I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)
Chapter 73

Chapter 73 Attention

"Where would you like to eat?" Benjamin asked, staring at her.

Harper was taken aback. "Aren't we going home?"

The words "going home" seemed to please him. He smiled faintly, his face softening as he said, "We are going to a restaurant, right?"

Caught off guard, Harper was still processing when Benjamin stepped on the gas.

Then, he asked, "What do you feel like eating?"

Harper didn't reject and thought for a moment. "Let's go to The Silver."

The Silver's menu focused on simple, fresh cuisine, which was perfect. Benjamin wasn't a fan of overly spiced dishes, and she was avoiding strong flavors herself these days. It suited them both. They had been married for a year, but this was the first time the two of them were dining out alone.

Throughout the year, Harper had wanted to have a meal alone with him but hesitated to ask. She was afraid of his rejection, or maybe he would replace her annoyingly clingy.

During the meal, both of them remained silent. Benjamin was used to eating in silence at home.

Just as she wondered why he had taken her out alone tonight, his deep voice broke the silence. "Why aren't you talking?" Harper looked up, meeting his deep eyes, and replied softly, "Don't you usually prefer it this way? No talking and chatting..."

"Who said that?"

"That's how it is at home," she explained.

Benjamin smirked, leaning in closer. "Harper, you pay a lot of attention to me, don't you?"

Her eyes flickered away. "Benjamin, we're married. We've been together for a year. Of course I know a few things about you." What she really wanted to ask was whether he had ever paid attention to her at all.

But the potential answer was too painful to confront, so she swallowed it back.

Benjamin didn't respond to that and just spoke indifferently, "You seem distracted, Harper. What's been going on with you lately?"

She was stunned, not expecting him to notice.

"It's nothing. Maybe a lot of things going on lately."

Benjamin didn't buy it, and his eyes never left her as he frowned. "Has your relationship with the Mitchell family always been like this?"

Harper assumed he meant she wasn't close with the Mitchells.

She pressed her lips, not avoiding his gaze or question. "Like what? Distant?" She laughed nonchalantly, "Maybe. Only my grandpa who had the most influence on me in that family." Although she didn't grow up with the Mitchells, her grandpa always treated her kindly. He'd often visit her at her grandma's house, bringing all sorts of interesting gifts.

A soft smile touched her lips as she remembered those happy times.

Benjamin watched her, a strange feeling stirring within him.

They had shared a bed for a year, yet only now did he realize how little he understood her.

Who was Harper, really?

After dinner, they returned to Pineview Villa. Benjamin went to his study to work while Harper headed to the bedroom.

It was Paul's birthday, and she wanted to give him a gift.

Since Paul loved collecting oil paintings, she decided to focus her search there.

After taking care of the details, she checked her phone again. Still no word from Frank.

Since Benjamin hadn't come back to their room, Harper tried calling Frank again.

The call was quickly cut off, followed by a message. "Is something up, Harper? I can't really talk right now."

"Why couldn't I reach you all day? Everything okay?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Harper wanted to say more, but at that moment, Benjamin entered the room, so she stopped messaging Frank.

Perhaps it was due to tonight's dinner that their relationship seemed to have softened somewhat.

Over the next few days, they returned daily to the Martin Manor to help prepare for the birthday party, much to Paul's delight.

He murmured to himself, "Things will be better in a few months."

Paul's sudden remark made everyone pause. Lily asked, "Dad, what do you mean by better in a few months?" Harper also froze.

Paul casually dismissed it. "I just thought I'll feel better after my birthday."

"Dad, what are you saying? Aren't you happy now?"

"Happy, I'm happy as long as all of you are well."

Paul's words carried a meaningful undertone, causing Scott and Lily to glance at Harper and Benjamin.

Suddenly, Paul asked, "Benjamin, Harper, have you two decided whether you want to divorce or not?"

They exchanged a glance, and both fell into silence.

Paul added, "If you two don't get a divorce, I plan to announce that Harper's part of the Martin family at my birthday party."

Harper pressed her lips and said, "Grandpa, I don't want to make this public."

If Benjamin decided to divorce her later, she'd be stuck with the label of his ex-wife forever.

Harper didn't want that.

She didn't want the attention, and she definitely didn't want to use her marriage for any sort of gain.

However, Harper's refusal took on a different meaning in Benjamin's eyes, and he frowned, asking, "Why? What's wrong with making it public?"

"Benjamin, you want a divorce, right? If going public hurts us both, there's no point to announce it, right? After all, you don't love me, and going public has no benefit for you. Isn't it better this way now?" Benjamin scoffed and questioned, "Harper, is this really for my benefit, or are you just planning to pull yourself whenever you want?"

His jaw tightened, and his usual charm was replaced by anger.

Before Harper could say anything, Benjamin gave her a deep look and then went upstairs.

The room fell silent.

Harper bit her lip and didn't say anything more. Lily quickly spoke up to lighten the mood, "Harper, let's go check on Grandpa's birthday cake, okay?"

Harper followed Lily with a smile, letting her friend lead her into another room.

Benjamin wasn't just unhappy about the incident. He'd given Harper the cold shoulder ever since.

Things stayed that way right up until Paul's birthday party.

The celebration took place in the private banquet hall of Martin Manor. The Martin family was a prominent name in Mayby, and Paul, a respected business veteran, had drawn an impressive crowd for his birthday.

The entire Martin Manor bathed in joy. Each decoration reflected the family's impeccable taste. Even Paul's favorite opera was playing on the stage with all the renowned maestros gathered to celebrate him. Today's birthday celebration was a simple affair, with everyone dining and chatting to cheer Paul up, lasting from morning till evening. Later, there would be a dance for the younger guests. Before the dance, the close family would gather to present Paul with their heartfelt gifts.