I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Guess Who I Am?

"Mrs. Martin, I'm the boss."

Harper thought. "Okay, you're the boss, boss is always the top dog."

Out of the blue, he suggested. "Let's dine out today, what's your fancy?"

"Why eat out?" Harper questioned.

"Tired of the home-cooked meals," Benjamin casually remarked, causing the chefs at Pineview Villa to sneeze unanimously, sending shivers down their spines.

Eventually, they ended up at a restaurant for dinner. Recently, Harper had developed a liking for sour soup.

As soon as it was served, she gulped down a full bowl, showing little interest in the other dishes.

Frowning, Benjamin asked, "Is it really that good?"

"Try it, it's tangy and spicy, absolutely delicious."

Just as she was about to bring the spoon to her mouth, Benjamin grabbed her wrist, redirecting the soup from her to his mouth.

He drank directly from her spoon.

Harper stared at him in a daze, puzzled by his actions. Benjamin, however, remained unfazed, raising an eyebrow and saying, "Hmm, it's sour, but sweet." Harper thought, "Sweet?

Is the soup supposed to be sweet?

Is he okay?"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

But soon, she realized what he meant by "sweet," her cheeks turning red in an instant. The warm sensation made her gaze unblinkingly at him. Harper pressed her lips, unable to continue sipping the soup.

The warmth from his touch was lingering on her wrist. Even though they were already intimate, such an atmosphere made her heart race.

Noticing her hesitation, Benjamin asked in a husky voice, "Why aren't you eating?"

She replied softly, "I'm full..."

"So soon? Didn't you say the soup was delicious?" Benjamin smiled, adding, "Harper, are you feeling shy?"

Furrowing her brows, Harper avoided his gaze and replied, "Of course not."

Nodding in agreement, Benjamin chimed in. "Right, you're not shy, it's me who's shy, right?"

She decided to stay silent. Harper had learned from experience that in their banter, sometimes silence was the best retort when she couldn't outwit him.

After dinner, they returned to Pineview Villa. It was already past eight in the evening.

Harper went to take a shower while Benjamin sat on the leather sofa in the bedroom, engrossed in a book.

Suddenly, her phone on the coffee table rang.

She walked over and answered in front of Benjamin, "Hello?"

"Guess who this is?"

A gentle, husky male voice sounded from the other end, echoing clearly in the quiet bedroom.

Harper glanced at Benjamin on the sofa. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away. She smiled and said into the phone, "I'm not guessing, I know it's you." "Recognized me that quickly?"

"Of course, your voice is too distinctive. What made you suddenly call me?"

Gazing out the window, Harper couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, which made her feel uneasy.

Stepping out onto the balcony, she felt a sense of relief without that piercing gaze on her.

The person on the phone chuckled, "Missed you, planning to come see you."

"Come see me? You, the socially awkward one, willing to step out just to meet me? I think you're pulling my leg." Harper was a little surprised.

"It's true, I'll be in Mayby tomorrow night, can you pick me up?"

The gentle male voice resonated, captivating despite its simplicity.

Harper smiled, "Of course, what time?"

After the time was set, Harper continued, "I'll arrange your accommodation, or do you already have plans?"

"I'm here on a favor for a friend this time, should be staying for a few days. I'll handle my lodging, just looking to meet you. It's been over a year since we last met, right?"

"Alright, as you wish. I know you like to keep a mysterious image, remember to wrap up, I'm afraid of being mobbed."

"Do you still not know what kind of person I am? Are you teasing me or trying to make fun of me?"

"How could I dare? You're the prince charming of countless young girls."

The two bantered back and forth, lifting Harper's spirits.

After the call, she stretched her arms out in an embrace with the air, then turned to head inside. However, before putting her hands down, she found that Benjamin was standing behind her, watching her intently.

Her eyes widened. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I've been standing here since you came out."

His tone remained calm, showing no signs of awkwardness but rather a sense of righteousness.

Frowning, Harper asked, "Why were you eavesdropping on my phone call?"

"I was standing here out in the open. It's your fault for being too engrossed in your call to hear my footsteps. Why blame me? Who's the caller that had you so captivated and worried about me overhearing?" Benjamin remained impassive, yet his eyes conveyed a sense of mystery.

Studying her, he could feel the vibrancy emanating from her, especially with her radiant smile, which seemed almost blinding to him.

"Just a friend. I'm not scared of you hearing it. It was just you made no noise. Startled me," Harper replied casually. "Just a friend?"

"Yes."

Harper couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so preoccupied lately, especially with his tendency to jump to conclusions.

"Does chatting with a friend make you this happy?"

Benjamin wore a meaningful smile.

"It's been too long since we've seen each other, so I'm genuinely happy."

"If it's something that makes you happy, then share it with me, hmm?" He pressed on.

Harper frowned increasingly, her expression displaying a sense of helplessness. "Benjamin, I already said, it's just because it's been a while since we last met, and I received a call from them, that's why I feel happy. But for you, it's not something to be happy about, so let's not share, okay?"

Harper was uncertain of how to share, as there was nothing to share indeed.

Staring at Harper, Benjamin questioned, "Is it really not something worth being happy about for me, or are you just not willing to share and using this excuse to evade me?"

"I'm not making excuses, Benjamin. It's late, I don't want to argue with you about this. I just want to rest, okay?"

Without waiting for Benjamin's response, Harper walked towards the room. Benjamin remained silent throughout. However, as she brushed past him, he suddenly reached out and pinned her against the wall. He looked down at her and asked, "What's the rush? Did I hit the nail on the head?"

"Not at all."

"Then what is it? Why won't you share with me?"

Benjamin persisted, wanting everything to be crystal clear.

"Just a friend is coming to Mayby in the next two days, and we've made plans to meet up for dinner. We haven't seen each other in a long time, and we have a good relationship, so I'm happy about it. Does this explanation satisfy you... Uh..."