I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Don't Persist Anymore

Benjamin's demeanor remained composed, his striking features casting a sense of unfamiliarity upon Harper.

He explained calmly, "She is just staying here temporarily until she finds a suitable place to move out."

Harper's retort was sharp. "Benjamin, your response might deceive me, but I don't believe that someone of your means can't find suitable accommodation for her. Or is it that Ms. Davis is too delicate, and only our home suits her?"

"Harper." Benjamin's voice was tinged with a hint of disappointment. "Lauren was hospitalized today. Even if arrangements were made, there couldn't be other place more comfortable than here. Can't you be a bit more generous and not be so narrow-minded?"

"Me? Narrow-minded?" Harper scoffed, realizing how ruthless one could be with mere words, shattering a person's spirit.

She took a breath, her sorrow threatening to spill over.

"You think this place suits her? Then I'll move out. Sooner or later, my space needs to be cleared for her."Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Harper declared coldly before turning to head upstairs to pack her belongings.

Lauren hurriedly stepped in, trying to calm the situation. "Harper, can you please not be angry with Benjamin? I truly didn't mean to intrude. I had nowhere else to go, and due to my own circumstances, Benjamin was concerned for my safety and allowed me to stay temporarily. Rest assured, I'll move out as soon as I find a place."

"What do you mean, Ms. Davis? Do you expect me to welcome you like Benjamin does?" Harper's tone was laced with sarcasm.

"That's not what I meant," Lauren replied, looking crestfallen.

Harper chuckled, "Then what do you mean? Should I clear out now to satisfy you? Why don't you teach me, Ms. Davis, how I should proceed?"

Harper didn't know Lauren's nature, but Harper knew one thing. Even if they were on the brink of divorce, one shouldn't barge in before it was finalized.

She thought, "We're all women, why can't she left me with a bit of dignity?"

Lauren's silence in response to Harper's probing questions spoke volumes, her pitiful expression on full display.

Benjamin, with furrowed brows and an intense gaze, said, "Harper, I never intended for Lauren to stay here indefinitely. Even if we divorce, Pineview Villa will be yours. Can you please stop pressing on like this?"

Harper looked at him in disbelief.

She thought, "We have been married for at least a year, but how come when it comes to him, there is not a single bit of kindness left, only merciless hurt?

Anyway, no matter what, it's always me being unforgiving, me not cooperating with him."

Realizing the futility of it all, she chose silence.

Harper reminded herself inside, "Have you seen it clearly? He only loves Lauren. He can do anything for her. Don't persist anymore, it's pointless. In the end, the only one getting hurt is yourself. My love should end here."

Harper understood that it was better to sever ties completely rather than cling to a marriage and a man who no longer reciprocated her feelings. In this way, he could still be the same person in her heart. The usual dinner for two had now become a trio, where one person always felt surplus.

Harper deemed herself the excess, opting to remain silent.

With no words spoken throughout, she would rather go hungry, but with a baby inside her, Harper knew she had to eat for the child's sake.

Lauren urged Benjamin in a gentle voice, "Benjamin, try this. It's the same flavor as before, really delicious."

Lauren even pushed the dish towards Benjamin, encouraging him to taste it, something he never responded to when Harper did the same in the past.

However, Harper watched as he readily ate the food Lauren offered.

She thought, "So, the taste preferences are subjective."

Harper couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, feeling even more downhearted.

That night was a blur for her. Harper was unsure if she slept or lay awake.

The next morning, her phone rang.

It was Lily calling.

Quickly answering, Harper said, "Lily?"

"Harper, Your grandpa is awake and asking for you. Can you come to the hospital now?"

Lily's voice was filled with excitement.

Harper quickly got out of bed, not bothering to wake Benjamin who was still asleep beside her.

She said, "Of course. I'll be there soon. Take care of Grandpa for now, I'll be there shortly."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Harper quickly freshened up and changed clothes before rushing out of the house.

It was still early, and the Pineview Villa was quiet and serene.

Harper arrived at the hospital in no time and overheard Paul's deep voice from the ward. "These days have been unbearable. If it weren't for trying to keep Harper, I wouldn't have pretended to be sick and ended up in the hospital."

Scott quickly responded, "Dad, it's my fault for not disciplining Benjamin properly."

"Enough, don't blame yourself. That rascal seems to have lost his mind. If he misses out on a good wife like Harper, he's destined to be a bachelor for life," Paul exclaimed, his emotions running high. Lily said, "Dad, don't get upset, we will definitely have a good talk with Benjamin later. You lie down first, Harper will be here soon."

Harper stood outside the room with a wry smile.

She didn't feel angry but just resigned and felt guilty. Paul, Scott, and Lily were trying to keep her around, but her fate with Benjamin was already sealed.

Taking a deep breath, Harper knocked on the door and entered the room.

The three of them quickly composed themselves upon hearing the knock, but Harper didn't expose them. She observed Paul looking healthy and in good spirits, which put her at ease. Paul waved her over. "Harper, worried about me?"

Harper nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. Please take care of yourself, we're all worried."

"Alright, as long as you and Benjamin are fine, I will feel comfortable everywhere," Paul remarked with a smile.

Harper remained silent, watching Paul intently.

Sensing her gaze, Paul quickly changed the subject. "You came so early, you must not have had breakfast. Go out with Lily and grab something to eat."

"I'm not hungry, Grandpa. I want to stay with you," Harper replied.

"Harper, talk to your grandpa. Scott and I will go find something for you to eat." Lily suggested.

"Alright, thank you," Harper responded with a smile.

Lily smiled, "Why are you being so polite? We are all family."

As Lily and Scott left the room hand in hand, Harper turned to Paul with a serious expression. "Grandpa, are you lying to me?"

Paul avoided her gaze, saying, "Harper, my ears are old and can't hear what you're saying. Oh, why does my head suddenly feel dizzy?"

Paul turned to the side to avoid making eye contact with Harper, his playful demeanor resembling that of a child, causing Harper to chuckle involuntarily.

In truth, Harper found it strange as well. She couldn't understand why she got along so well with Paul. Ever since her own grandfather passed away, Paul had treated her like his own family, always prioritizing her needs.

As she pondered this, Harper's heart felt heavy.

She spoke softly. "Grandpa, please don't play such jokes in the future. I just want you to be healthy and well."

Paul's heart softened. He gently patted Harper's hand as he promised, "Alright, I was wrong. Will you give me another chance?"

The two shared a smile, letting the incident pass.

However, Paul cautioned, "You can keep this between us. Don't tell that rascal Benjamin."

Harper agreed, understanding that Paul's intention was to make Benjamin worry.

Then Paul asked, "Has he been bothering you these days?"