I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 59

Chapter 59 Ms. Mitchell's Boyfriend

Lauren glanced at Benjamin and nodded slightly. "Well, yes, I was meant to have dinner with Benjamin, but you already have an appointment, so I..."

"How about Ms. Davis come with us? The more, the merrier," suggested the people from Summit Realty. He noticed that Lauren and Benjamin were more than acquaintances. So he invited Lauren to please Benjamin.

Benjamin remained impassive, while Lauren looked to him for approval. "Isn't this convenient? Benjamin, I don't want to disturb you."

"No, Ms. Davis. We hope you can join us," someone immediately responded,

After a brief pause, Benjamin calmly gave his consent. "Go if you want to."

"Okay, then I'll go with you," Lauren beamed as she approached Benjamin, then greeted Harper with forced cheerfulness, "Harper, you are here too."

Harper didn't want to respond to Lauren. But she eventually said "Yeah," under the eyes of everyone.

Since Harper knew Lauren, it became evident to everyone that her favored treatment by Benjamin likely stemmed from her connection to Lauren.

As they prepared to depart, Benjamin reminded them, "Get in the car."

Harper, closest to the car, moved to open the backseat door, only for Lauren to swiftly take her place with a cheerful. "Harper, thank you."

With a hidden smirk aimed at Harper, Lauren revealed her true intentions, but Harper remained stoic, showing no reaction.

Lauren waved to Benjamin, urging him to join them.

Harper's cold gaze met Benjamin's, but he remained impassive, finally settling into the backseat.

Harper chose the passenger seat instead.

Deliberately, Lauren questioned, "Harper, how about you come and take the backseat? We can't talk if you sit over there."

Harper smirked sarcastically, "Ms. Davis, ever heard that three's a crowd? Besides, I hardly know you. I doubt that we have much to talk about." "Harper, are you upset? If my presence bothers you, I can switch with you. I thought you wouldn't mind," Lauren gently interjected. "Don't bother, Ms. Davis. If you really care that I will be upset, why on earth do you pick the backseat in the first place??" Harper retorted coolly. Lauren tried to annoy her and she made it.

She had no desire to engage further.

Lauren acted like she felt sorry and asked, "Benjamin, did I do something wrong again?"

"Lauren, please be quiet. I have a headache and need to rest," Benjamin's deep, somber voice interrupted Lauren.

Benjamin's deep and gloomy voice interrupted Lauren's continuation.

Upon hearing him mention a headache, Lauren quickly inquired, "Benjamin, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I simply need a break, alright?"

"Okay, take your rest, I won't disturb you," Lauren acquiesced.

She was busy playing a caring friend. But Harper felt concerned about Benjamin as well.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Lauren followed Benjamin inside. They made quite the striking couple, exuding charm and elegance from every angle.

During the meal, Lauren assumed the role of gracious hostess, attending to everyone's needs with gentle consideration, effortlessly convincing them of her relationship with Benjamin.

Harper found it difficult to enjoy the meal. Unlike Lauren, she remained reserved and distant, preferring not to engage with unfamiliar faces.

After dinner, Harper deliberately slowed her pace as the group exited the restaurant, intending to avoid sharing a car with Benjamin to avoid further annoyance.

Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang, drawing everyone's attention.

Without betraying any emotion, she answered, "Hello, Frank?"

"Are you done? I'm nearby. I can pick you up"

"Sure," Harper replied and then told him the restaurant's name.

Frank confirmed, "I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Alright, I'll wait," Harper confirmed before ending the call.

Charlie remarked with a smile, "Is that Ms. Mitchell's boyfriend? A beautiful woman like you must have many admirers."

Lauren didn't enjoy his compliment on Harper's beauty.

Harper simply smiled without explanation.

She neither confirmed nor denied, people around accepted that it was her boyfriend who was calling.

The Summit Realty representative chimed in, "Ms. Mitchell's partner is very handsome. I presume he's her boyfriend, right?"

Harper remained silent, so the crowd didn't follow the topic.

Benjamin stared at Harper seriously as he spoke in a low voice. "Ms. Mitchell has a boyfriend?"

Caught off guard by Benjamin's unpleasant attitude, the Summit Realty representative hesitated, unable to respond. Others exchanged uncertain glances.

Harper met Benjamin's gaze but she didn't feel like explaining.

Quick to defuse the tension, Lauren interjected, "Benjamin, could you give me a ride later to the recording studio?"

Benjamin didn't answer her request, he continued to stare at Harper. "Ms. Mitchell, are you not going to answer?"

"Mr. Martin, this is a personal matter unrelated to work. I'm not obligated to respond, am I?" Harper's tone remained devoid of emotion as she addressed his probing gaze.

"A personal matter?" Benjamin's laughter was laced with icy undertones.

"Harper," He tried to say something.

Just as curiosity peaked among the group, Frank arrived, pulling up in his car at that moment.

After stepping out of the car, he strode towards Harper, immediately acknowledging the Summit Realty representative with a greeting.

The Summit Realty representative swiftly introduced, "Allow me to introduce you. This is Frank Parker, and he is a partner of Ms. Mitchell."

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged pleasantries. Frank reciprocated each greeting and then turned their attention to Benjamin. He talked with a respectful and gentle tone. "Mr. Martin, I've heard a lot of things about you."

Benjamin reciprocated with warmth, "Me too, Mr. Parker."

Though intrigued, no one inquired about their acquaintance.

Frank positioned himself next to Harper, his gaze meeting hers as he asked in a calm tone, "You haven't been eating well lately. Are you sure you've had enough?" Harper nodded in affirmation.

The interaction between the two showed that they were close.

Charlie commented, "Mr. Parker and Ms. Mitchell make a remarkable pair, both talented and beautiful!"

"Thank you very much for the compliment, Charlie. But Ms. Mitchell here has not accepted my pursuit yet."

"Ms. Mitchell deserves a great partner and boyfriend. I hope you two can make it work."

"That's what I thought."

The atmosphere calming as they exchanged the good words.

Lauren whispered to Benjamin, "Benjamin, is Frank really dating Harper? But with Harper not having divorced you yet. So she makes up her mind to divorce you?" Benjamin's expression remained stoic, his eyes indifferent.