The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 206

"Maybe it's just," Kent pondered, "being tough on oneself, you know?"

Brandon seemed to zone out for a second before turning to look at him.

Thinking he might have said something off, Kent added awkwardly, "Just spitballing here."

"You're right."

Brandon said, pushing himself up from the wall with his elbow, "She's always been her own toughest critic."

So tough that it seemed like his refusal to let go was just another level of cruelty to her.

A pang hit Brandon in the chest with this realization.

He averted his gaze.

He didn't stick around in the gym any longer, heading back to his hotel room to wash off the sweat and with it, the heavy feeling that had been pressing on his chest all afternoon.

After freshening up, Brandon redirected his focus back to work.

And he was knee-deep in it until late at night.

By the time he packed up his laptop, the city outside had completely succumbed to sleep.

He was staying at the Starlight Hotel, part of the Starlight Group, in a presidential suite similar to the one he'd stayed in back in Wye City, with nearly identical decor.

The familiar setting easily brought back bittersweet memories.

Back then, he and Sophia were already distant, despite appearances. It was only his ultimatum that forced her back by his side.

Two years had passed and nothing had changed. The one who couldn't let go and move on was him, and him alone.

Grabbing his phone from the table, Brandon flicked open WhatsApp.

Don had just posted a new update on Facebook - a brainstorming session with the design department, complete with photos of the meeting room and the designers in it.

In that sneaky snapshot from the brainstorm, Brandon easily spotted Sophia sitting to the right of Don.

Next to her was Ivan, deep in conversation with her, her face and eyes radiating her usual gentle warmth, her lips perpetually curved in a soft smile.

edge. Those beautiful eyes used to be for him,

at Sophia with a face full of

still

Augus from their brief encounters. He seemed to be the kind of guy Sophia would picture as her other half - passionate, lively, proactive, and

if Sophia might be charmed by such a man through daily interactions,

never short of men

of whether she would choose to

years, Brandon had never allowed himself to picture her with another

the books,

working, office interactions were inevitable, as was spending time together. Brandon was well aware that the Sophia back in the

future where Sophia was with

flick, he snuffed out the phone,

a good sleep, Brandon was in much better shape, pouring all his time

allowed him to temporarily

the fence about the terms for acquiring the Starlight

playing

a liking

add him on WhatsApp, but that didn't stop her

asked Kent to set up

sure what Brandon was thinking and

bother" response, Kent straightforwardly turned down all subsequent invitations for

But Tia wasn't discouraged.

Gavin, trying to persuade

through Tia's intentions. "Got a crush

admit. "Yeah, don't you think

chuckled, poking her nose, "Oh, my

wrong with chasing the one you like?" Tia stood her ground, "Gotta

him before someone

you want me to do?"

pretty sweet," Tia said.

We're not exactly a hot cake here; if he's eyeing our mall, he must have

buy out the Starry Group next door and

company

sweet-talk Gavin, appealing to his

had been quiet these past days, Gavin was also getting anxious, fearing he might lose the deal. After

company but a high-end restaurant,

accompanied Brandon