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!”

and innocent charm quickly eased the tension, and the party vibe bounced

Brandon. “Want to grill some?”

looked at her and nodded, standing side by side with

Kent were also by the BBQ, skewers in hand. Seeing Sophia and Brandon together, Don

for this kind of thing?”

problem?” Brandon asked, skillfully laying the skewers Sophia

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08:125

it’s good to relax every now and then, take a breather.” Brandon ignored him, focusing on grilling the

of breath, set down a plate of oysters and

her a passing

back to it,” quickly dismissing the idea

at the busy oyster crew, then back at Brandon. “I’m

the pile of oysters and nodded. “Go

–

else.

wasn’t into these gatherings, nudged him. “Why force yourself if you’re not into it?” Brandon shot him a look. “It’s not about liking or not. It’s just a way to pass

glanced towards Sophia again.

settled next to Cindy, awkwardly scrubbing oysters out of a foam cooler. Among the chattering girls, Sophia’s serene presence stood out; not aloof or antisocial, just content to listen and

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

work call came

was now dancing

Sophia

found her still with the oysters, absentmindedly grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively crowd with a

her and stood by her side,

asked, placing the skewer on the

his sudden appearance melted into ease as she

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

Brandon nodded lightly.

skewers sizzle over the charcoal, she finally turned to Sophia, “Why

too embarrassed to say she didn’t want to leave Brandon hanging by himself after his call.

him into coming; it wouldn’t be cool to

person to jump into

him, then looking over at the laughing and joking group, he turned

was a bit surprised but nodded, “Sure, why

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

Brandon joined the

a bunch of folks holding hands, hopping on

but soon got swept up

she couldn’t help but sneak a peek at

was a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He wasn’t

he seemed to have a bit more

just then, Brandon turned to

flashed him a

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08:42

He smiled back.

away from the group, the revelry was still in full swing, shifting from

the life of the party, had already grabbed mics and were belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air with

down