The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 3

And Kent was stumped.

Brandon said, “Aren’t you busy at work?”-

Kent shook his head like a madman. “Busy, super busy.”

He sneaked a peek at the darkness outside the window and couldn’t help but give a little nudge. “Mr. Crawley, it’s way past quitting time, and, uh, I’ve got an appointment to check out a place with a realtor, can I take off now?”

Brandon glanced at the time on his computer-it was already past seven.

He gave a nod “Mhm.”

Thanks. Mr. Crawley. After a hurried thank you, Kent did a quick tidy up and bolted out the door.

When the office door shut, Brandon finally lifted his gaze from the computer, his eyes lingering on the closed door for a moment before drifting to the vast night outside the window.

It was the time when thousands of homes were lit up, and the lights in the distant neighborhood were twinkling like

stars.

Brandon’s mind wandered to the lights at home and Sophia, always curled up on the couch sketching.

Sophia’s face flashed through his mind, and Brandon’s expression softened. He pulled his eyes away from the window and back to the computer screen. His long fingers hit the keyboard, ready to dive back into work, but after typing just one character, he stopped. The designs and spreadsheets that once captivated him now seemed bland.

With a swift move, Brandon pushed the keyboard away, stood up, yanked his suit jacket off the coat rack, grabbed the car keys from his desk, and left.

Once in the car, his emotions gradually settled down.

Brandon let out a sigh, started the engine, and slowly drove off.

Outside the window, the busy streets were a blur of light and color, a hive of activity. Brandon drove aimlessly, not wanting to go home.

As he passed by Sophia’s neighborhood, Kent’s words burst into his mind unannounced. “Looks like Sophia’s gonna sell the house.”

Brandon couldn’t help but glance at the entrance to her complex.

Just then, Sophia emerged, and their eyes met in a fleeting moment as she paused.

Brandon saw her too, his gaze coolly sweeping over her face.

Sophia managed a strained smile.

Brandon coldly looked away.

Sophia felt awkward, gave a self-macking chuckle, and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Brandon called out to her, “Are you going out?”

His voice was as calm and steady as ever

Sophia looked at him surprised and nodded. “Yeah, just need to pick up a few things.”

Brandon nodded and said nothing more.

the norm for the past two

say more, just gave

sound, didn’t follow her, but

still parked there through the glass of a shop window, her brow furrowing in confusion

Chapter

a new bulb

with the new bulb, Sophia saw Brandon

locked

She couldn’t pretend he wasn’t there, but they had been like strangers in their mamage, so she couldn’t

his presence heavy, making

door and followed her

Sophia didn’t say anything.

silently trailed behind her all

bear it and

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

any food at

but remind him, “You

an old friend swing by for

was speechless, hesitatingly

noticed the bulb in her hand, his brows

nodded. “Yeah, the bathroom bulb

reached out. “Give it

okay, I can

Brandon had already taken the bulb

hallway, and stood on it, easily reaching the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go

phone’s flashlight to

above as he skillfully removed the

for figuring things out. His movements were smooth and decisive, a

She watched, transfixed.

down from the chair. Sophia was still staring, caught off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged at her lips,

her retreating legs to her face, lingering on

Sophia

if the light’s working

to leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught, her phone

heart skipped a beat, and before she knew it, Brandon had pulled her

slid from her wrist to wrap tightly around her waist, while his other hand fell to the back of her head, lifting

Chapter

kiss.

instinctively tried to

of her skull suddenly

Sophia couldn’t resist

began to fill the cramped

against the wall, kissing

his demeanor tinged with a desperate emotion she couldn’t quite understand Confused, but without a chance to

from seeing his face, and

could clearly sense his breathing slowly

turned to pick up the ringing

taking the phone and answering it, her hand covering the device as she turned away, Hello,

her before heading to the electrical switch

help but glance at his retreating figure as a female voice came through the phone.