I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

I'm Desperate?

Benjamin put down his lunch box, wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, and looked up at her. "I want Grandpa's birthday party to be lively. Also, I'd like us to formally invite the Mitchells together tonight, as a family."

He wasn't asking Harper, but he was stating his decision to her.

Paul's birthday would definitely involve inviting the Mitchell family, and it was better to go with Benjamin than alone.

At least that would save some unnecessary conflict and trouble.

Harper agreed, nodding her head. "Okay, let's do as you say."

"I'll pick you up tonight."

"No need, I can drive myself. We'll meet at the Mitchell Manor...

"Harper, we're married. Couple goes to their parents' home together."

Benjamin spoke in a deep and firm voice, making Harper feel that he was somewhat different from usual.

She pressed her lips and fell silent, silently agreeing.

Benjamin had a meeting, so Harper didn't stay long.

She took a cab back to the office to discuss interior modifications with Frank, but Frank's assistant said, "Mr. Parker hasn't returned yet."

"He is not back?"

Harper frowned and took out her phone to call Frank. The call went through, but no one answered, and it eventually disconnected.

Harper didn't think much of it, assuming he was just busy, and then returned to her own office.

She was busy until the end of the workday. When her phone rang, and she saw the name on the screen, she squinted, smiling as if seeing a surprise. She immediately answered, "Hello?"

"It's been a while since you've contacted me, Harper. Good for you, huh?" a woman snorted over the phone.

Harper rubbed her brows and said softly, "I'm waiting for you to call me first, and it seems like I'm the desperate one."

"What do you mean? Are you saying I'm desperate?"

"I wouldn't dare," Harper chuckled and asked, "Why did you call me all of a sudden?"

"I'll be in Mayby next month for business. Can we meet up?"

Harper smiled, speaking excitedly, "Absolutely! Let me know when, and I'll arrange a place for you to stay."

"Can I stay at your place?"

"If you want to."

"You better wish I want. Just wait for me."

They exchanged a few more words before hanging up.

Harper was genuinely delighted, grinning ear to ear. Then, she saw the message Benjamin had sent a minute ago on her phone. "Come down, I'm here."

She tapped a quick "Okay" in response, then shut down her computer, grabbed her bag, and walked out of the office.

As she passed Frank's office, she suddenly asked, "Hasn't Frank come back yet?"

"Nope. Mr. Parker hasn't shown up, and he's not picking up his phone," his assistant replied.

Harper frowned, checked the time, and then said, "Keep trying. Tell him to text me as soon as you get a hold of him." "Okay."

Harper left the office to find Benjamin already waiting by the roadside in his car.

She opened the passenger door, sat down, and buckled her seatbelt before turning to the driver. "How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long, just got off the phone. Who were you talking to?"

"A friend."

She didn't offer any more details, and Benjamin didn't press either.

They smoothly returned to the Mitchell Manor.

Jack and Jennifer didn't know they were coming, so when Harper and Benjamin stepped in, they heard Jennifer's sharp voice. "Harper has grown too bold. She didn't listen to us anymore! We never should have taken her back in, let alone married her off to that Martin family. Otherwise, how dare she treat me like this? If it weren't for her, the Mitchell name wouldn't have died in her generation!"

Jennifer's voice was nearly hysterical as she laid all her grievances and blame on Harper.

"Mom, please calm down. You know how your heart is. The doctor said you need to stay relaxed. As for Harper and Benjamin getting divorced, that's their business. We shouldn't get too involved." "They are a couple, sure, but she mustn't forget that she's still part of the Mitchell family. I don't expect her to do anything for the family, but I do expect her not to drag us down. Look at those rumors going around, how awful they sound!"

"It might just be a misunderstanding. Nathan has always been a playboy, and I don't think Harper ever really had much to do with him."

"Kimberly, stop making excuses for her. She didn't grow up with us. How do we know what kind of person she is?"

Harper stood at the entrance, her face tight. Her hand, clenched so hard it had turned white, gripped the edge of the shoe cabinet. Seeing this, Benjamin squinted, taking her hand and stepping inside with her. Benjamin's voice was deep as he said, "If Harper and I hadn't come back today, we wouldn't have known you are so dissatisfied with us."

Jennifer and Kimberly looked shocked, and Jennifer's face went pale before she quickly got up. "Benjamin... Please take a seat."

She then glared at Harper, seemingly blaming why Harper didn't warn her.

Kimberly quickly asked the servant to make coffee. "Benjamin, it would have been nice to know you were coming," she said softly. "We could have prepared a proper meal for you."

"I came here with Harper." He led Harper to a seat and sat down beside her, his hand never leaving hers.

Harper remained silent throughout, her face composed, her eyes distant.

Jack also entered the house at that moment. Although he was Benjamin's father-in-law, he still needed to respect Benjamin in the business world, so he was very polite towards Benjamin. Benjamin and Harper hadn't planned on eating here. After a few minutes of small talk, Harper broke the silence. "Actually, Benjamin and I came because we needed to talk." Jennifer's face immediately darkened. "Harper, don't be ungrateful. Benjamin has already been more than forgiving about what happened to you. Why can't you just let it go?" Harper pressed her lips together, her expression cold and detached.

Kimberly quickly tugged at Jennifer's hand. "Mom, please, don't say that. Benjamin is still here."

With that, Jennifer fell silent.

Harper spoke calmly, "So, as your daughter who didn't grow up by your side and whom you don't really understand, everything I do is wrong, isn't it?"

"You..."

"Benjamin and I came to let you and Dad know we're inviting you to Grandpa's birthday party. It's in a few days at Martin Manor."

Harper interrupted Jennifer, her voice steady as she explained their visit.

The room quieted down. Jennifer's expression changed slightly, but it wasn't for an apology. She just stayed silent.

Jack quickly said, "Alright, Benjamin, we'll definitely be there on time, and please give Paul our best wishes for his birthday."

"Thanks." Benjamin stood up with Harper, and although Jack invited them to stay for dinner, Benjamin declined, saying, "Harper and I are going to a restaurant and catch a movie together." The Mitchells stared in shock as Benjamin took Harper's hand and left.

Kimberly whispered, "Benjamin seems really close with Harper. Mom, maybe you should be more careful in the future."

With that, she went upstairs, trying to suppress the whirl of emotions and thoughts deep inside her.

Outside the mansion, Harper got into the car with Benjamin, but the car didn't move. She looked at him in surprise. "Why aren't we going?"

"Where do you want to go?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Huh?"