I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

Stay Away from Other Men

"If you really understood me, you wouldn't keep mentioning the past, okay?" Harper said.

She had left her successful life and fame to move back to Mayby and marry Benjamin, only to receive divorce papers from him a year later.

Frank felt this was hard on her.

His mood changed, showing a bit of annoyance.

Noticing this, Harper said gently, "Frank, no marriage is perfect. I'm okay with having been Benjamin's wife for a year, so don't pity me. Love can't be forced."

"You're right. It's best that you two split up. Now, I don't have to feel conflicted or worry about upsetting you," Frank replied, his voice fading.

"What do you mean you don't have to feel conflicted?" Harper asked, confused.

"It's nothing. I just never liked Benjamin. Now, I don't have to pretend for your sake," he replied.

Harper laughed. She never understood Frank's immediate dislike for Benjamin. But the feeling was mutual. It was like the two men just didn't click, kind of like how two competitive women might not get along. When they arrived at Summit Realty, they found out the PM wouldn't help with the plagiarism issue and even threatened to sue.

Despite their sincere explanations, it was no use.

After a while, the manager eventually softened and said, "We've just secured a deal with the Martin Group. They're upset about this. Unless you can change their mind, there's no hope."

Harper thought, "The Martin Group? That's Benjamin's family business. Oh no! He definitely won't help me!"

After leaving Summit Realty, Frank reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. Everything will be fine."

Harper managed a smile, thinking, "What can be done? The only option is to go to Benjamin. But we're divorcing. Would he even want to help?"

She didn't want to go back to the office, so she asked Frank to drive her to Pineview Villa.

All through the drive, Harper was really worried, thinking about her kids and her job, and what she should do next.

When Harper arrived at Pineview Villa, she stepped out of the car, glowing in the evening sun. She turned to Frank, "Let me think this over before we make our next move. Drive safe." Just as he smiled and was about to say something, he noticed someone standing on the villa's second-floor balcony.

Squinting, he waved Harper over. "Need to tell you something, Harper."

As she leaned towards the driver's side window, Frank gently touched her hair. "Take care of yourself."

Harper looked confused by his words.

From the balcony, it looked like they were kissing.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Inside, as Harper entered, Benjamin's cold voice cut through, "Rushed out just to see him?"

She met his icy stare and responded evenly, "Just headed to the office."

With a cold laugh, he said, "We're still married, Harper. Stay away from other men."

Harper bristled. "I was just with a friend. And what about you and Lauren at the hospital? Just because I don't bring it up doesn't mean I don't know."

She faced him, her voice tinged with sarcasm, "Sure, but you should do the same. You're still my husband, aren't you?"