I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Argument

He remained silent until he settled into the car.

Initially, the vehicle dropped Lauren off at the recording studio. As she exited, she ventured softly, "Benjamin, are you upset? I understand Harper's actions might not sit well with you, but please, try not to be angry. Have a proper conversation with her. I'm afraid you might hurt her feelings."

Benjamin's look remained frigid. His response was as icy as his expression. "Lauren, don't concern yourself with this matter. Focus on your own affairs, alright?"

"Alright, I understand," Lauren acquiesced, unable to risk further displeasing him.

As she watched his car depart, a glint of cold determination flickered in her eyes, silently declaring, "Harper, Benjamin will be mine."

Throughout the afternoon, Benjamin's disposition remained grim. Executives and vice presidents under his command faced scathing criticism, prompting self-doubt and introspection. The man's chilling voice echoed throughout the office.

The vice president emerged from Benjamin's office almost crying. He turned to Curtis and inquired, "Mr. Yost, what's wrong with Mr. Martin?"

"Mr. Martin is fine. It's best not to speculate on his sentiments. Focus on your responsibilities, and you won't incur his censure," Curtis advised, his tone tinged with apprehension. People looked at each other and paid more attention to their work.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

After dismissing them, Curtis released a silent sigh. Concealing his unease, he responded to Benjamin's summon promptly, hurrying to the office.

Then, the internal line rang.

The man's indifferent voice came. "Curtis, are you waiting for me to go out and arrange work for you?"

Curtis put down the phone and immediately walked to the office restlessly.

This atmosphere lasted till the day off.

Upon returning to Pineview Villa, Benjamin found Harper hadn't returned yet, while Lauren had dinner plans with her sponsor.

The vast villa echoed with silence, an unsettling stillness that pervaded the air, leaving Benjamin disconcerted.

His handsome visage remained cold and impassive, reflecting his inner anger.

An hour later, Harper finally returned.

She entered the entrance, switching on only a dim light. Her voice carried a hint of concern as she murmured, "Draven didn't turn on the lights?"

Draven did not come out to greet her.

Harper initially headed straight upstairs. But she halted when she reached the entrance. A deep voice came from the living room and inquired, "Harper, what time is it? Why are you back so late?" Turning, she locked eyes with those intense orbs.

"Had he been here all along?" She thought.

Harper responded calmly, "Charlie and I inspected the construction site, then shared dinner. It's only seven, not too late."

Benjamin regarded her expressionlessly, his cold gaze narrowing. With a slight lift of his lips, he spoke, "Then, Harper, when is too late? Do you plan to take Frank to dinner and have everyone think you're a couple?"

Harper furrowed her brow, maintaining composure.

She said, "Benjamin, Frank is my business partner. What's wrong with us having dinner with Charlie together? What he said only to deflect attention and clarify our relationship."

"Clarify our relationship? Why?" he inquired with a frosty demeanor.

Harper's anger and confusion burst into laughter. "You let Lauren give everyone the impression you were dating while implying you and I have something going on. How would I be perceived by everyone else?"

She preferred not to delve into the day's events or mention Lauren. But Benjamin gave her no choice.

Benjamin's brows furrowed slightly. "Harper, only you think of us in that way. Lauren and I did nothing to foster such misunderstandings. No one else regards us as a couple."

"If I can take the hint of your closeness, so does everyone else." she countered.

"That's not true, you're deflecting," he accused, his tone frigid.

Harper paused, then retorted, "It's inconsequential."

"Harper, we are married, you should distance yourself from Frank. Stop contact with him. Regardless of his investment in your company, I'll compensate him to ensure he leaves. It's best to end it. No engagements," he commanded.

"Benjamin, even as husband and wife, you can't dictate my social circle. I never asked you to distance yourself from anyone, nor did I force you to sever ties with anyone. Frank and I are simply friends." "Whether you see him as a friend or not, Frank doesn't share your feelings. As a man, I understand his motives. Harper, you are still me wife," he maintained.

Harper faltered at his assertion of wifely duties.

Did he consider her unethical?

What about him?

She leveled a cold gaze at him, her words cutting through the tension. "If I were to ask you to distance yourself from Lauren, could you? You told me you want a divorce so you can marry her. You brought her into our house. Benjamin. Have you ever considered my feelings? Do you uphold the morals expected of a husband?"

He met her gaze with indifference, perhaps unsettled by the mention of Lauren. His handsome visage remained shrouded in coldness for a prolonged moment.

The disagreement lingered, each refusing to yield.

Harper remained convinced of her stance. Despite Frank's unspoken feelings for her, she'd made her position clear, and he hadn't pressed further.

In comparison to Benjamin and Lauren, she deemed her association with Frank reasonable.

To her, Frank wasn't merely a partner but also a trusted friend.

His unwavering support during her toughest times had sustained her. How could she possibly contemplate severing ties with him?

Thus commenced a silent standoff between them, noted by Lauren, who, though unaware of the specifics, found solace in their discord.

They didn't talk to each other over three days.

Lauren's anticipated comeback meeting arrived on schedule.

The night prior, she sought Benjamin's assistance. "Benjamin, could you do me a favor? Tomorrow is my return meeting. I'd like you to attend with me, please? It won't take long, just about ten minutes. I've been away for a year, and without enough attention, I fear it'll be challenging to resume work," she pleaded earnestly, her eyes brimming with hope.

Benjamin hesitated momentarily, responding, "I'll need to check with Curtis."

"I've already spoken with him. He assured me of your availability. Please, just agree," she urged.

His expression remained impassive, a fleeting emotion flickering in his eyes. Eventually, he nodded assent.

With Benjamin's participation, the meeting gained added prestige.

Fans, reporters, and media flocked to the venue, eager to witness Lauren's return. Her prior popularity and enchanting voice made her the object of adoration for many people.

She and Benjamin went on the stage together, holding hands, as they stepped into the spotlight, bathed in the flashes of cameras and photographers. With a gentle voice, she expressed gratitude to her fans

and supporters before turning to him, her tone soft and melodic. "The person I'm most grateful for is the one standing beside me. Thank you, Benjamin."

Benjamin's countenance remained stoic, devoid of smile or response, yet his attractiveness and noble demeanor were undeniable.

The audience erupted in applause and jubilation.

Amidst the fervor, a reporter's question pierced the air. "Ms. Davis, what's your relationship with Mr. Martin? Is there a reason you need to say thank you to him?" "Are you two dating?"

"A year ago, photos surfaced of them cohabiting. Did Ms. Davis take a year off to marry and start a family?"

"Did Mr. Martin and Ms. Davis get married?"

The barrage of questions heightened the anticipation at the scene.