I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

A close relationship

Lauren's lips tightened as she glanced lightly at Benjamin. Speaking in a hushed tone, she remarked, "Today's conference is for my comeback. Let's keep the focus on my upcoming projects. As for my personal life, I prefer not to divulge too much. If there's any good news to share, I'll gladly do so with my fans."

Though Lauren's words seemed to discourage further inquiry, they only fueled speculation.

Meanwhile, in the company office, Harper watched the live broadcast. The image showed Benjamin, resplendent in a suit and leather shoes, standing beside Lauren, who was adorned in a flowing gown and exquisite makeup. Their proximity inevitably sparked questions about their relationship.

Harper sighed and closed the laptop, unwilling to delve deeper.

At that moment, the office door creaked open, and Frank entered, locking eyes with Harper.

He said, "Harper, what's Benjamin playing at? Attending Lauren's event in front of the media - it's like he's announcing their closeness."

Harper shrugged, wearing a nonchalant smile. "It's his prerogative."

"Harper, he's treating you unfairly. Why do you stay in this marriage?"

Harper met Frank's gaze calmly. "I understand your concern, but there are intricacies only the involved parties comprehend. Marriage isn't just about two individuals."

She wanted a divorce, but Benjamin's influence - both familial and personal - complicated matters. She couldn't simply walk away, not with the Martin family's hold over her. She couldn't just ignore everything to cut off her relationship with Benjamin.

She couldn't do it.

Frank wanted to say more, but Harper cut him off gently. "I'm fine, Frank. Don't pity me. Each experience shapes us. Life isn't perfect."

Harper's smile left Frank speechless, his expression betraying a hint of sorrow. "Harper, I wish you'd stay away from him. I fear for your well-being..." Backstage at Lauren's meeting, Benjamin strode out with a stern visage.

Lauren hurried after him. "Benjamin, please listen to me..."

He halted abruptly, fixing his gaze on her.

Their eyes met, and he spoke calmly, "Lauren, today was a one-time occurrence. I may tolerate your tantrums, but I won't tolerate deception."

With that, he turned and walked away, impervious to her pleas.

Tears welled in Lauren's eyes as she stood alone.

Just a couple minutes ago at the conference, a reporter's inquiry echoed, "Mr. Martin, can you shed light on your relationship with Ms. Davis? Are you two hiding your marriage?"

Benjamin's response was cool and measured. "We've been friends for years. Today is Lauren's day. I hope you focus on her achievements rather than fabricate rumors. Unsubstantiated claims only generate unnecessary attention."

With that, he descended from the stage, leaving Lauren seething with frustration.

She directed her ire towards Harper. If Harper hadn't lingered in Benjamin's life, she didn't need to misguide reporters to think they were together.

It was all Harper's fault. She impeded Lauren's marriage to Benjamin.

With a vengeful resolve, Lauren vowed to give Harper a hard time.

Her agent also caught up and asked, "Lauren, isn't Mr. Martin upset?"

"No, he has work to do first, let's continue," Harper replied with a light smile.

Returning to the stage, she serenaded her fans with familiar tunes. Her voice remained as captivating as ever, quickly overshadowing the earlier commotion.

Videos and images of the incident also flooded the internet, swiftly soaring to the top of trending searches.

Meanwhile, at the Martin Manor, Paul nearly lost his temper upon seeing the viral content.

Slamming his hand on the table, he growled, "What is Benjamin' doing? He really wants to marry that woman?"

In a fit of rage, he instructed Scott to contact Benjamin immediately. However, Curtis intercepted the call and explained that Benjamin was currently in a meeting. "Once the meeting is over, tell him to come home first."

"Okay, I get it."

Attempting to assuage his father's frustration, Scott urged, "Dad, let's not jump to conclusions. We'll address this matter with Benjamin directly."

"Address it? What's there to address? The evidence speaks for itself! He listens to nobody right now!" Paul fumed, his anger directed squarely at Benjamin.

He was furious and had already scolded Benjamin all over his heart.

In a desperate bid for answers, he reached out to Harper, hoping for some clarity. However, her composed response only exacerbated his distress.

An hour later, Benjamin concluded his meeting, and Curtis promptly briefed him on the online uproar and the Martin family's summons.

Glancing at his phone, Benjamin's expression darkened. "Did I hire you to do nothing? Go to take care of these rumors."

His gaze bore an icy intensity, laced with unmistakable discontent.

Curtis nodded gravely. "Mr. Martin, I apologize for the oversight. I'll initiate the necessary corrective actions immediately."

Curtis swiftly organized people to cool down news about Lauren and Benjamin.

After all, he hesitated to withdraw the content immediately because he was unsure of Benjamin's stance.

His attendance at the meeting might signify acquiescence.

Observing Benjamin's displeasure, Curtis understood that he was wrong.

Upon returning to the office, Benjamin dialed home. But at that time, Paul was already asleep after taking his medicine. Scott answered, concern evident in his voice, "What happened? How did you end up in such a scandal with Lauren?"

"Dad, the press makes up stories all the time. I was simply there to offer support as a friend.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Handle it well. Don't let your grandpa worry."

"I know."

Ending the call, Benjamin reclined in his leather office chair and stayed still for a while.

He stared at his phone, but it remained silent, not even a text message.

His handsome features twisted into an ugly expression as his mood soured further.

His state persisted until he departed from the Martin Group. Seated in the back of the car, he turned to Curtis with a frosty tone. "Did Harper contact you today?" Curtis wasn't sure what reaction Benjamin was expecting.

He met Benjamin's gaze in the rearview mirror before cautiously asking, "Mr. Martin, are you inquiring about Mrs. Martin's response to the news?" Benjamin's expression remained impassive as he locked eyes with Curtis.

Quick to correct his assumption, Curtis added, "Sorry, Mr. Martin. Mrs. Martin didn't contact me or visit the company today. So I'm uncertain of her reaction."