I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Necessary to Put on Makeup?

"I didn't, Benjamin. How could I blame you? That incident was my fault in the first place. I shouldn't have let Rue arrange for you to pick me up. I know you're a person who keeps your personal and professional life separate. It was my mistake..."

"Alright, that's all in the past. Let's not bring it up again, okay?" Benjamin interrupted her with a neutral expression.

Lauren nodded and said with a gentle smile, "Benjamin, please don't be angry. I promise it won't happen again."

"Mm." Benjamin nodded, then asked, "What did you remember last night?"

Lauren met his gaze without flinching and replied, "I remembered that the man had a tattoo on his arm, a dragon winding around his entire arm."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Why did you suddenly remember such a detailed scene?"

"Maybe because I came across a video about tattoos, so it triggered my memory."

Benjamin silently stared at Lauren.

Lauren felt uncomfortable under his gaze. She softly asked, "Benjamin, why are you looking at me like this? Do you not trust me?"

"Of course not, I'm just trying to recall if I've seen or met someone like you described."

"And have you?"

She inquired in a hushed tone, staring at Benjamin.

"Not sure yet." Benjamin looked away. Suddenly remembering something, he continued, "Lauren, I consulted some experts on your situation. Perhaps there are things you remember, but due to brain stimulation, you temporarily forgot. We can work with a psychologist to help you remember. Can you schedule some time in the next few days to see a psychologist with me, hmm?"

Lauren's always smiling face stiffened slightly, but there was nothing else out of the ordinary.

She nodded in agreement. "Okay, I'll do as you say, Benjamin. I'll follow your lead."

He simply murmured in response and fell silent.

Taking a sip of the water he poured for her, Lauren asked softly, "Benjamin, any word from Isaac? Why is there no response for so long? Is he unwilling?"

"I've asked Curtis to handle that," Benjamin said, walking to his desk and dialing the internal line, "Any news from Isaac?"

Curtis had just received the information and quickly informed Benjamin, "Mr. Martin, I just got a call. Isaac is in Mayby. I've arranged to have dinner with him tomorrow night at the Silver." "Good, have you sorted out where he's staying?"

"He didn't disclose that, and I didn't want to pry too much to avoid making him uncomfortable."

"Just take care of it."

Benjamin hung up the phone, his expression composed. He turned to see Lauren walking towards him.

She asked excitedly, "Isaac is in Mayby?"

"Yes."

"Benjamin, you're so kind to me. I never thought Isaac would be willing to meet me."

Lauren was ecstatic. Isaac was not only a famous lyricist and composer but also had a hit single that topped all charts in just a minute, holding the record to this day.

He was a legend and a king in the music industry. If one could establish a relationship with him, not only could they thrive in their future path, but they could also earn the admiration of those currently at the top. Lauren's excitement surged at the thought of that scene, and she joyfully wrapped her arms around Benjamin's.

With a frown, Benjamin glanced at her, subconsciously recalling an image of Harper, who was ecstatic about receiving a long-awaited call from a friend. That was pure joy from the heart, utterly different from the purposeful happiness Lauren had now.

Benjamin looked away, his expression indifferent. "Lauren, Isaac's willingness to meet doesn't necessarily mean he'll agree to your request. We'll have to wait until dinner tomorrow to know if he's willing, hmm?"

Lauren didn't dwell on it, obediently nodding. "I understand, Benjamin. Don't worry, I think he'll agree."

She stayed for a while until Curtis came in to remind Benjamin that the meeting could start, and then she left on her own accord.

Throughout the day, her mood remained very positive. Lauren told herself inside, "Once Isaac agrees to write the lyrics and compose for me, let's see how Harper tries to compete with that!"

Time passed quickly, and half the day had flown by.

Early on, Harper messaged Benjamin: [You don't need to pick me up from work later. I'll hail a cab myself and head home now.]

Receiving no response, Harper guessed he must be busy, so she packed up and left the office.

Standing by the roadside with her head down, Harper was ready to hail a cab. A black car suddenly pulled up, and the passenger window rolled down. As she tilted her head to look, Harper was stunned to see Benjamin's face.

"Why are you here? Didn't I message you? Haven't you seen it? It's still too early. I can take a cab back on my own."

Benjamin calmly looked at her. "We can't park here long, get in the car first."

Harper closed the cab-hailing app, opened the car door, fastened her seatbelt, and the car slowly started moving.

Benjamin's voice sounded again. "I didn't come specifically to pick you up. I didn't know you were leaving work so early. I just happened to have some errands nearby."

He sounded slightly jealous.

Harper pressed her lips and said, "Benjamin, I'm also a boss, so it's not considered leaving work early. Although my company may not be as big as the Martin Group, I can still decide my own working hours." "Alright, noted, Ms. Mitchell," Benjamin replied seriously, his voice deep and slightly mesmerizing.

Harper couldn't help but smile, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She instinctively turned her head to look out the window, not wanting him to see her current expression.

Back at Pineview Villa, Harper took a quick shower and sat in front of the dressing table, preparing to put on some makeup.

Due to her pregnancy, she had been going makeup-free lately, and Benjamin had grown accustomed to it, even believing she looked better without makeup. So when he saw Harper with an eyeliner pencil in hand, he couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing?"

Harper didn't pause, continuing to apply the eyeliner as she replied, "I'm applying eyeliner."

Frowning, Benjamin cast a disapproving glance at her, then spoke. "Harper, you're just going to the airport to meet a friend, is it necessary to put on makeup?"

"It's basic etiquette when meeting a friend after a long time. Looking unkempt would be impolite."

"Didn't you say your relationship was good? If you're good friends, why care about these superficial things?"

"Benjamin, it's just for courtesy. Why does it sound different coming from you?"

Harper felt helpless, thinking, "I'm not wearing elaborate makeup. It's just a light makeup, but how does he misconstrue it as something more than good friends?"

Fortunately, Benjamin didn't say anything else. Harper finished her makeup before going to the wardrobe to pick out her outfit. She wore a light-colored maxi dress that was loose-fitting, a matching long trench coat, and flat shoes.

She applied a peachy-orange lipstick, her features delicate and striking, easily standing out in a crowd.

Satisfied with her look, Harper smiled lightly, grabbed her bag, and asked, "Benjamin, I'm heading out now?"

Benjamin remained silent. Harper pressed her lips, ready to leave, when she heard the man behind her say, "Wait, come here."

Harper was puzzled but complied.

As she walked up to Benjamin, she was caught off guard by his sudden embrace.

Lifting her chin, Benjamin planted a deep, passionate kiss on her lips.