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

too, didn’t say more, just gave a polite smile and walked

didn’t follow her,

a shop window,

Chapter

a new bulb for

with the new bulb, Sophia saw Brandon still

locked

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

his presence heavy, making even

the door and

Sophia didn’t say anything.

didn’t speak, just silently trailed behind her

and turned hesitantly. “Do you need

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

any food at

remind him,

friend swing by for a

speechless, hesitatingly unlocking

hand,

“Yeah, the bathroom bulb

out. “Give it

okay, I

cut short as Brandon had

reaching the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go turn

flashlight to help him

voice came from above as he skillfully removed the old

had never seen Brandon change a bulb before, but it seemed like smart folks have a knack for figuring things out. His movements were smooth and decisive, a sort of effortless

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

made Sophia

check if

leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught,

beat, and before she knew

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

Chapter

kiss.

to push him

her skull suddenly lightened, and Brandon deepened

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to fill

pushed Sophia against the wall, kissing her somewhat

understand Confused, but without a chance to delve deeper, the kiss became more intense, teetering

her from seeing his

sense his

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

silently taking the phone and answering it,

her before heading to the electrical switch

figure as a female voice came through the