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.

was the norm for the past two

didn’t say more, just gave a

didn’t follow her, but he didn’t leave

a

Chapter

buy a new bulb for

new bulb, Sophia

locked

couldn’t pretend he wasn’t there, but they had been like strangers in their mamage, so she couldn’t be overly friendly either.

just watched her, his presence

opened the door and followed her up

Sophia didn’t say anything.

trailed behind her all the way to

and

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

any food at

but remind him,

friend swing

was speechless, hesitatingly unlocking the

bulb in her hand,

the bathroom bulb

reached out. “Give it

okay, I can

as Brandon had already taken the bulb from

light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards,

to help him see. “Can

from above

movements were smooth and decisive, a sort of effortless cool. Sophia’s eyes drifted from his hands to his face, his sharp profile silhouetted against the light, intense

She watched, transfixed.

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

from her retreating legs to her face, lingering on her eyes,

silence made Sophia feel even more

if the light’s working

but her wrist was suddenly caught, her

before she knew it, Brandon had pulled her in front of

and his hand smoothly slid from her wrist to wrap tightly around her waist, while his other hand fell to

Chapter

kiss.

to push him

and the back of her skull

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to

pushed Sophia against the wall,

chance to delve

abruptly stopped, keeping her from seeing his face,

could clearly sense his breathing

pick up the ringing phone for the second time, and handed

him, just silently taking the phone and answering

to

but glance at his retreating figure as a female