Chapter 28 Are Shy? He phrased so nobly, Harper blushed, face turning a delicate pink. Even though they been honest with each his straightforward for with bathing was embarrassingly direct. tugged at her forcefully, bowing her head, escape the situation. Harper said, “You hurry and wash. I’ll the bowl downstairs to be cleaned. But Benjamin reluctant to let go. Instead, his voice as he asked, “Harper, you shy?” Naturally, Harper wouldn’t it. looked up, meeting his and asked seriously, you really need help?” “We and wife; isn’t this normal?” “Alright then. ” With that, Harper to face him and began to unbutton his shirt. Her fingernails inadvertently brushed his skin, changing the colorless atmosphere into something slightly different. Benjamin stood stiffly, unmoving, while Harper kept her gaze forward, showing no sign of discomfort. He didn’t until the last button of his shirt then he suddenly out, halting her continuation, and said in a soft voice, do it myself, you can leave now. for a moment before she withdrew her hands and walked out. She understood Benjamin’s well and knew exactly how to provoke him. After exiting bathroom, she patted her cheeks and to her went downstairs. She the bowl to maid for and out of the living room to make a phone call. As soon as call connected, a voice came through. “Harper? calling this time?” “I to ask you about the baby…” Harper briefly explained her then added, there any problems?” “If you’re worried, some time in the next few to come to the hospital, I’ll you check-up. you’ve indeed decided to keep the baby, then you’ll need official screening. ” “Alright, I’ll arrange a time and let you know. everything is set up discreetly. I don’t want anyone else know yet,” Harper instructed. “Don’t worry, I’ll take of it, the other person assured. “Thank you, appreciate it. “Are you being formal with me? talk more when we meet. “Okay, you. hanging up, Harper deleted the record the and then went upstairs. Benjamin had finished showering came out when Harper a glass of water. more water to get rest early tonight. How we anything work-related for the evening, okay?” Benjamin stared Harper. It felt like a return the days before their divorce discussion; she always looked after with every detail tended to patiently and meticulously. Suddenly, an unbelievable thought popped into his head. gaze deepened, mysterious as an ancient buried the ages. It was late at night… The bedroom was shrouded in silence, suddenly shattered the ring of a cell phone. It was Benjamin’s. He picked it up “Hello?” “Benjamin, can you Someone on my door. I’m terrified. Could it those people who to get me? Are they going to kill me that they know I’m Lauren’s cut through the quiet alarming clarity. Harper had also her eyes. Benjamin was already getting up, tossing the covers aside as he prepared to get out bed. Harper asked, “Are you going the hospital?” glanced at her but didn’t answer. he spoke to Lauren, “Isn’t your there? with them, okay?” “Benjamin, I’m terrified. afraid they’ll do to me what they did year. feel like they’re watching me, I…” Lauren?” The call was cut and expression grew grave. He looked Harper said softly, “Something’s happened Lauren. I to to the hospital now. You go back to sleep. ” do you really to go? Didn’t you say your heart was you? If you’re not feeling well, should rest. are you doing now?” Harper’s speech was rapid, expression as cold ice. But Benjamin already dressed. He “Lauren might be under surveillance hospital. We can’t let anything else happen to her, so I need to go. “Do you have to?” response was resolute. Harper simply looked at him with a detached devoid of any warmth. “Alright, drive safely. I’m going back Harper said. Without another glance, she lay down again, pulling the over herself and closing her eyes. Her indifferent expression caused Benjamin’s to furrow, a chill passing through his heart. he didn’t dwell on quickly dressing and leaving the bedroom. As the door closed, Harper’s eyes open the next second, her gaze cold and detached, her heart as if drenched icy water. Harper thought of how Benjamin had disregarded comfort a single expression of from Lauren. What chance did She was utterly defeated. His brief tenderness was not out of lingering affection her but merely because she was still his wife, part of Martin family by marriage. There was no other reason. Harper repeated this to herself over over, her resting her abdomen as she whispered with guilt and self-reproach, “I’m sorry, baby, but mommy promises, I’ll do everything in my power to love you. The following day, Harper came to find Benjamin unexpectedly at table. She was slightly surprised. She didn’t know when he had back, or he back just to have breakfast. Harper chose not to ask, instead taking to start meal. The breakfast spread included sandwiches, tacos, and boiled eggs… Harper tried to avoid it as much as possible, but even the faint smells made her uncomfortable. back, finishing her oatmeal leave the when Benjamin “Why are eating so fast? Have egg, and some these pastries too. full, it’s enough,” responded flatly and to leave. are upset?” Benjamin asked. His voice was low and steady, his gaze fixed on her. She paused briefly, responded, “Of course not. would you think that?” If you’re not, then sit down and eat some more. I’ll drive you to work later. Benjamin insisted, already picking up and placing it in her bowl, even peeling the before it to her. didn’t reach for it, so he kept holding it out. After seconds, she had no choice but to it. Harper almost forced herself the food, and before was over, she had run to the to throw up, the included. Seeing her Benjamin asked, “What’s wrong? You’ve seemed unwell past days. She shook her head. nothing, just tired. A good rest will help. didn’t seem convinced but didn’t press further. both headed to their busy workdays. By noon, Harper finished early and to hospital. Paul hadn’t for two days now. Despite the doctors reassuring the continuous coma was frightening. Yet said, let honest with you, Paul is afraid and Benjamin divorce. If you two can live well together, he’ll surely wake soon. Harper could only bite her lip in silence, unable provide the reassurance they hoped for. Noticing Lily switched topics with a smile. “You probably had lunch yet, right? about eat together?” “Sure,” agreed. Lily call to us. shouldn’t be too busy right and he can drive us. She Harper to make the call. With no choice but to comply, Harper Benjamin. Harper asked, “Benjamin, mom wants to lunch together. Can you pick us from the hospital?” “Right now? I’m at the moment. Why don’t and Mom go ahead?” His voice was deep. Harper relayed this honestly. didn’t further, simply responding, then. “Okay, have good time. Just as Benjamin’s voice faded, voice emerged. let’s go Italian shall we?” Harper heard it clearly. It was Lauren. Harper squinted her eyes and ended the call Benjamin could respond. face as Lily asked, “What happened?”