I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin)

None of Your Business

Harper's retort left Benjamin speechless, but he glared at her with clear displeasure.

Trying to escape the tension, Harper moved to head upstairs but Benjamin abruptly grabbed her hand, stopping her.

In a low, hoarse voice, he asked, "Harper, are you telling me what to do?"

"I'm just asking for fairness," she responded.

"Are you being sharp for him? Was all your kindness to me just an act?" Benjamin pressed.

Harper tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.

Seeing her struggle, Benjamin pulled her into his arms, his familiar scent overwhelming her. She froze, caught in his embrace.

"Harper, answer me. Is it because of him?" he demanded.

Harper bit her lip, saying nothing at first, uncomfortable with their closeness.

Finally, she murmured, "No, you're overthinking it. He's just a friend."

"Really? Just friend?" Benjamin probed.

"If you don't believe me, why do you even ask?" Harper countered.

"Harper, Frank isn't your type. Could you stay away from him?" he said.

Harper got angry and retorted, "We're already getting divorced. You can tell me to stay away now, but after that, it's none of your business. Who I hang out with or date is up to me, you know..."

"Mmm..."

He kissed her!

Benjamin watched Harper ramble on, each word more annoying than the last.

Without hesitation, he silenced her with a sudden kiss, leaving no room for her to protest.

Harper froze, shocked by his unexpected move. They had been close before, but never shared such a simple kiss.

It caught her off guard, leaving her confused and flustered.

Instinctively, she tried to push him away, not realizing this might only drive him further.

As Benjamin deepened the kiss, their breaths mingled intensely.

Overpowered by his intensity, Harper felt tears in her eyes; his passionate force made her lean into him for support.

Just as things heated up, Benjamin's phone rang sharply, cutting through the tension. He stopped kissing her abruptly.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Pulling back slightly, he touched his forehead to hers, holding her gaze intensely.

Ignoring the persistent ringing, he finally answered the phone without breaking eye contact with Harper.

"Hello?" Benjamin said.

"Benjamin, I'm scared..."

Harper overheard a woman's soft voice and suddenly realized what had just happened between them.

She thought, "I've signed the divorce papers. We're getting divorced. How could this happen?"

With a stern face, she pushed Benjamin away as he took the call and dashed upstairs.

Benjamin noticed her pale face and retreating figure, his expression darkening.

"What's wrong, Lauren? Isn't the caregiver there?" Benjamin asked, his brow furrowed.

"I'm... I'm scared. I keep hearing noises outside. Is someone after me again? Can you come over?" Lauren sounded desperate.

Benjamin, however, remained silent.

Growing more anxious, Lauren added, "Benjamin, I just remembered something about that night. I think I'm starting to remember what that man looked like..."