The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 35

Brandon totally saw it coming, but when it actually hit him, his heart skipped a beat, as if it got struck by something. That light, floaty feeling was pretty wild.

He couldn’t help but start picturing it all, the kiddo cozy in Sophia’s belly, growing up bit by bit.

Each daydream made the whole dad-to-be thing feel more real, more tangible.

The report Brandon was holding crinkled a bit with the anticipation bubbling up inside.

He glanced at Sophia, “Still puking your guts out?”

The softness in his eyes almost knocked her off her feet.

She dodged the question with a slight turn of her head, “It’s manageable.”

Brandon hummed in response, his gaze lingering on her petite frame before asking, “I’ve seen you pregnant before.”

So when he rocked up and saw her suddenly all skin and bones, plus the medical report casually left on the coffee table, the gears started turning, even though he didn’t dwell on it much then. But the way Sophia tried to play it off with a routine blood test report made it all too obvious.

Add to that her evasive maneuvers, so it wasn’t rocket science to figure out what was up.

Sophia clammed up. From the moment Brandon popped in unannounced, she knew she couldn’t pull the wool over his eyes – it was just a matter of whether he’d call her out or not.

“I’m thinking of moving in, Brandon said.

shot that down without missing a

your bags and crash at my place,” He offered

her head,

or the other, Sophia. I come to you, or you come

solo on this.”

could be pretty stubborn when

Sophia tried to reason with him, “I can’t move back in

got two bedrooms. We wouldn’t have to share,” he was chill about it, Think of it

responsibility as it is yours. I can’t just leave you two hanging, Brandon said, giving her tiny bedroom a

Sophia kept silent.

but firm, “So, are you packing now, or shall I?” He added, “I’m staying at the Starlight Hotel, just around the corner, you’ve seen it this

I don’t want you here, Brandon,” she tried reasoning again, “Brandon, I’ve finally taken a step forward, don’t push me

and right to look out for both of you. I’m the father, Sophia,” He pressed on, “It’s my responsibility and

Sophia didn’t say anything.

a beat, “Hey Don,

Chapter 35

the other

you can’t

you’re pregnant. I can’t just sit back and let you live alone. We’re not negotiating on this. If you don’t make a decision, I

was not usually like that, only when it came to her or the baby’s health did he pull rank like this. By deciding for her, he was putting an end to a pointless

never had room to negotiate

Sophia had to

to move in. I’ll

figured it’s easier to invite trouble in than to send

“I’m just trying it out. And if it

Finally, Brandon nodded, “Okay.”

and was off, not planning on