I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 57

Chapter 57 He Loved Someone Else

Paul looked at Harper kindly. "Harper, he didn't treat you, did he? I can see it clearly. If he treated you right, you wouldn't be seeking a divorce, let alone considering your pregnancy as a secret. It's evident that he's failed as a husband.

We value family relationships deeply. Neither his grandmother nor his parents nor I have ever had marital issues. I sometimes wonder if he's been influenced by the wrong people."

Paul forced a smile, his heart heavy with concern.

Harper looked uneasy. "Please don't say that. It's not entirely his fault. It's just that we're not compatible."

"You don't need to defend him. I've known him since he was a child. Harper, if he had been a good husband, you wouldn't be so hesitant to give him another chance. Tell him about the pregnancy, or not is your own decision. Whatever you choose, I will support you."

Harper fell silent, torn between conflicting emotions.

Telling Benjamin meant that she couldn't push him out of her life even after they divorced.

But keeping it as a secret seemed too selfish.

She was in a dilemma.

After a long pause, she finally said, "Okay, Grandpa, I understand."

"Good girl, Benjamin should have cherished you more," Paul said.

Harper smiled and shook her head.

Since Paul needed to take his medicine, Harper left the room first.

As she closed the door, a tall figure blocked her path.

Their eyes met, but she looked away first.

Benjamin studied her intently. "What did you discuss with Grandpa?"

"Nothing important."

"Really?"

He seemed skeptical.

Harper's emotions surged as she remembered Paul's earlier questions about the car accident. She raised her head, meeting Benjamin's gaze with indifference. "Whether you believe me or not is up to you. Regardless of what I say, you'll think it is me betraying you behind your back. You had an accident because of Lauren. But you thought it was my complaints to your family and blamed me that they don't like her."

Her words stung.

Benjamin frowned. "I haven't accused you yet, and you're already placing all the blame on me. Harper, when did you become so sharp-tongued?"

"What does it matter whether I say it or not? Your eyes have already gave away your mind."

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

"I don't," Harper said it with sarcasm.

He drew closer, whispering in her ear, "I shouldn't doubt you. I just worry too much. Don't be mad. Please?"

His gentle words caught her off guard.

He was always like this, so caring that it could be misunderstood.

If Harper hadn't known about his feelings for Lauren, she might have mistaken his tenderness for love every time.

Harper lowered her head, remaining silent.

Benjamin seemed to sense her hesitation. "Are you angry with me?"

"No," she responded calmly.

Whether Benjamin believed her or not, he didn't press further.

Paul never mentioned Lauren again, leading Benjamin to suspect that Harper had intervened to silence him.

After the dinner, Benjamin and Harper headed home.

Scott asked his father, "Dad, should we interfere with Benjamin and Lauren's situation?"

"I would never accept a woman like Lauren to become my family. She wasn't welcome a year ago, and she won't be welcome a year from now." Paul's eyes gleamed with determination.

Scott added, "That's true, but we can't let her keep around Benjamin. She might offend Harper."

"I've been patient long enough. Even if they divorce, Harper will always be a part of the family. Benjamin should be more careful with his marriage." Paul's tone was stern, his displeasure evident.

Scott and Lily exchanged glances but said nothing.

Lily spoke up next. "Dad, we all adore Harper, and want her to stay in the family.

She might not want to take him back. If Benjamin let Harper leave him, he'll regret it for the rest of his life."

Paul's thoughts turned to Harper's pregnancy. He wanted to lash out at Benjamin so he could understand how deeply his betrayal hurt Harper's feelings.

Scott sensed his father's unease. "Dad, did Harper say something to you?"

Paul glanced at him but remained silent.

If Harper didn't want Benjamin to know, then Paul would respect her choice. A wife who was pregnant yet reluctant to inform her husband - Paul concluded that Benjamin had disgraced the Martin family. He wasn't treating his wife well, then he didn't deserve to know about the child.

He wanted to see Benjamin's reaction when he found out.

*****

When Benjamin was in the hospital, the Martin Group faced a minor upheaval as he remained absent. CEO's missing caused speculation among the staff.

So the day after Benjamin's discharge, he returned to work as usual.

Before leaving in the morning, Harper reminded him, "Benjamin, your wound is still healing. The doctor said to avoid strenuous activity to prevent further injury. Please be careful."

He listened quietly.

Lauren was also there. She observed Benjamin's gentle expression toward Harper and felt a pang of discomfort. She interjected, "Benjamin, listen to Harper. How about I skip work and accompany you to the office? I'll take care of you."

"No, I will pay attention."

He refused her suggestion, his gaze still lingering on Harper, who had already put on her shoes and was ready to leave.

Lauren's interruption halted their conversation.

The three of them left together.

Since Benjamin couldn't drive, Curtis came to pick him up, while Lauren rode with him. Harper drove separately.

As the two cars departed from Pineview Villa, Harper watched Benjamin's car fade into the distance through the rearview mirror, feeling an inexplicable ache in her heart.

She pressed her lips, looking ahead, and drove to the company.

By nine o'clock, Harper arrived at Martin Group with Summit Realty's project manager to submit architectural drawings. If everything checked out, they would sign the contract and commence construction. The person in charge of the project came forward to receive her and took her and the manager to the conference room.

She didn't want to let Benjamin know, but Curtis saw her arriving.

Curtis immediately told Benjamin, "Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin is here. She came with Summit Reality to submit the artwork."

"She is here?"

"Yes, just attended the conference room."

Benjamin, notified by Curtis, decided to join them. "Since we have some time, let's go review the drawings. It's a good opportunity to spot any potential issues."

With that, he led the way.

Curtis glanced at his cluttered desk, baffled by Benjamin's claim of having nothing to do.