The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 220

Sophia was sitting right across from Brandon and caught sight of his cool, handsome face, which made her involuntarily press her lips and get all uptight.

Ivan, sensing the shift in Sophia's demeanor, leaned in, concern written all over his face, and whispered, "What's up? Feeling under the weather?"

His voice was so low that only Sophia could hear him, while others just noticed the worry he couldn't hide as he looked at her.

Don glanced at Ivan and suddenly started doubting his own judgment. He couldn't help but turn his gaze towards Brandon.

Brandon seemed oblivious to the attention, his focus already on the stage that was getting prepped, his expression serene. But those fingers pressed against the teacup.

Don caught a glimpse of his knuckles turning white and once again couldn't resist looking over at Sophia.

Sophia, with her eyes downcast, didn't dare look in Brandon's direction and just gave Ivan a polite shake of the head, "I'm fine."

After that, she picked up her teacup and took delicate sips. The whole table was steeped in an odd tension.

Luckily, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was about to start.

Zachary, after schmoozing with some folks nearby, turned to invite Brandon to join him on stage.

Brandon nodded slightly and followed Zachary up. Ivan was also called to the stage.

When Brandon stood up to leave, Don clearly saw Sophia breathe a sigh of relief, her fingers relaxing slightly on her teacup.

and looked at Sophia, "Still scared of

an awkward

embarrassed about." Don said with a laugh, "I've known him for years and hardly anyone can be

were kids, which is why he barely had any friends

smile froze a bit as she glanced

was already at the front, greeting the others with a

yet his presence

different for him? She was the only one who wasn't afraid of him and always

Don turned to her, perhaps reminiscing

adored him and the feeling was mutual. Her death hit him hard, turned him into a loner with no friends, and holed up in his room all day long. Yolanda, though, would bug him every day, talking to him, cheering him up. If he didn't want to talk, she'd just sit with him in silence. If he refused to

shimmering in Sophia's eyes, her face looking like it

Don called out to

to reality, gave an awkward smile, and hesitated before

"You

her head, embarrassed, "We

know Patricia isn't his

embarrassment deepened, but she

sure if this was on her or Brandon. She knew that Brandon and Patricia weren't exactly the picture of mother-son closeness, but she chalked it up to Brandon's nature and never thought there might be more

one to talk about his family, and neither was she, especially knowing full well that her own family was a mess and that Brandon's parents

when they got married and the occasional holiday visits for a meal,