The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 658

Brandon glanced at Sophia, who was so choked up she couldn't speak, and felt a mix of nostalgia and regret.

That was Sophia at seventeen.

Back then, she hadn't been through their marriage, hadn't faced disappointment. Her eyes still sparkled, and her heart probably had room for him.

He wasn't all consumed by his career then, and somewhere deep down, he treated her a bit like Yolanda, spending everyday moments together.

Neither of them was the partying type; both were quiet by nature, not many friends, and focused on their studies. They had a lot in common, which naturally bred a bunch of little understandings. He was a bit older and took care of her more, so she gradually came to rely on and trust him under this tacit understanding. In front of him, she was just like a schoolgirl, without guile, sometimes even a bit tongue-tied, often left puffed up with irritation by his teasing, unable to retort.

He had a soft spot for her puffy, squirrel-like demeanor.

Sadly, as adults reuniting, they both became more composed and rational, and that youthful fearlessness had been refined by time into a poised and measured grace. Work, busyness, and the guilt he carried about Yolanda meant that even as husband and wife, they lacked the easygoing nature of their youth. Their marriage was marked by polite distance.

Brandon wondered if Sophia, remembering all their past, could ever return to that youthful glow.

He hoped she would remember everything, yet also hoped she could return to her bright-eyed younger self, memories intact.

He really missed the Sophia who held all their shared memories.

Maybe he was staring in silence for too long, as Sophia's smile slowly stiffened, and confusion and unease crept into her eyes.

Brandon noticed her mood shift and gently took her hand from under the covers.

"It's been a while since I've seen you like this. Got a bit lost in thought," he explained softly.

His words quickly eased her anxiety.

was I like before?"

he held it more firmly, not tightly, just

different," said Brandon. "But maybe like a kid trying too hard to grow up, trying

not quite grasping his explanation

Brandon didn't elaborate.

heart full of joy, and despite the mismatch people saw in their backgrounds and his parents' attitude, she wanted to prevent any ridicule that he had made a mistake by marrying her. She worked hard to improve herself and tried not to make mistakes, which inevitably meant suppressing part

unload all this on Sophia; the underlying reasons were too deep and might stir

present Sophia could maintain her simple happiness, so he smiled and said, "Maybe I

help but whisper

been in charge from a young age, hardened by

to change that," Brandon said, his voice still gentle, a

corners of his

wasn't used to this side

need, you're pretty good

spoke softly, eyes still

hand in his was

crumpled white shirt,

covers.

used to facing Brandon

think I'll go to sleep

at her clothes a bit uncomfortably and spoke

"Alright."

responded in a hoarse whisper, not pressing the

handle too much

late nights.

out