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 the

didn’t say more, just gave a polite smile and

didn’t make another sound, didn’t follow her, but he didn’t leave

could see his car still parked there through the glass of a shop window,

Chapter

buy a new bulb for

the new bulb, Sophia

locked

strangers in their mamage, so she couldn’t be overly friendly either. When

his presence heavy, making even Sophia’s breathing feel

passed his car Brandon opened the door and followed her

Sophia didn’t say anything.

her

and turned hesitantly.

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

food

remind him, “You

friend swing by

speechless, hesitatingly unlocking the

in her hand, his brows knitting

nodded. “Yeah, the bathroom bulb burned

reached out.

I can

Brandon had already taken the bulb from

and stood on it, easily reaching the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go turn off the power,” and shut off the circuit breaker, plunging the

phone’s flashlight to

steady voice came from above as he skillfully removed

before, but it seemed like smart folks have a knack for figuring things out. His movements were smooth

She watched, transfixed.

finished the job and stepped down from the chair. Sophia was still staring, caught off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged at her lips, stepping back

shifted from her retreating legs to her face,

made Sophia feel even more

check if the

wrist was suddenly caught,

and before she knew it, Brandon had

her wrist to wrap tightly around her waist, while his other hand fell to the back of her head, lifting her

Chapter

kiss.

instinctively tried to push him

skull suddenly lightened,

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to

pushed Sophia against the wall, kissing

a chance to delve deeper, the kiss became more intense,

her from seeing his face, and pressed her cheek against

sense his

let her go, turned to pick up the ringing phone for the second time, and handed it

not looking up at him, just silently taking the phone and answering it, her hand

to the electrical

as a female voice came through the phone.