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.

norm for the

more, just gave a polite

make another sound, didn’t follow her, but he didn’t

the glass of a shop window, her brow furrowing

Chapter

a new bulb

new bulb, Sophia

locked

mamage, so she couldn’t be overly friendly either. When their eyes met again, she gave a slight tug

just watched her, his

his car Brandon opened the door and followed her up the stairs in

Sophia didn’t say anything.

speak, just silently trailed behind her all the way to her apartment

Sophia couldn’t bear it and turned

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

any food at

remind

swing by for a

speechless, hesitatingly unlocking the

hand, his brows knitting slightly. “Light’s

“Yeah, the bathroom

out. “Give

okay, I

refusal was cut short as Brandon had already taken the bulb

the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go turn off the power,” and shut off the circuit breaker, plunging the

to help him see. “Can you

Brandon’s deep, steady voice came from above as

out. His movements were smooth and decisive, a sort of effortless

She watched, transfixed.

down from the chair. Sophia was still staring, caught off guard by

retreating legs to her face, lingering

made Sophia

check if the light’s working

leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught, her

knew it, Brandon had pulled

other hand fell to the back of her head, lifting her face towards his. His crisp

Chapter

kiss.

instinctively tried to push him

the back of her skull suddenly lightened, and Brandon deepened

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to fill the cramped

against the wall, kissing

rarely seen Brandon so rough and domineering, his demeanor tinged with a desperate emotion she couldn’t quite understand Confused, but without a chance to delve deeper, the kiss became more intense, teetering on the edge of losing control, when the

her from seeing his face, and pressed her cheek

could clearly sense his breathing

go, turned to pick up the ringing phone for the second time, and handed

taking the phone and answering it, her hand covering

heading to

as a female