The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 123

Don was feeling seriously crept out, so he quickly explained, “It’s not like I went out of my way to ask about her. I just casually brought it up while we were talking shop. But chill, man, I’ve got Sophia’s back. I wouldn’t just blab about her.”

As he spoke, he whipped out his phone, pulled up his chat with Sylvia, and tapped on a new voice message he had sent. “Oh yeah, what was the name of the hospital where Sophia had her baby last year? I’ve got a buddy who’s expecting and wants to scope out the place.”

Sylvia’s response came back quick, her voice oozing confusion. “When did Sophia ever have a kid? Wasn’t she still in school last year, not even graduated? How could she have had time to have a baby? You sure you’re not talking about Louisa?”

Don shot back a message like a lightbulb had just gone off in his head. “Oh, right, right, Louisa. My bad, my brain’s all scrambled with the hustle and bustle.”

Looking at Brandon, Don said, “See? If she really had been knocked up and popped out a kid, there’s no way it would’ve slipped by us. I think you’re just overthinking it.”

Brandon just stared at him, silent.

He remembered that moment in the restaurant when he had pressed Sophia about whether the child was still around. The hurt that had welled up in her eyes, spiraling into a breakdown.

He didn’t know if it was the topic that had touched a raw nerve or something else.

He knew he shouldn’t have brought it up. Even with his suspicions, it would have been better to verify things behind the scenes rather than rip open old wounds. But when she walked away so decisively, emotion got the better of him.

The question about the child had become a means to force her to pause.

A tactic, and a test.

pretty sure the kid was no longer in

wasn’t one for empty gestures.

her mind to something,

was one to beat around the bush. If she was going to bail, she’d do it clean

Brandon had held onto a glimmer of hope, even if it was

around Brandon’s shoulder, patting

Don said. “Otherwise, it’d be like planting a landmine in your future marriage, wouldn’t

you can’t say anything helpful,

left speechless.

off the table, poured himself a full glass, and downed it in

sure to close the door on your

turned and headed back to his

“Hey, I came over ’cause I figured you’d be in a funk tonight. Came

No response.

uninterested, plopped down on a chair. Drinking alone

he grabbed his phone, opened Facebook, and there he saw a post from Ivan.

of

Airport.

getting Sophia to join the company a year ago. Figuring

“Yep.”