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!”

demeanor and innocent charm quickly eased the

skewers for Brandon. “Want

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

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

actually up for this kind

asked, skillfully laying the skewers Sophia handed him on the

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at all, Don replied, thrilled. “Just saying, it’s good to relax every now and then, take a breather.” Brandon ignored him, focusing on grilling the

oysters and called Sophia over to help

gave her a passing glance.

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

oyster crew, then back at

pile of oysters and nodded. “Go ahead.”

–

else.

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. “It’s

glanced towards

girls, Sophia’s serene presence stood out; not aloof or antisocial, just content to listen

nor did he show much interest in BBQ. Social

came through on his phone.

was now dancing around the

Sophia

glancing at the lively crowd with a smile, but with no intention of joining in.

approached her and stood by her side,

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

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

the phone just moments before,

nodded

sizzle over the charcoal, she finally turned to Sophia, “Why aren’t

say she didn’t

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

his nature, would be the last person to jump into a sing-and-dance kind of

laughing and joking group, he turned to her, “Wanna go check

was a bit surprised but nodded, “Sure,

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

and Brandon joined the hand-holding

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

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

the midst of the fun, she couldn’t help but sneak

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 and enjoying the moment.

demeanor, he seemed to have a bit more youthful vigor under

then, Brandon turned to look

a light smile.

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08:42

He smiled back.

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

belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air with their howls, but not dampening

down by the barbecue