The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 3

And Kent was stumped.

Brandon said, “Aren’t you busy at work?”-

Kent shook his head like a madman. “Busy, super busy.”

He sneaked a peek at the darkness outside the window and couldn’t help but give a little nudge. “Mr. Crawley, it’s way past quitting time, and, uh, I’ve got an appointment to check out a place with a realtor, can I take off now?”

Brandon glanced at the time on his computer-it was already past seven.

He gave a nod “Mhm.”

Thanks. Mr. Crawley. After a hurried thank you, Kent did a quick tidy up and bolted out the door.

When the office door shut, Brandon finally lifted his gaze from the computer, his eyes lingering on the closed door for a moment before drifting to the vast night outside the window.

It was the time when thousands of homes were lit up, and the lights in the distant neighborhood were twinkling like

stars.

Brandon’s mind wandered to the lights at home and Sophia, always curled up on the couch sketching.

Sophia’s face flashed through his mind, and Brandon’s expression softened. He pulled his eyes away from the window and back to the computer screen. His long fingers hit the keyboard, ready to dive back into work, but after typing just one character, he stopped. The designs and spreadsheets that once captivated him now seemed bland.

With a swift move, Brandon pushed the keyboard away, stood up, yanked his suit jacket off the coat rack, grabbed the car keys from his desk, and left.

Once in the car, his emotions gradually settled down.

Brandon let out a sigh, started the engine, and slowly drove off.

Outside the window, the busy streets were a blur of light and color, a hive of activity. Brandon drove aimlessly, not wanting to go home.

As he passed by Sophia’s neighborhood, Kent’s words burst into his mind unannounced. “Looks like Sophia’s gonna sell the house.”

Brandon couldn’t help but glance at the entrance to her complex.

Just then, Sophia emerged, and their eyes met in a fleeting moment as she paused.

Brandon saw her too, his gaze coolly sweeping over her face.

Sophia managed a strained smile.

Brandon coldly looked away.

Sophia felt awkward, gave a self-macking chuckle, and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Brandon called out to her, “Are you going out?”

His voice was as calm and steady as ever

Sophia looked at him surprised and nodded. “Yeah, just need to pick up a few things.”

Brandon nodded and said nothing more.

for

didn’t say more, just gave

follow

car still parked there through the glass of a shop window, her

Chapter

there to buy a new bulb for the broken bathroom

with the new bulb, Sophia saw Brandon still

unavoidably locked eyes

wasn’t there, but they had been like strangers in their mamage, so she couldn’t be overly friendly either. When their eyes met again, she gave a slight tug of

showed no emotion, just watched her, his presence heavy, making even Sophia’s

Brandon opened the door and followed her up the stairs

Sophia didn’t say anything.

speak, just silently trailed behind her all the way

and turned

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

food at

help but remind him, “You know,

friend swing by for a

speechless, hesitatingly unlocking the

the bulb in her hand, his brows knitting

nodded. “Yeah, the bathroom bulb burned

out. “Give

okay, I can

refusal was cut short as Brandon had already taken

easily reaching the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards,

flashlight to help him see. “Can you

voice came from above as he skillfully removed the old

a bulb before, but it seemed like smart folks have a knack for figuring things out. His movements were smooth and decisive, a sort of effortless cool. Sophia’s eyes drifted from

She watched, transfixed.

was still staring, caught off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged at

gaze shifted from her retreating legs to her face,

made Sophia feel even

go check if the light’s working

she turned to leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught, her phone

beat, and before she knew it, Brandon had pulled her in front of

slid from her wrist to wrap tightly around her waist, while his other hand fell to the back of her head, lifting her face towards his. His crisp breath closed in, and

Chapter

kiss.

to

hands around her waist and the back of her skull suddenly lightened, and Brandon deepened the kiss

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to fill

Sophia against the wall, kissing

but without a chance to

abruptly stopped, keeping her from seeing his face, and

could clearly sense his breathing

let her go, turned to pick up the ringing

taking the phone and answering it, her hand covering the device as she turned away, Hello,

heading to the electrical switch

but glance at his retreating figure as a female voice came through the phone.