The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 153

Sophia was just chilling at the top of the stairs, one hand on her knee, the other patting her chest, huffing and puffing like she’d run a marathon. Her face was all flushed, her hair a bit of a mess, and you could see a layer of fine sweat beading on her forehead.

She caught Brandon’s eye and felt a bit embarrassed.

“Today’s the grand opening of the new company, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement. Why don’t you come and celebrate with us?” she said awkwardly. “Honestly, people love it when the boss lets loose and hangs with the crew. Makes you feel less like the big man upstairs, you know?”

Brandon glanced at her still-thumping chest, then at her damp, rosy cheeks, before his gaze settled into her eyes. “Did you specifically come looking for me?”

The word “specifically” hung in the air between Sophia and Brandon, loaded with unspoken meaning, given their complicated relationship.

–

She hadn’t thought it through his solitary silhouette had just popped into her head, and on a whim, she’d dashed up to find him. “Not really,” Sophia replied, her cheeks coloring. “It’s just everyone’s heading out to party, and it seemed like a bummer for the big boss to be missing out.”

She glanced at the now-deserted office, then back at him. “You’re here burning the midnight oil all by yourself. If work’s not screaming for attention, why not take a break? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Kent looked over at Sophia, a tad surprised.

Her casual concern for Brandon was kind of sweet and unexpected.

Brandon threw him a glance.

Kent, taking the hint, quickly made his exit. “I’ll leave you two to chat. Mr. Dempsey’s waiting for me to join the celebration. I’ll head over so no one’s kept waiting.”

With that, he bolted.

Brandon’s eyes lingered on the sweat on Sophia’s forehead, and he casually grabbed some tissues from a nearby desk, walking over to her.

Standing in front of her, he reached out with the tissue towards her forehead. “Did you take the stairs?”

“Yeah, the elevator was out of service,” Sophia replied, taking the tissue from him with an awkward smile. “I’ve got it.”

He gave

her a look but didn’t fight her for it, handing over the tissue.

After drying off, Sophia turned to him again. “So, you coming?”

He nodded. “Sure, why not?”

A smile flickered across her face, and a hint of one appeared in his eyes too.

“Let’s go,” he said, and they headed down together.

Don had texted Sophia the details for the get-together.

He’d booked a rooftop farm with its own BBQ and bonfire setup.

By the time Sophia and Brandon arrived, everyone was already in full swing some prepping the food, others manning the grills, chatting and laughing in little clusters.

Brandon’s entrance caused a momentary freeze, everyone suddenly self-conscious.

Sophia, all smiles and warmth, called out/”Keep the fun rolling. Don’t mind us!”

gentle demeanor and innocent charm quickly eased the tension,

for Brandon. “Want to grill some?”

and nodded, standing side by side with her at the grill.

by the BBQ, skewers in hand. Seeing Sophia and

for this kind of thing?”

laying the skewers Sophia handed

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08:125

to relax every now and then, take a breather.” Brandon ignored him,

set down a plate of oysters

a passing

straightened up, “I’ll get back to it,” quickly dismissing the idea of Sophia

over at the busy oyster crew, then back at Brandon. “I’m gonna go help

of oysters

–

else.

nudged him. “Why force yourself

glanced towards Sophia

girls, Sophia’s serene presence stood out; not aloof or antisocial, just content to listen and smile without diving into

didn’t intrude, nor did he show much interest in BBQ. Social gatherings weren’t his

call came through

their tasks and was now dancing around the bonfire, the music

crowd for Sophia but didn’t spot

occasionally glancing at the lively crowd with a

by her side,

asked, placing

sudden appearance melted into ease as she turned to

spotted Brandon on the phone just moments before, obviously tangled up in

nodded lightly.

watched the beef skewers sizzle over the charcoal, she finally turned to Sophia, “Why aren’t you mingling with

Sophia admitted, too embarrassed to say she didn’t want to

coming; it wouldn’t be cool to just ditch him and let him waste his time

to his nature, would be the last person to jump into

then looking over at the laughing and joking group, he turned to her, “Wanna go check

was a bit surprised but nodded,

them joined in, everyone did a double-take before Don let go of Cindy’s hand to make way for them

Brandon joined the hand-holding

of folks holding hands, hopping on one foot to the catchy music now

soon got swept up

midst of the fun, she couldn’t help

face was calm, but there was a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He wasn’t laughing uproariously like the others, but his eyes and expression were clearly relaxed

to his usual serious and aloof demeanor, he seemed to have a bit more youthful vigor under

then, Brandon turned

flashed him a light smile.

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08:42

He smiled back.

in full swing, shifting from the campfire dance to a boisterous mix of karaoke

grabbed mics and were belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air with their

down by the barbecue grill.