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!”

innocent charm quickly eased the

Brandon. “Want to grill some?”

looked at her and nodded, standing side by side

and Kent were also by the BBQ, skewers in hand.

for this kind of

the skewers Sophia handed him on

1/2

08:125

thrilled. “Just saying, it’s good to relax every now and then, take a

set down a plate of oysters and

gave her a passing

get back to it,” quickly dismissing

then back at Brandon. “I’m gonna go help out over there.”

pile of oysters and nodded.

–

else.

into these gatherings, nudged him. “Why force yourself if you’re not into it?” Brandon shot him a look. “It’s

glanced towards Sophia again.

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

show much interest in

came through on his

now dancing around the bonfire, the

for Sophia but didn’t spot

grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively

her side, picking

join them?” he asked, placing the skewer

at his sudden appearance melted into ease as she turned to face him..

Brandon on the phone just moments before, obviously tangled up in work stuff again.

Brandon nodded lightly.

over the charcoal, she finally turned to Sophia,

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

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

nature, would be the last person to

at the laughing and

bit surprised but nodded, “Sure, why not?”

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

Brandon joined the hand-holding dance.

just a bunch of folks holding hands, hopping on one foot to the catchy music now and then.

first but soon got swept up in the festive vibe, laughing along with everyone

couldn’t

wasn’t laughing uproariously like the others, but his eyes and expression were clearly relaxed

to have a bit more youthful vigor under his cool

turned to look

flashed him a

2/3

08:42

He smiled back.

revelry was still in full swing, shifting from the campfire dance to a boisterous mix of

and Kent, the life of the party, had already grabbed mics and were belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air with their howls, but not dampening the spirits

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