"Benjamin, you and Harper are going to the Courthouse to apply for divorce today. Can I go with you?"

Irritated, Benjamin asked, "Do you want to follow us to the Courthouse?"

"Yes. Is it okay? I'd like to accompany you."

Lauren was expectant.

Benjamin paused for a moment and then said, "The Courthouse is not open yet. I have to go to the office now." "Well, it doesn't matter. I can stay with you."

"Whatever."

His agreement pleased Lauren so much that she quickly opened the car door and got into the front passenger seat.

It was already seven o'clock in the morning when Harper got up.

Benjamin wasn't in bed. She assumed he was downstairs.

However, after washing up and changing her clothes, she came downstairs and didn't see him. She asked Draven, "Where is Benjamin?" "Benjamin went out early in the morning with Ms. Davis."

"Okay. I got it." Harper replied calmly. Yet, there was a wave of sadness within her, like a ripple in the sea caused by a flap, and it was inconspicuous.

She wondered, "Where did he take Lauren so early?

Were they eager to celebrate his divorce?"

She experienced a dull pain in her heart, like being bitten by ants. It was subtle yet enough to leave her breathless.

Harper ate something and left the villa.

Thinking that Benjamin would go directly to the Courthouse to meet her after having fun with Lauren, she drove there by herself.

At the same time, Benjamin and Lauren were in the president's office on the top floor of the Martin Group.

Benjamin sat at the desk and focused on the documents in his hands while Lauren occupied the sofa across from him. She had been patiently waiting there for an hour.

She specifically checked the working hours of the Courthouse, which was now open, but he had no intention of heading out there. After much hesitation, she finally decided to remind him. "Benjamin, are you done? Can we go there?"

Lauren stared at Benjamin softly, and her voice was pleasant.

Benjamin raised his hand, glanced at the time on his watch, and said, "Wait a minute."

Lauren dared not say more.

She thought, "They will go through the formalities today anyway. I've waited for so long, so I don't need to rush for an hour or two and thus avoid annoying him."

Then, she remained silent and waited.

From the corner of his eye, Benjamin caught a glimpse of her bent head. With composure, he retrieved his phone, sent a brief message to someone, and returned his phone to its original position before proceeding to read the file.

About a dozen minutes later, Curtis knocked on the office door.

"Mr. Martin, the board of directors has an emergency meeting, which requires your presence now. I'm afraid you need to postpone your morning schedule."

Curtis strode in quickly and looked at Benjamin seriously and nervously.

Benjamin stood up immediately. "Now?"

"Yes, it is."

"Okay. Cancel all my arrangements for this morning." After ordering in an indifferent voice, he turned to Lauren, who sat on the sofa with dull eyes, and said, "Lauren, I'll arrange for someone to drive you home. If you have other plans, I can have the driver take you there, but I'm in the midst of an emergency meeting and can't accompany you."

Lauren was stunned.

Before she could speak, Benjamin and Curtis had already walked out of the office.

At ten past nine in the morning, Harper was already waiting outside the Courthouse. But Benjamin hadn't arrived yet.

Harper checked the time several times. She had been here for an hour and a half.

In the end, she couldn't help but take out her mobile phone and dial Benjamin's number, but it took a long time for someone to answer.

"Hello. Mrs. Martin, it's me, Curtis. Mr. Martin is in a meeting. What can I do for you?"

Harper was surprised. "Is he in a meeting?"

"Yes, there is a temporary emergency on the board of directors, and Mr. Martin is dealing with it. Is there anything you need me to convey to him?"

"No."

After hanging up, Harper was helpless.

She thought, "What kind of meeting is it? Can't he postpone it and spare half an hour for the formalities?"

Harper held her phone in a daze.

At that moment, her mobile phone suddenly rang.

She lowered her eyes and saw the caller ID displayed on the screen.

She pressed the answer button. "Hello, Frank."

"Have you completed the procedures?" Frank asked.

She said expressionlessly, "No, he has an urgency temporarily."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Frank didn't think so. He said, "Harper, does he not want to divorce you?"