I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Unwilling to Give In

"More or less?"

"Why is that?"

Harper pressed her lips. "It's just girl stuff, probably not willing to admit that the other is more beautiful."

Isaac chuckled, "She's not as pretty as you are."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Harper dropped Isaac off at the hotel entrance. Before he got out of the car, Harper asked, "Are you really not planning to collaborate with Lauren? If it's because of me, there's no need to worry. If it tarnishes your reputation, I have no real connection with her, so don't concern yourself."

"Are you trying to ask me how important you are to me?"

Harper furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes indifferent, as if telling him not to overthink things.

Isaac turned serious. "It's not about you or anyone else. It's simply my own decision. Many people like Lauren have asked me to collaborate. There are others with unique qualities and status, but I've turned them all down. If I agree once, the requests will keep coming. I prefer not to get too involved in the industry circles or make enemies, so the best way is to reject everyone."

"What did you finally say to Lauren?"

"Just a polite refusal. I can't directly say, 'Ms. Davis, I don't want to collaborate with you. Please don't contact me again,' can I?"

Harper smiled, "Alright, I've learned another lesson. Thank you, Isaac."

She watched Isaac enter the hotel before turning back to Pineview Villa.

Benjamin's car was already parked in the garage, but the house was dark, no lights on. Had he come back so early just to sleep?

Harper thought as she entered the house, still pondering, when suddenly someone embraced her from behind before she could even put on her shoes.

She instinctively exclaimed, "Ah!"

Feeling the warmth and unique scent that belonged to him, Harper relaxed and then asked, "What are you doing?"

She was still barefoot, but Benjamin didn't care. He pressed her against the wall, their faces close, breaths mingling.

In the darkness, their eyes met. His deep gaze held a hint of interrogation, his tone slightly displeased, his handsome face showing a cold indifference. He asked, "Is Isaac the friend you haven't seen in a while, but still feel the need to put on makeup for when you meet?"

His tone was already clearly conveying displeasure, and his handsome face was so close that it was easy to discern the coldness emanating from his expression.

Harper bit her lip. "Yes."

"Harper, why do you have so many male friends? Isn't Frank enough? Now there's Isaac too? What are you up to?"

He narrowed his eyes but remained calm, his voice indifferent.

Harper sighed silently. "Benjamin, Isaac is my teacher's son."

Harper didn't know what was wrong with Benjamin. He mentioned her male friends, but what about him? Didn't he have Lauren, his crush?

Was he playing by different rules?

Benjamin sighed and suggested, "Since he's your teacher's son, why don't you invite him to join us for a meal? We could have him over to our house."

"He's not aware of our marriage, so there's no need for it?"

"He doesn't know? You didn't tell him, or you don't want to tell him?"

His voice was cold, tinged with dissatisfaction.

Harper replied helplessly, "I just didn't find the right moment to mention it. Do I have to tell him right away, 'Isaac, I'm married now. I'm in a married status'? Won't he think I'm crazy?" Their marriage was a secret. If she revealed it without permission, would Lauren be happy?

If Lauren wasn't happy, wouldn't that mean he wasn't happy?

Harper felt helpless and self-mocking.

Why did he always push her into these corners?

Harper didn't want to continue the conversation. She pushed Benjamin away gently. "The floor is cold. I'm not wearing shoes."

Benjamin stepped back slightly, watching her put on slippers. He then said, "Since you didn't find the chance to tell him, let's invite Isaac for dinner during his time in Mayby. It's a gesture of gratitude for his father's care and teachings. We can't let your teacher remain unaware that his student is married, can we?"

"Benjamin, aren't you worried that if he knows we're married, it will leave a bad impression on Lauren? Don't you want him to collaborate with her?"

"Whether they collaborate or not isn't something I can decide. If Isaac appreciates something about Lauren, he'll be willing to collaborate."

"Aren't you afraid that Lauren will be unhappy?"

She stared into his deep eyes.

"We're married. It's not news."

His tone was flat, stating a fact.

Harper was slightly taken aback. What did he mean by that?

Did he mean that Lauren's happiness or unhappiness wasn't something new? She was already unhappy, so what difference would this make? Harper sighed inwardly and said, "I can't agree directly. I need to ask Isaac if he's willing."

"Alright, I think Mr. Whitman will be willing."

"I still need to ask him before I can confirm with you."

Harper relaxed as Benjamin let go of the topic.

It was getting late, so Harper took a shower and rested.

However, questions lingered in her mind. Benjamin seemed different lately, more restrictive towards her.

What was going on with him?

With these thoughts, Harper soon drifted into sleep.

Benjamin slept later than her. Listening to her steady breathing, he got out of bed, went to the balcony without making a sound, and dialed a number.

"What did you find out?"

"Mrs. Martin and Mr. Whitman have known each other since Mrs. Martin's high school days. Mr. Whitman's father was Mrs. Martin's high school homeroom teacher. Their relationship dates back to that time." "Is that all?" Benjamin asked in a monotone voice.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Curtis responded, "Yes, it's that simple. I've checked, and those who know them don't see any intimate relationship between them. They're seen more like siblings." "Siblings?"

Benjamin's face grew slightly pale, his eyes colder.

Curtis continued, "That's what we've found out so far. Mrs. Martin spent most of her high school time at Mr. Whitman's house because her grandmother was unwell..."

"The Mitchell family is quite something, letting their daughter stay elsewhere without a care?" Benjamin's face darkened, a cold sneer in his voice.

Immediately, he lightly uttered another sentence. "Since the Mitchell family is capable of this, let's see how much more they can surprise me. The Mitchell Group's new project is about to start, right? Spread the word that the Martin Group won't support it."

"Benjamin, will this upset Mrs. Martin?"

Curtis asked with concern.