The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 53

Sophia was all thumbs as she wiped her eyes and steadied her emotions before looking up toward the doorway and calling out, “Coming!”

She got up to open the door.

“Dinner time,” Brandon announced, his gaze pausing ever so slightly when he caught sight of the redness in her eyes. He looked at her more intently.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice softening, his arm lifting in tandem as the back of his long fingers gently touched the damp corner of Sophia’s eye.

Sophia involuntarily shuddered at the touch and took a small step back.

“I’m fine,” she said softly, her warm voice tinged with a hint of nasality, “Just got carried away with a TV drama.”

Brandon gave her a look. He remembered that she wasn’t into binging series. She was a movie buff, watching all sorts from domestic to international, from drama to mystery to art films, but she seldom indulged in rom-coms.

Documentaries were her jam too, especially those about culture and history. She’d occasionally dip into TV shows, but only the ones with solid plots, like workplace dramas or thrillers. Not many could hit her right in the feels.

His eyes flicked to her phone resting on the table. He didn’t call her out on it, just raised his hand to wipe away the tear from her eye. “Let’s eat first,” he suggested quietly.

Sophia nodded gently, “Mm.”

During the meal, Brandon could tell Sophia was down in the dumps.

Her appetite was already weak due to the early stages of pregnancy, and with her mind on other things, she barely managed a few bites before feeling nauseated.

Sophia couldn’t force herself, and the more she tried to eat, the more revulsion she felt.

Finally, she had to put down her utensils and looked at Brandon, “I’m full. You can keep eating.”

He glanced at her nearly untouched bowl but didn’t push her, just nodded gently, “Alright.”

He quickly finished the food in his bowl, put down his utensils, and started cleaning up.

at him in surprise, “Aren’t you going to eat

had a meal with a client earlier,” Brandon swiftly tidied up the dishes into the dishwasher, washed his hands, and glanced out the now-dark

like a walk?”

was taken aback, “Aren’t you

from Brandon seemed odd to her. Back when they were still married, they’d each retreat to their own rooms after dinner, each with their own study and work.

guy who wished he could split time in two. He already had a fixed schedule for his workouts, and a stroll was, to

the sudden

he was already approaching

he came to stand in front of her, glanced outside into the night, and repeated,

then nodded, “Sure,”

two of them strolled around

far from there was a bustling square connected to the Lakeside Park. At this hour, it was lively.

loved to come here for a walk. The elderly with grandchildren, students from nearby schools, mostly young couples, which made the quiet night lively and tinged with a touch of unfamiliar human warmth.

always busy in her study after eating, so

gone for a walk after dinner. Everything was fresh to her gaze, and the heaviness in her heart dispersed a

kept an eye on Sophia’s expressions, standing by her side, his peripheral vision catching the

Sophia if they came too close.

usually come out here?” he asked, watching her calmly observe the surroundings and deftly shielding

crowd.

Sophia replied softly, turning to look at him, “You probably haven’t been here much either, right?”

nodded lightly, “Been pretty

too, not

more either, just walked aimlessly

this feeling strange. She and Brandon had been married for two years, shared plenty of intimate moments, and indulged without restraint. But once lust was no longer in control and rationality returned, they seemed like strangers who had just

issue or Brandon’s. She couldn’t be carefree around

exclusive

after him, she hadn’t had the chance to start something new. She couldn’t compare and determine if the problem lay with her or with Brandon. Yet watching the carefree, laughing couples walking by