I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Was It Deliberate?

Harper was simply taken aback and immediately denied the possibility. "How could it be? He wishes we had no relationship. He's eager to marry Lauren, so how could he be unwilling to divorce me?" It was so ridiculous.

She was not too stupid to buy it.

After all, this was not possible.

Frank hesitated and thought for a few seconds before saying, "Maybe I misinterpreted. Since you have decided to divorce, don't put it off. After all, you will split up sooner or later. Any delay won't do either of you any good, will it?"

"Yes, you're right."

Sensing that she was not in a good mood, Frank carefully explained, "Harper, I don't mean to interfere with your affairs. I'm afraid that you will suffer."

Harper said, "I didn't blame you. Didn't you say we were friends? So, we should trust each other. How could I misunderstand you?"

"I overthought. I am sorry."

"Okay. I forgive you."

They smiled across the phone and did not continue the topic. Harper asked about work matters. She said, "We will officially start cooperation with Summit Realty after the contract is finalized. As Party A, the Martin Group must have the highest demands, so we have to be mentally prepared. The current drawings may be completely overturned when the Martin Group reviews them."

"I see, and I have already informed others in advance. Do you plan to be solely responsible for this project yourself or involve other designers from the company?"

"No need. Let me take charge. You can contact other partners. In addition, let's arrange things after we leave."

"Okay. I got it." Frank whispered.

Harper fell silent, took a breath quietly, and then made up an excuse to end the call.

She opted to pursue architecture to share a common interest with Benjamin. The Martin Group's diverse business encompassed real estate and architecture from its inception, motivating her desire to become an architect to forge a closer connection with him.

She knew that only outstanding people could stand side by side with him. For this reason, she put in a lot of hard work and effort to be the best of the best. It would only take Benjamin a little more attention to replace out, but as their divorce loomed, he remained unaware of her identity.

Harper felt so frustrated.

Naturally, she wouldn't take the initiative to bring it up.

*****..

The Mitchell family also knew that Paul had agreed to Harper and Benjamin's divorce.

Jennifer learned it from Lily at approximately nine in the morning. Lily didn't mean to be unkind. She believed it was important to inform the Mitchell family and that the friendship between both families would endure despite the divorce. So, she emphasized, "Even though Harper and Benjamin break up, we are still friends. We must stay connected in the future."

Jennifer froze with a surge of anger. She indifferently replied to Lily, "Yes, you are right."

"Then, it's settled. Let's get together when we have time. We haven't played cards together for a long time."

"Okay, let's make an appointment in a few days."

Jennifer said there was something going on outside and ended the call.

Immediately afterward, her face turned cold. She threw the phone on the coffee table and said furiously, "What does Harper mean? Does she think we are not qualified to interfere in her matters because she didn't grow up by our side?"

Jack was about to leave for the company when the news shocked him.

He said, "It's partly your fault for not paying enough attention to Harper. If you were more attentive to her, how could you not even be aware that she's getting divorced?"

Jack blamed Jennifer with a displeased look. "You're an irresponsible mother. You must convince Harper and stop her from divorcing Benjamin."

With that, he left.

Jennifer felt aggrieved and attributed all her grievances to Harper. Originally, Jack did not love her as much as before because she could no longer bear children. She had sacrificed a lot these years to consolidate her own identity and prevent the illegitimate children from causing trouble. Therefore, she must not allow Harper to ruin everything.

Kimberly poured a glass of water and handed it to Jennifer. "Mom, don't worry. Since they can't sustain their marriage, maybe divorce is for the best. It will be bad for anyone if things persist like this." "No way! She must not get divorced. I will never let her do it."

Jennifer came up with various tricks. Sitting aside, Kimberly noticed this and felt hesitant.

In the evening, Benjamin returned to Pineview Villa.

Hearing the sound of his car, Harper quickly stood up and went out.

They met at the entrance.

Harper asked, "What happened this morning?"

"There was a board meeting in the morning, and I had other things to deal with in the afternoon," Benjamin explained.

Harper asked, "Were you busy?"

"Harper, what do you mean? Do you think I deliberately refused to go?"

"I didn't say that," Harper said in a low voice.

She just wanted to figure it out. She didn't know why he overreacted.

Harper suggested, "Let's go out together tomorrow morning. If you have other things to handle in the company, it should be okay to postpone it for half an hour."

Her words irritated Benjamin. His handsome face betrayed impatience. He said indifferently, "Then, let's make it tomorrow."

With that, he walked directly past her into the villa without looking at Harper.

At the dinner table in the evening, Harper, Lauren, and Benjamin were silent. It was only Harper who used to say nothing. Yet, it was strange that even Lauren didn't make a sound.

Harper glanced at Lauren calmly and found her eyes were red and slightly swollen. She wondered if Lauren had cried.

Maybe Lauren was unhappy that they didn't get divorced today.

With this thought, Harper was no longer curious and returned to her room after dinner.

Lauren seized the opportunity and promptly asked, "Benjamin, are you reluctant to divorce Harper? Today, you..."

"Lauren." Benjamin said sternly, "I said there was an important meeting today. The Martin Group belongs to me and the entire Martin family. I won't risk it for anything, so do you still want to argue with me?" Lauren was speechless and could only stare at him aggrievedly.

She had been in a bad mood since leaving the Martin Group during the day. She lost her temper and expected him to coax her, but he hadn't taken action yet.

In a panic, she didn't dare to make a fuss and could only take the initiative to inquire.

But Benjamin's flawless explanation made her more insecure.

She didn't give up and asked, "Benjamin, I don't intend to argue with you. I only want to know if you and Harper will really get divorced."

Benjamin squinted at her with deep eyes. "Of course."

"Alright. I won't ask further questions, and I will listen to you." Lauren said with a hint of excitement, feeling overjoyed, "Benjamin, I am willing to sacrifice everything for you, so we must get married, okay? I love you more than anyone else."

Benjamin nodded lightly.

In high spirits, Lauren beamed with joy, but he found it a bit dazzling.

He thought, "Isn't the decision to divorce Harper already expected?

Why am I hesitant when it really comes to this moment?"

The more Benjamin pondered about it, the heavier his expression became. In particular, Lauren's smile upset him.

Once again, like the night before, he didn't return to the bedroom until Harper had fallen asleep. He couldn't comprehend why this happened.

After a dreamless night, Harper woke up extra early the next morning.

Benjamin hadn't awakened yet, so she carefully slowed down her movements to wash up and change her clothes. Then, she went downstairs to wait with the documents she had prepared.

A moment later, Benjamin descended the stairs and spotted her seated on the sofa, her posture upright. It appeared she had deliberately applied lipstick, its color captivating.

His face immediately darkened. He said in a low and cold voice, "Harper, are you so impatient to go through the formalities?"