29 Entirely Beyond Hope Harper shook her let’s eat. He’s busy. A flicker of indifference crossed her eyes. He wouldn’t have lunch her. He only to with his Lauren. She nothing for Benjamin. Harper laughed scornfully at herself, feeling utterly insignificant. A man’s can be so absolute. She didn’t even need persist. Lily booked the restaurant they were dining. It was an a venue in Mayby, not far the hospital. They took a private and ordered three dishes a soup. It the first time Lily and Harper had dined but there awkwardness at thanks Lily’s nature for conversation. She asked “Is everything going smoothly work? If you anything, to Benjamin. If you’re hesitant to talk him, can always come to me or Scott. We’re to support you. Harper smiled in gratitude. “Thanks, Lily. Things are for now. Benjamin helped me with problem a few days ago. “Really?” Lily was somewhat surprised. Harper nodded and prompting Lily comment, “It seems he’s beyond help after all. Harper was briefly taken aback, Lily simply smiled. The food was served at that moment. The two over their meal, creating particularly harmonious atmosphere. meal stretched over hour as they playfully argued who would pay the bill, but Harper prevailed. Harper said, “Lily, as the younger one, only right I pay. Plus, treating you to motivates me to keep earning. really wanted to say was that this might be the last time she treat her to a meal. Lily had been incredibly kind to her, almost tenderly so. Thus, she wanted to show her appreciation in her way. With that Lily no longer but laughed. “Alright, is me, I say no. you’ll have to take me often. I need to some the mother-in-law. ” Harper just smiled, not saying anything, as she sure if there ever be chance. After paying, Harper linked with Lily to head out. a female voice called from behind, “Benjamin, you’re so sweet to remember what I like to eat. and instantly recognized the voice. They turned gaze not just on the woman speaking but also on man her. four of them bumped into each other unexpectedly. Harper’s was slightly stiff, void of any emotion, a sign she become numb. Benjamin surprised but quickly his “Mom, what are and Harper here?” What? You’ve booked the whole place, and we can’t come? Lily replied, tone sharp her piercing. Martin, it’s been a while. How have you been? should have visited you at right away, Benjamin was my health, so we delayed. I hope upset with me,” Lauren said softly. Her head her tone gentle unassuming, showing no sign of fault. However, showed deference. She said coolly, “There’s no to come to our and certainly, not everyone is to visit Martin Manor. By the way, Ms. know that this to you is now married?” Martin, I…” Lauren was at a loss words, instinctively glancing at Benjamin her. Lily gave her no seek help. Lily indeed gentle, or overbearing, but every softly spoken word of hers was embarrassing. Lily continued, “Ms. Davis, why you Is there something you can’t say? Or do know married still cling to him? If that’s the case, it’s quite indecent of you, Ms. If word gets out, given your past status, it would be quite the joke, wouldn’t it?” Lauren, head had no idea as words too cutting. wasn’t apparent from tone, but she indeed interrogating. Biting her lip and looking aggrieved, Lauren tugged at Benjamin’s and “Benjamin, Mrs. Martin is right, it’s my fault. Benjamin frowned at Lily, and he said, can we discuss this at is recovering and get too upset. Please don’t be like this. “What have I done now? Did I say something wrong?” Lily was frustrated as she pulled Harper closer. “Who is me, who is Harper to you?” Harper, caught off by the sudden pull, was stunned. Lily was always direct. Harper Benjamin’s gaze; his eyes were calm. Perhaps she was overthinking, but felt sense blame in his stare. must be blamed for coming here. Or he blamed her for making Lauren feel wronged. interacted, and Lily said, “Benjamin, don’t forget, Paul is still in hospital. If you do wrong then don’t bother coming back to the Martin Manor. ” Benjamin he couldn’t do anything about his own mother, aware that despite her gentle she was assertive deep down. Lily on, have you thought it through? to you?” expression was somber, he remained for a long time, his thoughts inscrutable. this, Lauren said softly, “Mrs. please don’t pressure Benjamin. If you upset of me, then I apologize. It’s all my fault, Mrs. Martin, sorry…I…” Davis, I speaking my son. As an outsider and a you not interrupt, okay?” Lauren’s face and she was at a loss for words. Lily and “Benjamin, did you not hear me?” is my wife. Are you satisfied with that answer now?” Benjamin seemed resigned, face revealing nothing what he thinking. His response hurt Lauren, but particularly pleased Lily. looked Lauren with a smile said lightly, “Ms. Davis, you heard him right? So, a self-respecting should overstep her bounds. Otherwise, it’s really shameful, don’t you Lauren her lips, tears swirling in her eyes. She had no choice to Lily. “You’re right, Mrs. Davis then nothing more I need to say. Her gaze coldly swept over Lauren before turning to Benjamin, “Let’s go, me and Harper back home. Benjamin remained and “Mom, you ahead. Lauren’s not fully recovered I need to take her back to the hospital. Davis wouldn’t mind, and she certainly wouldn’t get close to a married man. Right, Ms. is right, Benjamin. Don’t worry me; you should take Mrs. Martin Harper instead,” Lauren whispered to Benjamin. Yet her were filled with as she at Benjamin, her face a portrait of sorrow and grievance. Facing Lily, she felt utterly helpless, unable to resist. Before Benjamin could reply, Lauren suddenly lost her balance started to fall side. Benjamin quickly caught her, and she ended in arms. Harper’s eyes widened, did Lily’s. Harper hadn’t expected intimacy in public; she couldn’t find the words to her feelings at that moment. Her ached sharply, making it hard breathe. With calm, indifferent she squinted her eyes and said, “Lily, let’s go. With that, she turned and walked away. Lily glared and Benjamin, her face filled with anger. Pointing at she said, “You are a fine son of mine. Then, she followed Harper. eyes followed figure, and Lauren, still in his arms, noticed and asked is Harper upset?”