I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

The One Not Loved

Julie's question made Harper's expression gradually turn somber.

Actually, besides the last time she looked in the mirror, Benjamin had touched her belly before, thinking she had just gained some weight. He couldn't help but remark, "It feels comforting to touch the softness." Therefore, his hand never left her belly throughout the night, even though their relationship had cooled down over the past few days. Upon waking, he would find his hand resting on her waist.

If Benjamin had paid just a little more attention, he would have noticed some changes in her, but his heart was never indeed with her, so he remained oblivious.

Harper responded indifferently, "Maybe we would have parted ways before it became impossible to hide? So why bother causing unnecessary trouble?"

"The one not loved, what they do probably annoys people anyway," Harper thought lightly.

At the same time, in another building owned by Mayby, Lauren was also dragged to the company early in the morning by Rue. She had been having quite a bit of trouble these past few days. The industry was a place of significant influence and scrutiny, and others could look down upon any slip-up, so it was essential to plan.

Rue relayed an invitation from a sponsor to Lauren. "Let's go have dinner tonight. Securing this sponsor will help you recover from the injustices you're currently facing with your new song's release."

"I don't want to, Tony is so gross and unappealing, I'd lose my appetite eating with him, Lauren replied without a second thought."

She knew that her recent embarrassment at the birthday party had made her the butt of jokes, but she still didn't want to compromise herself.

But Rue insisted, "Lauren, we really need this sponsorship. With it, we won't be the laughing stock anymore. It's just a dinner, and I'll be with you the whole time, okay?"

Lauren was still reluctant and even a bit annoyed, "I'm supposed to be the girl next door. What if I'm seen eating with someone disgusting like that?"

Rue's expression darkened. Lauren was her golden goose, her cash cow, so she had to endure.

The atmosphere grew tense.

After a silent pause, Rue finally said softly, "Lauren, you've been ridiculed by people in the circle these past few days, and Mr. Martin hasn't reacted at all. Do you really want to continue like this?"

Lauren was taken aback.

Lauren hadn't been out of touch with Benjamin recently, but his responses were lukewarm at best. She couldn't tell if it was because of Paul's birthday party or something Harper did, but despite her efforts, nothing seemed to work.

She pressed her lips and asked, "What should I do?"

Rue leaned in and whispered a suggestion in her ear. Lauren's eyes lit up instantly, and she smirked, "What's the fun in just watching him get jealous? I want everyone who laughs at me to see how much Benjamin cares."

Rue wanted to stop her but ultimately said nothing and let her go ahead with her plan.

Lauren agreed to Rue's arrangement and arrived on time at the restaurant booked by the sponsors that evening.

Tony's eyes never left Lauren as he spoke, "Ms. Davis, you remain as stunning as ever. I hope we can come to an agreement."

He emphasized the words "come to an agreement," the implication clear and unmistakable.

Lauren maintained her smile, hiding her deep dissatisfaction.

Tony's secretary also hinted to Lauren, "It would be a match made in heaven if Ms. Davis could collaborate with Mr. Smith. He's easy to please and happy to sponsor as much as needed if he's in good spirits. Don't miss this opportunity, Ms. Davis."

Lauren responded with just a faint smile, while Rue quickly replied, "Thank you for your fondness of our Lauren, Mr. Smith. I appreciate it on her behalf."

Despite Lauren's modest fame, she had to bow down in the face of capital.

To prevent Tony from noticing Lauren's reluctance, Rue kept her busy with several toasts, making her head spin.

She then persistently hinted that Rue should get in touch with Benjamin.

Rushing for an excuse, Rue left the room and immediately called Benjamin: "Mr. Martin, hello, this is Lauren's manager, Rue. Sorry for calling so late." "What's the matter?" Benjamin asked.

His voice was indifferent.

Rue said, "Mr. Martin, Lauren is drunk. Could you come and pick her up? She's on upswing period, and I'm worried that getting caught on camera could harm her future."

"You're her manager, Rue. It's your job to protect her image and interests, not to ask me to clean up your mess," Benjamin replied.

His tone laced with displeasure, ready to hang up the phone.

Seeing that he was about to end the call, Rue quickly apologized. Through the private room's door, she saw Tony's eyes fixed on Lauren, his hand unknowingly resting on her shoulder. "Mr. Martin, please, come and take Lauren away. I accompanied her to meet with the sponsor, but they are very influential and kept feeding her drinks, trying to take advantage of her. I'm really scared something might happen..." Her words hung in a brief silence.

Then Rue heard Benjamin ask, "Where are you?"

Rue hurriedly gave the address, adding, "Mr. Martin, we'll be waiting for you."

After the call, Benjamin stood by the bedroom window, clutching his phone, his handsome and noble face marked by a trace of solemnity.

Then the bathroom door opened, and Harper emerged.

He turned to her, his expression slightly subdued, "I need to step out."

"This late? Where to?" Harper asked casually.

Benjamin's brow furrowed slightly, his expression showing a subtle change, especially considering her recent coldness.

His thin lips parted slightly, "Larry has set up a situation; I need to make a trip."

"Okay," Harper responded simply.

Grabbing his coat and car keys, Benjamin left Pineview Villa with a complex emotion swirling inside him, puzzled by his instinct to lie to Harper.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

But telling the truth would upset her, perhaps making her even colder.

Having spent these days with her, he realized how distantly cold Harper could be. And he found this side of her entirely unfamiliar and didn't want to see it continue. Benjamin arrived at the restaurant where Lauren was. He hadn't even stepped out of the car when he saw Rue supporting Lauren at the entrance, with two men nearby.

He sat in the car, motionless, until he saw a plump man reaching out to Lauren. That's when he pushed open the car door and got out.

Seeing him, Rue waved like he was a lifeline. "Mr. Martin."

Then she quickly told Lauren, "Lauren, Mr. Martin is here to pick you up."

Hearing Benjamin's name, Lauren sobered up a bit, pulled away from Rue, and ran towards Benjamin, throwing herself into his arms.

To prevent her from falling, Benjamin reached out to steady her. Lauren, in turn, lifted her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. Her voice was low and aggrieved, and she said, "Benjamin, you've been ignoring me for so long. Are you mad at me?"