Harper was silent for a brief moment before replying, "Benjamin, I understand what you mean. I just want to know if you've ever thought for a second that this would not have happened without me."
Benjamin frowned slightly, his handsome face revealing a bit of indifference. He then glanced at the vehicle in the rearview mirror and pulled over to the side of the road.
He turned sideways to gaze at her and said in a low voice, "Without this, are you sure that something else wouldn't have happened?"
Harper stared at him in confusion.
Benjamin explained, "Every occurrence has its underlying causes. Otherwise, what's the purpose of enduring a mundane existence? Now that it's occurred, can assigning blame to others resolve all issues? It's improbable. Hence, rather than faulting others, it's wiser to brainstorm additional solutions to address the problems swiftly."
"Harper, Sharon's words do not represent everyone's opinions. This matter has nothing to do with you. It is not your mistake. So, you don't need to keep asking me about my ideas. Do you understand what I mean?"
He carefully revealed all his thoughts word by word and calmed her uneasy mind.
Harper smiled and nodded.
At the sight of her reaction, Benjamin stepped on the accelerator and continued driving.
Back at the apartment, they took the elevator to the floor where they lived. Noticing that it was still early, Harper said, "I'm going to find Annie. You go back first."
"Well, okay," Benjamin replied. When she turned around and was about to walk towards the opposite door, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Looking down at her, he said in a low voice, "Don't let your imagination run wild."
"Okay," Harper whispered.
He said firmly, "Don't stay too long. You have half an hour, or I'll come to you personally."
Harper furrowed his brow slightly, subconsciously remembering his earlier speech that had urged both her and Annie to maintain a distance. The reflection of it amused her.
But she refrained from laughing. Knowing that he might renege on his promise and forbid her from locating Annie, she nodded in apparent compliance. "Alright."
Only then was Benjamin satisfied. He bent his head and kissed the corners of her lips before letting her go.
In the apartment, Annie sat on the carpet, eating pizza and drinking cola. Seeing Harper opening the door and coming in, she asked, "What are you doing here?"
Harper glanced at her and said nothing. After changing into a pair of slippers, she walked towards the sofa.
She seated herself and made no sound while watching Annie enjoying the food with relish without concern for her condition as a pregnant woman.
Annie looked back and found Harper's eyes glazed over.
She asked, "What's wrong? Are you still upset about Frank?"
"No." Harper shook her head.
"What's the matter?"
Harper didn't answer. She took a pillow and hugged it, holding her chin up and staring at Annie. "I went to the Martin Manor tonight and heard some gossip. Guess who's behind it."
Annie took a box of pizza and shook her head in confusion. "Who?"
"My mother."
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