I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 80

Chapter 80 Rumored Romance Exposed

Benjamin's face was stern as he said indifferently, "You've had too much to drink."

"I'm not drunk. Don't you love me anymore? How can you be so heartless and ignore me?"

Lauren's words broke into sobs as she looked up at Benjamin's jawline and tiptoed to kiss him.

"Lauren, get in the car. I'll take you home."

Just as she leaned in, Benjamin subtly pushed her away and turned to open the car door, his expression excellent as he motioned for her to get in.

Lauren, noticing his cold detachment, hesitated, especially with Tony and others watching from behind, and reluctantly got into the car.

Unbeknownst to them, a black van was parked by the roadside. Someone inside aimed a camera, capturing the interaction between the two at the perfect angle.

Rue saw Lauren get into the car and quickly said goodbye to Tony. "Mr. Smith, Mr. Martin has come to pick up our Lauren, we'll be leaving now."

Tony's face turned pale as he glared at his assistant. "Didn't you tell me Benjamin had a falling out with her? Why is he here to pick her up now? Are you trying to make Benjamin see me as an enemy and ruin the company?"

He didn't dare to compete with Benjamin.

Rue didn't ride with them; instead, she followed in her car.

Throughout the journey, Lauren was too scared to speak. She sobered up quite a bit, not having drunk much in the first place.

When they arrived back at Maple Apartments, the car came to a smooth stop.

Only then did Lauren turn to Benjamin, whispering, "Benjamin, thanks for bringing me home."

"It's no big deal. Try not to drink so much next time. It's better for a lady to avoid these kinds of damaging social engagements, okay?"

"I understand. I won't do it again."

Lauren nodded and lifted her gaze to look at him cautiously.

But Benjamin was staring straight ahead, his cheekbones casting a cool shadow, which gave Lauren the courage to say softly, "Benjamin, are you... breaking up with me?"

He frowned slightly, finally turning to look at Lauren.

"It's getting late. You should head up and get some rest, okay?" Benjamin said coolly.

"Benjamin, why won't you answer my question? When I woke up, didn't you say you would marry me? Why aren't you mentioning it anymore? Is it because you've fallen for Harper, so you want to distance yourself from me?"

Lauren's voice was charged with emotion, her hands clenched tightly.

They locked eyes, Benjamin's gaze remained detached, his voice unfluctuating, "Lauren, it has nothing to do with Harper. I'm just really disappointed in what you did this time."

Relieved to hear it wasn't about Harper, Lauren quickly pleaded, "Benjamin, I really know I was wrong. I promise there won't be a next time. Can't you just forgive me this once?" Benjamin remained silent.

Lauren didn't want to give up, either.

With her head lowered and tears streaming down, she said, "Benjamin, did you come to pick me up tonight because of what happened a year ago? I know you don't want to marry me, but I need you to tell me directly, so I can let go. I'll leave Mayby and stop bothering you."

Benjamin's gaze was deep and mysterious. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he asked coolly, "Lauren, are you threatening me?"

Lauren was momentarily stunned.

She hurriedly explained, "Benjamin, I'm not, you've misunderstood, I just..."

"You don't need to explain, but you should know I'm not afraid of threats." Benjamin cut her off calmly. "As for what I promised you, it won't change. Just don't do anything else that upsets me, okay?" Lauren jerked, then quickly nodded. "I understand, Benjamin. I won't upset you anymore."

Benjamin's expression finally softened a bit, and he said, "Alright, get some rest. I should be going."

This time, Lauren didn't refuse. Benjamin's moods were too unpredictable, and she couldn't afford to strain their relationship further.

Back at her apartment, she called Rue. Before she could speak, the voice on the other end asked, "Did Mr. Martin stay to keep you company?"

"Put the stuff we shot tonight on top of the trending list for marketing first thing tomorrow morning."

Lauren didn't reply, her tone emotionless as she made the arrangements.

She planned to use this scandal to mislead everyone about her deep relationship with Benjamin completely. Even if they cleared things up, it would still leave people guessing, and she was ready to deal with Harper, making sure she knew who indeed held Benjamin's heart.

Early the following day, the rumored romance between Benjamin and Lauren hit the top of the trending search list.

Benjamin's phone was ringing off the hook first thing in the morning.

It was Curtis on the other end, explaining the situation before asking, "Mr. Martin, should we pull it down?"

"Otherwise, why would I pay you a salary?" Benjamin replied, his tone cold and clearly displeased.

Harper noticed his reaction, and after he hung up the phone, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," he replied calmly.

Harper didn't pry further and continued eating. Then, she prepared to head to the office and fully recovered from her cold.

However, as she was leaving, Benjamin suddenly suggested, "Why don't you stay home and rest for another day?"

"I don't want to. It's boring at home, and the project can't be delayed any longer. I can't let it affect the overall progress," Harper insisted.

After all, she was an architect playing a crucial role in the entire construction project.

Benjamin fell silent for a moment, his expression slightly sad, but he said nothing more.

Upon arriving at the office, Frank looked at her with a severe expression. As their eyes met, Harper took the initiative to ask, "Frank, why are you looking at me like that?"

Frank's face remained stern. "Let's talk in your office."

Harper nodded. She was puzzled.

Harper and Frank entered the office one after the other, and as the door closed, Frank asked in a low voice, "Harper, what is Benjamin really up to? He keeps you hanging with the marriage on one hand and dates Lauren on the other. Does he even respect you?"

Harper paused, confused by his words.

"Frank, you're saying Benjamin is dating Lauren?"

"You didn't know?" Frank furrowed his brows, his expression tightening instantly before he quickly pulled out his phone and showed her a screenshot, "This was taken by reporters last night at the entrance of a restaurant. It was trending this morning but has been taken down now. However, there's still a lot of buzz about it online. I can't believe Benjamin didn't tell you."

Harper let Frank's words go in one ear and out the other, her gaze and thoughts fixated on the screenshot on the phone screen.

The glaring headline was clear to see: "The Martin Group President, Benjamin personally drives to pick up girlfriend Lauren and returns to their love nest."

The time was around seven in the morning, which was when both Harper and Benjamin were still at home.

"So, last night, when he said he had plans with Larry, he was actually going to meet Lauren?

Was the phone call she received this morning also related to this?

He had suggested I take an extra day off; was it because he didn't want me to know about this? Really funny, huh?

Benjamin, just how many lies have you told to keep this from me?"