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 tension, and the

for Brandon. “Want to

nodded, standing side

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

for

problem?” Brandon asked, skillfully laying the skewers

1/2

08:125

it’s good to relax every now and then,

of breath, set down a plate of oysters and called Sophia over

gave her a passing

“I’ll get back to it,” quickly dismissing the idea

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

at the pile of oysters

–

else.

in something or someone Don, aware Brandon wasn’t into these gatherings, nudged him. “Why force yourself if you’re not into it?” Brandon shot him a look.

glanced towards Sophia

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

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

work call came through on his

was now dancing around the bonfire, the music and laughter creating

crowd for Sophia but

oysters, absentmindedly grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively crowd with a smile, but with no intention of

stood by her side, picking up a skewer from the plate.

them?” he asked, placing the skewer on the grill.

melted into

your call?” she asked, having spotted Brandon on the phone just moments before, obviously tangled

nodded

finally turned to Sophia, “Why aren’t you

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

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

nature, would be the last person

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

was a bit surprised but nodded, “Sure,

double-take before Don let go of

joined the hand-holding dance.

wasn’t any complex dance, just a bunch of folks holding hands, hopping on one foot to the catchy music now

a bit self-conscious at first but soon got swept up in the festive vibe, laughing

couldn’t help but sneak

calm, but there was a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He wasn’t laughing uproariously like the others, but his

aloof demeanor, he seemed to have a bit more youthful

just then, Brandon turned to look

flashed him a light smile.

2/3

08:42

He smiled back.

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

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

sat down by