Harper feigned apathy, saying, "I've forgotten all about it. It's been years." Joseph's gaze was heavy, and though he said nothing, Harper felt an immense pressure. She didn't know if his look was one of condemnation, seeing her as a burden all this time. "I have something to attend to, so I'll leave you two to talk," Harper said, not waiting for a response as she swiftly turned and left.
Everything about those two was too perfect, be it their professions, figures, or personalities. In comparison, even a blind person would know who to choose, right? Making a fool of herself like that was enough for Harper. She thought of the past, chuckled self-deprecatingly, and quickened her pace.
Joseph glanced at Harper's somewhat flustered figure, his face still expressionless, and said to Olivia, "Let's go." Harper breathed a sigh of relief as she walked out of the hospital doors. She looked up and saw Ava waiting a few steps away, her expression far from friendly. Harper bit her lip, and her face creased with worry. She didn't know how to explain things to Ava. It was certain that Ava would be angry when she went by now.
Harper didn't dwell on it and quickly hailed a taxi, getting in and leaving in a hurry. Ava happened to catch sight of this scene and took a few steps forward, shouting in exasperation, "Harper! Why are you running?" But the taxi left, disappearing into the distance. People around them looked at Ava with curious eyes. Ava was so angry that she wanted to stomp her feet, cursing Harper inside and out! Harper was so disgraceful! If Harper couldn't get pregnant, she should just let them divorce!
Turning back and looking at the hospital behind her, Ava began to blame Joseph as well. Why was her son nothing like her? Harper had nothing to offer!
All she had going for her was her beauty, however, with their family background and her son's talent, what kind of woman couldn't they find? Why did they have to keep Harper? It had been three years since Professor Benjamin's dying wish. Wasn't that enough!
Harper did have an appointment. She had arranged to have dinner with her best friend, Grace Parker. She went home to change and then hurried to their regular restaurant. Grace was wearing exquisite makeup, her slightly curled hair casually draped over her shoulders, and expensive diamond earrings sparkling in the light.
"So, why do you care about what that old woman says? Why would you go only because she asked you to?" Grace was both exasperated and a little sympathetic toward Harper. "You've never slept with him, so how could you be pregnant? What Joseph is doing can be considered emotional abuse in a marriage! Why don't you just get a divorce? I can support you!" She lived in a marriage that made her feel like a widow, not to mention her unreasonable mother-in-law. Just thinking about it gave her a headache. What was so good about it!
Harper looked at her best friend's generous appearance, feeling warm. Grace's family was well-off, and Harper knew that Grace genuinely cared about her. She smiled and handed an apple to Grace, saying, "Yes. You can provide for me, but I still won't get a divorce." A glimmer of light flashed in Harper's watery eyes, and she said softly, "After all, my father's last wish before he passed away was for me to live a good life with Joseph."
As soon as Benjamin Taylor was mentioned, Grace became dejected and sighed helplessly, "Mr. Benjamin's passing... it was so sudden. At that time, there was only Joseph by his side, and he was Mr. Benjamin's most proud student, so he had to entrust you to him." She changed the subject. "But after all these years, you two don't have any real feelings! Do you really plan to be stuck with him forever? You're still young, and you can't go on like this."
Harper took a small bite of her dessert, watching Grace's animated expression, and couldn't help but smile. There was indeed a kind of affection, but it was one-sided. This unspoken liking had been carefully hidden in her heart for so many years, never daring to reveal even a hint to anyone.
"You're just too kind!" Grace said, and with an inadvertent turn of her head, she suddenly called out in a low voice. "Look to your left!" Harper followed her gaze, and the food in her mouth suddenly lost its taste.
At a table by the window, a well-dressed man and woman were having a meal. The candlelight on the table flickered with a gentle halo, which created an exceptionally warm atmosphere. Olivia was elegantly cutting her steak, reminiscing, "I never thought that after so many years, this city hasn't changed at all. Life was so good when we were together, and it seemed like there was nothing we couldn't overcome." She looked at the man across from her with a gentle smile, paused, and continued, "Fortunately, after all the twists and turns, we've come back, and you are still here.
"Joseph, do you blame me for insisting on going abroad back then?" Her heart a little uneasy when she asked.
Joseph leaned back in his seat, his expression indifferent. "You know. No matter what decision you made, I respect your choice."
Olivia smiled, reaching for the glass on the table. "Thank you."
This man was always aloof, and since he said so, he must truly think that way from the bottom of his heart.
Olivia put down the glass and her gaze fell on the whisky next to his plate. There was a hint of joy in her voice. "You haven't changed at all." Just like before, he didn't like to eat steak cooked medium and paired with wine, he would have a glass of whisky instead. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe this discovery gave her enough courage, Olivia reached out and covered Joseph's hand on the table, looking at him with affection. Joseph didn't move, he lowered his eyes to their intertwined hands on the table, and then looked at Olivia. A faint blush appeared on Olivia's face, and she said sincerely, "Joseph, can we start over?"